As the need for high-quality, on demand content continues to increase, nurses have unlimited opportunity to become well-paid writers. Whether choosing to write articles that speaks to a particular audience, or developing individualized content for hire, nurse writers are very much in demand. Because nurses are able to speak to an audience in a way that others without our industry experience cannot, we are able to leverage our expertise in a way that helps to secure writing gigs and build a strong following. Even if you’re only interested in writing for fun, there are still a few things you’ll need to do in order to get your writing noticed.
Since you’ve read this far, I’d assume that you are interested in learning more! So without further adieu, here are 5 things that every nurse writer needs to know:
Build a beautiful website to host your work
Once you become interested in learning about someone and the work they do, where do you go to find out more? If you said “their website” then you are just like everyone else! It has become an expectation for all businesses and freelance professionals have a website that lists their products, and services, and serves as a platform to allow clients and readers to interact with content before actually reaching out personally.
When you are building your website, you should consider that it should look professional, show some of your personality and perform well. Your website doesn’t have to be fancy at all. If you look at my services page, you will see that it is a simple WordPress page, with images and text that clearly defines the services I provide. Regardless of how you decide to set up your website, the most important thing to remember is that you need a nice website that clearly represents you and the work that you do.
Find your niche audience and write to their needs
Finding a niche audience and writing to their needs has been one of the most challenging things for me to accomplish. With all of my varying experiences, opinions, and worldly views, I found myself wanting to write about whatever popped into my head. For example, one article would be about reality shock and then the next would discuss hospital value-based purchasing. Although both topics are nursing related, they cater to two very different types of reader. The problem with writing this way is that it is difficult to gain a loyal following.
Since I have figured out that my niche audience includes nursing students, and new grads that are in need of NCLEX study tips, coaching, mentoring and tutoring services, majority of the articles published speak directly to their needs. By creating content that is specialized and focused on providing value for my niche audience, I have gained a larger, more loyal following.
Always write on topics you love
There’s always that one writing assignment we agree to, and wind up hating – but that’s okay! What’s not okay is when you keep accepting writing assignments that you’re not excited about. Let’s face it, if you’re not in love with the topic, or can’t seem to muster up some form of positive thinking about it, then it will surely show in your work. It’s okay if Nurse writers create content that is outside of nursing practice – I mean – we are NOT our professions and we can offer insight to so many life experiences.
Readers have a keen ability to feel your presence, hear your tone, and read in between the lines. Trust me when I say that if you’re not passionate about the subject you’re writing about, your readers will know it, and you will immediately lose followers and potential clients. So next time you are considering taking on a writing assignment that doesn’t get you pumped and ready to go, – DON’T! You and your readers will be glad that you decided to say no, thank you, and kept it moving.
Network with like-minded individuals
Back when I first started writing, I felt that it would be best for me to do all of my research independently, and not share my ideas for content creation with others. For some silly reason, I was under the impression that if others learned of my ideas, that they would swoop in, steal my intellectual property and create the amazing business I was set out to create. Well, I learned real quick that not sharing my ideas with other like-minded individuals was a huge disservice to my professional growth. Nurse writers can learn from one another – so don’t be afraid to share ideas and collaborate!
In fact, it wasn’t until I started to share my ideas with other like-minded individuals, that I began making real progress. I learned of questions I never thought to ask, became of potential flaws, and learned how to identify many business opportunities. In addition, I found that sharing my ideas could inspire, motivate and attract others who want to cheer, support and validate my work. It is with no doubt that seeking out other like-minded individuals and bouncing ideas around is easily one of the most valuable things I have ever done for my professional growth as a nurse writer.
Carefully listen to your audience and clients
Listening to your audience and client base can’t be stressed enough! The last thing you want is to create content that does not meet the expectations of your readers. Whether you are writing for a group of eager nursing students, or writing for a prestigious nursing organization, you want to make sure you carefully listen to what your audience and client wants.
It may seem intuitive to immediately reassure a client that you’re the right one for the job, rather than letting them express their concerns. Trust me, that strategy hasn’t worked out in my favor at all. What I have learned is that it’s important to allow clients and readers to fully express their desires, hesitations, and needs before formulating a response. Not only does it provide me with a better understanding of what they are asking of me, but it gives me the opportunity to think up a comprehensive response that will best meet both of our needs and land me a fun and exciting gig. In the end, it winds up being a win-win situation!
I hope that you find these 5 tips for nurse writers valuable to you and your writing journey, and even if you already knew… be a gem and share this with others who may benefit from this advice!
Best Wishes!
Damion
