Why It’s So Hard to Choose a Freelance Writing Niche

If you’ve ever seen any of my videos on TikTok or YouTube, you know that choosing a niche is the first action I recommend for aspiring freelance copywriters.

I have several videos about how to choose a niche and the best niche ideas for beginners (like here and here).

AND YET. 

The #1 question I get from aspiring freelancers on all of my platforms is, “How can I choose a niche?”

So, why is it so hard to choose a niche? And what can you do about it? 

Keep reading to learn four reasons why choosing a niche is so difficult, and how to move past these blocks so you can choose your niche once and for all.

1. You contain multitudes

If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t choose a niche because I have too many interests”, then you’re not alone.

It can be scary to nail down your niche because you have so many hobbies, interests, and passions.

Here’s the thing, buddy: we all have interests! Just because you choose one of those interests as your niche doesn’t mean it’s the only interest you have. 

As a freelancer, you can make more per hour than you would in a traditional 9-to-5. This means you’ll have more time to pursue additional interests!

When I was stuck in my 9-to-5, I would go to work, go to happy hours, and then come home and watch TV.

But now that I’ve been freelancing for five years, I’ve been able to explore so many new interests and hobbies outside of my job.

Remember: your freelance niche does not define you.

2. You don’t know all of the options out there

Another reason why it may be hard to choose a niche is because you don’t know what options are out there. 

A niche is a money-making industry. And if you’re not in-tune with the business world, you may not know what industries are out there. 

I definitely didn’t when I started freelancing!

It was only through work experience and talking with people in different industries that I realized how many opportunities were available.

Talk to people, go to networking events, and find out what people do for their jobs. You’ll be surprised how much is out there for you.

I have a few videos on freelance writing niche ideas on my YouTube channel, and there are hundreds of free videos, articles, and blog posts about this topic. 

Do your research and learn what types of niches and industries are out there.

3. You fear commitment

Do you fear commitment? If so, this could be the reason why you’re struggling to choose your niche.

There are so many options available to you, so why just choose one?

I know it can be scary to commit to one niche, but here’s the good news: your niche isn’t permanent!

If one niche doesn’t work out or you don’t enjoy the work you’re doing, you can pick another one. It’s not the end of the world. You only fail when you give up!

Like many good things in life, you have to make a commitment to get any momentum going and reach your goals. There’s no way around it.

4. You are procrastinating

This is the last reason, and the reason that’s probably at the root of reasons #1-3.

You’re procrastinating because you’re afraid to move forward with your freelance journey.

You’re scared to get started. You’re scared of rejection. You’re scared that it won’t work out. You’re scared that it WILL work out.

So you get stuck at the first step, start making excuses, and end up staying where you are.

(Sorry to call you out here, buddy. Just know it comes from a place of love.)

Remember this: being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It just means you feel the fear but take action anyway.

So quit proscratinating and start taking action!

What to do next 

First, don’t stress. 

These reasons are common among new freelance writers, and they are blocks that you CAN overcome. 

What I want you to do is start doing some research. But not too much research! Limit your research to up to 10 hours. After 10 hours, you should have a good idea what niches are available to you.

Next, make a list and narrow your choices down to two. You can do this any way you want. Go with your gut; make a spreadsheet of your earning potential in each niche; interview people who are currently freelancing in this niche for their feedback; or just randomly pick one.

If you’re disappointed, then it’s a sign that you wanted the other one. So pick that one!

And then make your portfolio and get out there!

If you want clear direction and support for choosing a profitable niche, creating your portfolio, finding clients and managing your freelance business, then join The Freelance Writer’s Guide to the Galaxy. My self-guided business course gives you a step-by-step action plan for launching your freelance business from the ground up. You can check out the details here.