What does “positioning” mean? It’s a sales and marketing term used in many organizations. Basically, positioning means how a company will sell its product or service. So – travel writers must know how to sell or position themselves to gain travel writing jobs. That’s the secret to travel writing success!
Many people cannot sell themselves. Self-promotion is a must if you want multiple writing jobs. Telling someone what you can do is not that powerful. You must be able to show what you can do for a person or organization.
To have an edge over other travel writers, learn to write in different tones and styles. When it comes to travel writing jobs, each one will be different. If you can mold your “voice” to fit your potential clients or readers needs, you’ll experience success.
Positioning
- Have an error free resume. Believe it or not, some people will want to see a resume and references. Be prepared by having an error free resume. Keep your resume to a minimum of two pages.
- Create a blog. A blog is a great way to begin a career in travel writing.
- Have a library of writing resources. Buy a couple of books, take a few writing courses, sign up for tele-seminars, and find other information to put into your “writing arsenal.”
- Create a sample file using Word. Some people will want to see samples of work. Create a Word file that you can send along with your resume.
- Show, do not tell what you can do for a person or organization. When you respond to a travel writing job, show what you can do. This will have more of an impact versus listing your qualifications.
- Create a “portable” portfolio. Again, be prepared to show your work. If you have an interview with a local newspaper, the editor will want to see samples of your work.
- Learn SEO. If you’re a blogger, SEO can take you far. Google can do some amazing things such as provide analytics. Knowing how to utilize key words, tags, and everything SEO will enhance your writing.
- Take up photography. Many newspapers and magazines ask for photos to accompany travel articles. You’ll experience success by incorporating photos into your articles. Plus, you can sell you photos and earn extra cash!
- Learn as much as you can about travel writing. Be a student of writing. Read other travel writers blogs and learn from them. Join forums and ask questions. Read magazines such as Travel + Leisure and National Geographic. Buy a newspaper and checkout the travel articles being published. In fact, you could put the clippings into your “writing arsenal.”
Travel writers, if you do not know how to position yourself, you’ll be overlooked for travel writing jobs. Knowing how to explain who you are and what you can do for a client is imperative.
Check out websites that offer interviewing techniques because the tips can help you score jobs. Now, go out there and get those travel writing jobs!
