As writers, we are expected to have good grammar and spelling skills, the ability to construct clear and concise sentences, and have all the other fundamental qualities that make up a good writer. But we end up being like every single writer out there, if those are the only qualities we have. So each of us must have something different or remarkable to offer in order to stand out. Which is why I ask, what makes you different as a writer?
The most important thing along with all the above..... HAPPINESS AND FLAIR TO WRITE !!!!! Regards, RightMan
How about something more concrete? That if you were applying for a job, it would be like answering the $60-million question, "Why should I hire you?"
As a writer, Search Engine Optimization Specialist and Website Hosting Company Owner; I find that in order to be unique from others, you need to be yourself, work the way you do, show others and help them using your methods. Now, many would say that once you teach, that they now are doing the same as you; But, in fact they are mimicing you and you are still unique. Use that uniqueness to be polite, and well mannered, and proffesional but at the same time, show the originality. ~ Mike
Thanks, Mike. So what makes you unique? I'm asking this because not a lot of us ask ourselves this question, when it is important in telling our clients what value we can give to their business. Think of yourself as a product. What is your Unique Selling Point (USP)?
When I look at the spelling and grammar of some writers - even supposedly "top" ezine authors, then what makes me different is I can actually spell, and use correct grammar! The market seems flooded right now with people who have imperfect grammar, but who will write 500 words for $1.
I think its the way my writing flows. Besides, I don't proof-read what I write once. It gives my writing a more fluid sense.
What makes me unique? Let me count the ways.... 1. I actually teach others how to write. (I'm an experienced secondary teacher) 2. I have oodles of education qualifications (Bachelors, Masters, Teaching certifications in six different areas) 3. Most importantly, I have the experience and voice to make my work authoritative. In short, I know what I'm doing. I've been writing for years, but more so, I have years of practical knowledge and experience as well as research and ongoing knowledge (both practical and academic) in a myriad of topics: parenting, business, education, home topics, and marketing. The only thing missing from my resume at this point is my work history I've worked in retail, advertising, accounting, power, business consulting, education, marketing, and am a (successful) small business owner with a fundamental knowledge of what that entails. Does that answer your question? Oh! And I'm hot, too. *wink*
Good point! But apart from that I love learning, and writing gives you the chance to learn all the time. So hopefully if I am passionate about learning this makes me passionate about writing about the topics I research... so far anyway
I have quite a bit of experience which I think makes me different from a lot of web writers. For example, I was a successful freelance researcher for about eight years, so when I say I can thoroughly and professionally research articles I don’t just mean I look the topic up on Wikipedia!
That's awesome - and to think most consider Wikipedia a primary source (and don't actually know what a primary source is to begin with!)
You know that kid in school who actually liked to write papers and do research? Yep--that was totally me Though I guess most writers can probably claim that, otherwise we wouldn't be writers! I think that my uniqueness is that I'm willing to turn down a project and refer it to other writers if I'm not the best person for the job. I think that a lot of writers (especially those who are just starting out) will take on just about anything in the interest of making money and not wanting to turn a client down. If I know that I don't have the expertise or the resources to do a topic justice, I'll tell the client right away. I'm more interested in my clients getting the best product possible than lining my own pocket.
I have the ability to help clients stand out and get results by writing to a target market. Mundane, boiler plate writing is not my style.
I love this thread idea and had to chime in. For me, my paralegal background gives me great research experience that can benefit my clients.
Again if this were a job interview, Rebecca wins by virtue of hotness. LOL But seriously, you have one mean set of credentials there. Emily: Indeed, experience counts a lot. The great thing about you is that you can clearly state what your experience is. Some people are simply vague and say, Yeah, I have the experience and I know what to do. I'm guilty of that at times. LOL Snarke: Honesty with clients count a lot too, I agree. Better to be straightforward about what you can do than promise the heavens and not deliver. Webgal: I totally agree to that. Well-targeted copy does get the job done better than cookie-cutter ones. But what do you do if your client can't give you a profile of their target market? Do you do the market research yourself? WriteGirl: The paralegal background makes you pretty unique here at DP, well at least as far as I know. That's an edge I think you can really take advantage of.
Let's see...what sets me apart... I have 1.5 years experience as a contributing editor for a site that's been named one of Forbes Best of the Web. I worked as a project manager for a Fortune 50 company where I managed a $4+ million budget. At this job, I learned the business writing skills that now service my clients. I've won writing awards. Wait, are we counting high school? I have at least 50 articles ranked in Google's top 10 for their targeted keywords. That number could be higher now. I haven't checked. I can break down complex personal finance topics to readers who hate numbers and think budgeting is curse.
No two individauls are same ,no matter what.Nothing is similar and hence thoughts are always diverse and starkingly differant.Given the same situation ,two people would respond differantly .Each of us view and percieve the same object , circumstance ,and various other things depending upon our state of mind prevailing at that point in time. Briefly then ,its about the situation we are in and how it reflects upon our life which actaully takes the shape of writing .A positive frame of mind is always cheerful and it reflects heavily in the very tone of writing , but on the contrary if a person has undergone crisis and is burdened with it ,then the tone is one of pessimism. Therefore one must have an insight into the writers background to be able to understand the writing better. Since ecah one's experiences are so differant ,no two writers can be the same . anu
Incorrect, i believe that this would be a slight understatement; I am an identical twin and our DNA is Exactly! the same. Now, i may not know much about biology,but we are the same, in looks, personality and skills. Best Wishes, ~ Mike
for me, what is make you differ from others is your knowledge.. If u have a deep knowledge on some issue, that gonna be some kind of advantage in your writing skill..