How to Become a Lifestyle Writer

Do you want to be a lifestyle writer? Are you passionate about sharing your experiences, insights, and recommendations on topics such as travel, food, fashion, or wellness? Do you have a knack for storytelling and a keen eye for trends? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading!

In this post, we’ll explore what lifestyle writing is and what lifestyle writers do. Then, we’ll provide you with practical steps and a great learning opportunity to launch your career in this exciting field.

What Is Lifestyle Writing?

Merriam-Webster defines lifestyle as “the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture.” So, lifestyle writing is a broad category that can focus on many different aspects of daily life. Topics that could be considered lifestyle writing include:

• Travel and adventure
• Food and cooking
• Fashion and beauty
• Health and wellness
• Home decor, gardening, and DIY
• Technology
• Relationships and personal growth
• Entertainment and pop culture

Examples of Lifestyle Writing

Lifestyle writing aims to inform, inspire, and entertain readers by offering personal perspectives, practical advice, and engaging narratives. Here are six places you might find lifestyle writing:

1. Magazines: You can find magazine articles on almost every lifestyle topic, such as this piece in Condé Nast Traveler on the best things to do while in Paris.
2. Blogs: The topics of blog sites and posts can be just as diverse as the lifestyle genre itself. For example, this blog is dedicated to “all that is great about the British countryside.”
3. Newspapers: Newspapers are another common platform for lifestyle content. For example, Where to Eat, featured in The New York Times, is a popular weekly column that discusses local restaurant scenes.
4. Online publications: People will often turn to the internet for lifestyle advice, such as this Refinery29 article about self-care routines for busy professionals and how to avoid burnout.
5. Social media content: Social media can be a great way to share lifestyle tips and experiences. For instance, by using popular hashtags on Instagram, such as #healthyrecipes, #diyhomedecor, #gardeningtips, #travelphotography, and #fashionandlifestyle. 
6. Books: Subjects such as philosophy, self-help, personal development, spirituality, and psychology are all considered lifestyle writing. A good example of a lifestyle book is The Power of Positive Thinking by bestselling author Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.

What Does a Lifestyle Writer Do?

Lifestyle writers can work as full-time staff writers for magazines or digital publications, freelancers for multiple clients, or independent bloggers and content creators.

Since lifestyle writing is such a broad field that includes all aspects of daily life, the everyday tasks of lifestyle writers can vary greatly. However, no matter the specific lifestyle topic, some of the typical day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Researching and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, news, and developments in their chosen niche
• Interviewing experts, influencers, or interesting personalities to gather unique insights and perspectives
• Trying out new products, visiting destinations, or testing services to provide firsthand accounts
• Writing and editing to craft engaging articles, blog posts, or social media content that resonates with their audience
• Developing and pitching story ideas to editors or clients
• Networking and building relationships with industry professionals, PR representatives, and fellow writers
• Promoting their work and engaging with readers on social media and other platforms

How to Become a Lifestyle Writer

If you enjoy writing and have something to share with others, lifestyle writing could be a lucrative creative outlet.

Here are six practical steps to help you get started and be successful:

1. Develop Your Writing Skills

The foundation of a successful career in lifestyle writing is, of course, strong writing skills. Focus on:

• Mastering grammar and punctuation
• Building your research and fact-checking skills
• Learning to write in a creative, engaging way
• Understanding how to format content for readability 
• Practicing writing in various formats (e.g., articles, social media posts, webpage content)
• Adapting to different tones and styles (to suit different clients and platforms) 

There are plenty of great writing courses for beginners. Consider taking one if you want to refine your skills and learn from experienced professionals.

2. Choose Your Niche(s)

As already mentioned, lifestyle writing is a vast and varied subject area. While it’s possible to be a generalist, it’s often recommended – especially when starting out – to specialize in a niche. While you should consider your personal interests and areas of expertise when selecting a niche, some writing niches are more profitable than others.

Choosing the right niche can help you build a good reputation, target your audience more effectively, and increase your chances of landing relevant lifestyle writer jobs. 

3. Gain Experience

Creating your own platform is crucial for showcasing your work and building an audience. One option is to start a blog for free and begin posting your own content. You could also find a hosting site to display your online portfolio.

Having your own platform allows you to show your best work to potential clients or employers. It can also help you practice your writing, develop your voice, build a following, and establish authority in your niche.

Before landing paid lifestyle writer jobs, you may want to consider:

• Applying for internships at magazines or digital publications
• Pitching guest post ideas to established blogs in your niche
• Contributing to local newspapers or community publications
• Offering to write for nonprofit organizations or small businesses

These opportunities can provide valuable experience and help you build a stronger portfolio.

4. Stay Up to Date

As the world grows and changes, so does the way we live our lives. As a result, the world of lifestyle writing is constantly evolving. To be a great writer, you need to be well informed. Here are three tips on how to stay current, identify gaps in the market, and generate fresh ideas for your writing:

1. Read popular lifestyle magazines and websites.
2. Follow influential bloggers and writers in your niche.
3. Stay updated on industry news and trends.

To continue to improve, be open to feedback and criticism from others, experiment with new formats and platforms, and stay updated on SEO best practices and digital marketing trends.

5. Network and Build Relationships

Building strong relationships can lead to valuable opportunities and collaborations. This can be done both face-to-face and online.

Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops. You can also join writing groups or associations to meet other like-minded writers and industry professionals.

Having a strong online presence is also crucial. Connect with other writers on social media. Comment on their content, and make sure you reply to any comments left on yours.

In the beginning, it can help to choose just a few social media platforms to focus on (e.g., Instagram, X, TikTok). LinkedIn is also a great way to find jobs and network with other professionals. You can even publish your blog there.

Share your work and consider including behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing process. Make sure to use relevant hashtags to increase visibility, and always engage with your audience.

6. Promote Yourself and Find Work

To get lifestyle writer jobs, you’ll need to learn how to pitch yourself and your ideas effectively. Contact people you have built relationships with through your network and show off your portfolio proudly.

There are a lot of great freelance writing sites that post job opportunities every day, but here is some advice if you have a great idea you want to pitch to someone else:

• Research the publication thoroughly before pitching.
• Craft a compelling subject line that grabs attention.
• Clearly explain your idea and why it’s a good fit.
• Include relevant writing samples or links to your portfolio.
• Follow up politely if you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe.

You will need to be persistent and patient; building a successful career as a lifestyle writer can take time and effort. Remember to set realistic goals and celebrate every small victory. Don’t get discouraged by rejections. Stay true to your passion while you keep writing and improving.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

By following these steps and remaining dedicated to your craft, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful lifestyle writer. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so enjoy the process of growing as a writer and sharing your unique voice with the world.

If you need help getting started, our Becoming A Freelance Writer course teaches you everything you need to know. It includes lifetime access to course content, expert advice, and practical tools for writers of all experience levels.

If you’re not sure if freelance writing is right for you, try some free lessons and find out!

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