If you’re looking for more online writing jobs, the CBD and cannabis industry maybe one of the fastest-growing markets. The global cannabinoid market was worth $4.6 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to continue growing with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2% every year until 2025. The demand for CBD for medical and wellness purposes is high as a result of its healing properties. This is the key factor driving the growth of the market.
That’s great news if you’re a freelance writer.
As a result of the industry, there are growers, processors, sellers, equipment suppliers, tech companies, and product manufacturers all competing for a slice of the pie. As they dive into digital marketing, there’s a growing list of online writing jobs in the CBD and cannabis niche. Whether they’re selling inexpensive CBD oil tinctures or edibles, the reality is that CBD companies need writers to help them reach their digital marketing goals – and you can be exactly what they need.
1. Look for Gigs on Marketplaces
Marketplaces like Upwork are often frowned upon for low paying gigs, but there is no shortage of CBD oil gigs there – and for decent money. And better yet? You can even find ongoing work – which anyone who freelances knows, is the holy grail.
Even if you don’t have experience writing about CBD or using it, share your writing experience, and take time to describe what you can help the client accomplish. You may be surprised to find that companies are willing to give you the chance to break into the niche.
After you land that first gig, you can continue to use the experience to help you land other related gigs on the platform.
2. Find Companies to Pitch Yourself
Do a quick Google search of CBD oil companies and see what kind of blog content they have. Focus on results that aren’t showing up on the first page, because those are the ones that need your help the most. The ones on the first page are already ranking, so they aren’t as likely to be interested in your services – or are already getting what they need.
Read: 20 Powerful Tips to Get New Freelance Clients On Board
Don’t forget to consider any local shops in your area that focus on CBD, and if you’re in a state where either medical or recreational marijuana use is legal, reach out to dispensaries, too. You can either go in person or look for their contact information and put a pitch together.
In your pitch say who you are, what you do, and ask if they’d like to schedule a time to talk about strategy with you. Once they schedule a call, you can offer various customized packages based on what you learn about them.
3. Include Quality Research and Information in Your Content
Research is important in all your articles, but especially in this industry. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around – and by using credible sources to support your points you’re doing your part to get rid of it. And, better yet, you’re building more authority, credibility, and trust for your client.
Places you can get information to support your CBD and cannabis-related articles include:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): As an official website for the US Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC documents the latest research into all areas of well-being and health. It has a massive network of funded research to produce high-quality medical information.
- Leafly: This is industry-leading marijuana and CBD product magazine. It is widely cited for its in-depth description of the effects of cannabis products as well as an encyclopedic compendium of marijuana varietals and information regarding pending legislation.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) PubMed: This is a massive database of journals and research studies that you can use to find support for in the medicinal claims regarding CBD or marijuana. The first-hand research provides insight into specific details when it comes to deciphering the claims and proven effects of CBD oil. A growing body of evidence shows more than anecdotal evidence of relief of symptoms.
- Local Newspapers Near Your Client: If your client is in Denver or San Diego, you can use newspapers for these major cities as they generally have reporters assigned to the cannabis beat. These reporters regularly produced content about laws, trends, and proposals related to local marijuana or CBD use. Though they tend to be more proactive about what might happen, this can help you inform your clients on how to position themselves for growth or change.
The more you take time to learn and understand, the easier it will be to produce higher-quality work.
4. Advertise in Industry Online Magazines
You can spend a little money to advertise on leafly.com, cannabis business times.com and other industry online magazines. Growers and sellers often read these Publications so it is a great way to get on their radar. Advertising like this is less cost-effective than cold sales emails, but it can work.
5. Be Professional
Like you would expect in every industry, CBD oil providers want to have a stable and predictable relationship with their writers. When you land a contract, you become an employee of Thor and you must accept that responsibility. This means communicating with your client on a regular basis and doing so clearly. Make sure you know what your client wants and when they want it.
Ensure you’re not making claims that are not true and deliver accurate and legally sound information for your client. Ask for the exact verbiage of any disclaimers that must be included in the content.
Take time to appropriately follow up with your clients and your prospects. Whether you got the job the first time or they passed you over without a response, following up with them on a regular basis can lead to greater opportunities.
And finally, while it may be tempting to fill your copy with marijuana puns unless the brand is working this angle and they have specifically asked you to take this approach, don’t do it. It ends up trivializing and minimizing the primary product which is a terrible idea and defeats the purpose of what you are trying to do for the client.
This post was proofread by Grammarly
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