How can writing consultants stay up-to-date with industry trends?

1 Subscribe to relevant newsletters and blogs

One of the easiest ways to keep track of the latest developments and insights in the writing industry is to subscribe to newsletters and blogs that cover topics related to your niche, target audience, and services. For example, if you specialize in academic writing, you might want to follow newsletters and blogs from reputable journals, publishers, associations, or universities. If you focus on online writing, you might want to subscribe to newsletters and blogs that offer tips and trends on SEO, content marketing, web design, or social media. You can use tools like Feedly, Pocket, or Flipboard to organize and access your subscriptions.

2 Join professional networks and communities

Another way to stay up-to-date with industry trends is to join professional networks and communities that connect you with other writing consultants, experts, and clients. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit to follow and interact with people who share your interests, goals, and challenges. You can also join online forums, groups, or chats that discuss specific aspects of writing, such as grammar, style, editing, or software. You can also look for local or online events, workshops, or webinars that offer opportunities to learn new skills, exchange feedback, or network with potential partners or clients.

3 Read books and articles on writing

Reading books and articles on writing is another way to stay up-to-date with industry trends and expand your knowledge and skills. You can look for books and articles that cover topics such as writing theory, methods, genres, formats, or tools. You can also read books and articles that showcase examples of successful or innovative writing in different fields, contexts, or media. You can use sources like Amazon, Google Scholar, or Medium to find and access books and articles on writing. You can also use apps like Blinkist, Audible, or Podcast Addict to listen to summaries or audio versions of books and articles.

4 Take online courses or certifications

Taking online courses or certifications is another way to stay up-to-date with industry trends and demonstrate your expertise and credibility as a writing consultant. You can take online courses or certifications that teach you new or advanced skills, techniques, or strategies related to writing, such as research, analysis, persuasion, storytelling, or design. You can also take online courses or certifications that help you specialize in a particular type of writing, such as academic, creative, technical, business, or online. You can use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, or edX to find and enroll in online courses or certifications on writing.

5 Experiment with new tools and formats

Experimenting with new tools and formats is another way to stay up-to-date with industry trends and enhance your creativity and productivity as a writing consultant. You can experiment with new tools and formats that help you create, edit, or share your writing, such as software, apps, plugins, templates, or graphics. You can also experiment with new tools and formats that help you engage, inform, or entertain your audience, such as videos, podcasts, infographics, or interactive elements. You can use websites like Product Hunt, Capterra, or G2 to discover and try new tools and formats for writing.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?