If you’re considering a career as a travel guide writer, there are several steps you can take to get started. First, you need to network with fellow travel writers. This can be done online using social media and LinkedIn. You can also join Facebook groups in your area or attend local industry events.
Building a brand as a travel guide writer
Before you start writing travel guide content, you need to identify your niche. Once you’ve identified your niche, you’ll need to define your style and genre. For example, if you write about nature, you may choose to write about hiking or cycling tours. Regardless of your style, it is important to consider your reader’s needs and interests, and then write about those topics in an engaging way.
You should also build a strong online presence. This will allow you to promote your work and build your network. Start by setting up a professional website. A website can help you establish your credibility as an established journalist. Make sure to include your bio and travel writing portfolio on your site. In your bio, mention your writing specialties.
Social media is an excellent way to promote your guides. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the number of options, but you’ll need to know your target audience to choose the best social media platform. For instance, younger audiences may prefer visual social media platforms, such as Instagram or Snapchat. Using the correct social media platform for your target audience is the key to creating a brand that stands out.
Another way to increase traffic is to use the power of paid advertising. You can pay to boost your travel guide content on search engines, allowing it to show up at the top of the SERPs. You can also buy ads on related websites. If you do this, make sure to disclose any sponsorships you receive.
Finding full-time jobs as a travel guide writer
Although there is no specific educational or licensing requirement, many employers prefer to hire writers with degrees in journalism, English, or communications. Regardless of educational background, travel guide writers should have strong writing skills. It is imperative to have the right equipment for the job, and be up-to-date with passport and immunizations.
Writing about travel requires accuracy and meticulous research. Writers must be able to stay focused and work late into the night. They must also be flexible enough to write about a variety of topics. Whether writing about a destination or a city, a travel guide writer is expected to be knowledgeable about both.
Travel guide writers can also get paid for promoting tourist attractions or fun outdoor activities. Adventure guide companies, local tourism boards, and other organizations hire travel writers to help them advertise their destinations. Writers can earn money by getting paid to review a variety of adventures, museum tours, and tickets to sporting events and concerts.
Travel writers can also publish travel articles on websites such as GoNomad. This website offers first-person travel accounts and destination mini-guides. These articles can cover anything from a trip to a romantic getaway to a trip through the Canadian wilderness. Writers should focus on facts and details, and deliver contact information in a creative way.
Travel guide writers can earn anywhere from $25-$300 per article. However, they must be willing to freelance and pitch articles to multiple publications. They must also be flexible enough to arrange their own travel and often spend days alone. While there are few full-time jobs for travel writers, it can be a rewarding career.
Building an online presence as a travel guide writer
There are many ways to build an online presence as a travel guide writer. One method is to create a blog. You can use it to share your expertise and knowledge about writing and travel. However, your blog posts should not simply be thinly veiled advertisements. They should talk about your work in a way that helps readers gain from it.
Another strategy involves contacting local newspapers. Even if your local paper does not have a dedicated travel writing staff, you can reach out to its feature editor. You can also write articles about destination-related events and festivals. Other forms of media may also be an option. By submitting articles to other venues, you’ll be able to establish your credibility and build a fan base.
A strong online presence increases discoverability and trust among your readers. It also helps you build a strong reputation, as people are more likely to trust a brand if they feel that they can reach out to them with any questions they might have. However, it takes time to build a solid online presence. In fact, it may take anywhere from six months to more than a year.
As a travel guide writer, it’s important to remember that the journey of potential clients may be different from your own. For example, a potential client might be looking for a particular destination online, but they might also be searching for information on other travel destinations. As a travel guide writer, you’ll need to make sure that your digital presence is relevant and helpful for each of these groups.
Getting published as a travel guide writer
Travel guidebooks are the bread and butter of the travel industry. Most tourists rely on these books to find the best places to visit, so it’s an excellent idea to become a travel guide writer yourself. The first step in this process is to explore your hometown or city and think about what you would like to write about. You can then self-publish your book or submit a synopsis to a traditional travel book publisher.
Another step in the process is to learn how to pitch story ideas. This can involve cold-emailing editors or filling out an online submission form. By building relationships with editors, you may eventually get published. Travel writers also often conduct interviews with locals and experts in a destination. This is a skill that takes time and practice to learn.
Submitting articles to travel sites and blogs is another way to get your work published. Many sites, such as Atlas Obscura, publish user-submitted stories. However, they vet these submissions heavily. You can also start your own travel blog and experiment with different formats, including first-person accounts. Other types of travel writing include practical utility pieces that provide tips on how to get the most out of a vacation.
If you have a strong writing style, you can also consider adding multimedia elements. Digital photography and basic videography are helpful in travel writing. You can also include stock images with your copy to give readers an idea of the scene you’re trying to convey. Another useful skill is search engine optimization, as travel publications often request that travel writers include keywords in their articles.
There are a few niche travel publications that you can approach. Some travel magazines specialize in a niche or specialty subject and will pay you very well for your articles. For example, the magazine Road & Travel accepts articles that are up to 800 words long, while another publication called Wander accepts longer articles. Contributors are paid $150 for each article.
