I’ve been a dental content writer since 2010 and you’d think by now I’d experienced just about every setback there is to overcome. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Just the other week, for example, I was ghosted by a client who supposedly wanted ongoing work. When I say ghosted, I really mean that he blocked me on WhatsApp. That was a new one on me!
This stuff happens to the best of us and trust me, there’s a strong chance that something similar will happen to you at some point. The question is… How do you deal with stuff like that? How do you overcome setbacks so you can move forward and succeed faster?
That’s really what this blog is about. Here are some of the common setbacks that every dental writer will face and what you can do to overcome them.
Common Setbacks in Dental Writing
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a frequent hurdle for writers in any field, but it can be particularly intense in a specialised niche like dental writing. You might find yourself questioning your expertise, feeling as though you’re not “qualified enough” to write about dental topics. These doubts can lead to procrastination, reluctance to pitch ideas, and even abandoning projects halfway through.
I’ll let you into a secret…
Even now, after 14 years In this industry, I still have doubts as to whether I’m really good enough. This is even though I continue to work for some of the biggest companies in the industry. So it never really goes away. That said, I’ve learned to recognise the signs and have a gentle word with myself so it doesn’t affect my work too much
When imposter syndrome starts creeping into your working life, here’s what you should do….
Recognise Your Knowledge:
If you’re stepping into dental writing, chances are you already have some background knowledge of the industry, whether as a dental professional, student, or enthusiast. The key here is that you’ll probably know more than the average reader to position yourself as a ‘specialist’ or ‘expert’. Believe me, that goes a long way…
For instance, do I consider myself to be the greatest authority in the dental content world? Absolutely not, but I do know enough to position myself as a ‘specialist’ and that’s the key. Essentially, as long as you know more about dentistry than the average Joe or Jane, or at least, write like you do, then you are definitely not an imposter.
Continuous Learning:
Of course, one way to get better is to commit to ongoing learning around both the dental industry and writing. This could be something as simple as keeping up to speed with the latest dental technology, or by reading a slew of articles. Either way, the more you know, the more confident you’ll become.
Positive Affirmation:
Sometimes, when imposter syndrome creeps in, I try to embrace a little positive affirmation. I consider my achievements and acknowledge them for what they are, however small they seem. This may be the completion of a particularly tricky article or some great feedback from a client. Every success counts.
Rejection from potential clients
While feeling like an imposter is one thing, getting rejected is another. Yet, rejection is a natural part of the freelancing world. The problem is that it can be particularly disheartening for new dental writers.
After all, you’ve put in hours of research into potential clients and then into crafting a killer letter of introduction, only to receive a polite (or sometimes not-so-polite) “no.” or alternatively, getting no response at all. It’s easy to take rejection personally and to start questioning your abilities as a writer.
How to overcome it:
Don’t Take It Personally:
Rejection doesn’t necessarily reflect you. It could simply be down to bad timing or a current lack of need. It could also be that they haven’t thought about such services and need time to take a closer look. Whatever their reasons, it isn’t anything personal so try not to take it that way. Instead, simply move on to the next lead and rinse and repeat the process. As the old saying goes, “The more rejections (No’s) you receive, the closer you are to your next “yes”.
In the past, I’ve had potential clients get back to me after months of nothing, thanking me for the enquiry and wanting to know more about my services. So, don’t get too disheartened as a “no” doesn’t always mean “no” permanently.
Losing Clients
For freelance dental writers, retaining clients can be one of the most daunting challenges. Freelancing work tends to ebb and flow and in an ideal scenario, you’ll have clients who simply require one-off projects like website re-writes, but you’ll also have a core of clients who need regular monthly work – blogs, etc. The latter are effectively your bread and butter. They give you peace of mind and some semblance of normality.
But, while acquiring clients can seem like a bit of a slog, keeping them can be even harder and sometimes you’ll lose them. Unfortunately, It’s a fact of life that happens to the best of us!
So how do you overcome it?
Network:
Look to fill any gaps quickly. Reconnect with past clients, both online and offline. Alternatively, ask existing clients if they know of anyone else looking for dental content. This can lead to referrals, collaborations, and new opportunities. Social media platforms like LinkedIn are particularly useful for connecting with potential clients, so ensure your profile is up-to-date and current.
Build a Strong Portfolio:
A portfolio showcasing your best work is essential. Include samples that demonstrate your range in dental writing, from blog posts and articles to patient education materials.
Deliver Quality and Consistency:
Sometimes, there’s nothing much you can do about a lost client but what you can control is the quality of your work. Always aim to exceed a client’s expectations by delivering high-quality work on time. Building a reputation for reliability can lead to repeat business and more importantly, referrals.
Balancing Technical Accuracy with Readability
Dental writing requires a delicate balance between technical accuracy and readability. My writing, for example, ranges from writing simple blog posts on how to brush teeth, to highly technical White Papers for implant manufacturers. The ability to switch from one to the other is a skill, but if you don’t have that skill in your locker, it can be a stumbling block to better, more lucrative work.
How To Overcome It:
Practice, practice, practice:
Try expanding your writing repertoire by venturing into copy, emails, and white papers. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. As a top tip, you don’t have to write for a client. Instead, you can use your practice material for your portfolio.
Get Feedback:
If possible, have someone from your target audience read your work Their feedback can help you gauge whether you’ve struck the right balance.
So, those are the kinds of setbacks you’re likely to face as a freelance dental writer but what about going forward? How can you take these setbacks and use them to your advantage?
Moving Forward: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
As already stated, setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail your career. Instead, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Here’s how you can turn each setback into a stepping stone:
Embrace a Growth Mindset:
Understand that every challenge is a chance to improve. Whether it’s refining your writing style, expanding your knowledge, or improving your marketing strategies, each setback is an opportunity for growth.
Set Realistic Goals:
Break down your larger career aspirations into smaller, achievable goals. This approach will help you stay focused and motivated, even when faced with setbacks. Celebrate small wins along the way.
Stay Persistent:
Persistence is key in any writing career. Keep pitching, keep networking, and keep writing. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to find success.
Invest in Yourself:
Whether through formal education, online courses, or joining a professional community, investing in yourself is crucial. The more you invest in your skills and knowledge, the more confident and capable you’ll become.
The Power of Community: Join the Dental Writers Club
No one succeeds alone, especially in a niche as specialised as dental writing. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make all the difference in overcoming setbacks and achieving success. That’s where the Dental Writers Club comes in.
It’s a place where you can access exclusive resources to help you grow your career. Whether you’re looking for tips on finding clients or advice on overcoming writer’s block, the Dental Writers Club is here to support you every step of the way
Ready to take your dental writing career to the next level?
Don’t let setbacks hold you back! Join the Dental Writers Club now and let me help you succeed.
Begin here and start your journey to becoming a successful dental writer and I’ll see you on the other side!
Here’s to your success