There are many times I’ve been looking for a provider to do a specific task, but because there is special software or techniques needed, I’ll go through a hundred profiles and never find one where I’m convinced that the person knows exactly what I need.
In the interest of illustrating what I’ve previously mentioned about specializing, I’ll list some examples of the profile headlines I would like to have seen (and would have hired on the spot had I found). Obviously some of these are very small niches, and only going to be suitable for a small handful of people, but see if you can’t find a way to take the general concept and apply it to your particular specialty.
- Transcriptionist creates accurate video captions for your YouTube videos using Overstream
This is a very small niche, but there are enough general keywords in there to attract attention, and then you can use your profile to explain why they need the specific service–and talk about the other related things you also do well. Obviously, this technique is not limited to transcriptionists; what software or techniques do people often need in your industry? - Experienced writer specializing in article marketing and killer article resource boxes
There are actually a handful of providers who are close to this, but most of them are trying to do too many things; when I’m looking for someone to help me easily transition into a world I know very little about, I want someone who is an absolute expert. This headline would also indicate to me that the provider truly understands the point of article marketing: getting backlinks and promoting expertise, both of which culminate in the article resource box. How can you demonstrate your expertise through your headline? - Professional Camtasia video producer and editor for your online screencasts
As of this writing, 26 providers come up for a general search for Camtasia, but none of them have it in their headlines… and I don’t want to go through the hassle of digging through each profile, only to find that they’re just dabblers.
These are just a few examples, but notice that they each share some specific qualities:
- Each is specific. Rather than trying to be all things to all people, providers using these kinds of headlines focus on being the perfect provider for their perfect buyer.
- Each clearly expresses a benefit for the buyer. Remember, buyers aren’t buying your services, they’re buying the results your services will help them get.
- Each uses relevant keywords. Even though they’re all very specific, they include more general keywords to keep exposure high and very likely attract buyers who might not have originally described their needs so specifically.
How can you use these ideas to increase the power of your own headline?
Good points: It reminds me of something I was telling one of the kids the other day; when you go for a job you have to convince them that hiring you will benefit them.
It’s the same with freelancing, I know people are much more likely to hire me if they know I can do the job they want done rather than if I just have some experience with something similar.