Over the past year, blogging for lawyers has become a bigger and better paying portion of my workload. There’s a lot less competition for lawfirm blogging jobs than there is to write copy or content for lawfirm websites. I’m not certain why — perhaps the daily commitment factor? Right now, all of my regular clients, with one exception, are lawfirms.

Last year around this time, I was floundering around a bit more. Basically, if I saw a writing job I thought I’d be qualified for, I’d apply. While the money wasn’t bad, I can’t say I really had a niche. I was doing more formal writing and research projects for lawyers, doing some web copywriting for lawyers, but at least half of my income was coming from other types of projects, from writing copy about pet care to articles about home business.

So, do you have a niche? How do you know when it’s time for a new niche?

Are you getting a steady stream of business? Do new clients approach you for your services? Will you make more money this year based on client demand? How’s the competition in your field?

Sometimes freelancers stick with a niche they’re comfortable with, even though it’s not making them enough money, simply because they’re in a rut. But is the routine of doing the same old thing day after day (just because you’re used to it) the best way to make a living? Often times, it’s not.

Take some time to go through your client list. Look at the projects you’ve completed over the past year. Then look at the market demand versus your competition. Is what you’ve been doing going to continue to make you money, or is there a new (possibly a related) niche you could focus your energies on to improve your freelance business?