Content writers are in high demand in Birmingham!
Birmingham’s industrial corporate class and burgeoning small business landscape is the backdrop for a huge content writing marketplace. If you have the skills to write on a variety of subjects within a wide variety of industries, you can do quite well as a writer in Birmingham.
Making a Living as a Birmingham Writer
Glassdoor reports that a content writer in Birmingham has the potential to earn $44,614 per year. A Birmingham copywriter receives an average base pay of $49,012, while content marketing managers can expect to make an average of $64,220.
Industry is moving into the southern United States because of the cheap cost of doing business and the advantageous municipal tax benefits. These companies will soon begin marketing themselves to the world, and they will need a huge amount of content to do it.
This trend is in line with other cities as well. Copywriting and content writing is expected to see an 8-9% job growth rate within the next 5-10 years. Content marketing jobs as a whole expanded at a rate of 33% between 2017 and 2018.
Even if you are only looking for part time or freelance work, you can find plenty of it as a writer here.
You can find hundreds of jobs for writers within the Birmingham area on job market sites like Indeed and Glassdoor. The opportunities range from entry level positions to senior management. There are plenty of opportunities for lateral and upward movement within the industry for those with experience already. No matter what you want in terms of your career, Birmingham definitely has it for you.
Educational Opportunities of Writers to Advance in Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the top cities in Alabama for education. It houses one of the essential southern universities in UAB, and always houses an up and coming contingent of young, exciting minds.
Take a look at some of the best opportunities in Birmingham to hone your craft, network and get employed.
Writing Meet Up Groups in Birmingham
- The Birmingham Genre Fiction Writers group is the aptly named meeting place for fiction writers. Because of the depth and the seriousness of the group, you may meet professional writers as well as weekend warriors. The group is ongoing. Also from meetup.com is the Birmingham Writing Workshop, an ongoing writing group for people who are “serious about honing their writing skills.” The group meets about once a month and only offers critiques in person to encourage attendance.
- Southern Magic is the Birmingham chapter of the Romance Writers of America. They hold programs on a monthly basis and hold contests for genre writers to win exposure and prizes.
Birmingham Conferences for Writers to Consider in 2019
- No Birmingham writer should miss the 2019 Alabama Writing Workshop, perhaps the largest local opportunity for writers to meet with established literary agents and authors. The event will take place on Friday, March 8, 2019, at Embassy Suites by Hilton.
The Best Places for Writers to Write in Birmingham
Birmingham is a huge city with plenty of hidden nooks and crannies for you to come into your zen and get your inspiration. Whether you are looking to actually rub elbows with fellow writers and get ideas or just be in their presence, here are some great places to get some good work done:
- Church Street Coffee and Books
- Homewood Public Library
- Revelator Birmingham
- Seeds Coffee – Homewood
- The Neighborhood Brew
Aside from the huge number of coffee shops and libraries available in the city, you can also take a detour into a number of nature retreats and public forests for a bit more inspiration. Birmingham has the best of both worlds – urban sprawl and natural beauty. Try the rest areas by the Moss Rock Preserve Trail or the Ruffner Mountain Quarry Trail for a can’t-miss environment.
Local Companies Hiring Birmingham Writers
No matter what work environment you prefer, you can have it while being fully employed in Birmingham as a pro writer. Small business, enterprise level corporate, remote or anywhere in between – companies are hiring. Here are just a few of your choices.
- Meredith Corporation
- VelvetJobs
- Esri
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Southern Research Institute
- AIA
- W. W. Williams
- Christian Brothers Automotive
- Seneca Resources
Digital Marketing Agencies
Many of the dedicated marketing agencies in Birmingham are providing great opportunities for writers in the area. Check out some of these longstanding companies for what could be your next short term gig or long term project/career move.
Content Platforms
WriterAccess is based in Boston, but works with many writers in Birmingham and around the world. All you have to be is the best at what you do! Tap into a resource that includes over 25,000 customers that are currently powered by over 15,000 freelance writers, content strategists, translators and editors. Apply now even if you are moving to another country, because the company is expanding!
Skyword is one of the best platforms for collaborative content. It is home to content for companies like IBM, Anthem and Tom’s of Maine.
Scripted will put you in the writing supply chain. If you are missing an agent, an editor or just a friend to inspire you, you can find it here.
Join the Ranks of Some of the Best Writers in the World!
Birmingham has some of the best Southern writers in the world, and you might be next on the list. Take heed to the resources above to get your name and your words out on the market.
Alabama-based Chris D has ghostwritten over 100,000 blog posts, press releases and marketing pieces for companies as varied as NuShape, Wolf Real Estate Professionals, Digital Pop Marketing, Mobilozophy and AuctionServices.com. Chris services clients through copy for print, direct mail, interactive media and broadcast.
