Sunday, February 9, 2014

Writing for the Party Planning Niche

witches hat party decoration or centerpiece
This week, I was asked the following question and I wanted to address it here on the Review This! blog. A visitor (lurker, really -- she reads a lot but is afraid to dive into the writing) asked me:

"How can you tell a story about party planning? You have a very hard task!"

Glad you asked! I'm gonna tell you.

The Basics of Storytelling

You can tell a story about almost anything. Stories are told day in and day out in print, online, videos, television and radio. Commercials are mini-stories -- or at least the good ones are. I apply the storytelling philosophy to everything write -- whether it's on Squidoo or on one of my websites.

People react well to stories. They look for parallels in our lives -- things they can relate to and then act or react accordingly.

So how does all this tie in with writing for a party planning niche? Easy. Tell the story.

Parties in Our Lives

Every single one of us has planned and/or hosted some sort of party(ies) in our lives. 1st birthday, a sweet 16, a weddding, a St. Patrick's Day party, an anniversary, a Super Bowl party...

Write about that particular party and your specific experiences.

For instance, last year, my niece turned 16. My sister asked me to help her plan the Sweet 16 party. I did, it was a blast and I wrote a lens about it -- Sweet 16 -- Let the Planning Begin.

It tells the story and gives examples (pictures) of ideas others can build on for their party planning needs. It also showcases some products I used during the planning. That's the key. Display products that you actually use(d) and tell people "How" you use them. Otherwise, your lens or article will sound like an ad copywriter spewing features of something they need to sell.

Yes, we sell. There is no shame in that. But, we sell what we use, have experience with and tell a story of what, where, why and how we used it. That's valuable to internet searchers. How do I know?

Because the Sweet 16 lens I just mentioned above --  on average, it stays in the high 2nd teir, makes sales and has been pinned 364 times from the Squidoo page (others repin the pin). I have had more than one person contact me (I do suggest you make sure your Squidoo contact button is turned on) asking specific questions and even sending me photos of their party my article inspired them to plan. That's a great feeling.

Start Writing About Your Parties

Think of the parties you have helped with or hosted. Did your neice just turn one? Did your sister have a baby shower? Are your parents celebrating a big anniversary? Did your brother have an engagement party? Did your son just graduate from high school? Are you hosting your annual St. Patrick's Day party?

All these life occasions usually involve celebrations of some sort. Let's hear about them, brag about what you did! It can help others that are looking for ideas and inspiration!

I came across a lens recently that does a great job of telling the story of planning her daughter's birthday party. It's titled Monster High Birthday Party Ideas written by BellaMommyDesigns. She wrote from her experience and shared photos, products and ideas to inspire others in their party planning.

So, as long as you attack the writing from the perspective of relaying personal experience or storytelling, anyone can write about planning parties! Come join me and let me help you promote your writing! Visit me at Party Planning Contributor at Hubpages. Can't wait to read what you write!

8 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for some great ideas. I always learn from you. As I was reading your post I just realized that a couple of the lenses I have written on party and dinner menus could certainly be updated with stories from the occasions. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are most welcome, Mary Beth! Honored to help anyone I can!

      Delete
  2. What a fabulous article on the art of storytelling and the why of doing so! But of course, as storytelling applies to party planning, your perspective really reaches into the homes of us all, for as you say, we have all probably planned and hosted a party or gathering of family and / or friends a time or two.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! We all have experience and by sharing that experience we help others and can possibly make a buck or two ourselves!
      :D

      Delete
  3. Few people can write a story a eloquently as you can Mandee, but you are absolutely right. We can all write about our experience. Again, this would readily apply to all niches! As always, you have written a very insightful article that I seriously wish everyone on Squidoo would read and take to heart. (and especially apply!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL -- you are a peach, MM! Thank you for the kind words and I hope it helps someone, anyone! I know I struggled for a long time with the "ad copy mentality". Once you break through, it's easy to see!

      Delete
  4. This is such an awesome post... so beautifully conceived and well-written. When I think of parties, I imagine celebrating life's most memorable events, accomplishments, and powerful becomings. This is a niche that can really inspire both fun and happiness with its shared stories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right! Sometimes people think of the more elaborate, big events and say they don't have experience. However, we have all hosted a birthday, anniversary or other party in our time. It's about sharing what we did and why. As you say, fun and happiness! That's what we are going for!

      Delete

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