I've lost count of the number of times I've been told in this business that "specializing" is the way to go.

That focusing on one niche or industry is the way to become successful.

I suppose it's a good strategy--if you're trying to sell a copywriting course about the secrets to breaking into the [insert name] market.

But my experience has made me believe that specializing as a copywriting business strategy has some huge drawbacks.

At least for me. I talk about this in my copywriting guide, but with all of this recession talk lately, it reminded me about why I think it's NOT a smart strategy to "specialize." Why it's NOT a smart idea to become known for only one type of promotion or work exclusively in one niche.

Let's take health...

So what happens if all you write are natural health promotions and tomorrow, the FDA outlaws natural health supplements? (Or at least makes it prohibitively expensive to get through the approval process.)

That would suck.

What happens if all you do is write for the real estate industry?

And tomorrow the real estate market goes south.

[Wait a minute... that's already happening.]

Lot of hurting going on there right now.

Plus, just how many unique angles can you create if all you're writing for is real estate investing courses?

Here's my opinion: I think it's smart to specialize your marketing. Focus on specific targets with your marketing pieces.

That way, you can develop a (dare I say the word) brand in a particular industry but be nimble enough to jump when it goes through a rough patch.

I think the problem comes when you specialize your skills or limit your focus to learning about one market only.

That can really paint you into a corner.

Your thoughts?