Sara Uzer is a published lifestyle writer, with 3 years of experience in public relations and content development. Sara maintains over 100 published articles, with features in the HuffPost, Thrive Global, Thought Catalog, and Elite Daily.
She has developed website content for various companies and associations such as the Juice Products Association and Lilly’s Fresh Pasta Company.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
At a young age, I had a love for writing and storytelling. I always knew that I wanted to use my creativity to make an impact.
After graduating college, I came down with a severe case of the “post-grad slump.” To cope with the anxiety during my unemployment struggle, I made writing my primary focus.
After getting published on Thought Catalog and accepted as a contributing writer for Elite Daily, I knew that this was what I was meant to do.
Tell us about your business.
While I’m still in the process of executing an independent business, my freelance writing has gone from a fun hobby to a serious commitment.
I have over 100 articles published at sarauzer.com, with top articles gaining a readership of 5,000 – 100,000 unique views. My work has been featured in various publications including HuffPost, Thrive Global, Thought Catalog, and Elite Daily.
I’m passionate about providing motivational yet realistic insight on navigating life as a millennial, from career tips to dating advice.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- 107 total published articles
- Personally accepted as HuffPost and Thrive Global contributor by Arianna Huffington
- Featured as an expert speaker on the Relaunch My Life Radio podcast, offering advice around best practices for media pitching and blogging
- Guest speaker at Marymount University on public relations strategies
- Guest speaker at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute on using writing as a coping mechanism
- Selected by Thought Catalog as Trending News writer based on the popularity of articles
- Thought Catalog article “7 Struggles Only People Who are Hard on Themselves Will Understand“ generated over 120,000 unique views
Where is your business based?
Washington, DC.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
My writing journey officially took off in 2015, when I submitted my first piece to Thought Catalog.
After getting my first article published, I made an effort to release one article per week. Once I gained more credibility and significant reader engagement, I was able to coordinate with editorial staff directly on posting articles.
I then began sharing my voice on additional publications, such as Elite Daily and HuffPost.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media has been particularly useful in promoting my work and keeping people interested. It’s been helpful for me to post regularly and on multiple platforms, engage with other like-minded individuals, and utilize hashtags appropriately.
My biggest tip is to know and understand your audience. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what your ideal audience wants to read and learn about, and place yourself in that conversation.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge is balancing writing with my full-time job in public relations. My 9-5 job also includes a great deal of writing, and this can result in a creative roadblock!
How did you overcome these challenges?
It’s been helpful for me to block out writing sessions in advance, but also allow time for relaxation to avoid burnout. My best writing sessions occur on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
For me, difficulty actually fuels my creativity. I find myself with more inspiration during stressful situations, as writing can serve as a form of escape and relief.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
My writing style is unique because it can be brutally honest yet insightful. I mock the ridiculousness of my own millennial generation, but also reinforce the fact that our struggles are valid.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
I was listening to the Rise podcast with Rachel Hollis, and loved this advice: “Write down your goals as if they have already happened.”
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Not everyone is going to understand you. Certain people are primarily motivated by income, and others are setting out to make an influence.
Don’t feel obligated to explain the reasoning behind your business goals, because some people just won’t get it. Just find your passion and hold on tight.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
I’m a fan of the Canva app for Instagram posts. It makes things super simple for the graphically design-challenged!
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
My main goal right now is to enhance my web presence and grow my personal brand. I’m always on the lookout for any tips and tricks!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
As mentioned above, my major goal is to boost my influence. My current strategies involve interacting with and serving my target audience, and leveraging my social channels to promote my work and expand my reach.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @sarauzer
Twitter @Sara_Uzer
Facebook www.facebook.com/sarauzer
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/sarauzerwriter
Website sarauzer.com
Email: sarauzer2@gmail.com