Chapter 1: The Reality of Online Writing

The truth is, merely being a good writer won't guarantee your success online. This applies not only to platforms like Medium but also to various writing avenues such as self-publishing on Amazon, crafting short posts on X and LinkedIn, or working as a freelance ghostwriter or copywriter.

Many writers make excuses for their lack of income, citing reasons like "The market is oversaturated" or "The algorithm is against me." However, the only real barrier to your earnings is yourself.

This leads us to the concept of Self-Awareness in the Game. Not everyone who writes online is a dedicated writer; many do it as a hobby or only when inspiration strikes. A true writer consistently produces content online. The key distinctions between a successful writer and a hobbyist are:

• Maintaining a steadfast mindset and clear objectives.
• Having a well-defined vision for their future.
• Utilizing data to assess and enhance their work.
• Delivering valuable content with every piece they write.
• Accepting constructive criticism while managing their ego.

Success is challenging, which is why only a few writers achieve it.

Chapter 2: Writing with Purpose

To truly succeed, you must commit to Writing with Intent. This means once you choose this path, you must remain dedicated for at least a year. If you find that your efforts don't yield results within this timeframe, then you can reassess your goals.

Your motivations should be crystal clear. It's not just about writing online; it's about generating income, building an audience, and creating a community that defines your success.

Individuals who lack this intent are merely dabbling in online writing. They haven’t made a firm commitment to the craft and often question their ability to succeed. This indecision is detrimental.

Chapter 3: Personal vs. Impersonal Writers

The Personal Writer focuses solely on their own interests, while the Impersonal Writer understands that their audience may not share those interests. The personal writer may feel disheartened when they receive minimal engagement, leading them to give up and make excuses.

Conversely, the impersonal writer begins with passion but quickly adapts. They conduct research, engage with audiences, and ask, "What do you want to hear?" This outward focus helps them identify audience pain points and tailor their content accordingly.

By revisiting their writing with fresh energy and a unique style, they don’t shy away from using successful ideas and formats already established but add their own twist. The internet is saturated with information, but audiences appreciate new perspectives and narratives.

Chapter 4: Building an Audience

You must recognize that You Need an Audience, but They Don’t Need You. Ask yourself: if you vanished tomorrow, would anyone notice? If the answer is no, it’s time to reevaluate your approach. Strive to become memorable.

Engage with your audience consistently by responding to comments and direct messages. This, combined with long-term consistency, will help you build a strong presence.

Chapter 5: The Path to Success for Creators

When starting your career, your initial focus will likely be on making a splash, but the type of noise you make will depend on your goals. Identify the type of writer you want to be and commit to that path.

1. Freelancers: As a freelance writer, your role is to create content or scripts for others, driving their success with your words. Choose your niche and build your brand on platforms where potential clients congregate.
2. Self-Published Authors: If you aim to self-publish on Amazon, you need to generate your own traffic. Conduct thorough market research and develop a marketing strategy for your book launch.
3. Modern Educators: Those who wish to share their knowledge online should focus on attracting an audience and monetizing that knowledge through various channels.

Conclusion: Distinguishing Hobby from Business

To summarize, separate the art of casual writing from the business of writing with the goal of earning money. Establish yourself as memorable through consistent engagement and understanding your audience's needs.

Recognize the stages of writing: embark on your journey, produce work, and eventually monetize your efforts. Each niche has its own unique path.

Thank you for reading! For more insights on leveraging short-form content to enhance your brand, check out my other posts. If you're interested in improving your writing skills or monetizing your expertise, follow me for daily tips and updates. I promise not to overwhelm your inbox!