Maximize Your Writing Business: 7 Key Insights for Success
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Chapter 1: The Writing Business Landscape
Establishing a lucrative writing business can feel like piecing together a crime scene investigation. Your livelihood is at stake, and from the start, you're gathering vital clues to prevent the demise of your venture.
It took me five years to unravel the mystery surrounding my own business, and while I know the challenges are ever-present, I’ve uncovered strategies that have extended my timeline of success. Here’s what I’ve learned so you can avoid an early retirement for your writing career.
Don't Fall Into the Majority Trap
Currently, YouTube features around 37 million content creators. At first glance, it may seem like the opportunity to start is long gone. However, consider this: YouTube boasts roughly 2 billion unique monthly users, meaning only 1.8% of them contribute content for everyone else.
If you take action by simply posting a 280-character tweet, you're already ahead of nearly 99% of the global population.
So, take the plunge today. Most people will make excuses such as:
- "I need the perfect idea to write."
- "I’ll be criticized for sharing my thoughts."
- "I’m not a trained writer."
- "I don't have an audience yet."
All these justifications represent what Steven Pressfield terms "Resistance," a force dedicated to maintaining the status quo against human creativity.
In a world teeming with content platforms, traffic isn’t the issue; the real challenge lies in discipline.
Watch Out for Common Pitfalls
"The best time to start writing online was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." — An ancient proverb among online writers.
Content platforms can be both a blessing and a curse for aspiring writers. The advantages are clear, but the drawbacks can be deceptive, luring you into a false sense of security that you can sustain yourself solely through paywalled earnings.
I like to think of 2018 as the golden era for online content writers—when simply creating content could yield a substantial income. Then, a change in platform algorithms led to countless creators losing their revenue streams, a heartbreak for many.
Building an email list is paramount for any online writer. Read that again.
I know you’ve encountered this advice repeatedly and might be rolling your eyes, but it's crucial. The rest of your blogging journey hinges on this foundation.
Avoid Starting a Blog Prematurely
Launching a domain and hosting service on platforms like WordPress or Squarespace is akin to flushing money down the drain—especially when you're just starting out.
The primary reason to hold off on purchasing a site is simple: there’s no traffic to it. None. Zilch.
Think about McDonald's; they strategically positioned their stores to capture the burgeoning automobile culture in America. Your content is the drive-thru, and your highway is platforms like Medium, Quora, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
These platforms collectively attract nearly 3 billion active monthly users. As I said—there’s no traffic issue here.
Write, Direct, Leverage, Repeat
Who are your favorite content creators?
Chances are, they systematize their production process. Brendon Burchard, a New York Times Bestselling author, explains, “If you’ve created content, leverage it across various formats and consistently repost.”
Let’s explore how to implement this.
Write
If you’re reading this, you are a writer. Start by crafting an article on platforms like Quora or Medium. I know this may seem daunting, but you must publish it.
Your initial traffic doesn’t matter; what counts is sharing your work.
Direct
Once your article is live, encourage your readers to take action. Most often, this means guiding them to your email list. A simple footer like “Join my newsletter for more great content” can suffice.
Leverage
After publishing your article, you have a treasure trove of content to repurpose. Extract snippets for Twitter, use them to answer questions on Quora, and more.
For example, consider these potential tweets:
- "98.2% of internet users don’t create content. By tweeting today, you outpace most of the world."
- "The best time to write was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
- "Focus on publishing, not traffic. Every successful writer started from zero."
Online Writers as Data Scientists
We aren’t merely artists; we are data scientists in the writing realm. Here are three insights to keep in mind:
- "Unique" ideas can lead to writer's block; instead, improve existing content.
- Use straightforward language to communicate effectively.
- Pay attention to analytics.
Model Existing Content
People seek solutions online. Your content should address these needs. Your niche already exists, so identify writers in that space and determine if you can enhance their offerings.
Use Simple Language
Eliminate unnecessary adverbs. Instead of saying, "This app is really innovative," simply state, "This app is innovative." Your audience will appreciate the clarity.
Follow the Data
Years of writing self-improvement articles taught me the importance of data. Analyze which articles perform well and understand the elements that make them successful.
By following the data, you can discover what types of products to develop based on audience interest.
Concluding Thoughts
If you aspire to be a professional writer, it begins with a mindset shift. Declare, “I am a professional writer.”
Building a writing business requires a more in-depth understanding, but the vast majority of internet users are consumers. By simply choosing to write today, you put yourself ahead of 99% of the population.
Avoid premature blogging, leverage your content, and let data guide your path. Most importantly, complete that information product and share it with the world; it could transform countless lives—including your own.
Ready to Elevate Your Earnings?
If you’re eager to increase your income by doing what you love, regardless of your current experience, check out my comprehensive guide.
The first video titled "5 SECRETS to Level Up or Launch Your Freelance Writing Business" offers valuable insights for aspiring writers looking to enhance their skills and strategies for success.
The second video, "7 Digital Products You Can Make Using AI ($34,901/Month)," provides innovative ideas for creating profitable digital products leveraging AI technology.