1. Begin, Stay Consistent, and Improve

When you initiate your online writing journey, your skills will likely be underdeveloped. Those who go on to achieve remarkable things are the ones who allow themselves to navigate through this initial stage without fear of judgment. They focus on improving rather than worrying about criticism. The next step after this rough start is to establish consistency. At this juncture, you may receive positive feedback that encourages you to persist. Although you might not be producing outstanding work yet, you're starting to gain attention. Eventually, you might become frustrated with mediocrity, prompting you to study accomplished writers and seek guidance from mentors.

I can't speak for everyone, but this is when my vision became clearer. I began to understand why I was not achieving the desired results and what actions I needed to take to rectify this. The key takeaway here is that growth typically occurs in stages for most individuals, though there are exceptions. However, basing your journey on those anomalies can lead to disappointment.

2. Build While You Freelance

I faced redundancy just six months after committing to online writing. This meant I didn't have the comfort of a steady monthly income. Fortunately, I had a safety net: I was freelancing (and still am). This is why I don't advocate for "keeping your 9-5 while you build." As long as you have a dependable income source, you don't need a traditional job. However, the approach to developing a writing business differs when starting as a freelancer, as you must support yourself.

Here's my strategy: my freelance earnings cover my expenses, and any remaining funds are directed towards savings or investments. My goal is to expand my freelance work into an agency while developing a creator business that, for now, remains a side project.

3. Pursue Opportunities with High Rewards and Low Risks

Look for opportunities that present low risk but significant potential rewards. Consider Medium, for instance. What’s the worst that could happen if you write there? Perhaps you won't gain traction and never qualify for their partner program. Now, envision the opposite scenario: I've met Medium writers who have generated over $15,000 in a single month. The risk is minimal, while the potential reward is substantial. Seek out chances like this to enhance your odds of success.

4. Recognizing Subjective Quality

I have friends who are nominated for boosts on Medium. Occasionally, I share my stories with them before publishing to gauge their opinions on whether they think my work qualifies. Some affirm my work, while others disagree. The important lesson here is that quality is subjective. There have been instances where all my friends believed a story wouldn’t get boosted, but it ended up being successful. This variability is normal, as everyone has different perspectives.

In essence, don’t become overly fixated on others’ opinions. While some may regard your work as subpar, others will appreciate it. What matters most is your own satisfaction with your writing. If you are happy with it, share it. Crafting content that resonates with you is the most effective way to produce high-quality work.

5. Embrace the Uncertainty of Others

Recently, an old colleague reached out, complimenting my success and expressing surprise. My internal thought was, "If only you knew." It's surprising, but many people, even those you admire, are often just figuring things out as they go along. They experiment and observe the reactions over time, which ultimately helps them discern what resonates with their audience.

Remember, you don't need to have every detail figured out before you take action. Just focus on what lies ahead and remain proactive.

6. Establish Sacred Writing Hours

There’s no such thing as "finding time" for writing. Instead, it must be integrated into your daily schedule. Without a designated time, it likely won’t happen. Contrary to popular belief, having a structure won’t stifle your creativity. Choose a specific time for writing and eliminate all distractions.

The key to maintaining these sacred hours is to select a time that aligns with your peak productivity and least responsiveness. For instance, if you have young children, trying to write while they are awake might be counterproductive. It’s often more effective to wait until they are asleep or to rise early to focus on your writing.

I don’t have kids, but preserving three sacred hours each morning has transformed my productivity.

7. What’s Obvious to You May Not Be Obvious to Others

Just last week, someone inquired about how people monetize Medium. That’s when I realized something crucial. Sometimes we become so accustomed to our knowledge that we assume everyone else shares it. However, that’s often not the case. The number of individuals who refrain from sharing information because they believe it’s "too obvious" is staggering.

Just because something is clear to you doesn’t mean it's universally understood. Don’t hesitate to share your insights!

8. Tune In to Market Needs

Your motivation to write may stem from a passion for the craft, but that alone doesn’t generate income. At its core, business is about exchanging value. This means two parties engage in a mutually beneficial swap. If what you offer is unclear, people won’t be inclined to engage. Conversely, if you clearly articulate your value, many will be eager to collaborate.

Pay attention to the market! They have specific needs, and the better you become at meeting those needs, the greater your rewards will be. Therefore, keep your ear to the ground and strive to understand what people desire so you can effectively assist them.

Thank you for reading! I firmly believe that succeeding in modern business will necessitate a "Social CEO" approach—it's only a matter of time before this becomes essential for any business leader.

Learn how to build your brand, discover the right information to share, and become an opportunity magnet.

The first video titled "The Art and Business of Online Writing: My Thoughts" delves into the nuances of balancing creativity and professionalism in the online writing space.

The second video titled "How to Make Money ($300/Day) As a Writer Online | FREE COURSE!" offers practical strategies for monetizing your writing skills effectively.