Get Started, Get Consistent, Then Get Good

The online writing business has a clear path to success, but it takes time and effort. As with any skill, you'll start by being "trash" and then work towards consistency and quality. Don't be afraid to suck at first, the key is to keep going and learn from your mistakes.

• Embrace the learning curve: Allow yourself to suck at the beginning and focus on improving your skills.
• Gain consistency: As you practice, you'll develop consistency in your writing and build momentum.
• Seek out mentors and study the best: Once you're consistent, elevate your writing to a new level by studying successful writers and seeking guidance.

Build on the Side

It's not necessary to quit your job to start an online writing business. The key is to have a reliable source of income that allows you to build on the side. Treat any side income as a safety net and a stepping stone to building a sustainable writing career.

• Freelancing as a foundation: Use your freelance income to cover your expenses and invest any surplus in your writing business.
• Scaling freelance into an agency: Explore turning your freelance work into an agency, which can offer greater scalability and income potential.
• Creator business as a side project: Initially focus on building a solid freelance foundation while developing a creator business on the side.

Chase Uncapped Upside with Limited Risk

The online writing market offers numerous opportunities with high potential returns and limited risk. Identify platforms and niches where the reward potential outweighs the potential downsides.

• Medium as an example: Medium offers a platform with the potential for significant income, even with limited risk.
• Risk-reward analysis: Prioritize opportunities where the potential reward is high while the risk is low.
• Success stories inspire: Learn from the experiences of successful writers and leverage their insights to guide your own path.

"Quality" is Subjective

Don't get caught up in the trap of chasing a universally defined "quality" in writing. Quality is subjective and varies across audiences. Focus on creating content that you enjoy writing and resonates with your target market.

• Diversity of opinions: Recognize that different people have different tastes and preferences, which influences their perception of quality.
• Don't be afraid to ship: Trust your own judgment and publish your work, even if others have doubts about its "quality".
• Write what you love: When you write about topics that genuinely interest you, the quality of your content naturally improves.

The People You Look Up to Are Also Winging It

Even the most successful writers often feel like they're just winging it. The key is to be proactive, experiment, and learn from your experiences. Embrace the journey of discovery and build a strong online writing business one step at a time.

• Success through iteration: Successful writers continuously refine their approach, learn from their mistakes, and adapt to the evolving market.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: Try new things, experiment with different platforms and formats, and iterate based on the feedback you receive.
• Focus on the long game: Building a successful online writing business takes time, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Maintain Sacred Hours

Time management is crucial for any successful writer. Schedule dedicated time for writing and eliminate distractions. Consistency is key to building momentum and making progress.

• Schedule writing time: Treat writing time as a non-negotiable appointment and prioritize it accordingly.
• Minimize distractions: Identify your peak productivity times and schedule your writing during those periods.
• Structure enhances creativity: Having dedicated writing time actually helps to boost creativity by creating a focused and intentional environment.

What's Obvious to You Isn't Obvious to Others

As you progress in your online writing business, remember that what seems obvious to you might not be obvious to your target audience. Don't shy away from sharing your knowledge and insights, even if they seem basic.

• Share your knowledge: Don't assume everyone has the same level of understanding as you. Share your expertise generously.
• Value in the basics: Even seemingly basic information can be valuable to others who are new to the field.
• Community building: Share your knowledge and insights to foster a sense of community and support among writers.

Listen to the Market

Successful writing businesses thrive by meeting the needs of the market. Listen to your audience, understand their pain points, and offer solutions through your writing.

• Identify audience needs: Conduct market research and analyze your audience's interests, challenges, and aspirations.
• Provide value through writing: Create content that solves problems, answers questions, and offers insights that your audience is seeking.
• Adapt and evolve: Stay updated on market trends and adapt your content to meet the ever-changing needs of your audience.

Become a Social CEO

Building a successful online writing business requires embracing the principles of social leadership. Establish your brand online, learn how to share your expertise effectively, and become a magnet for opportunities.

• Social Media Presence: Establish a strong online presence on relevant platforms and engage with your audience consistently.
• Content Strategy: Develop a content strategy that effectively showcases your expertise, attracts new opportunities, and builds a loyal following.
• Social CEO Blueprint: Learn from the Social CEO Blueprint and gain a deeper understanding of social leadership principles.