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In today’s digital age, the landscape of desirable careers is evolving at a rapid pace. If you were to take a closer look at Google search data, you’d discover a compelling theme — a profound interest in online writing. “How to be a writer” emerges as the second most popular career search globally, surpassed only by “how to be a pilot.” However, it’s not uncommon to hear that writers can’t make a living. A prevailing myth suggests that writers barely scrape by, earning only a few hundred dollars per year. But what if I told you that being an online writer can change that perception? Enter “The Art and Business of Online Writing” by multi-millionaire online writer, Nicholas Cole. Cole is one of the most widely read authors on the internet, amassing hundreds of millions of views, achieving the number one ranking on Quora, and earning tens of thousands of dollars as a speechwriter and ghostwriter. His online writing venture has generated millions in revenue. The message is clear: anyone can become an online writer, and all the skills necessary to succeed are within reach. In this article, we will delve into the insights from Nicholas Cole’s journey, exploring the world of online writing and discussing three key aspects:
- What Is Online Writing?
To understand the essence of online writing, it’s essential to distinguish it from traditional writing. Online writing isn’t about laboring for years on your novel and waiting for the validation of traditional publishers to become a professional writer. It doesn’t involve the long and grueling path of creating a blog or website, hoping that a trickle of visitors will discover it through Google. Online writing is about publishing where the readers already reside — social media platforms. The accessibility and exposure of online writing set it apart from the traditional writing model. Legacy writing relied on gatekeepers, such as publishers and editors, who dictated who could be a professional writer. Traditional publishing was the only route to earn money as a writer. However, digital writing has democratized the field. The elitism associated with Legacy writing, which implied that only the brilliant few could be rewarded, is being challenged. Digital writing has opened the doors for anyone with the passion to write.
- Why Write Online?
Online writing offers a wealth of opportunities. It is not only more lucrative than other writing forms but also provides a platform to build a personal brand and a loyal audience. The ability to monetize in various ways, including selling products or services, enhances your financial prospects. Take, for instance, Packy McCormick, who launched his online writing career with a newsletter in 2019. Within two years, he was earning a million dollars annually from thousands of subscribers. Online writers like him demonstrate the swift success that is attainable. The real magic of online writing is the rapid feedback loop. Unlike Legacy writing, where you wait months or even years to receive feedback on your work, online writing allows you to practice in public. By sharing smaller, easily consumable pieces of content on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Quora, you can gauge what resonates with your audience in real time. Your audience is watching your journey, and those who resonate with your content become part of your community. When you eventually release a full-fledged work or product, you already have an audience that is more likely to support and engage with your offerings.
- How to Write Online Effectively
Writing online effectively involves a three-step process that starts with generating ideas. Imagine this as your “forest of ideas,” where you aim to create a multitude of content and see what clicks with the audience. Social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Quora, Reddit, and Medium are the ideal locations to publish your content initially. Avoid starting with a blog or website, as you want to engage with existing audiences. Next, you enter the “feedback cave.” Online writing thrives on immediate feedback, which can be daunting. You’ll encounter comments from trolls and critical readers. However, this real-time feedback loop sets online writing apart and is the key to building your personal brand. You’re constantly improving your craft based on audience reactions. The third step is “pool of analysis,” where you assess data from the feedback received. Patterns emerge, helping you identify what resonates with your audience. This process allows you to refine your content and focus on what works.
- How to Make Money Writing Online
To earn a living through online writing, three primary models exist: the advertising model, the paywall model, and the services model. The advertising model involves monetizing your content through ads, clicks, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships. While it’s straightforward, it necessitates a substantial audience to be lucrative. The paywall model focuses on charging readers for premium content or access to newsletters, courses, or exclusive content. Building a community of “1,000 true fans” who are willing to pay for your content is a viable path. The services model entails offering your writing skills as a service. This can include ghostwriting, content creation, or copywriting. Ghostwriters can earn substantial sums, often working with clients in various niches. Copywriting, in particular, is highly lucrative because it focuses on persuading readers to take action, leading to a share of the profits.
In conclusion, online writing has revolutionized the traditional writing industry. It provides writers with the ability to build an audience, practice in public, and create a personal brand. The speed of feedback in online writing allows for constant improvement and refinement of content. To make money as an online writer, you can choose from advertising, paywalls, or services, depending on your goals and the size of your audience. Nicholas Cole’s journey showcases the potential for success in the world of online writing. The barriers to entry are low, and anyone with a passion for writing can leverage the internet to achieve financial and creative fulfillment.