Want to be a profitable writer? Do these 10 things.

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to make my writing profitable.

I’ve tried a lot of different things to make that happen.

I’ve listened to gurus. I’ve bought classes. I even went into a considerable amount of debt seeking a degree in creative writing.

I tried creating subscriptions models, websites, selling services… you name it. None of it worked because I couldn’t get people to actually engage.

Now, some of that was due to not knowing how to get them to engage, but mostly it was because I was focused on the wrong things.

I’m sure you’ve done many of the same things if you’re reading this.

My guess is you’ve become constantly frustrated at the lack of results and given up numerous times. I know I did.

I learned a lot from all those pursuits, but in hindsight, I now realize they were completely unnecessary.

All of this could have been accomplished with research, self-study, and a simple roadmap to get me started.

I want to share that roadmap to get you started. You may want to modify it to suit your needs, but it will help get you going.

It is based on a mindset of simplicity yielding greater results, removing overcomplications that can sometimes hinder the whole process.

#1 — Sign up to Medium.

I can’t stress enough how signing up to the Medium platform has changed the mindset I have. I’ve been here before, but I didn’t stick with it so I never saw the results of longevity.

In one short month, I’ve written here on a regular basis, went from 0 to 150 followers, and it looks like I’m going to make around $50 by the end of this month just writing about things I like.

Now, that’s not a lot of money. It’s not life-changing.

But it is a start, and starting is what matters most.

#2 — Write about your passions.

After all that money spent on trying to learn to make my writing profitable in some way, I learned that the best thing to do was something so common sense I wanted to smack myself.

Write about your passions.

Pick three topics you love to talk about, things you could talk for hours about to a complete stranger and that you’re knowledgeable about.

Those are the niches you’ll be most profitable in and can convey a message that will resonate with others.

That’s what you start with.

Make a list of topics within those niches. Maybe combine some of them. At that point, you have something to get started with writing said articles.

#3 — Paywall the stories.

Here’s where I think lot of people go astray.

We have this mentality that profit is somehow bad. Or that we can’t get anyone to give us a chance unless we give it all away for free.

This is utter bullshit.

You’re undervaluing and underselling yourself. Sure, there are a lot of people out there that just want free things.

But many want quality things. That’s what you will be producing. A work of quality.

Of note, when I previously wrote on Medium and didn’t paywall my stories, I not only made no money whatsoever for my work, but I also didn’t get a lot of views, reads, or engagement.

That all changed when I stopped undervaluing myself and realized my knowledge has worth.

Yours does, too.

#4 — Start a newsletter.

Why a newsletter? Because it allows you to keep the audience you build, no matter what.

It also allows you to cultivate a community of like-minded people that share a love for your passions.

In addition, you can direct this community to other things you might build in the future they love without being the internet equivalent of a skeevy used car salesman.

They’re there to see what you have to offer, so you should offer it. They have a free will not to purchase it if they don’t want to.

By the way, I suggest ConvertKit. It’s an amazing product with lots of great built-in features to really help you get going.

#5 — Get a domain name.

Get a cheap domain name that reflects your brand. (I use Namecheap. They’re great.)

This is a solid and cheap way to offer legitimacy to the public.

You can build websites on this domain name, landing pages, eCommerce stores, send emails, you name it.

It offers you consistency and makes you look professional.

#6 — Design a simple landing page.

Don’t know how to create a full-blown website yet? No worries!

A landing page is all you need. I suggest you keep it as simple as possible. If you want to see an example, simply check out my landing page for Niche of One.

I highly recommend using Carrd for building your landing pages. The service is very affordable, it comes packed with templates so you don’t have to start from scratch, and it’s super intuitive to design great looking pages that look professional.

You can, of course, get these built professionally, but the costs is usually pretty steep.

#7 — Be consistent.

This is of the utmost importance.

None of this works without consistency. You won’t go anywhere if you make continuous stops along the journey.

You need to be realistic and pick a schedule that works for you. There is some work involved. That work will not be done for you magically.

Make sure you can devote some time to your new pursuit and be productive.

If you say you’re going to produce a Monday through Friday newsletter and only produce one once a week, you’ve lied to the people that trusted you enough to sign up.

They will remember that and respond accordingly.

Be consistent above all else.

Besides, your writing will get much better this way. Practice makes perfect, after all.

#8 — Share your work on social media.

This is another thing people often struggle with.

I don’t know if it’s impostor syndrome, not wanting to be too “salesy,” or if they just don’t feel like they have a lot to offer.

You should share your work with the world.

If they don’t like it, who cares? They weren’t the people you were looking for anyway.

But if you find one person, just one, who does like what you’re doing that’s a win.

#9 — Engage with others.

One lesson I’ve learned is that just shouting into the void doesn’t work.

Engaging with others on their journey does.

Find some people that are trying to do the same thing you are and connect with them.

Not in an artificial, transactional way. Most can smell that pile of dung a mile off.

Legitimately and thoughtfully interact with them. Let them know what you think of what they’re trying to do. Offer advice if you think you can help and ask for advice if they can help you.

Based on what I’ve seen, people want to help others and they appreciate getting help.

It also tells them that they’re valuable.

This kind of social currency is not something that can be purchased. It can only be earned with honest engagement.

#10 — Repeat this process.

Finally, repeat this process over and over again.

Keep posting articles, keep sending newsletters, keep promoting your work, keep engaging with others.

This falls under the consistency principal, but also it keeps you moving forward.

As you move forward, you will become stronger, you will evolve, and you will learn new approaches.

It will take time and work, but it’s absolutely worth all the effort.

I’m still on my journey. I’m far from reaching any sort of “finish line.” But I now have a desire to keep moving forward that I didn’t have before.

You can do this if you put your mind to it. Nothing is outside of your reach. You just have to adopt a “Never Say Die” mentality and do the things.

I believe in you.

Do you?

Thanks for reading!

Hi, I'm Joe. I help creators share their unique voices simply and effectively. Here's how I can help you:

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