Can a New Writer Make Money Writing?
6 Strategies to make that happen.
Would this be living the dream for you?
Starting to earn a living from your writing is a rewarding journey that combines consistency, smart platform choices, and strategic monetization methods. Here are six clear steps to help you build a sustainable income as a writer.
1. Develop a Clear Writing Niche and Audience
Discover Your Niche.
Specializing in a specific genre, industry, or style (like humor, lifestyle advice, skincare or storytelling, etc.) can help you to stand out. A well-defined niche makes it easier to build an audience, gain loyal readers, and attract clients or subscribers.
Identify Your Ideal Audience.
Stop to think about who would most enjoy or benefit your writing. Deciding this will let you better mold your writing to what your readers would enjoy and want, whether it be entertainment, self-help, industry insights, or personal development.
2. Choose the Right Platforms for Publishing Your Writing
Medium.
Ideal for reaching a broad audience quickly, Medium offers the Partner Program, where you earn based on engagement from paying Medium members who read your stories. Success here depends on writing high-quality pieces consistently and utilizing relevant tags and publications to get visibility.
Substack.
If you prefer direct interaction with readers, Substack can be a great choice. You can grow a free newsletter first and later monetize by offering exclusive paid content or bonuses for subscribers. Humorous newsletters, advice columns, or niche topics work well here.
Freelance Writing Sites.
Platforms like Fiverr and others.
Social Media and Blogging.
You can use a WordPress or another personal blog to develop your audience. If you promote your content on social media to build a loyal following, you can connect with readers, and create potential for future sponsorships, affiliate links, or product sales.
3. Keep Track of What’s Working and What’s Not.
Submit to several publications, but keep track of your submissions with this free pdf. click here.
Measure Success.
Track which pieces perform well, which platforms are earning more, and where your audience connects. Platforms often provide metrics, so use these to guide your content strategy.
Experiment with Offers.
As you grow, try new income strategies, like offering various higher-value services, diversifying your content types, and/or adding affiliate marketing if it aligns with your niche.
4. Build and Engage Your Audience
Optimize for SEO.
Whether you’re on Medium, your blog, or YouTube, you use search engine optimization (SEO) to get your content noticed. Keywords from your niche will increase your reach, especially for topics people search for often.
Write Consistently.
Post on a consistent schedule, such as once or twice a week, to keep your readers engaged, expecting, and invested in your work.
Interact with Readers.
Respond to comments, emails, and messages to create a strong community and reader loyalty. Engaged readers are more likely to support you through subscriptions, purchases, and shares.
5. Monetize with Multiple Revenue Streams
Freelance Work.
Pursue freelance clients in your specific writing area, using samples or your portfolio work to attract your first clients. Over time, you can ask higher rates as your experience grows.
Paid Newsletters.
Platforms like Substack or ConvertKit allow you to create great newsletters. Once you have a base of free subscribers, consider offering exclusive, paid content for loyal readers.
Self-Published Books or Ebooks.
Create an ebook or short book that examines one of the popular topics within your niche (for example, “Make a Living with Your Writing”). Platforms like Amazon or Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Gumroad allow you to sell directly to your readers.
My favorite now is the microbook! They are GREAT!
Content Creation on YouTube or Social Media.
If you’re comfortable on camera, you can turn some of your writing content into video or audio content. These platforms can be monetized through various ad revenues, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
6. Explore Other and Higher-Paying Writing Opportunities
Content Marketing and Copywriting.
Content writing for companies, especially blog writing or social media management, can provide a steady income while you grow your own audience.
Ghostwriting and Book Collaborations.
Offering ghostwriting services is a high-paying option where you write for someone else, such as a business leader or influencer, under their name.
Online Courses or Workshops.
Once you’re established, consider creating a course or workshop on your expertise. Platforms like Teachable, Skillshare, or even a private Zoom workshop are effective ways to teach while generating income to others for a fee.
Last Words.
Building a full-time income with your writing takes a while, but with consistent effort and some planning, you can turn your passion for writing into a great career.