Writing articles is very rewarding, fun, exhilarating, satisfying and frustrating at the same time. But can you use your writing skills to reward yourself financially? Can you make writing as a profession, not just earning $10 here and there? The answer is yes, but you need to follow some steps to achieve this goal.
There are tons of ways to learn how to make money as an author, but first, let us consider the factors in creating an income using content writing.
Adopt a good mindset
The first thing to do is to adopt a new mindset. If you want it to be your profession, you have to treat it as a business. It does not matter what genre you want to pursue, and whether it is fiction, non-fiction, novel or essay, you have to treat it as a real business. It is the step where most people who want to do writing as a profession hesitates. Genres differ in popularity. Writing books or inspirational articles are more popular than blog content articles, so if you want to earn money, you have to sell something. And if you’re going to make a sustainable future from writing articles, you have to make sure that you have an idea on how to sell your product.
The learning curve is important
As a content writer, we need to learn everything about the craft if you want to earn money out of it. There are specific skills you need to develop to achieve this goal and be successful. You can learn these skills by trial and error, and it is a bit disheartening because it is a slow way to learn. You can also tap the experience and knowledge of other writers who created a career as a writer. But the fastest way to learn is to join seminars and courses about writing. New writers don’t know the importance of embracing the learning curve. It is one of the most crucial aspects of becoming a successful writer.
Build an audience
For every writer, there is a corresponding online audience. Whatever genre you want to pursue, there’s always someone who wants to read your work, and people interested in buying your product. The big question is, “How can you find them?” The easiest way is to create an author website or a blog. You can also use social media to market your name as a writer. It can be a long shot, but if it succeeds, it will be rewarding. Another way is to do a Podcast. It can help you build a particular audience that is willing to engage with your product. Once you have an audience, you can notify them in case you have a new piece, content, product or you released a new book.
Create a list of your fan base
Building your audience will only be successful if you can reach out to your fans the moment you needed them. The best way to reach out to them is to create a list of email addresses of your fan base. You can offer something free in exchange for their email addresses. You can use the list to convert the influence you’ve been building into action. After all, your objective is to sell your product or content to earn a living.
Which way do you want to pursue?
Blogging
The easiest way to earn money online using your writing skills is through blogging. Free blogging sites like Blogger.com, WordPress.com or Livejournal.com can help you market your product and attract readers and earn money out of your writing skills.
Freelancer track
Another quick way to earn income as a writer is by doing freelancing. You can explore the print magazine market and send some articles to the editor. Make sure that your articles will attract readers to their magazine and show them how they can benefit from your materials if they publish it online.
Copywriting
One of the highest paid writers in the industry is copywriters. When it comes to copywriting, it is essential to know who your readers are. Using the same length, text or tone in the article will not fly across every platform or marketing channel.
Making article writing as a profession is not impossible. You only have to choose what track suits you best and sticks with it. You have to master and develop your chosen path to make it work.