Online writing is an excellent way to hone your skills and earn money. It’s also a great way to connect with potential customers and build your author brand. However, you need to have the right mindset and the necessary tools to be successful in this business. In this blog post, I will summarize and distill some of the key points from the book “The Art and Business of Online Writing” by Nicholas Cole, a multi-millionaire online writer. I’ll cover three main topics: what online writing is and isn’t, the tools needed for effective online writing, and how to monetize your writing.
An online writer is someone who writes articles for the Internet, either for a website or as part of an organization’s digital marketing strategy. Online writers can work for businesses, non-profit organizations, blogs, magazines and e-zines, and any other entity with a digital presence. Their responsibilities include creating engaging narratives that draw the attention of a targeted web-based audience. They may also be responsible for other content-related tasks, including researching and interviewing sources.
In order to succeed as an online writer, it is essential to understand your audience. This includes knowing what they want to achieve, what challenges they face, and how they perceive themselves. It is also important to pay attention to the phrases, metaphors and jargon that they use. This information will help you create a more relevant and interesting article for your readers.
Another crucial factor in becoming an online writer is finding a way to create and manage your workflow. This can be done by setting up a schedule, blocking out time in your calendar, and using productivity apps. Additionally, it is important to find a workspace that is free from distractions and allows you to focus. This could be as simple as noise-canceling headphones and a quiet corner in your home, or as complicated as a coworking space membership and dedicated office furniture.
Once you’ve found a way to manage your workflow and are comfortable with the demands of being an online writer, it’s time to start looking for opportunities. This can be done through job boards, contacting clients directly, or by joining online communities and networking groups. Once you’ve connected with a client, it’s important to understand their expectations and the deadline for the article. This can be communicated through email or phone, and it is helpful to have a briefing sheet or questionnaire that clearly states the topic, length, payment terms, rights, and other important details.
Finally, it’s important for an online writer to be familiar with SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This is because organizations often ask for their content to be optimized for search engines. It’s also important to proofread and edit your articles, as well as to make sure they are grammatically correct. There are several free software programs that can assist with this, as well as many professional editors who specialize in online writing. These resources can help ensure that your articles are as polished as possible before they are published or sent to a client.
