Understanding the Challenges of Online Writing

In the past, I believed that writing online was a straightforward task, as some people suggest. However, the reality is far more complex than that. I find myself leaning toward the latter perspective.

There’s a common saying: if writing were truly easy, then everyone would be doing it. Yet, not everyone who tries finds success.

I believe there’s a significant amount of misinformation online that misleads novice writers into thinking that writing is a simple pursuit. Influencers in finance and writing often contribute to this misconception. Personally, I didn’t explore other avenues for making money online and chose to commit fully to writing. Despite the challenges—like the difficulty of the craft and the dissatisfaction with current rewards—I remain passionate about it.

I wrote this piece primarily to raise awareness, which I believe is crucial for the survival and success of aspiring writers. As my late grandfather used to say, understanding the dangers that lurk in the jungle transforms us into hunters rather than prey. In this sense, being aware of the realities of online writing can significantly benefit us on our writing journeys.

#1 — Quality Doesn’t Always Guarantee Readership

Photo by Tom Sodoge on Unsplash

Many people assume that producing high-quality writing will naturally lead to readership. However, this belief is akin to rubbing a magic lamp and expecting the genie to grant your wish. The fact is, thousands of pieces of content are submitted online every day. What are the odds that your work will be seen by readers who genuinely want to engage with it? A lack of understanding regarding SEO and platform algorithms can leave beginners feeling frustrated.

If there’s no genuine interest in your topic, your chances of being read diminish even further. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn't strive for quality; rather, learning how to align your writing with reader interests will be beneficial in the long run. If your high-quality content goes unread, it can feel like a wasted effort, and that’s understandably disheartening.

#2 — The Importance of Long-Term Reputation and Compounding Effect

Photo by ZSun Fu on Unsplash

It's an understatement to say that making money through online writing is a lengthy process. While we all acknowledge this journey is extensive, the timeline is often unclear. Instead of becoming anxious about how long it might take, focus on building a collection of your writing.

Creating an online writing portfolio is crucial. It's arguably the best way to cultivate a loyal community of readers who appreciate your niche and style. Diving into multiple interests simultaneously can lead to a loss of trust from your audience. I’ve learned this the hard way; sticking to a niche and its sub-niches is the optimal way to explore what you love, foster community, and generate ideas.

For instance, I have a passion for self-improvement topics. By making that my main focus, I can delve into related sub-niches like health, relationships, and financial well-being. I could discuss these topics indefinitely. I’m on the same journey as you, and I’m eager to see how the compounding effects of trust, skill, and topic exploration evolve over the next couple of years. I truly believe that online writing is more of a journey than a quick way to make money.

#3 — Readers Are Primarily Interested in Themselves

Photo by fabian jones on Unsplash

At least initially, this is a harsh truth. This is why points one and two are critical. When I began my writing journey, I often lost sight of the fact that we inhabit an online world where anonymity prevails. Readers don’t know much about you aside from what’s presented through your profile and introduction.

Not understanding your audience can lead to confusion as you flit between different niches, mistakenly believing that more readers can be found elsewhere. If you’re starting out, remember that most people are unaware of who you are and, honestly, they don’t care—except for your close family and friends.

This is where the dilemma of writing for oneself versus writing for an audience comes into play. Personally, I find it beneficial to strike a balance. Ron Markley discusses various related topics, and I recommend exploring his work. For instance, "Write to Readers, Then Burn Out" offers insights into achieving this equilibrium.

This video addresses the harsh realities that aspiring authors often overlook, providing valuable insights that can guide your writing journey.

This video outlines the difficult truths every writer must confront, helping you prepare for the challenges ahead.

Maintaining awareness of the first two points will alleviate stress in your writing journey, allowing you to focus on cultivating your community of readers and enhancing your writing portfolio.

Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

I, too, am still navigating the early stages of my writing journey and welcome your thoughts on this topic. I recognize that my path will be long and fraught with errors and mismatched audiences. However, with the support of successful writers, we can ease into this process together. I hope we all achieve our goals.

Wishing you the best on your writing journey!

About the Author

Luke Joseph

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to read my article. Your interest means the world to me!