Chapter 1: My Journey to Financial Success as a Writer

In just the past two years, I have earned over $150,000 through online writing. Interestingly, unlike many writers, I never set out to be one. This career path unfolded unexpectedly as I recognized that writing online offered numerous benefits I had been seeking in my professional journey.

The most significant advantage of running a writing business is the ability to earn money while engaging in activities I have always loved: reading and learning. Additionally, the freedom to work from anywhere at any time is invaluable. My clients and readers don't concern themselves with my location or schedule; they only focus on the quality of my work, which opens up a wealth of flexibility and opportunities.

The Misconception of "Being Done"

A common mistake among new writers and creators is the belief that they have "arrived" after achieving some level of success. However, the reality is that we should never expect to receive attention based solely on our past accomplishments. At its heart, writing and content creation is a service-oriented endeavor. Regardless of how you monetize your skills, your income is a reflection of your service to an audience.

I did not start writing with the thought that my ideas would resonate with millions. Instead, I simply discovered how easy it was to publish online and decided to give it a try. Now, after writing over 500 blog posts, I have the honor of serving hundreds of thousands of readers monthly. Importantly, I never embarked on this journey with high expectations, nor did I ever assume I was "good enough."

Continuous learning is key. I study others’ works, reflect on my successes and failures, and strive to improve week by week. Even now, I can identify numerous ways to enhance any article I’ve written. My pieces may not be perfect, but I know they connect with thousands daily.

Many new writers mistakenly think they’ve cracked the code after their first success. The truth is, writing is a perpetual process of evolution. If you ever feel you’ve mastered everything, that’s a clear indication that there is still much for you to learn.

Embracing a Lifelong Learning Mindset

Celebrate your victories, but don’t let them inflate your ego. Many believe that one viral post or significant client will transform their career; this is a misconception. Use your achievements as stepping stones for growth, but don’t allow them to mislead you into thinking you've reached the pinnacle of success.

Writing is an ongoing journey. You’ll find fulfillment and financial success only when you shift your focus from seeking big wins to enjoying the process of constant improvement.

The Importance of Reinvestment

I’ve never hesitated to reinvest in my skills and tools, which has been crucial in scaling my audience and income rapidly. I invested in online courses and mastermind groups that allowed me to learn from those more experienced than I. This approach has saved me countless hours and provided more insight than years spent in business school.

I remain vigilant about how I allocate my resources. It’s essential to think critically about what information or support will yield the best return on investment. Avoid impulsive purchases that don’t contribute meaningfully to your growth.

Starting My Email List Early

One of the best decisions I made was to launch my email list before I felt fully prepared. Many writers delay this step due to a misconception that setting up a newsletter is complex. In reality, platforms like Substack allow you to create a simple email list in under an hour, even if you're a novice.

By starting early, I built an email list of over 30,000 subscribers within two years. Had I waited, I would have missed connecting with thousands who have since become loyal readers due to my consistent newsletters.

Avoiding Unproductive Outsourcing

While many business books advocate for outsourcing tasks early in your journey, I found that this approach can be detrimental if done too soon. I grew my business from zero to six figures without outsourcing trivial tasks. Instead, I focused on eliminating them altogether.

I do hire help for specific projects but never for routine tasks like responding to emails or comments. Engaging directly with my audience has proven invaluable for understanding their needs and enhancing my service to them.

Maintaining Vision While Trusting the Process

Being an independent creator has taught me that while it's good to set goals, flexibility is key when navigating the unpredictable nature of the creative landscape. Although I still set yearly targets, I treat them as guides rather than rigid benchmarks.

I understand that changes in platforms and unexpected opportunities can lead me off my initial path. Thus, I embrace adaptability while holding on to my long-term vision.

Final Thoughts on My Writing Journey

When I published my first article online in 2018, I had no clear plan or expectations. I was simply an eager learner willing to explore new avenues. Looking back, I realize that taking the leap to publish my thoughts was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Now, nearly two years and over 500 articles later, I am grateful for the journey that has led me to write professionally. If you aspire to write online but don’t know where to begin, consider signing up for my free 5-Day Course and take the first step toward your writing career.

Description: In this video, discover why freelance writers often struggle to land high-paying clients and learn the key strategies to overcome these barriers.

Description: Join me as I share my insights on how I would approach starting a writing business from scratch if I were beginning today.