Whether you like creating content online for social media, writing articles, journals, books or blogs, a lot of people aspire to become a writer.
Writing content for online is a sought after employable marketing skill, not to mention creative outlet for many people. Particularly those who may struggle with verbal expression or articulating their thoughts in person.
Writing in all its forms is extremely beneficial to wellbeing as well as being a vital skill in work.
“It helps you to articulate all the swirling thoughts in your head and put them into a linear order,” explained a psychologist who regularly speaks to clients and then asks that those who are able to, to also try and articulate themselves through writing to show how your thought patterns change daily.
But how do you make money as a writer? And where to start?
“The key is writing content for a range of platforms,” said Sophie Mei Lan, co-founder of the Digitally Active project which aims to support aspiring neurodivergent digital entrepreneurs and enthusiasts.
Sophie who works as a journalist, content creator and communications trainer, primarily using video, words and audio to tell stories, said that due to her Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, she never thought she could work as a writer but now that’s her main job.
“I started blogging which got me into working as a journalist. I went from telling my own personal stories to setting up an online magazine to share other people’s stories.
“I managed to get funding to then train as a journalist but through the blogging, I had already started to freelance prior to doing a post-graduate diploma,” said Sophie who has also published a book through The Writing Hall publishers.
“I realised that due to my neurodivergent brain, I could see stories in a variety of ways and I added my own colour to them. I did this by writing blogs, making vlogs and then capturing that content for online initially.”
Here are some of the ways you can write for online:
- Create your own blog
- Write for other blogs (ideas below)
- Start writing short posts for a variety of social media platforms
- Writing adverts, blogs for businesses and copy writing for online articles and websites
- Publishing ebooks and journals
- Writing grant bids
But rather than create different totally new content for different platforms you can create multipurpose content to ‘repurpose.’
Use one macro piece of content e.g. a blog post or article and chop into segments or key quotes to create
Owner of The Writing Hall, Diane Hall, who delivered a training session on blogging and book writing for Digitally Active said:
“You can turn a book into a blog and vice versa.
“The key is to start writing and getting into the habit of it and a routine.
Here are her top tips for making money as an author or blogger:
First of all ask yourself these questions:
- Are you wanting to focus on fiction or non-fiction?
- Who are you speaking to? Think about your audience first.
- Are you doing it for pleasure or work?
If it’s for work, audience is essential when it comes to creating a blog or book.
“Research what’s already out there,” said Rachel.
Author Rachel Dove who also delivered a session on personal branding for Digitally Active agreed.
She said it’s important to think about an area to focus on and have a signature symbol or targeted audience.”
Like Stephen King’s red balloon, marketing is essential when it comes to getting work or selling books or promoting your blog.
She said that however there is more freedom in blogging when it comes to topics but that focusing on audience is still important.
Here are some of the blogging platforms to blog for other sites:
- The Mighty
- Medium
- Metro
- Whatpad
How to set up a blog and on what platform:
- WordPress
- Weebly
- Wix
- SquareSpace
- Blogger
Where to promote your blog or vlog posts:
- Social Media Channels
- Discord
How to get ideas for content on social media, for books and blogs:
An author and publisher share their top tips to find ideas for creating content online and on paper.
Here are some top tips from Diane:
“Ask yourself these questions because it’s hard to delete once it’s out there.”
– What am I passionate about? (Read our previous post on public speaking with Lee Furness and creating content with Gemma Whelan)
– When I’m going to write and publish
– Where am I putting the content?
– Does this product reflect me?
Author Rachel Dove who runs personal branding and digital accessibility workshops for Digitally Active, said: “Begin to think about what topics you’re going to write about.
“You may end up being pigeonholed so developing your personal brand as an author and content creator is important so that your writing can evolve with you.”
She said that branding must evolve with the writer.
Make yourself accountable and comment below with the following:
– What do you want to be known for?
– What’s the purpose and who are you serving?
– Topic you’re going to write about:
– When are you writing content and publishing it? Make sure you have time for sharing.
