5 Lessons I’ve Learned Writing For 1 Month Online
Watch out for problems, provide them the solution
“Writing is easy. You just have to bluntly pen down your thoughts and people will come rushing to read it.”
This is what I thought before I started writing online. Yeah, I know how misleading it seems, especially to a newbie.
Writing and its rewards seem lucrative but, the hard work and consistency behind it often remain undetected.
Many of us start writing out of curiosity and seeking money but soon realize it’s not an overnight success scheme and drop off the idea, showcasing writing is not meant for us.
Not to be ashamed. I was a part of the above mentality.
Now, it’s been a month since I started writing online. I had to face some harsh truths and learn from them. It’s been an overwhelming ride till now.
Let’s get started
1. Formatting
I cannot overemphasize the significance of Formatting and Structuring your article. You could have written the best piece of content on the internet, but it’s all in futility if you didn’t format it correctly.
You can never make it big as a writer if you don’t specialize formatting of an article.
No one wants to read big, bulky, heavy paragraphs.
They should feel that they are reading a story or an article, not a victory speech.
Not your words, the structuring of an article is of more significance.
Chop down your whole article into bite-size pieces. Divide each piece into a section and sub-section. Insert images for greater clarification. Use numbers and bullet points for greater visibility and important information. Make use of white spaces.
Proper formatting makes sure that the user reads your article to the last.
2. Tap on to your emotions
The writing field is oversaturated with the competition. Everyone has unique stories to tell, unique perspectives to convey.
How can you stand out?
People don’t remember what you say, they remember how you say it. People don’t remember words, they remember emotions.
Both for becoming a better writer and building up an audience online, learn to design your articles emotionally. Write your heart out. Show them how vulnerable you were at that point in time. Convey your true emotions.
Don’t hesitate to write what you feel. You will be surprised how people will connect to your work when you write emotionally.
People will resonate with your work. The biggest doubt as a beginner was “ Will anyone read my work? Why will anyone read my work? Is there an audience out there for what I write?
The answer to it lies below —
3. Write to your Audience
People value articles with personal experiences.
You have to write down your whole story with the main character as yourself but in parallel write for those who are reading this. In writing it’s not always about you.
Yes, people are happy to know how you have succeeded in life, how you have defeated all odds to stand aside but, they are more eager to know “ how they can achieve the same”?
Value your readers. Treat them like your family members. Make them feel important. Provide solutions to their problems. Make their life simpler.
How can you be a better writer? —
Write stories by yourself, for your readers.
4. Word Count doesn’t matter
Now, some of you might pitch this statement as “absurd”.
Yes, I know long articles tend to perform better. But, what if they start sounding boring as you skim through the article?
I would never read the work of an author again, who just publishes long-form content because it performs well. Long-form content doesn’t guarantee your article will perform well.
The sole work of a writer is to make his article engaging, by adding humor, asking questions, present contradictory views, and provide solutions.
People engaging with an article reflect how well a writer has written it. A better writer understands the connection between him and his audience.
Your article can range from 100 words to any countable number until it adds value to people’s life. An engaging article pulls people back to read it multiple times, whereas a long boring article will leave people only reading it once.
5. Introductory paragraph
I have been reading blogs all over the internet for a couple of years. Everyone’s talking about how important your headlines are and whatnot.
But, nobody’s pouring attention on how important an introductory paragraph is for both an article and the people reading it.
According to a study by Microsoft, the average human being now has an attention span of 8 seconds.
Only 8 seconds
As a writer, I know how many hours of penning down your thoughts it takes to establish a good story and people only have 8 seconds to decide if it’s worth reading. That’s not fair. But that’s the rule of the game.
Either play to it or you are free to leave.
Your headlines may be crispy and full of curiosity for a user to click on it but, the Introductory paragraph plays a vital role in deciding if a user will click back or read the whole article.
Profound writers keep their introductory paragraph the most intense and interesting of them all.
Your takeaway
If you are thinking of being a writer or an emerging writer, these are the points to keep in mind before framing your masterpiece.
- Formatting
- Tap onto your emotions
- Write for your audience
- Word count doesn’t matter
- Introductory paragraphs
The label of “Profound writer” doesn’t come overnight. Writing like other professions takes a lot of patience and mastery of the skill.
Some of your articles may not perform up to what you have expected them to, and that’s fine. It’s the nature of the game. Writing is surprising sometimes.
Grab the 10 Powerful and Actionable Writing Tips eBook for free right in your inbox. Don’t miss out on the Bonus Tips + Tools at the end of the eBook.