Summary

The article discusses strategies for maintaining motivation in the face of declining engagement and views on written content.

Abstract

The piece addresses the common issue among writers of experiencing a decrease in viewer engagement despite an increase in follower count. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection on the quality of one's content and setting realistic expectations. The author suggests that writers should focus on their original motivations for writing, known as their "why," and consider whether the pursuit of financial gain has skewed their priorities. The article encourages writers to treat their craft seriously, improve their output, and potentially adjust their approach to achieve better recognition and earnings. It concludes by offering a writing guide and soliciting support for the author's work.

Opinions

The author believes that while numbers are not the sole indicator of success, they can provide insight into a writer's performance.
There is a sentiment that changes in algorithms or the presence of robot followers could contribute to the observed decline in engagement.
The article suggests that writers may need to earn their audience's engagement through quality content that is relatable, helpful, and applicable.
It is implied that expecting large returns from every piece of writing is unrealistic and that writers should focus on their craft and continuous improvement.
The author posits that a shift in a writer's initial motivations, particularly towards monetary gain, can negatively impact their work and satisfaction.
The piece advises that re-evaluating one's reasons for writing (the "why") can lead to a more fulfilling and potentially financially rewarding experience.
The author acknowledges the difficulty of making a living from writing and suggests that treating it with the seriousness of a full-time job may be necessary for success.
The article offers a gentle reminder that financial success in writing is not guaranteed and may require a significant adjustment in approach and mindset.

How to Stay Encouraged in the Face of Diminishing Views

We’re in this together

Numbers may not tell the entire story, and you don’t want to tie your writing worth to numbers. But, they’re one measure — objective or not — that can hint at something going on right or wrong.

Recently, I’ve heard many people talk about the rise in their follower count, but a steadily falling engagement from these increased followers. Well, I’m no exception. Are you? And that could be easily discouraging.

But why does that happen? Changes in algorithms? Robot followers?

There’s no simple answer, and I can’t speak for every follower. But amidst probably the most challenging period, here are a few tips I hope will help you find some positivity.

Ask the relevant questions

For one second, forget about what everyone is saying. Forget about the big-name writers leaving, or at least putting things on hold for the time being, awaiting news of the worm turning.

Block out the noise, and get real with yourself. Ask a few deep questions about your output, the quality of the content you put out there. It’ll help instill some positivity. Here are some questions to get you started.

Have you truly earned those returns you crave?

I know writing online isn’t an exact science, even more so on a platform like with its unique rules and user base.

And you don’t always need 10/10 quality to rake in the views and earnings. That may be true, but that’s a double-edged sword that quickly spells the downfall of many writers.

You’re a writer, and there comes a time when readers want quality work from you. Or at least something they can find relational, helpful, and applicable. Even then, that’s no guarantee you’ll hit those astronomic milestones you projected.

But remember, when push comes to shove, you probably have to earn every penny you make on your writing, on quality content.

Writing is an art, one with a learning curve you have to master before you can make decent money off of it. If you’ve not done that, maybe you need a second look in the mirror before you join the complainers.

Are you being unrealistic?

We all want to be the outlier, the writer who writes that article that collects over 500k views and earns enough to pay off our mortgage and buy a lakeside property.

But those are the exceptions, not the everyday norm. It’s good to aim high, but being a statistical outlier is hardly by design, especially with writing online. And many writers will give up before reaching that height.

You control little more than your output and improvement, and to expect mammoth returns on every 4-minute read you publish is dreamland stuff. Wake up!

Has your why shifted?

Maybe you didn’t start with money in mind. Perhaps you wanted to practice your craft, teach a skill, connect with the world. Or you set out to share your travel adventures and take readers behind the scenes of your digital nomad lifestyle. I can’t list all the reasons people write.

But somehow, the promise of potentially unlimited earnings got into your ears and shifted your why somewhat. Maybe it’s time to retrace your steps and reconsider your why.

I’m not experienced enough to join the usual recommendation of don’t chase the money. The focus on doing what you love, do it to the best of your abilities, and the money will come line of advice.

I may not be qualified to offer that advice, but I see some truth there. It couldn’t be nonsense if so many people have experienced it and can testify to it.

All I can say is to readjust your why

Sure, if you want to go all-in on the money, you might as well invest a bit more in what you do. Treat it like a semi-full-time job, improve the quality/quantity, and all the little things you could do to get you more recognized.

If you can’t earn a decent wage from a full-time job or as a freelance client with the effort you put in and your current output, you probably need to shake things up.

And it starts with reconsidering your why.

I may be clutching at straws, even blowing a thick plume of the proverbial smoke. Or who knows, I may have a fair point. I realize that’s not for me to decide.

That’s for you, dear reader, and any random reader who clicks on this to decide if there’s any crumb of positivity in it. But I hope you find it helpful as we all pull through these down times.

Before you go…….

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