avatarCameron Eittreim

Summary

To achieve success as a creator, it is crucial to specialize in a niche rather than trying to be an expert on everything, as authenticity and passion in writing are more valuable than chasing trends or viral content.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of finding a niche in writing to stand out on platforms like Medium. It criticizes the common misconception that one can become a successful six-figure creator by being a jack-of-all-trades. The author argues that true success comes from focusing on a specific area of interest, which allows for genuine content that resonates with readers. Authenticity is key, as readers can discern when a writer's primary motivation is financial gain rather than a passion for the subject. The article suggests that by writing about topics that one is genuinely interested in, the quality of the content improves, and writer's block becomes less of an issue. The author also points out that the proliferation of self-proclaimed experts and the over-saturation of popular topics like side hustles and email lists make it difficult for new writers to establish credibility without a unique angle.

Opinions

  • Medium's top writers often portray themselves as experts in multiple fields, which is misleading and unsustainable for aspiring writers.
  • The idea of "making it" on Medium is flawed because Medium does not employ writers; success should be measured by personal growth and engagement rather than income from the platform.
  • Writers who are transparent and share real-life experiences are more likely to connect with their audience and achieve true success.
  • Chasing trends and aiming for viral content can hinder a writer's authenticity and long-term success.
  • Passion for the topic is essential; when writers enjoy their subject matter, the writing process becomes more natural, and the content

No, You Can’t Become a 6-Figure Creator Without Having a Niche

Contrary to popular belief, you can’t make money if you are scattered

Photo by Stefan Cosma on Unsplash

You know what the main problem with Medium is? Everyone here is an expert on everything!

All the top writers seem to be an expert in everything, and if you believe their titles, they are clocking millions of dollars in income. But you won’t make it in writing unless you choose a niche.

If you are starting out as a writer, chances are you aren’t an expert in anything. And the last thing people want to read about is another financial guru, they are everywhere.

I am tired of reading about side hustles, email lists, and making it on Medium. The truth is that Medium is not hiring you, so you could never actually “make it” on Medium.

Just be grateful for the small amounts of income share that come in, and treat it like an art form. No one person is an expert on everything, and many of these top writers and influencers were fly-by-night successes who figured out how to game Medium early on.

But you don’t need to emulate them to be successful at writing. Even if you feel like you aren’t getting a lot of views on your work, there is a lot of potential. The thing readers want is a piece of content that they can connect with.

They also want transparency in your writing. People love someone who is straight up about who they are and who offers insightful information from real-life experiences.

When you write with money as the only goal, your readers can tell. And when you are writing what is “trending” with the intent of going viral, you will never have true success as a writer.

Focus on something that you are passionate about. Focus on something that you enjoy writing about so you aren’t struggling with writer's block. Believe it or not, when you like the topic you are writing about, the words will just poor out.

The idea that anyone can be an expert on anything just isn’t feasible. You have to write about topics that you enjoy, not what the next big trend will be. Because the worst thing is reading the work of a writer who isn’t authentic.

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