Strategies for Aspiring Writers: 3 Essential Tips
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Writer's Journey
Transitioning into writing can be a significant shift for many individuals. Whether it’s a career change or a new hobby, it comes with its own unique obstacles and rewards. I made the leap from practicing law to writing about five years ago, and I want to share some insights that could have made my journey smoother.
Section 1.1: Concentrate on a Single Medium
In my previous discussions, I've highlighted the importance of dedicating your efforts to one primary platform as you start your writing journey. While this doesn’t mean you should completely ignore other avenues, it’s crucial to choose a main outlet where you can focus your energy and cultivate an audience.
Be deliberate in selecting the medium through which you interact with your readers. Different platforms attract varied audiences, and the dynamics on each can differ significantly. For instance, the audience on Medium or Facebook may not be the same as those engaging with your blog on a professional service site.
A more analytical approach can be beneficial in determining where your ideal readers spend their time. You may find it helpful to refer to insights like those in the Forbes article, "How To Find Out Which Social Platforms Your Audiences Love." Alternatively, you can consider broader demographic trends when making your choice.
Your objectives also play a crucial role. Certain platforms are more suited for specific goals like monetization, content subscription, or audience expansion. Thus, reflect on your ultimate aims and identify which platforms can best facilitate those goals.
I initially overlooked this advice, thinking I could try various platforms to see what worked. However, I quickly learned that gaining traction on any site requires substantial effort. Most people, including myself, don’t see immediate success on a platform. Instead, we often find ourselves stretched too thin across multiple outlets while trying to keep up with a demanding publishing schedule.
Therefore, focus on one primary platform to showcase your best work, using other channels to promote or complement your writing. This approach will not only save you time but also enhance the quality of your work.
The first video titled "11 Essential Tips for New Writers" provides valuable insights that align perfectly with this advice.
Section 1.2: Understanding Third-Party Platforms
If you decide to use social media (like LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or Twitter) as your primary outlet, approach it with caution. Each platform has its own culture, practices, and challenges. More crucially, when you publish on these platforms, the visibility of your content often hinges on its value to the platform rather than its inherent quality.
This consideration is vital when deciding where to publish. If you're seeking to share high-quality independent journalism, for example, Facebook may not be the best fit. Conversely, if you want to publish short stories, LinkedIn might not serve your needs either. Regardless of the quality, if your content doesn’t align with the platform’s ethos, it might struggle to gain traction.
Even if you experience short-term success on a particular platform, remember that its algorithms can change unexpectedly. You also risk your content being influenced by external factors, such as ownership changes or shifts in platform focus.
Ultimately, writing on a third-party platform means you are trading access to a larger audience for control over your work’s distribution. Weigh this trade-off carefully.
Chapter 2: Write for Your Audience
A fundamental piece of advice is to write for an individual, not algorithms. Your goal should be to create content that resonates with real people rather than catering to search engines or platform algorithms. Avoid writing solely for the sake of meeting arbitrary requirements, such as word counts set by online courses.
Focus on crafting messages intended to enhance the lives of your readers. This means steering clear of simply rehashing AI-generated content or writing just to include certain keywords excessively.
To effectively communicate, target a specific reader—real or imagined—and consider what they would find engaging or useful. This effort to connect with another person is at the heart of effective writing.
Many professionals, from marketers to lawyers, already possess the skill to understand and articulate what others think. Carry that skill into your writing endeavors.
Intentionality in Writing
At the core of these tips lies the principle of intentionality. Whether writing for a career or as a hobby, you'll need to make deliberate choices about your writing approach, platform, and audience. With thoughtful decisions, you can navigate your writing journey more successfully.
The second video titled "FIVE TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS | Writing tips from an editor | Natalia Leigh" complements these strategies by offering additional advice for new writers.