You want to make money as a writer? I can give you a surefire approach — one that’s virtually guaranteed to work. But here’s the thing: almost none of you will actually follow it.
Why? Because it’s boring. Painfully so.
Most writers have a romanticized view of what their journey will look like. They picture their words resonating so deeply that readers can’t help but talk about them. Then, someday, they imagine, they’ll hit bestseller lists, earning fame and fortune from raw talent alone.
But here’s the harsh reality: the vast majority of writers aren’t doing anything that different. You see articles about the same life stories, the same daily struggles, and you think yours will stand out just because you wrote it.
The truth is, 99% of writers are replaceable. Readers can get similar content from hundreds of other writers who also spill their souls about their pets, relationships, or work frustrations. The only thing separating one writer from the next? The algorithm.
Yes, the algorithm — the engine driving online reading and determining whose words actually get read. And to make any money from writing online, you have to understand and embrace it.
Even Most writers think it’s about building a loyal following, gaining fans who’ll hang onto their every word. While that’s great for newsletters and book series, in online writing, it’s just not the answer. Making money online means knowing what the algorithm craves and giving it exactly that. Nothing more, nothing less.
Why Most Writers Don’t Do This
Here’s where writers hesitate. They think their voice is special. They believe their style, humor, or “vibe” sets them apart. But in reality, to succeed online, writers have to prioritize the algorithm’s preferences over personal expression.
To break down how to do this, there are three main paths:
- Be extraordinarily original (nearly impossible and very rare)
- Get lucky (don’t count on it)
- Be strategic and clever (the only path that works consistently)
How to Succeed as a Writer in a Digital World
If you’re serious about making money, it’s time to analyze and emulate what already works:
- Find what’s performing — check what content is being pushed by the algorithm.
- Adapt and iterate — write your version, and see if it gets traction.
- Repeat — if it works, keep building on the same theme. If it doesn’t, tweak and try again.
One example? Look at successful publications with massive followings and see what kinds of titles and formats are trending. You’ll often notice similar types of headlines, topics, and even repetitive phrasing. That’s because the authors behind them know one simple truth: if it’s working, there’s no need to reinvent it. Instead, they lean in hard.
Let’s consider one popular online writer who cracked this code. He didn’t just write a single post about AI tools. He wrote variations on the same topic — about new tools, updated tools, and future tools — month after month. Each time, he refined his language to fit what readers (and the algorithm) responded to, and his engagement soared.
If you check his profile, you’ll see countless examples of this in action. It’s a tactic that worked because he played to the platform’s strengths and gave his readers exactly what they craved: clear, fresh information on a trending topic.
You now know the strategy to monetize your writing. But will you follow it? Most writers don’t — they’ll keep posting stories that feel fun to write but don’t connect with an audience, then wonder why they’re not making any money.
So, if you’re here for the thrill of the craft, fantastic! Enjoy it, but don’t expect to rake in the earnings.
But if you’re here to make a living? Do yourself a favor and commit to what works — or prepare to be disappointed.