It’s simple, yet everyone ignores it.
Do you want to know why most online writers never see serious earnings? It’s not a lack of talent or passion — it’s a lack of focus on what readers actually want.
Here’s the hard truth: most writers approach their craft with a romanticized view. We imagine ourselves writing profound, insightful pieces that magically find thousands of readers who “just get us.” But the internet doesn’t work like that.
Instead, the internet rewards a formula that few writers care to follow. Why? Because it’s far from glamorous. It’s repetitive, uncreative at times, and, honestly, it feels boring.
Why “Creative Freedom” Might Be Holding You Back
If you’re serious about making money, you have to shift your mindset from “what do I want to say?” to “what do readers actually want to read?”
The mistake many writers make is clinging too tightly to creative freedom without grounding it in reader interest. Sure, you might write beautifully about niche topics or personal musings, but if it doesn’t align with the algorithm and audience demand, it will likely go unread.
Want a simple strategy to maximize your visibility? Start with data. Successful online writers consistently study their most-read pieces, the trends they see among top-performing articles, and what specific angles or formats resonate with readers.
- Research What’s Trending: Check out trending topics in major publications within your niche. Use these topics as a base, then add your own unique insights or take a slightly different angle.
- Focus on Repeatable Topics: Find your sweet spot where reader interest and your expertise intersect. Then, don’t shy away from revisiting that topic repeatedly. Yes, even if it feels like you’re writing the same article with slight variations — because that’s exactly what some of the top writers do.
- Commit to Titles That Spark Curiosity: Your title is your hook. Think about what makes people curious enough to click. It’s often bold, contrarian, or addresses a widespread problem. Experiment with title formats and track what gets the best response.
The “Boring” Path to Consistent Earnings
The truth is, you don’t need groundbreaking ideas to earn from writing. You just need to refine and repeat what works. It’s not the most glamorous advice, but it’s practical and proven. Write to the algorithm, test, and adjust — over and over again.
By repeating your successful formula with small tweaks each time, you’ll slowly build a body of work that speaks to what your audience consistently responds to. And that’s the real secret.
The Challenge
I’ll be honest: most writers reading this won’t follow through. It’s easy to read advice and dismiss it, thinking “I’m different” or “My writing will stand out on its own.” But if you’re writing to make money, don’t leave it up to chance. Embrace what works — even if it’s not the most exciting.
If you’re okay with not making any money and just writing for the joy of it? Fantastic! But if you’re serious about earning, then it’s time to ditch the romantic view and start playing the game strategically.
Are you ready to give it a try, or will this advice just join the pile of things “other people” should do?