Beginning Bloggers & Newsletter Creators: Just Write

In October 2023, a blogger I work with will gross about $56,000 for writing two posts per week sent via email to 530,000 subscribers. His success exemplifies what you can earn with quality writing and actionable ideas.

Blogging, which, in my opinion, includes sending a newsletter on ConvertKit, Substack, or the like, is one of my favorite side hustles or content-based entrepreneurial ventures. It is also a source of personal expression. And it is an opportunity to learn.

So write.

Quantity First

I am playing an old tune, if you will, but, in my opinion, quantity matters more than quality when you are first blogging.

From 1996 to 2023, I have published almost 6,000 articles under my own name and more than 4,000 as a ghostwriter. Many of those articles are the journalistic equivalent of a roll of generic paper towels. I have reread some of them, and it is embarrassing.

It is also worth it. The more you write, the better you will become at writing. Practice makes perfect. You will also learn what sort of things get the response you want.

My recommendation is to try to write something every day. Write an article for your blog, compose posts for X, and rewrite your shopping list but pretend you are Dave Barry or Shakespeare.

Monetize and Do it Soon

There is certainly a case to be made for blogging as a hobby or blogging for pleasure or blogging for a cause. I am not writing about that. I am writing about blogging —which again includes email newsletters in my view— as a side hustle or full-time business.

I am talking about building a content-creation empire that would make Nero jealous. To do that, you need to make money and make it quickly. This might even mean freelancing to get your feet under you.

Find a way for your blog (or newsletter) to generate revenue as soon as possible.

Personal Expression

Even when you are being paid, you will have the chance to express yourself personally.

I am writing this article in the first person. I am sharing. And it feels good. This post was not meant to be a money-making tutorial or a bit of unimpeachable writing wisdom. It was me practicing what I recommend, i.e., writing often. And I get real pleasure from typing these words.

Learning

As you write and write often, you will have an amazing opportunity to learn.

About ten years ago, I was writing for an electronic component distributor for an audience of electrical engineers. I got $1,600 for a 1,000-word article, but I had to learn all about electronics. I would sometimes have to check out textbooks so that I could explain a new feature in a TRIAC dimmer.

In fact, this can be a great strategy for finding topics to write about. What is it that you wish you knew more about? Take an online course, and then write about your topic.