The Anti-Guide to Online Writing Riches

Or how I learned to stop worrying about the algorithm and feel in love with writing

Photo by Christine Roy on Unsplash

From "monetizing your passion" to "passive income secrets," the call of effortless wealth has lured me—a hopeful writer—into its digital depths.

I've chased the algorithms, bowed to the SEO gods, and churned out content like a caffeinated robot.

And guess what? I've learned a lot about what not to do.

So, if you're tired of the same old recycled advice, buckle up for a hilarious, science-infused, and refreshingly honest take on how to absolutely, positively not make money online as a writer.

The SEO Obsession

Ah, SEO, the mystical art of appeasing the Google gods.

We've all been there, agonizing over keywords, meta descriptions, and backlinks like medieval alchemists searching for the philosopher's stone.

Now, I'm not saying SEO is unimportant. But when it becomes your sole focus, your writing suffers. You start stuffing your articles with keywords like a Thanksgiving turkey, sacrificing readability and creativity on the altar of search engine rankings.

The result? Content that reads like it was written by a robot for a robot. And let's face it, even robots have standards these days.

The science here is rooted in cognitive psychology. Our brains are wired to seek out meaningful patterns and connections. When we encounter text that's clunky, repetitive, and devoid of personality, our brains revolt. We bounce off the page faster than a rubber ball on a trampoline.

Landon’s Letters is a great example of high-quality content without being overly focused on SEO.

The Comparison Conundrum

In the online world, it's easy to get caught up in the comparison game. You see other writers landing lucrative gigs, building massive followings, and living the digital nomad dream. And you start to wonder, "What am I doing wrong?"

The truth is, everyone's journey is different. Comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples and oranges. It's pointless and counterproductive.

The science behind this is social comparison theory. We're naturally inclined to compare ourselves to others as a way of evaluating our own abilities and achievements. But when we focus on the achievements of others, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and envy.

The Lemon Tree Mindset, by

Veronica Llorca-Smith

is a wonderful example of authentic shares that everyone starts at 0 and that we all have the same conversations around “what am I doing wrong?”

The "Passive Income" Paradox

Passive income is the holy grail of online entrepreneurship. The idea of earning money while you sleep is undeniably alluring. But let's be real, there's no such thing as truly passive income.

I've tried my hand at various passive income schemes, from creating online courses to selling e-books. And while it's certainly possible to generate some revenue this way, it requires a significant upfront investment of time and effort.

The science here is basic economics. Creating a product or service that people are willing to pay for takes work. You need to identify a need, develop a solution, and market it effectively. There's no magic bullet, no matter what the gurus tell you.

The Product Compass by

Paweł Huryn

is an exceptional example of high-quality products that you can tell that Pawel invested incredible amount of time and effort into.

The "Niche Down" Nightmare

The internet gurus love to preach the gospel of niching down. "Find your niche!" they proclaim, "Become the go-to expert on underwater basket weaving for left-handed dentists!" Sounds thrilling, doesn't it?

The problem is, niching down too early can feel like trapping yourself in a tiny, airtight box. What if you get bored with left-handed dentists? What if you discover a burning passion for synchronized swimming with miniature poodles?

The science here is simple: human curiosity. We're wired to explore, to learn, to expand our horizons. Forcing yourself into a narrow niche can stifle your creativity and limit your growth as a writer.

Instead of frantically trying to corner a microscopic market, embrace your diverse interests. Write about what excites you, even if it doesn't fit neatly into a predefined category. You might be surprised at the connections you make and the opportunities that arise.

Unfiltered by

Tim Denning

is your go-to anti-niche Substack.

The "Free Content" Fallacy

"Give away your best content for free!" the experts advise. "Build your audience, establish your authority, and the money will follow!"

While there's some truth to this, it's important to remember that your time and skills are valuable. Don't fall into the trap of giving away everything for free in the hopes of future riches. It's a recipe for burnout and resentment.

The science here is reciprocity. When you give something away for free, people are more likely to feel obligated to give something back in return. But this principle only works if you establish a clear value proposition. Don't undervalue your work.

The "Overnight Success" Illusion

The internet is obsessed with overnight success stories. We see bloggers who launch a website and become millionaires within a year, YouTubers who amass millions of subscribers with a single viral video. These stories are seductive, but they're also incredibly rare.

The truth is, building a successful online writing career takes time, effort, and a healthy dose of perseverance. There will be setbacks, there will be rejections, and there will be moments when you want to throw your laptop out the window.

The science here is delayed gratification. Our brains are wired to seek immediate rewards. But achieving long-term goals requires the ability to delay gratification, to keep working towards a future payoff even when the present is challenging.

Substack Writer’s@Work is an excellent example of the long-term, high quality; keep working towards your future Substack.

The "Fake it Till You Make It" Trap

In the online world, it's tempting to project an image of success, even if you're struggling behind the scenes. But this "fake it till you make it" mentality can be a slippery slope.

The science here is cognitive dissonance. When our actions don't align with our beliefs, we experience a state of psychological discomfort. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even imposter syndrome.

Instead of pretending to be someone you're not, be authentic. Share your struggles, your doubts, and your vulnerabilities. You'll be surprised at how many people connect with your honesty.

The Antidote: In Love With Writing

So, how do you avoid these pitfalls and actually find some measure of success as an online writer? The answer is surprisingly simple: focus on the joy of writing.

Write about topics that excite you, experiment with different styles, and don't be afraid to break the rules. Build genuine connections with other writers and readers. And most importantly, don't let the pursuit of money overshadow your love for the craft.

The science behind this is intrinsic motivation. When we're intrinsically motivated, we engage in activities for the sheer pleasure of doing them. This leads to greater creativity, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

In the words of the great Maya Angelou,

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."

So, go forth and create. The internet may not be paved with gold, but it's a vast and wondrous playground for writers. And who knows, you might even make a few bucks along the way. But if not, at least you'll have fun trying.

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