Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash. Composition by me.

The first thing anyone will tell you about finding success writing online is that it’s all about finding the right niche. Now, you might be inclined to pick a hobby you have a deep-seated interest in or a subject of which you have some authority. That is a mistake. What you should be asking is:

Is it in demand? Can you drive traffic to it? Will you be able pump out post after post with minimal effort?

There are many topics that could fit these criteria — like cryptocurrency, productivity hacks, and which celebrities are cancelled — but I’m writing to tell you about one category of posts that’s always popular: how to make money through writing.

A generation raised to follow their dreams has now come of age in the financial uncertainty of the gig economy.

Many of them are looking for ways to escape their dead-end jobs through the written word, hoping someone will find value in their unfiltered thoughts and advice. This cohort of people represents the ideal target audience for modern marketers — those susceptible to false hope and empty promises.

Meanwhile, research has shown the fastest growing market online are writers looking for advice from other writers. This expanding audience means more possibilities for content and more clicks. The motto for your readers needs to be A.B.C.

A. — Always

B. — Be

C. — Clicking

You want to be able to produce easy to digest content. Actually, scratch that, digestion takes too much time. Your posts should be a shot of heroin that burns out fast and leads them itching for more.

Everything you write needs to be big on bullet-points and low on substance.

And what better avenue for that than combining the ephemeral and inherently subjective art of writing with the vague entrepreneurial advice that is the side hustle? It practically writes itself.

Not to mention, desperate people are more willing to spend their money on products, software, and courses if it promises them they’ll succeed. This means more opportunities for affiliate links, sponsorships, and thinly veiled exploitation.

How can I tell people how to be successful if I’m not successful?

That’s easy. All you have to do is:

1. Project confidence.

Never express any doubt or uncertainty, even if you don’t know what you’re talking about.

2. Put your best foot forward.

By formatting your articles in a recognizable and aesthetically-pleasing way, it will give whatever you say some legitimacy in the eyes of readers.

3. Steal advice from other people.

Ideas are free. Take some of the age-old wisdom of figures like Tim Ferris and repeat them uncritically.

What if what I tell readers doesn’t produce results?

That is not a problem, as this system can only result in two scenarios — success or failure. If your readers use your advice and later become successful then congratulations, the system works, while if they fail they’ll rightfully blame themselves for not trying hard enough.

It’s win-win. Well, it is for you at least.

When can I start?

Immediately! All you have to do is open up your blogging platform of choice and start writing. Don’t stop for things like proofreading or cease and desists. Just keep producing that content and the money will start flowing. Or it won’t. To find out more stay tuned and click on my next article, and the next one, and the next one.