Why Your Writing Isn’t Making Money
Avoid these mistakes to get paid
I’ve been where you are - pouring my heart out on the page, feeling excited every time I hit “Publish.” I believed that if I kept writing consistently, success would follow. But when I checked my earnings? Nothing. Not even enough to buy a cup of coffee.
I started doubting myself. “Maybe I’m not good enough,” I thought. I almost gave up. But then I realized:
The problem wasn’t my writing- it was that I didn’t know how to turn my words into income. Passion alone wasn’t enough. I needed a strategy.
Avoid These Mistakes If You Want to Earn
1. You’re Writing for Yourself, Not Your Audience
Let’s be real - we love writing what excites us. But if you’re not solving a problem or answering a burning question for your readers, they won’t stick around.
What I Did: I shifted my focus from “what I want to write” to “what my audience wants to read.” I asked questions, ran polls, and studied comments. The results? More engagement, more shares, and eventually money.
Think of your content as a conversation. What questions are your readers asking? What challenges do they face? Address those pain points, and you’ll see the difference.
2. You’re Giving Too Much Away for Free
Free content is great - it builds trust. But if you’re giving away all your insights without offering a “next step” (like a paid course, coaching, or exclusive content), readers have no reason to pay.
What I Did: I’m building a paid tier where subscribers will get writing templates, audience engagement tips, and behind-the-scenes strategies. Right now, I’m sharing free insights to build trust, and soon, paid subscribers will get exclusive content that adds real value.
I’ve been offering free tips on writing engaging hooks, and I’m working on detailed templates and audience engagement formulas that will be available for paid subscribers. Free content builds trust, and the paid content will deliver actionable solutions.
3. You’re Not Selling - You’re Sharing
I used to think promoting my work felt “salesy.” But I learned that people pay for solutions, not stories. If you’re only sharing your journey and not offering actionable value, you’re leaving money on the table.
What I’m Doing Now: I’ve started including subtle CTAs (calls to action) like “Subscribe for exclusive tips” or “Join my list to be the first to access upcoming templates and strategies.” This way, my audience knows something valuable is on the way.
Frame your CTA as an opportunity, not a sale. Instead of saying, “Buy this course,” try “Unlock exclusive templates to grow your writing income.” It makes a huge difference.
4. You’re Targeting the Wrong Audience
If your readers aren’t interested in buying, it doesn’t matter how good your content is. You need to attract the right people those who see value in what you offer.
What I Did: I niched down. Instead of writing “for everyone who loves writing,” I wrote for aspiring writers who wanted to monetize their skills. The shift was game-changing.
Don’t be afraid to narrow your focus. When you speak directly to a specific audience, your message resonates more, and your chances of converting them into paying subscribers increase.
5. You’re Not Leveraging SEO for Organic Traffic
I used to rely only on my existing audience. But SEO when done right brings readers who are already searching for what you’re offering.
What I Did: I researched keywords like “how to make money writing,” “writing income tips,” and “earn with writing online.” I optimized my blog titles, meta descriptions, and used LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords naturally within my content.
Use long-tail keywords that reflect what your ideal reader is searching for. For example, instead of “writing tips,” use “how to write engaging blog posts that convert.” It’s more specific and drives the right traffic.
6. You’re Not Repurposing Your Content
One mistake I made was creating fresh content for every platform. I was burning out. Then I realized I could repurpose my content across different channels.
What I Did: I turned blog posts into Twitter threads, LinkedIn posts, and Instagram carousels. This way, my content reached a wider audience without extra effort.
Turn your best-performing blog into a carousel on Instagram or a bite-sized Twitter thread. You’ll attract new readers who might convert into subscribers.
7. You’re Not Building an Email List
Social media platforms can change their algorithms anytime. But an email list? That’s yours. If you’re not capturing emails, you’re missing out on a long-term audience.
What I’m Doing Now: I’m in the process of adding a simple opt-in form at the end of my blog posts where readers can subscribe for free tips and updates. I’m also brainstorming ideas for a valuable freebie (like a checklist or template) that I can offer in exchange for email addresses.
If you’re just starting, begin by inviting your readers to join your list for exclusive insights. Later, add a lead magnet that solves a specific problem your audience faces.
Here’s What I’m Working Toward:
I’ve started shifting my focus toward understanding what my audience needs and providing more value. As I build my email list and explore SEO strategies, I’m laying the foundation to turn my writing into a consistent source of income.
I’ve also begun experimenting with repurposing my content across platforms to expand my reach and attract the right audience. The results are promising, and I’m excited about the journey ahead.
Ready to Turn Your Writing Into Income?
If you’re tired of writing for applause and ready to write for impact (and income), take that next step. Subscribe to my Substack and get exclusive access to writing templates, audience engagement ideas, and strategies that convert readers into loyal subscribers.
Free subscribers get insights. Paid subscribers get the blueprint.