Tag: Authors

Turning Pages to Dollars: My 2024 Plan to Earn Through Writing

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Things about to change in 2024.

Beginning of the Journey – 2024

In the world of digital writing, my exploration commenced in 2016, turning ideas into blog posts.

The pure joy of expression was all I sought until an endeavor led me to bundle some posts into an eBook.

Transition to Monetization:

The real game-changer unfolded in September 2023 when I embraced the Medium Partner Program (MPP).

This transition wasn’t just about making money, but aligning my love for writing with a sustainable model.

The question, “Why not turn a hobby into an income source?” steered me towards Medium, a haven where quality content finds its value.

The stories of others earning through writing, were the breezes that fueled my sails.

The first month with MPP marked a tiny victory – it paid for its own monthly subscription.

Eyeing 2024 with Clear Goals:

As I cast my eyes towards 2024, I’ve mapped out clear goals.

The plan is straightforward: write almost every day and aim to rally 300 new followers each month.

The anticipation is to create a ripple with my words across the online realm, fostering more engagement and, hopefully, a steady flow of income.

Medium: A Platform and a Mentor:

To me, Medium transcends a mere platform – it’s a realm of learning.

The wisdom shared by fellow writers shines as guiding stars in my voyage.

Every article I devour, every piece of feedback I receive, sharpens my writing blade. The goal might not echo grandiosity, but it resonates with ambition and a zest for learning.

2024: Merging Passion with Earning:

The dawn of 2024 isn’t just a flip of the calendar; it’s a chapter where I yearn to intertwine the joy of writing with the thrill of earning.

It’s about unveiling the inherent value in my passion for writing and sharing this treasure with a broader audience.

Braving the Digital Seas:

The realm of online writing may pose as a labyrinth, but armed with a clear blueprint, a resolute heart, and the camaraderie from my Medium comrades, the excitement for the journey ahead burgeons.

It’s a narrative of growth, both personal and financial, one article at a time.

This tale isn’t about merely dreaming, but about the audacity to morph those dreams into reality, one word at a time.

Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash

Summary: My 2024 Action Plan:

  • Engage in daily writing to hone skill and generate consistent content.
  • Aim for a monthly follower growth of 300 on Medium to build a robust reader base.
  • Immerse in the Medium community, learning from others to refine my writing and monetization strategies.
  • Measure monthly earnings and engagement to track progress towards financial goals.
  • Explore and experiment with different writing styles and topics to keep the content engaging and to attract a diverse readership.
  • Continue the quest of blending passion with earning, one article, one follower, and one day at a time, steering through the digital waves towards a self-sustaining writing career.

Check out Mazlan Abbas’s Blog for my Entrepreneurship journey.

My Most Important Milestone in Medium — How I Planned to Earn $100K with My First Dollar

Medium Writing Experience

You can learn this too!

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Earning my first dollar in Medium is like winning a giant lottery.

People said the first dollar is the first step towards the next $100 or next $100K or next $1 Million.

In reality, not one dollar but actually $6.35 in October 2023!

As you can see, I have only once reached one dollar. But on Sept 23, 2023, I joined the Medium Partner Program and got seriously in writing.

Before this date, things had stayed the same for many years.

I have never considered earning anything from my writing since I joined Medium in December 2015.

I enjoyed writing my usual casual write-ups about technology, and most of the time, I will republish my articles from one of my technical blogs called IoT World.

The first six months when I first joined Medium (2015–2016)
Things have not changed much after several years into 2023

However, in early 2023, I noticed a sudden surge of Generative AI articles about ChatGPT and Midjourney, but as a non-paid Medium Partner, I can’t read most of the articles.

Paid or Free Medium User?

That’s when I wondered — should I become a Medium Partner Program and be able to read all the best writings, tips, and tutorials from these writers?

I kept asking myself whether paying that $5 monthly subscription was worth it.

But the catchy titles of the articles always intrigued me, and I decided to find out by joining the Partner Program on Sept 23, 2023.

But with one condition — it should pay by itself!

And how do we achieve this? I decided that while reading, I should also start writing on my own and ensure the earnings I received will be able to pay by itself.

Slow Progress but It’s a Big Milestone

As of today, Oct 24, 2023, it has been one month and voila! I managed to earn more than the subscription, i.e., $6.35!

I may need to celebrate this as my first achievement. But then, I also need to know exactly what I have done right.

I have to refer back to the articles which have attracted the most. Significantly, the first top three earner articles.

The Top 3 articles

View at Medium.comView at Medium.comView at Medium.com

Study the Stats

However, I still couldn’t figure out why — the number of claps received doesn’t correlate much.

But I have my assumptions about what I do differently that translate to this.

  • I have consistently written almost every day. Sometimes twice a day.
  • Continuous engagement with other readers — giving claps or responding to or highlighting their articles
  • Increased the number of subscribers on my Medium mailing list.
  • Write articles with shorter sentences
  • Give catchy titles (although I need to become more familiar with SEO).

What I will Do Differently

What I will do more in the future will be to write longer articles. Currently, most of my pieces are about 2–3 minutes of reading time, which is too short to gain any monetisation since Medium needs more than 3 seconds of reading time.

View at Medium.comView at Medium.com

This blog article serves as a reminder to me in the future about what I do in Medium, and within 6 to 12 months, I can see an enormous difference and improvement.

Till then, I wish to learn more from fellow writers. Thanks for your inspiration and tips!

When Creativity Takes a Backseat: Recognizing and Embracing the Dry Spells

How do we solve the dry spells of writing?

Photo by Matt Palmer on Unsplash

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a mental rut, feeling like no matter how hard you crank the gears of your brain, the bright, shiny ideas just won’t come pouring out as they used to?

It happens to the best of us. Sometimes, our tried-and-true marketing strategies just don’t hit the mark, leaving us feeling lost and, let’s be honest, a little frustrated.

The Creative Drought

There you are, stuck in the uncomfortable and dry spell where the once fruitful tree of creativity now bears no fruit. Even after changing up your game – tweaking prices, overhauling strategies, trying out new marketing platforms, refining your brand message, shifting your target audience focus, or rolling out new products – the desired growth remains a distant, teasing mirage.

The Art of Stepping Back

So, what’s a person to do when caught in this sandy desert of stagnation?

Well, the answer might be simpler than you think: maybe it’s time to step away, breathe, and allow yourself the luxury of decompression to regain that invaluable perspective.

Speaking from experience, there’s a peculiar kind of magic found in taking a break.

For me, it’s the gentle, therapeutic laps of waves against the shore during a beach walk, the nostalgic and comforting click of a camera capturing a fleeting moment, or even the simple joy of getting lost in a film’s narrative.

These moments of peace and engagement with the world outside of work help me reset, providing a canvas for new ideas to eventually, and unexpectedly, begin to paint themselves.

Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

Partial Disconnect in a Digital World

Now, I won’t tell tall tales about completely cutting off from the bustling digital world – we all know it’s nearly impossible and, between you and me, not entirely desirable.

Like most, I cherish the connection and convenience offered by my beloved apps. Yet, a selective, conscious disengagement can work wonders for a weary mind.

Not a Cure but a Catalyst

But does strolling into the sunset with your thoughts invariably lead to a dawn of groundbreaking ideas?

Not always. Nonetheless, these quiet moments often whisper insightful solutions and fresh perspectives into willing ears, gently nudging the wheels of innovation back into motion.

Conclusion: What’s Your Recharge Ritual?

Your turn, dear reader. In times when the muse of creativity decides to take an unannounced vacation, how do you coax her back?

What rituals, activities, or secret sauces have you discovered that help replenish your well of ideas?

Everyone’s journey through the barren lands of creativity is unique, so let’s share and navigate these inevitable, mysterious dry spells with collective wisdom and support.

The Things I Tried to Monetise My Blog

Photo by Thomas Franke on Unsplash

Are you wondering what’s wrong with your Blog when it does not monetize as you envisioned?

That’s what happened to me.

In the early stages of my blog, I am not that serious about monetizing.

Later, I said to myself, why not have a try?

But as much as I tried, I only managed less than a dollar for September and still less than a dollar in October.

Some might say it’s too early for me to get any results.

However, I have been blogging for several years.

This is what I have done for the past years till today:

  • Producing articles specializing in niche topics within the Internet of Things (IoT) realm. These articles will delve deep into specific areas of IoT, offering readers unique insights and detailed analysis on various subjects, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge in this field.
  • Sharing personal narratives of my entrepreneurial journey. Through these stories, I aim to recount the experiences, challenges, and triumphs I achieved while navigating the world of entrepreneurship. These tales will document my personal and professional growth and provide readers with valuable lessons learned along the way.
  • Republishing select articles originally posted on two of my blogs, Mazlan Abbas and IoT World. These reposts will reintroduce valuable content to new readers while crediting and acknowledging the sources.
  • Crafting articles with the exclusive assistance of ChatGPT, where 100% of the content will be generated through this advanced language model. This approach ensures the creation of high-quality, coherent, and engaging pieces that efficiently meet the writing demands of the digital age.
  • Generating articles where only 20% of the content is assisted by ChatGPT. In these pieces, the bulk of the content (80%) will be my original work, with ChatGPT serving as a supportive tool to enhance the quality of writing, refine language use, and ensure the clarity of ideas presented.
  • Writing articles that are purely my work without any external assistance. These pieces will reflect my voice, style, and perspective, offering readers content that is authentically mine.
  • Actively engaging with the reader community through meaningful interactions. Engaging with others allows for exchanging ideas, feedback, and constructive criticism, fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for all participants.
  • Participating in the discourse by commenting on blogs written by other authors. By doing so, I aim to contribute to the ongoing conversation within the blogging community, acknowledge fellow writers’ work, and cultivate professional relationships and networks within the industry.
  • Becoming a member of the Partner Program is a testament to my commitment to actively contribute to and participate in the broader blogging community. Joining this program opens up opportunities for collaboration, networking, and potentially earning revenue, further supporting my writing endeavors.

What more can be done?

There are a couple of things that I need to try and later revisit whether this thing works or not:

  1. Endeavor to craft articles more substantially than the current pieces, which generally take readers approximately 2 to 3 minutes to peruse. By developing longer articles, there’s an opportunity to delve deeper into topics, provide more comprehensive insights, and offer a richer reading experience to the audience.

Adopt a writing style characterized by concise, shorter sentences for your articles. Short, clear sentences enhance the readability and accessibility of your content, making it easier for readers to grasp the main points quickly and efficiently. This approach caters to a broad audience, including individuals who may be reading in a hurry or those who are non-native speakers of the language.

Share an increased number of personal journey stories that have the potential to resonate with a diverse readership. Engage the audience with relatable experiences, challenges overcome, and valuable life lessons gleaned from your own adventures and misadventures. Stories that echo the struggles and triumphs of others not only foster a deeper connection with readers but also provide encouragement and inspiration to those navigating similar paths.

Commit to maintaining a consistent schedule of publishing articles on a daily basis. Consistent daily articles will not only help in establishing a regular readership but also ensure that your audience remains engaged and connected with your content. This steady stream of fresh, new content is likely to attract and retain more readers over time, fostering a vibrant and interactive online community around your work.

All is not lost

However, after more than two weeks of joining the partner program and my constant engagement with other writers, I can see some growth in the number of followers, as shown below.

A total of 67 new followers is a positive sign that at least my effort didn’t go to waste.

Just asking … anything else I should do?

Please leave your comments below. Thanks!

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View at Medium.com

10 Killer Topics That Makes a Blog Go Viral

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Some topics shine brighter than others.

While the formula for creating a viral blog post isn’t an exact science, certain subjects consistently attract higher readership and engagement.

If you’re looking to maximize your reach and influence as a writer, it’s worth exploring these trending topics.

1. How-To Guides

People love practical advice.

How-to guides, whether it’s about cooking, home improvement, or coding, tend to perform exceptionally well.

Readers seek actionable steps to solve problems or learn new skills, making this genre a staple for high readership.

2. Making Money Online

In an increasingly digital world, the allure of earning income online has never been stronger.

Blogs that offer insights into various online income streams, like freelancing, e-commerce, or investing, capture significant attention.

3. Social Media Growth Hacks

With social media being a vital part of our lives, readers are eager to discover strategies for growing their online presence.

Blogs sharing tips and tricks on gaining followers, increasing engagement, and mastering different platforms tend to go viral.

4. Monetizing Medium Articles

Medium has become a platform of interest for writers and readers alike.

Articles that reveal ways to monetize your content on Medium, from joining the Partner Program to exploring paid newsletters, are hot topics.

5. Pitching to Investors and VCs

Entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts are always on the lookout for advice on securing investment.

Blogs offering insights into crafting a compelling pitch deck or navigating the world of venture capital gain significant traction.

6. Startup Success Stories

Everyone loves a success story.

Blogs that delve into the journeys of startups that transformed into unicorns capture readers’ imaginations, offering inspiration and valuable lessons.

7. Avoiding Startup Mistakes

On the flip side, cautionary tales about startup failures and the mistakes to avoid resonate with those looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

People appreciate the opportunity to learn from others’ missteps.

8. Marketing Strategies

Marketing is a perennially hot topic.

Readers crave insights into the latest digital marketing trends, SEO strategies, content marketing tips, and more.

9. Fast-Track to Wealth

While it’s important to approach this topic responsibly, blogs discussing strategies for financial success, like investing, saving, or entrepreneurship, tend to draw attention.

10. Personal Development

People are always striving to improve themselves.

Blogs on personal development, covering topics such as productivity, mindfulness, and self-improvement, maintain a consistent readership.

Now, back to your question: Am I a similar kind of writer?

Well, I’m here to provide information and insights on a wide range of topics, including those that garner high readership.

Whether it’s crafting a compelling pitch or understanding marketing strategies, I’m here to help.

However, remember that while trending topics can boost readership, writing authentically about what you’re passionate about will always resonate best with your audience.

So, explore these trends, but also stay true to your unique voice and expertise as a writer. Happy blogging!

Check out my latest eBook on “Startup Survival”.

https://mazlanabbas.gumroad.com/l/startupsurvival