WRITER’S JOURNEY
I’ve identified nine critical mistakes that were holding me back from becoming the writer I aspire to be.
Writing has always been a part of who I am. Reflecting on the past year, I realize that I penned over 100 articles in 2023, yet astonishingly, more than 80% of those garnered a mere ten views or fewer.
This statistic isn’t just a number – it’s a stark reminder of the disconnect between my efforts and the impact I hoped to achieve.
As writers, our primary aim is to disseminate our ideas and knowledge, to reach an audience that finds value in our words.
The realization that I wasn’t reaching my readers as effectively as I wanted was both saddening and exhausting.
In confronting this reality, I aimed to refine my craft and better connect with my audience.
Through this process, I’ve identified nine critical mistakes that were holding me back from becoming the writer I aspire to be.
As I share these insights, I hope you’ll join me in transforming our writing endeavors.
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Audience
One of the fundamental errors I realised was writing without a clear understanding of who my audience is. “Who am I writing for?” I often asked myself during my reflections.
Without knowing who the readers are, what they like, or what information they seek, my articles often missed the mark.
Moving forward, I’ve learned the importance of tailoring my content to the interests, needs, and preferences of my target audience, ensuring that each piece resonates and engages.
Mistake 2: Skimping on Research
Initially, I prided myself on speed – how quickly I could churn out an article.
However, this often came at the expense of depth and accuracy. “Am I providing real value?” I would wonder, as I hastily wrapped up another piece.
I’ve come to realize that thorough research not only enhances the quality of the content but also builds credibility with my readers.
Investing time in research is non-negotiable for producing informative and reliable content.
Mistake 3: Overlooking SEO
In today’s digital age, understanding and implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial.
I used to write purely from a creative perspective, neglecting how search engines understand and prioritize content. “Why aren’t people finding my articles?” I frequently pondered, unaware that I was invisible to search engines.
Learning about keywords, meta descriptions, and how to structure content for SEO has become a cornerstone of my writing process, helping my articles gain the visibility they deserve.
Mistake 4: Neglecting the Power of Editing
I confess, I was often so eager to hit ‘publish’ that I bypassed rigorous editing. “Is this really my best work?” I’d reluctantly think, knowing deep down I could improve it.
Editing is not just about correcting grammar or spelling; it’s about refining thoughts, strengthening arguments, and enhancing clarity.
Now, I dedicate ample time to revise and polish each article, recognizing that great writing is as much about revision as it is about creation.
Mistake 5: Failing to Engage with the Community
Writing is not a one-way street.
Initially, I neglected the social aspect of writing online – engaging with readers and other writers. “Why am I feeling so isolated?” I often lamented, not realizing that I wasn’t participating in the community.
Engaging in conversations, responding to comments, and connecting with others in the field are practices I now embrace enthusiastically.
These interactions enrich my understanding and expand my reach.
Mistake 6: Inconsistent Publishing
My publishing schedule was erratic at best.
There were bursts of activity followed by periods of silence. “How can I expect to build a following?” I questioned, seeing the effects of my inconsistency.
Establishing and sticking to a regular publishing schedule ensures that readers know when to expect new content, fostering a loyal and engaged audience.
Mistake 7: Not Diversifying Content Formats
I stuck rigidly to traditional article formats, missing out on the diverse ways people consume content. “Could I be more creative in my presentation?” I wondered, exploring different content types.
Now, I experiment with videos, infographics, and images, adapting my message to suit various preferences and platforms, thus reaching a broader audience.
Mistake 8: Underestimating the Title’s Impact
The importance of an article’s title cannot be overstated.
Initially, my titles were often vague or uninspiring. “Why isn’t this attracting more attention?” I would brood, not realizing the title’s potential to pull readers in.
Crafting compelling, clear, and curiosity-provoking titles is now a priority for me, as it significantly influences whether someone decides to read the piece.
Mistake 9: Ignoring Feedback
Earlier on, I viewed feedback as a personal critique rather than an opportunity to improve.
“Are they just being critical?” I defensively pondered, missing the constructive elements.
Now, I actively seek out and embrace feedback, understanding that it is vital for growth and improvement.
Moving Forward
Avoiding these 9 mistakes have improved the quality of my writing multiple times.
I managed to get better engagement, audience and certainly the earnings.
Thanks to the continuous encouragement and tips I learned from this Medium community.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 