Originally published on LeonardDavidRaymundo.Wordpress.com
Like nearly every other facet of the world, writing is something that has been changed by technology in the last few decades. What was once a form of print media manifested through typewriters has since become an entire business of freelancers and employees working to drive their writing to the public eye through computers, smartphones, and tablets. That being said, the skills necessary in order to find success as a writer in today’s digital world have been quite altered.
Branding, marketing, and advertising are fields that require exquisite writing more than most, and are a few aspects of the actual content that writers need to take into consideration. Digital writing today encompasses an array of styles that cover literally every piece of written content on the internet. While writing is (obviously) the most important part of the job, aspiring writers and professionals must do much more than just constructing engaging content.
First, and perhaps the most obvious, writers must develop a habit of writing no matter the setting. Waiting for inspiration to strike rather than just letting your thoughts pour out onto a page is just wasting time. Of course, better content calls for a better source of inspiration, but in order to develop the most basic skills, you should be writing as often as possible.
As previously mentioned, branding is now an enormous part of digital writing. People are interested in who you are and what you write about now more than ever. Because of this, building an audience is key. If your work isn’t seen by anyone, it will never gain traction. Create a following and establish yourself as a professional in the field you write about. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and even Instagram can be valuable tools for writers who wish to grow their audiences. Once you’ve created a brand that people remain loyal to, more eyes will be exposed to your work.
Patience is key. It is rare that your work will become an overnight sensation. Keeping that in mind, remember that individuals buy either what they want, or what they need. No matter how great your content is, if it doesn’t fall under either of those categories, it will be ignored. Start writing outside the box. Focus on topics that cover a wider range of people. For example, writing about how aspiring entrepreneurs can find success will reach a much larger audience than something on the greatest poets to ever come from France.
Lastly, be confident. Never be afraid to share your work with the harshly critiquing internet. Publishing a piece of yours to the public is the best way to grow, as you’ll learn what people like, and what people may despise. The level of vulnerability that comes with this allows you to see your work in a different light. The fear of judgment forces you to look much closer at your writing than ever before, possibly helping you catch simple mistakes that fell through the cracks. Confidently share your writing with the real world and allow the public to watch your growth as a writer.
