The Best Writing Platforms to Grow an Audience in 2024

Summary

In this video, the creator breaks down the best writing platforms to help writers build an audience and generate income. The platforms reviewed include Medium, Substack, NewsBreak, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Quora, each offering unique opportunities depending on the writer's goals. Medium is great for beginners, Substack for those seeking subscription-based income, and NewsBreak for current event writers. Twitter and LinkedIn are ideal for freelancers, while Reddit helps niche writers attract organic traffic. Quora’s monetization features cater to those looking to earn through paid answers. Overall, the video provides valuable insights into choosing the right platform for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medium is ideal for beginners or side hustlers looking to build an audience and earn a few hundred dollars a month, but it’s unlikely to make you rich.
• 😀 Substack offers a more consistent way to earn by building a direct connection with readers via email newsletters, but it requires a large email list or paid subscriptions to earn significant income.
• 😀 NewsBreak is a niche platform with a great earnings-to-effort ratio, especially for writing about current US news, but it has a lengthy application process.
• 😀 Twitter has immense traffic potential, especially for niches like productivity, finance, and video games, making it an excellent platform for freelancers and copywriters.
• 😀 LinkedIn is crucial for freelancers and ghostwriters, with its 2 billion monthly visitors and high traffic potential for building a business.
• 😀 Reddit is an underrated platform for building an audience in niche topics, offering organic traffic but not housing your writing directly.
• 😀 Quora is a valuable platform for understanding what topics and hooks resonate with readers, and it now offers new ways to monetize answers through paywalls and spaces.
• 😀 Writers can utilize multiple income streams to support a full-time writing career, with platforms like Medium and Substack offering a way to get started, though not necessarily to make a fortune.
• 😀 Twitter and LinkedIn cater to professional writers and freelancers, offering platforms to promote services, sell products, and expand their networks.
• 😀 Understanding the strengths and limitations of each platform, such as the traffic they generate and the monetization options available, helps writers choose the best platform for their goals.

Q & A

What is the best platform for beginners looking to start writing and building an audience?

Medium is considered the best platform for beginners, side hustlers, or anyone looking to get started as a writer. It allows you to write, build an audience, and earn a few hundred dollars a month through its Partner Program.

Can writers earn a substantial income on Medium?

While Medium can be a good place to start and develop as a writer, it's unlikely that you'll get rich. The top earners on Medium make a few thousand dollars a month, but they often use multiple income streams to generate full-time income.

How does Substack differ from Medium in terms of content delivery?

Substack is a newsletter-based platform where your content is delivered directly to your subscribers' inboxes. This allows for more consistent views, as readers receive posts via email, bypassing the need for an algorithm.

What is the biggest drawback of using Substack for monetization?

Substack does not have a built-in revenue-sharing program, meaning that writers need to sell products, services, affiliate links, or convert paid subscribers to earn money. It’s not ideal for those looking to earn quickly without an existing large audience.

How does Newsbreak compare to other platforms in terms of monetization?

Newsbreak offers one of the best earnings-to-effort ratios, making it a lucrative option, especially for writers focused on U.S. news. It encourages the use of AI, which can help save time and boost productivity.

What are the primary monetization methods available on Twitter?

Writers on Twitter can monetize their content by selling products, services, promoting affiliate links, or using Twitter's revenue-sharing program. It's particularly beneficial for niches like productivity, finance, and video games.

Is LinkedIn an effective platform for freelance writers?

Yes, LinkedIn is a powerful platform for freelancers, copywriters, and ghostwriters. It offers access to a vast audience (2 billion monthly visitors) and is ideal for business-related content and professional networking.

Why is Reddit considered an ‘underground’ writing platform?

Reddit is considered an underground writing platform because it's not primarily designed for building an audience. However, it has a highly engaged community, making it ideal for niche topics and attracting readers via organic search.

How can writers use Quora to grow their audience?

Quora is a question-and-answer platform where writers can gain visibility by answering popular questions. Recently, Quora has introduced monetization features, allowing writers to put answers behind paywalls or create spaces for paid content.

What should writers consider when choosing the right platform for their goals?

Writers should choose the platform that aligns with their goals. For instance, Medium is great for beginners, Substack is ideal for newsletter-focused creators, and Twitter or LinkedIn are better for freelancers and professionals. Understanding how each platform works and what type of audience it attracts will help writers make an informed choice.