In a world obsessed with entrepreneurship, starting a business is often seen as the ultimate path to success. But what if there’s a simpler, more accessible way to build influence, create opportunities, and even generate income—without the headaches of managing a business? The answer lies in writing online. Whether it’s through a blog, social media, or platforms like Medium or Substack, writing online can be a powerful way to share your ideas, connect with like-minded people, and build a personal brand. Here’s why you should consider quietly starting to write online instead of jumping into a business, and how to get started.
Why Writing Online is a Better Starting Point
1. Low Barrier to Entry
Starting a business often requires significant upfront investment—money, time, and resources. Writing online, on the other hand, costs almost nothing. All you need is a laptop, an internet connection, and something to say.
Example: James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, started by writing articles on his blog. Over time, his writing gained traction, and he built a massive audience without spending a fortune on marketing or infrastructure.
2. Builds a Personal Brand
When you write online, you’re not just sharing ideas—you’re building a personal brand. People start to recognize your name, trust your voice, and value your perspective. This can open doors to opportunities like speaking engagements, consulting gigs, or even book deals.
Example: Tim Ferriss started by writing about productivity and lifestyle design on his blog. His writing eventually led to the publication of The 4-Hour Workweek, which catapulted him to global fame.
3. Creates a Feedback Loop
Writing online allows you to test your ideas in real-time. You can see what resonates with your audience, refine your message, and improve your communication skills. This feedback loop is invaluable for personal and professional growth.
Example: Seth Godin, one of the most influential marketers in the world, has been blogging daily for years. His consistent writing has helped him refine his ideas and build a loyal following.
4. Generates Passive Income
While writing online may not make you rich overnight, it can create multiple streams of passive income. From ad revenue and affiliate marketing to selling digital products or courses, the possibilities are endless.
Example: Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income started by writing about his experiences with online business. Today, he earns a significant income through his blog, podcast, and online courses.
5. No Need for a Team
Running a business often requires hiring employees, managing teams, and dealing with operational challenges. Writing online is a solo endeavor. You can do it at your own pace, on your own terms, without the complexities of managing people.
Example: Maria Popova, the creator of Brain Pickings, has been writing and curating content on her blog for over a decade—all by herself. Her work has reached millions of readers worldwide.
How to Get Started with Writing Online
1. Choose Your Niche
The first step is to decide what you want to write about. Your niche should align with your interests, expertise, and the needs of your target audience. It could be anything from personal finance and fitness to travel and technology.
Tip: Don’t overthink it. Start with something you’re passionate about, and let your niche evolve over time.
2. Pick a Platform
There are countless platforms where you can start writing online. Here are a few popular options:
- Blogging: Start your own blog using platforms like WordPress or Squarespace.
- Social Media: Share your thoughts on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
- Publishing Platforms: Use Medium or Substack to reach a built-in audience.
- Video Content: If you’re comfortable on camera, consider starting a YouTube channel.
Example: David Perell, a writer and entrepreneur, started by writing on Medium. His essays on creativity and education gained widespread attention, helping him build a strong personal brand.
3. Create Consistent Content
Consistency is key when it comes to writing online. Whether it’s once a week or once a day, set a schedule and stick to it. The more you write, the better you’ll get, and the more your audience will grow.
Tip: Batch your content creation. Write multiple pieces in one sitting and schedule them to publish over time.
4. Engage with Your Audience
Writing online isn’t just about publishing content—it’s about building relationships. Respond to comments, answer questions, and engage with your readers. This will help you build a loyal community around your work.
Example: Ryan Holiday, author of The Daily Stoic, actively engages with his readers on social media and through his newsletter, creating a strong sense of connection.
5. Monetize Your Writing
Once you’ve built an audience, you can start monetizing your writing. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale.
- Sponsored Content: Partner with brands to create sponsored posts or articles.
- Digital Products: Sell e-books, courses, or templates based on your expertise.
- Membership Programs: Offer exclusive content or community access for a fee.
Example: Joanna Wiebe, a copywriting expert, started by writing about marketing on her blog. She now sells high-ticket courses and consulting services to her audience.
Real-Life Examples of People Who Started by Writing Online
1. Mark Manson
Mark Manson started by writing articles on his blog about personal development and relationships. His raw, unfiltered style resonated with readers, and his blog eventually led to the publication of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*, a #1 New York Times bestseller.
2. Nat Eliason
Nat Eliason began writing about productivity, business, and self-improvement on his blog. His writing gained traction, and he now runs a successful online business, selling courses and digital products to his audience.
3. Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Anne-Laure Le Cunff started writing about neuroscience, creativity, and productivity on her blog, Ness Labs. Her thoughtful essays and insights have helped her build a thriving community and launch a membership program.
Why Writing Online is a Stepping Stone to Bigger Things
Writing online isn’t just about sharing your thoughts—it’s about creating opportunities. Here’s how it can lead to bigger things:
- Networking: Your writing can attract the attention of industry leaders, potential collaborators, or even investors.
- Skill Development: Writing improves your communication, critical thinking, and storytelling skills—all of which are valuable in any career.
- Business Ideas: As you write and engage with your audience, you’ll uncover pain points and opportunities that could inspire a future business.
Example: Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator, started by writing essays about startups and technology. His writing not only established him as a thought leader but also helped shape the vision for Y Combinator.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business is glamorized, but it’s not the only path to success. Writing online is a quieter, more accessible way to build influence, create opportunities, and even generate income. It allows you to share your ideas, connect with others, and grow personally and professionally—all without the risks and complexities of running a business.
So, don’t rush into starting a business. Instead, pick up your pen (or keyboard) and start writing. Share your thoughts, tell your stories, and see where it takes you. You might be surprised at the doors it opens and the impact it creates. After all, the world needs more voices, more ideas, and more stories. Why not let yours be one of them?