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<Essential Skills for Aspiring Writers: Four Key Areas of Focus>

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Being a full-time writer doesn't equate to an endless day of writing. When I was younger, I envisioned a life filled with books and creativity, spending my days engrossed in reading and writing. However, upon achieving my dream of becoming a writer, I found the reality starkly different from my idealized vision.

I've come to understand that dedicating all my time to writing is neither feasible nor sustainable, as it can drain my creative energy. Moreover, successful writing requires a set of skills—some of which may seem mundane or even tedious. The four skills I discuss here have been vital in my journey, especially for digital writers in 2022, despite their lack of excitement.

  1. The S-word That Every Creator Dreads

I'm not talking about selling your soul, although it can feel that way at times. The skill in question is “scheduling.” To put it in perspective, while you read this article, over 27,000 unique blog posts will be published online, alongside 7,000 LinkedIn posts and more than 1.5 million tweets.

These statistics highlight the sheer volume of content produced daily, making it crucial to maintain an active presence on social media and publish regularly. However, as a solo creator, it’s unrealistic to spend all your time managing posts.

This is where scheduling becomes a game-changer, helping you stand out from the competition without leading to burnout.

How I Handle the S-word

During moments of inspiration, I can produce a significant amount of content—articles, LinkedIn posts, tweets, and more. Afterward, I utilize Hypefury, my preferred scheduling tool, to space out my posts so that they reach my audience regardless of their time zone.

Initially, scheduling may seem thrilling, but over time, it can become monotonous. Nevertheless, it’s essential; without it, you'll struggle to keep track of various time zones and engagement metrics.

Here are some scheduling tips I’ve learned through experience:

1. Invest in a Quality Scheduler

I rely on Hypefury for scheduling my social media posts across platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. It offers fantastic templates for brainstorming future content and auto-DM features that have been crucial for my business.

2. Spacing Out Your Posts

When scheduling, it’s vital to avoid overwhelming your audience with repetitive content. If you produce multiple posts on the same topic, ensure there’s adequate spacing between them when scheduling.

3. Your Duties Extend Beyond Scheduling

Just because you've scheduled your posts doesn't mean your responsibilities end there. You still need to engage with your audience by responding to comments and tracking your metrics to understand what resonates best with your followers. A scheduling tool can simplify your routine, but it can't replace the unique creativity and personality you bring to your content.

  1. A Time-Consuming Task with Mixed Returns

With over 130,000 followers across various platforms, I receive numerous comments daily. The temptation to ignore notifications and focus solely on creativity is strong, yet it's crucial to remember that your success is tied to the community that supports you.

Engaging with your audience by responding to their comments is vital for nurturing relationships and staying ahead in the competitive landscape. It may feel like a time sink at times, but a single response can have a significant impact.

How I Manage This Task

For instance, a woman consistently commented on my YouTube videos in 2021. I replied to her inquiries, and while she didn’t always respond, her eventual support helped sell my first digital product, thanks to her confidence in my communication.

This example demonstrates that engagement should not just be for algorithmic purposes; it’s about building genuine connections that can yield unexpected benefits.

  1. The Ever-Present Task

Responding to emails was a major part of my previous role as a civil engineer, and I often anticipated the day I could escape that obligation as a full-time writer. However, I've learned that emails remain crucial in my current work.

Even as a successful creator, replying to emails and reaching out to potential clients is essential. While it may be the least exciting part of the job, it's a cornerstone of building your career.

  1. Understanding When to Save and Where to Invest

You've likely heard the saying, “Money breeds money.” While saving is important, knowing where to invest is equally vital for your growth as a creator. This includes investing in tools that enhance productivity and skill development.

For example, purchasing Hypefury significantly improved my Twitter presence, and I’ve spent money on courses and communities that have enhanced my skills and networking opportunities.

Initially hesitant to invest in other creators' products, I eventually recognized the value in their accumulated knowledge, allowing me to learn without starting from scratch.

In summary, if you’re reluctant to invest in resources that foster your growth, you may hinder your own progress. Remember, if you wholeheartedly engage with what you purchase, the returns will be substantial.

Closing Thoughts

Life as a creator involves mastering a variety of skills to keep pace with developments in the creator economy and maintain a competitive edge. To succeed as an online writer, focus on these four essential skills:

  1. Schedule your content effectively to enhance your social media presence.
  2. Engage with every comment you receive.
  3. Actively manage your email correspondence and outreach.
  4. Recognize the importance of saving and strategically investing in your growth.

I’ve created a FREE 5-day course on becoming a highly paid writer. Join now and embark on your journey to financial independence.