How To Start Writing Online In 2025 (FULL Masterclass)

Start Writing Online in 2025

Introduction to Daily Writing Habits

• The session begins with an enthusiastic welcome, emphasizing the goal of starting a daily writing habit before the end of the year.

• Participants are asked if they currently have a daily writing habit, with options for responses indicating their current status.

• The importance of having a clear goal for writing online is highlighted, whether it’s building a network, audience, or generating income.

Goals and Motivations for Writing

• Various motivations for writing online are discussed: connecting with others, building an audience for personal products or services, and making money from writing.

• The suggested path to success involves first building a network, then an audience, and finally monetizing that audience.

Actionable Steps to Build Writing Habits

• A commitment to providing actionable advice rather than generic motivational content is established.

• Three main topics will be covered:

• Building a daily writing habit

• Identifying where to write in 2025

• Generating high-quality content ideas using a simple framework.

Importance of Publishing Platforms

• Emphasis on the significance of choosing the right platform for publishing work; this choice can impact visibility and engagement significantly.

Framework for Content Idea Generation

• A promise to share an effective framework that simplifies generating content ideas across various niches will be presented later in the session.

Introduction of Speakers

Background of Cole

• Cole introduces himself as a former ad agency copywriter who transitioned into becoming one of the most read writers online over six years.

• He shares his journey from struggling with minimum wage jobs related to his fiction degree to achieving significant readership and influence on multiple platforms.

Achievements and Mission

• Cole has generated over a billion views on his content and authored ten books. His work has helped many aspiring writers enter the field successfully.

• He expresses his mission to help one million people make a living through online writing by providing valuable resources and programs.

Introduction of Dicky Bush

The Transformative Power of Writing on the Internet

Journey from Hedge Fund Trader to Writer

• The speaker reflects on their initial career as a hedge fund trader at BlackRock, which they believed would be their dream job.

• After one year in the role, they realized it was not fulfilling and began plotting an escape to explore new opportunities without immediate risk.

• They started a weekly newsletter for 52 weeks and began writing on Twitter (now X), marking the beginning of their online writing journey.

• This led to connections with influential figures and opportunities such as ghostwriting for successful copywriters, ultimately leading to the creation of Ship 30.

• The speaker attributes all positive developments in their life over five years to the habit of daily writing.

Benefits of Daily Writing

• Writing every day has been transformative for both the speaker and Cole, emphasizing that sharing ideas publicly can lead to significant personal growth.

• A common saying is highlighted: "It doesn't work for them until it works for them," illustrating how many people doubt its effectiveness until they experience success themselves.

• Daily writing clarifies thinking; if you can't articulate an idea clearly, it indicates a lack of understanding.

• It fosters connections with like-minded individuals globally, exemplified by long-distance partnerships formed through shared interests in writing.

• Building a library of content online increases visibility and attracts more opportunities due to a broader digital footprint.

Unlocking Opportunities Through Writing

• Regular writing can unlock new revenue streams by expanding reach beyond traditional limits; ideas can spread widely across the internet.

• The concept of leveraging written content is likened to having an "army of robots" working continuously to promote one's ideas globally.

• The transition from internal newsletters with limited audiences at BlackRock to reaching millions illustrates the power of public writing platforms.

• Text is identified as an easily consumable format compared to video or audio, making it effective for widespread communication.

Monetizing Writing in the Digital Age

Diverse Avenues for Monetization

• There are numerous ways to monetize writing today, including subscriptions, digital products, paid newsletters, software as a service (SaaS), and self-publishing books without needing an agent.

• The notion that one cannot make a living as a writer is fundamentally rejected; there are countless methods to earn income through writing by acquiring necessary skills.

Authority Through Writing

• Individuals with established audiences find it easier to attract clients and launch new products compared to those without such visibility.

• Notable figures like Warren Buffett and Peter Thiel consistently publish their ideas, enhancing their authority in their respective fields.

• The act of writing allows these successful individuals to gain more recognition than their accomplishments alone would provide.

Building a Content Library

• Writing creates a lasting library of content that can be repurposed over time; past articles can transform into various formats like videos or book introductions.

• Writers should view each piece of content as an asset that can generate future value rather than just a one-time publication.

Energy Storage in Writing

• Writing enables individuals to store creative energy for future use; efforts put into creating content today can yield returns later when repurposed.

• Investing time in building a library of written work is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term benefits from one's ideas.

The Importance of Making Time for Writing

Finding Your Sacred Hours

• Writers must not seek out time but instead create and protect dedicated writing hours amidst daily distractions.

• Common distractions include household chores and personal obligations that often prevent writers from finding time naturally.

Protecting Your Time

The Importance of Writing and Finding Your Sacred Hours

The Role of Writing in Communication

• Writing is a foundational skill that enhances clarity and effectiveness in communication, aiding in selling, teaching, and marketing.

• Having pre-written ideas allows for more articulate responses during discussions or interviews, showcasing the value of writing in thought clarification.

• Daily writing helps distill ideas necessary for creating videos, podcasts, or marketing strategies.

Understanding Sacred Hours

• "Sacred hours" refer to the overlap between personal productivity peaks and times when one can be least responsive to distractions.

• These hours are flexible and may change over time due to life responsibilities; identifying them is crucial for effective writing.

• Without recognizing sacred hours, writing tasks may continually be postponed until late at night when energy levels are low.

Actionable Steps for Commitment

• To ensure commitment to writing, schedule a calendar invite as a meeting with oneself; this creates accountability.

• Success hinges on maintaining this commitment rather than solely relying on various writing strategies or hacks.

• Protecting your scheduled time is essential before filling it with knowledge or techniques; canceling on oneself undermines progress.

Establishing a Writing Routine

• Identify a specific 90-minute block each day dedicated to writing; consistency fosters identity as a writer.

• Morning routines can enhance productivity but should be precise—finding the exact time within the morning is key.

• Committing to daily writing transforms one's identity over time from non-writer to writer through consistent practice.

Developing an Idea Capture System

How to Capture Ideas Effectively

The Importance of an Idea Capture System

• The speaker shares a screenshot of their Apple Notes, highlighting 496 random notes, emphasizing that there is no perfect system for capturing ideas.

• Various platforms can be used for idea capture, including digital tools like Notion and Google Docs or physical methods like journals and note cards; the key is accessibility.

• It's crucial to have a method in place to jot down ideas as they arise throughout the day, whether from meetings or conversations.

Overcoming Writing Barriers

• Many aspiring writers struggle with knowing when and what to write; establishing a time and a system for capturing ideas helps overcome these barriers.

• The speaker stresses the importance of mastering basic elements before delving into more complex writing strategies.

Generating Ideas Through Lists

• To generate ideas consistently, think in lists; if you can't list topics related to your writing interest, you may not fully understand it yet.

• Lists can encompass various subjects beyond simple items—qualities in friendships or experiences that shape one's life can all serve as inspiration for writing.

Real-Life Examples of Idea Generation

• The speaker recounts a personal anecdote about their Game Boy, illustrating how everyday questions can spark deeper reflections and potential writing topics.

• Writers should train themselves to see connections between daily experiences and broader themes worth exploring in their work.

Applying List Thinking Across Disciplines

• Regardless of the field (e.g., sales, knitting), everything can be broken down into lists which help structure thoughts and facilitate content creation.

Writing Effectively: Understanding Length and Platform

The Importance of Length in Writing

• The length of the writing piece is crucial; it determines how you approach your writing task, whether it's a tweet, an essay, or a book chapter.

• Different lengths come with specific constraints that dictate the mechanisms used in writing, such as character limits for tweets or word counts for essays.

Choosing the Right Platform

• Consideration of the platform where your writing will be published is essential; different platforms have unique audiences and expectations.

• Many aspiring writers overlook the significance of both length and platform, which are key factors influencing their writing style and rules.

Setting Clear Goals for Writing

• To overcome vague intentions to write, one should define specific goals like "writing at 7:00 AM every day about a certain topic."

• Establishing clear daily habits can simplify the process; committing to write atomic essays on LinkedIn for a month can lead to significant personal growth.

Embracing Imperfection in Publishing

• The mantra "imperfect and published is better than perfect and unpublished" emphasizes taking action over striving for perfection.

• Writers often hesitate to share their work due to self-doubt; however, unexpected pieces may resonate more with audiences than those meticulously crafted.

Recap of Key Writing Strategies

• A recap includes establishing sacred hours for writing, maintaining a note-taking system for ideas, and thinking in lists to streamline decision-making.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Writing Platforms

Leveraging Popular Platforms for Distribution

• The speaker shares personal experience as a columnist for major platforms like Forbes, Inc., and Business Insider, generating hundreds of millions of views at age 26.

• Emphasizes that many writers fail to gain distribution because they publish on outdated platforms like Blogger or WordPress instead of current popular sites.

• Notes that the best platforms for distributing writing change approximately every five to seven years due to algorithm updates and platform viability.

Current Best Platforms for Writers

• Identifies X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Substack as the top platforms for digital writing in 2025, highlighting their growing importance in content distribution.

• Points out that Substack is evolving beyond newsletters into a social feed format, which is gaining traction among writers.

Strategies for Effective Writing Distribution

• Warns against spreading oneself too thin across multiple platforms; suggests focusing on one or two key platforms to maximize effectiveness.

• Advises beginners to start with one platform if they are not currently writing anywhere, emphasizing the importance of consistency over quantity.

Understanding Platform-Specific Nuances

• Acknowledges various emerging platforms but stresses the need to prioritize time management by focusing on the most impactful options rather than trying to write everywhere.

• Discusses how each platform has its own culture and rules; copying content across all platforms is ineffective. Instead, immersing oneself in one platform's unique environment is recommended.

Long-Term Writing Success

• Encourages writers not to wait for the perfect platform before starting; consistent writing leads to a reusable library of content that can be adapted later.

The Importance of Content Ownership

The Value of Choosing a Platform

• Emphasizes the importance of selecting a writing platform, stating that it doesn't matter which one is chosen as long as a decision is made.

• Highlights that platforms will fluctuate in popularity and effectiveness over time, but the content library created by the writer remains constant.

Leveraging Your Content Across Platforms

• Shares a strategy for adapting to new platforms by repurposing high-performing content from existing libraries.

• Provides an example of using past successful Twitter content on Threads when it launched, demonstrating effective cross-platform content sharing.

• Reinforces the idea that writers own their content and can utilize it across various platforms, making building a personal library crucial.

Recommendations for Writing Platforms

• Advises focusing efforts primarily on three recommended platforms for maximum impact and audience reach.

• Introduces an internal framework used for expanding topics into multiple related discussions, encouraging versatility in writing.

Expanding Topics into Multiple Angles

Engaging with Diverse Writing Topics

• Invites participants to share their desired writing topics, showcasing the diversity among writers in attendance.

• Celebrates the unique opportunity provided by the internet to connect individuals interested in different subjects through shared writing experiences.

Actionable Exercise: Topic Expansion

• Encourages active participation by asking attendees to write down their chosen topic and explore its potential variations.

Five Ways to Expand Your Topic:

1. Target Audience: Identify who would benefit from your topic (e.g., job titles or archetypes).

2. Price Point: Consider how financial aspects relate to your topic (e.g., costs or revenue).

3. Experience Level: Tailor your topic based on the experience level of your audience (beginners vs. experts).

4. Location Context: Adapt your topic based on geographical or digital locations relevant to your audience (e.g., city-specific advice).

5. Demographic Factors: Focus on specific demographic groups that may resonate with your topic (e.g., language speakers or age groups).

Niche Down Your Topic for Better Engagement

Understanding the Importance of Target Audience

• The speaker emphasizes the need to define a specific audience when discussing topics, questioning whether the focus is on college students or startup CEOs over 65.

• Examples are provided to illustrate how different aspects of beauty can be tailored based on target demographics, such as beauty tips for various price points and experience levels.

Exploring Specificity in Topics

• The discussion highlights how narrowing down a topic reveals unique insights and knowledge that resonate with specific audiences.

• An example is given about makeup tips for elderly women versus teenagers, showcasing how specificity enhances relevance and engagement.

Practical Exercise: Defining Your Niche

• Participants are encouraged to take their general topic and specify who it’s for, enhancing clarity in communication.

• The importance of tailoring content to different age groups or life situations is reiterated, demonstrating how varied challenges lead to distinct content needs.

Common Mistakes in Topic Selection

• A significant mistake identified is failing to unpack a broad topic into its many facets; parenting advice varies greatly depending on the demographic context.

• The speaker stresses that understanding diverse perspectives within a single topic can lead to more targeted and effective writing.

Expanding on Specific Problems

• Participants are prompted to think critically about their chosen niche by considering specific problems faced by their audience.

Understanding the Importance of Problem-Solving in Writing

The Core Concept of Problem-Solving

• The presentation emphasizes that effective writing must address specific problems, making it relevant and engaging for readers.

• If your writing solves a problem, people will read it. This principle is fundamental to creating content that resonates with an audience.

Specificity in Topics

• Focusing on a specific topic and audience allows writers to identify particular problems faced by their readers, enhancing the relevance of their content.

• Writers should not shy away from niche topics; specificity can attract interest and engagement from those who relate to the issues being discussed.

Examples of Niche Topics

• An example provided is "script writing routines for college students who have never written a script before," illustrating how narrowing down topics can lead to more targeted solutions.

• A discussion about "YouTube video content creation for beginner YouTubers with full-time jobs" shows how addressing specific situations can resonate deeply with potential readers.

Clarity in Writing Goals

• The goal of writing should be clarity of thought; if you cannot articulate your message clearly in one sentence, longer pieces will likely lack coherence.

• Writers are encouraged to differentiate between solving problems and helping achieve desired outcomes, as both serve different reader motivations.

Reader Psychology and Engagement

• Understanding reader psychology is crucial; people take action based on moving away from pain or towards goals. Effective writing addresses these aspects directly.

Understanding the Importance of Specificity in Writing

The Power of Specificity

• Emphasizes that narrowing down a topic to a specific problem or outcome helps readers relate and engage with the content, prompting them to stop and read.

• Highlights that being able to succinctly communicate the essence of what you're writing about is crucial; if you can't summarize it in one sentence, expanding it into longer formats becomes challenging.

Mastering Your Topic

• Discusses the importance of exploring a single idea from multiple angles rather than seeking one perfect idea; this repetition builds recognition and authority on a topic.

• Uses Ryan Holiday as an example, noting that his success stems from consistently writing about stoicism across various platforms (books, newsletters, podcasts), reinforcing his niche.

Building Confidence in Writing Habits

• Encourages writers to establish daily writing habits by identifying their optimal times and methods for writing, which fosters consistency and productivity.

• Questions whether participants have chosen their ideal note-taking systems and platforms for writing, suggesting experimentation with different mediums like LinkedIn or Substack.

Clarity in Content Creation

• Urges writers to clarify not just their topics but also how they can address specific problems or outcomes for their audience, enhancing relevance.