Thread by @nomadicmatt

Today, I wanted to share nine ways to succeed online! A lot of you are creators and many have asked for advice so I’d thought I’d share some general lessons I’ve learned over the years that will help you succeed. Here’s a thread on some ways to stand out online:

1) READ A LOT! Read what experts have to say, learn what works, & apply their tips.

Books:

Start With Why by @simonsinek
Deep Work by @CalNewport2
Big Magic by @GilbertLiz
On Writing by @StephenKing
Influence by @RobertCialdini
The Obstacle is the Way by @RyanHoliday

2) Focus on the community. There’s plenty of creators out there but the ones that succeed the most never lose touch with their readers. Community is everything. Make the time for your readers, answer their comments, and try to host events.

3) Invest in your blog! Don’t hold back from purchasing courses, outsourcing busy work, or attending conferences! If this is a business for you, treat it like it is and invest in it!

Some conferences to attend:

@sxsw
@travel_con
@FinCon
@VidCon
@SMMWConference

4) Be Niche! Don’t try to be everything for everyone. Be as narrow and focused on your topic(s) as possible. There are plenty of people on the web. No subject is too small!

5) Create Products/ Businesses sell something — and so should you. Whether it’s a course, a book, t-shirts, tours, or just other people’s products via affiliate marketing!

6) Not everything needs to be #ad. People want relatable and independent content. You need to create “learn from me, not look at me” content. If you’re just a walking advertisement for companies, people will see through that.

7) Network outside your industry. Attend events and meet-ups outside your industry to expand your network, learn new skills, and meet lots of people. Don’t keep preaching to the choir!

8) Remember it’s not about you. Whether that is by providing practical advice, telling your readers a good story, or making them laugh, remember that it’s all about how you can be in service to your audience. If it’s all “me, me, me”, people will tire of you very quickly.

9) Be Persistent! Rome was not built in a day. Build something that lasts for the long haul. If all you want is fame or money, this probably isn’t for you. (And those things will come if you offer something of value anyways.)

10) You don’t need a million fans. You just need the right fans. Size does not matter. Do not get caught up in the numbers.

If you want to do something that lasts, create something that helps people. Remember it’s not about you. It’s about sharing what you love and helping someone else find that joy too!

P.S. - If you want more, join our blogging masterclass! We provide ongoing tech support, weekly Q&As, and edited feedback on your writing. Here’s the link: superstarblogging.nomadicmatt.com