Writing online is one of the best ways to transform your passion into a career.

And with the right approach, you can do it fast.

Here's how to establish yourself as an authority in your field in 2022 (without pretending to be a pro):
James Clear. Ramit Sethi. Tim Ferris. Ryan Holiday. David Perell.

This model works.

Online, becoming an authority is less about your current position and more about controlling perception.
First:

What would you like to be known for in 5 years?

This is a concept from Jordan Peterson.

‘Future Authoring’.

You begin with the end in mind - define your future to decide your actions.

And with a long-term mindset, success becomes a matter of when, not if.
With a topic in mind, let's look at the two key pillars of online perception:

How you present yourself and the content you create.

With a deliberate approach to both, you can build authority quickly and effectively.
Tidy Up

Society judges first by appearance.

This means a good profile picture and banner. A bio that looks less like Tinder and more like a powerful brand. And writing that's clear and free from mistakes.

Present like a professional and you’ll be seen as one.
When I discuss content with my clients, one issue comes up frequently:

‘I’m not qualified to write about this'

The truth:

Content is the new credential.

If you're helpful, you're worth hearing.

Don’t let the fear of not being an expert stop you from becoming one.
Begin at the Start

A powerful way to build authority is curation.

For 3 reasons:

1. You help your audience
2. You demonstrate knowledge in your field
3. You build authority by association – leveraging those already successful & growing through their audience.
A few ideas for you:

•Best books
•Top threads
•Relevant stories
•Favourite quotes
•Interesting accounts
•Lessons from X (an expert)
•Best free/paid resources online

Curate your curiosity to plant seeds of authority.
Use your most powerful marketing tool:

Your story.

You know where you’re heading - but your audience does not. So you create content that tells like chapters in a book. From start to finish.

As you learn, apply.

As you apply, document.

As you progress, publish.
A note:

Most hide the fact they’re starting.

This is good news for you.

See, content without context is pointless.

Most aren’t looking for gurus. They want guides. Your positioning becomes a powerful differentiator.

Bring your audience along for the entire journey.
Some story-based content:

• Why I became X
• X Mistakes I made as Y
• How I learned to X with Y limitation
• X lessons I’ve learned in <time>
• X Things I wish I knew when I started Y
• How I achieved X (and how you can too)
• What I learned in my first year of X
Content builds authority, but one concept sets you apart:

Value.

See, good writing is interesting, but great writing is inspirational.

Blueprints. Frameworks. Actionable advice.

These position you as a teacher - and we're psychologically wired to see teachers as authorities.
Rise above the Noise

Curating and creating is great, but social media is shallow.

You’re shouting in a crowded room.

Authority comes quickly with immense value, demonstrating deep knowledge and forming relationships.

You do this with email.

But don’t just ask for it…
Build a Digital Asset

An asset is not the result of authority, but a cause of it.

Creating a tangible tells people you’re serious. It takes you from amateur to professional and leaves a lasting impression.

And as you create, it works day and night to gather emails for you.
Not sure what to produce?

Look at what you struggled with most so far and how you overcame it.

Then productize your progress.

This could be an e-book. Email course. Webinar.

If you’re a writer, check out mine:

writersniche.carrd.co

Have an idea and want feedback? DM me
Great marketing wears in, not out.

You become relevant through repetition - so create consistently and evolve your content as you do.

In a few months you’ll be known in your field.
In 6, an authority.
1-2 years, an expert.

The path isn't easy, but every word will be worth it.
Thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed this kind of content, why not give me a follow:

@ItsKieranDrew

I'll help you write well and create a powerful presence online.
Still here?

Fantastic. Would you mind doing me a favour?

If you know anyone who'd benefit from this thread, head up the top and RT.

Or just click below and up you go.



Thanks!
TL;DR:

Authority is a matter of perception. This thread shows you how to build it as a writer.

•Define your future
•Control your appearance
•Overcome imposter syndrome
•Curate
•Create
•Build
•And repeat

• • •

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More from @ItsKieranDrew

13 Jan
In September 2021, I set a challenge to write 30 threads in 90 days.

The result?

7018 followers. 613 email subscribers. And 5 job opportunities.

Here’re 7 reasons why you need to write more threads (and why 'growth hacks' are a waste of time):
The first 9 months of my Twitter were tough.

I’d spend hours replying to big accounts – hoping for engagement.

It was slow. Unpredictable. And seriously unrewarding.

And when you think about it, a waste of time.

Why? 👇
Your Twitter account should be a platform for business and connections, not platitudes and comments.

So even if you build a good following – the question is:

So what?

If you're serious about writing online, here’s why threads are the answer:
Read 15 tweets
18 Dec 21
Writing is a game of consistency.

But most people quit before the reward.

Here’s my advice after learning how to write in under 12 months (whilst working 50 hours a week):

==THREAD==
There’s a delay between effort and outcome with writing.

What Seth Godin calls ‘The Dip’.

Your mind tells you to quit.

That life ‘is too busy’.

But trust me when I say persistence is rewarded.

Here’s what helped me make becoming a writer a reality:
Start With Why

Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

The path to a writer is long and uncertain.

If you attach deep meaning to action, you leverage internal motivation.

For me, it was freedom. To do work I believe in.

Use purpose as fuel.
Read 18 tweets
9 Dec 21
Want to learn copywriting?

Not sure where to start?

You need to read this.

Here’s how to go from complete beginner to writing great copy in under 60 days:
First, a note:

Reading is not enough. Writing is not enough.

You want to maximise knowledge and application.

This thread is based around 2 hours a day.

Adjust it to your schedule.

The more time you put in, the better the result.
Week 1-2: The Fundamentals

You need to learn the basics.

So you start by studying the experts.

You're going to read for an hour a day.

Google the boron letters.

Then check out this booklist (go for the copy books first) 👇

Read 17 tweets
7 Dec 21
A great way to learn copywriting is to study the pros.

So I listened to 60 podcast interviews in the past 3 months.

Here're 10 of my favourites:
Dickie Bush on Copywriters podcast

“The pathway to mediocre results is trying to please everyone”

@dickiebush talks about his rise as a writing star.

open.spotify.com/episode/1dJei4…
Ian Stanley on The Copywriter Club

“Present yourself differently”

Ian is a copywriter turned internet entrepreneur wonder. One of the most insightful business minds to listen to.

open.spotify.com/episode/7b2box…
Read 15 tweets
4 Dec 21
You don’t have to read many books about writing to learn the skill.

But you should read the best.

Here’re my 7 favourite books that every aspiring writer needs to read.
The Elements of Style

“The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.”

It may be old, but this book is filled with practical tips for effective writing.

And in true fashion, it's short and to the point.

This should be a regular re-read.
On Writing

“The Road to hell is paved with adverbs.”

No book is more insightful on the journey of writing.

Part memoir, part lessons – King shares everything he knows about excelling as a writer.

Including how to beat the demons you'll face.
Read 12 tweets
19 Nov 21
The average American spends 5.4 hours a day on their phone.

Life is passing by for the permanently distracted.

Here’re 6 ways you can win back control of your attention today 🧵
Why should you care?

The heights of your achievements are tied to the depth of your focus.

You need to make sure nothing has uninterrupted access to your greatest asset:

Your mind👇
Go Grey

Remove visual stimulation, and you’re left with information.

You realise how much is trash. Mindless scrolling disappears.

Suddenly, the beauty of the real world seems a better source for your attention.

Google 'Greyscale'

And see how different your phone is.
Read 11 tweets

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