Writing online has evolved beyond just a creative outlet; it can now be a long-term career asset. For many people and companies, blogging has become their medium to get noticed and build a brand that sells - writing is a skill that pays dividends.
But for many new or lost writers, getting started (or staying consistent) can feel overwhelming. Here’s a guide to some of the best practices that can help you build a writing career that stands the test of time.
Eager to get started right away? Take this Writing Template for a spin, will ya?
Find Your Voice and Build a Workflow
It’s like starting a business, but this time, the business is YOU. Ask yourself this: “How do I make people notice me?” The answer? - Find your voice.
Writing becomes much easier when you're not trying to sound like someone else. Reflect on the kind of topics that matter to you, what gets you excited, annoyed, curious? Once you’ve got that, organize your ideas with a workflow you can stick to. Tools like Notion or a simple spreadsheet can go a long way in helping you track what you're working on and where your drafts live.
After that - write on! Stay consistent and explore new angles. Remember this:
As a writer, you are writing for yourself. If you cannot satisfy yourself, you won’t be able to satisfy your audience.
Check this HackerNoon guide for additional help on choosing a personal niche and building a writing workflow 👇
https://hackernoon.com/you-dont-need-an-extraordinary-life-to-write-compellingly?embedable=true
Balancing Between Writing for SEO and Keeping it Soulful
Writing for the internet also means writing with search engines in mind. But here's the thing: SEO doesn't have to make your writing soulless. Good writing can rank and resonate.
If you are ambitious and looking to rank well in SEO, learn to use free keyword tools, understand search intent, and incorporate keywords naturally into your content. The key is to match what people are searching for with what you actually want to say.
Wanna know the secrets of HackerNoon Top Writers? Check out this article below 👇
https://hackernoon.com/making-it-to-hackernoons-front-page-how-hard-is-it-really?embedable=true
Structure Your Articles with Clarity
Structuring is crucial to the success of a blog post. Almost half of all writers spend the most time on this part. A good structure does 2 things:
- Makes your points easy to follow, hence increasing readers’ retention.
- Helps you easily organize ideas in your mind, spot mistakes, and identify parts that may need editing, thereby improving SEO ranking.
If you're not sure how to structure your article, don’t reinvent the wheel. Use simple templates to guide your work. Start strong with a headline and an intro that gives readers a reason to care. Then follow a clear structure that makes your points easy to follow.
In the age of digital content creation, clarity and simplicity come before creativity and boldness.
Grow Your Reach and Authority
Once your article is out there, it’s time to think about reach. Growing as a writer doesn’t stop at writing more; there will come a time when you need to build your presence.
What does this mean?
Treat your blog like a product: iterate, promote, and pay attention to what’s working. Build a personal brand that feels like you, and make it easier for people to find and follow your work. Social media is your best friend - don’t be shy, share your writings with the world!
Check out this in-depth guide on managing your blog like a true product manager here 👇
https://hackernoon.com/what-if-your-blog-had-a-product-manager-hint-its-you?embedable=true
Add Credibility with Research and Interviews
When you’re writing about something that requires expertise, it is CRUCIAL that you back it up. Find credible sources, conduct interviews, and bring in outside voices that add authority to your work.
Here, research is your best friend - it’s an integrated part of writing - you must know what you are writing about, and if you don’t know the topic well enough, feature someone who does.
Check out this article by the HackerNoon team - You Don't Have to Be a Subject Matter Expert to Excel at Technical Writing
Explore Monetization Strategies
Eventually, many writers explore if - and how - they can get paid. From freelancing to affiliate links to digital products, there are many ways to monetize your blog. But the real key is consistency. Evergreen content, a growing email list, and a well-managed publishing cadence all contribute to making your writing career sustainable and profitable.
Think Long-Term and Avoid Burnout
Writing is a long game. It takes time to build habits, see growth, and stay motivated. Measure your progress. Set realistic goals. And most importantly, connect with others who are doing the same. A good writing community is one of the best ways to stay inspired and accountable.
Use AI as a Creative Partner, Not a Crutch
And yes, writing in the age of AI adds another layer. Tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help you brainstorm, outline, and edit faster. But AI should be your assistant, not your replacement. Learn when to collaborate with it and when to lean fully on your own voice.
https://hackernoon.com/bloggers-heres-a-trick-on-how-to-bypass-any-ai-detectors?embedable=true
Go Deeper with the HackerNoon Blogging Course
If these tips resonate, you’ll find them and much more inside the HackerNoon Blogging Course. We go deep into each topic, with guidance from real editors and experienced contributors.
🎓 Ready to start writing smarter and reaching wider?