For many aspiring writers, the idea of publishing a book can feel overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t have to start with a full-length book to become a published writer.
Blogging and online platforms provide an excellent starting point, allowing you to share your work, build an audience, and gain confidence in your writing abilities.
In this post, we’ll explore why starting with a blog or online platform is a smart choice for writers and how to get started.
Why Start with a Blog or Online Platform?
Blogging and online platforms offer writers a way to practice their craft.
Unlike traditional publishing, where gatekeepers like editors and agents decide what gets published, a blog or platform gives you complete control over your content.
Here are a few reasons why this is a great first step:
Gain Writing Experience – Writing regularly for an audience helps you improve your skills faster than writing in isolation.
Build Confidence – The more you share your work, the easier it becomes to overcome self-doubt and fear.
Establish a Readership – Publishing online allows you to connect with people who appreciate your work and provide feedback.
Experiment with Different Writing Styles – Whether you want to write essays, tutorials, short stories, or opinion pieces, a blog lets you explore different formats.
Opens Up Opportunities Earnings– Blogs and platforms can eventually become opportunities to grow multiple income streams.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Writing
The best platform for you depends on your goals, audience, and preferred writing style.
Here are some great options to consider:
Starting Your Own Blog
Having your own website and blog gives you full control over your content and brand. It allows you to build a long-term presence online and own your audience. Some popular website-building platforms include:
WordPress.org – Best for serious writers who want full control over their site.
Wix or Squarespace – User-friendly options for those who prefer drag-and-drop editors.
Ghost – A minimalist blogging platform for writers who want a distraction-free experience.
Starting a blog requires a small investment in a domain name and hosting, but it’s a great way to establish your online presence.
Publishing on Medium
Medium is a popular platform for writers who want to publish essays, thought pieces, or informative content without managing a website.
Medium is also a great platform for writers in addition to having your own blog. I recommend both – other platforms and owning your own blog.
Benefits of Medium include:
*Meet and grow relationships other writers and bloggers.
*Helps to expand your reach to a larger audience of readers.
*Medium is an easy-to-use writing platform.
*Potential to earn through the Medium Partner Program.
Medium is a great option if you want to focus on writing without the technical side of managing a blog.
I’m personally a fan of owning your own website/blog. A place where all you do online lives.
If that isn’t for you then a writer platform like Medium or Substack could be a great start!
Writing on Substack
Substack is designed for writers who enjoy writing newsletters and building a subscriber-based audience. It’s perfect for those who want to share personal insights, serialized content, or niche writing topics. Benefits of Substack include:
- Ability to build an email list
- Monetization through paid subscriptions
- Simple publishing tools
If you enjoy direct communication with readers, Substack is a fantastic choice.
How to Start Writing and Publishing Online
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to start writing and sharing your work.
Here are some key steps:
Decide on Your Writing Niche – While you don’t need to stick to one topic, having a general theme helps attract the right audience.
Create a Simple Publishing Schedule – Consistency is more important than frequency. Aim to publish once a week or every other week to build momentum.
Write with Your Reader in Mind – Create a blog your reader will love! Think about how your writing can help, inspire, or entertain your audience.
Engage with Your Readers – Reply to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage discussions to build a community.
Share Your Work – Use social media, email newsletters, guest posting, community, and networking to expand your reach.
Overcoming the Fear of Publishing Online
Many writers hesitate to publish their work online due to fear of criticism or feeling like they’re not “good enough.”
Here’s how to overcome this:
Remember that all writers start somewhere – Your writing will improve over time with practice.
Embrace imperfection – Perfectionism can keep you from ever hitting “publish.” Aim for progress instead.
Take small steps – Start by sharing with a small audience and gradually expand.
Final Thoughts
Starting a blog or writing on an online platform is one of the best ways to gain confidence as a writer. It allows you to share your voice, connect with readers, and improve your skills over time.
Whether you choose Medium, Substack, or your own blog, the key is to start. The more you write and publish, the easier it becomes.
Start sharing your writing! Your words matter!
Helping you to establish a successful online presence.
