You’re WASTING time writing. Ask 1 key question before you start
When I started out as a content creator, I put a lot of effort into trying to game the system.
Not in dumb, lazy ways, like using AI to write stories or flat-out copying other, more successful people.
In smarter, more analytical ways like using SEO and keyword research to try and find even a 1% edge over the millions of others trying to make a buck in the same game.
And while I would say that pouring countless hours into research and examining my own work to identify those edges (i.e. winning topics, best publishing times, etc.) paid off to some extent, it didn’t necessarily need to be that complicated.
Had I just asked myself 1 simple question each time I wrote an article or developed a YouTube video, I would have saved myself countless hours and achieved success way sooner.
I’m going to tell you what that question is in a moment, and then I’m going to strongly encourage you to ask it before spending even another second of your priceless time on this planet creating something that is destined to fail.
The big question
Recently I wrote a popular piece called “3 critical reasons people don’t click on (or read) your articles”.
That post tackled things like headline writing and image selection, but there was one particular section that caught the eye of a smart reader named Emilie.
Here’s what I wrote to close out that piece:
“One thing that helped me improve my performance on YouTube was slowing down and thinking about what caused me to click on a video.
“Instead of just trying to hack the system, I actually went on the site with the mindset of a USER and noted the things I personally would have clicked on.
“The first thing people’s eyes scan to, whether it’s a video or an article, is the art you choose to illustrate it with.
“THEN they move on to the headline to see if the story checks out.
“THEN, if they’re convinced it’s worth clicking on, they’ll go ahead and consume the content.
“So use my one easy trick: go on whatever platform you’re working on, or even just do this when you’re reading the news, and pay attention to what forces your eyes to stop moving.
“What was it about that particular photo or headline or idea that made you stop?
“Study these.
“Learn from them.”
Here’s what Emilie wrote back:
“This is so on point. I believe the trick is to pretend you’ve never come across your article, and ask: would I actually read this?”
My article focused on formatting tips that can give you a huge edge if you master them.
But Emilie got to an even more important, core issue.
If you wouldn’t read the article you’re writing … why are you writing it at all?
Would I actually read this?
You can apply this approach to anything, really.
Let me give you another great example.
I’ve always wanted to publish books and make some pocket change using Amazon KDP.
When I started out, I had some fun ideas for gifts.
I made one aimed at dog owners (affiliate link) and another one for teachers that I ultimately took down.
I think they’re cute and they could appeal to a niche audience.
But would I personally buy them if I happened across them?
Probably not.
So I asked myself: what would I buy?
As an ADHD person, I lean heavily on systems to keep my brain on track.
One of those systems involves using 1 simple, white sheet of paper to structure my day.
I love this system so much and find it so useful that I decided to design a notebook around it (affiliate link) to save myself time and help others conquer procrastination and supercharge their productivity like me.
My dog notebook has sold about 2 copies in the 1.5 years it’s been live.
My productivity notebook?
About 10 people (including my Medium pal Christina Piccoli) have bought it in the first month already and it’s starting to climb the charts.
I now have two more books in the works that I’m personally very excited about.
“Would I read/watch/buy this” is the one question you should ask before you start any project.
If the answer is no, if your project wouldn’t compel you to act, you should probably move on to something else.
I’m leaving you with a challenge
I’m leaving you today with a challenge: for the next week, when you’re browsing content, PAY ATTENTION.
Pay attention to what gets your eyes to stop moving.
Pay attention to what you actually click on.
And then write two or three articles that you personally would read.
Chasing SEO topics only goes so far.
At the end of the day, data and analytics can point you in the right direction, but they can’t really tap into what makes us human.
For that, you need to access an even more powerful computer than the one sitting on your desk: your brain.
Publish Every Day project update: Day 433
I’m working on a project to ditch commuter life for good by publishing every single day on different platforms and investing my earnings into passive income vehicles.
How much I need to retire: $250 CAD per day
What I earned on Day 433: $108.22 (writing) + $0.48 (YouTube) + $0.31 (dividend investing) = $109.01 total
What I’ve published recently:
This post about 5 exercises that destroy your body after 40
Another piece about 1 major car company on the brink of collapse (do you own one?)
This YouTube video about the Number 1 regret people face when they die:
This YouTube Short:
Looking for something else to read?
My current top 5 trending stories
You have made the point! Forget systems and tricks. It’s whether or not people will want to read.
The two books I published this year were based on writing challenges I had initially created for myself but decided to share with my readers.
So yes, I totally agree with writing content that I would like to read. Because I write for the person who I was a few years ago.