You’re Not Making Money As A Writer Because You’re Focusing on the Wrong Things

Introduction:

Let’s be honest—being a writer is hard work. You pour your heart into your words, stay up late editing, and hustle to get your pieces out there. But then, you check your bank account, and... it’s not reflecting the hours of effort you’ve put in. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many writers find themselves in this exact spot, wondering why the money isn’t coming in as expected. But the problem often isn’t your skill or your dedication—it’s that you’re focusing on the wrong things. Let’s talk about it.

You’re Spending Time on the Wrong Things—And It’s Draining Your Income

We’ve all done it. I spent an hour trying to come up with the perfect headline or rewriting the same sentence five times. It feels productive, right? But here’s the reality: that time could’ve been spent on something that actually pays. I get it—perfectionism is sneaky. It tricks you into thinking every word must be perfect before continuing. But guess what? Clients aren’t paying for perfection. They’re paying for solutions.

Why This Happens:

• Perfectionism: We writers tend to overthink, and while it’s admirable to care about quality, obsessing over minor details doesn’t pay the bills.
• Getting sidetracked: It’s so easy to fall into the “busy work” trap—tweaking your website, fiddling with your logo, or spending hours on social media under the guise of “networking.”

I used to do this all the time. I thought if I had the most polished blog and the perfect online presence, the clients would just roll in. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. What brought in the money was focusing on actual paying projects, not perfecting my Instagram bio.

The Real Money-Makers: Focus on What Brings in the Cash

Here’s the truth: most of us are wasting time on things that don’t directly lead to income. If you want to make more money, you have to focus on activities that put dollars in your pocket. Sounds simple, right? But let’s break it down so it’s crystal clear.

What You Should Be Doing Instead:

If you want to get paid, spend your time on things that directly lead to money. It’s that simple.

• Pitching clients: Send those emails, reach out to potential clients, and get your name out there. You can’t make money if no one knows you’re available.
• Writing for clients: This is the bread and butter. The more work you complete for paying clients, the more you’ll earn.
• Improving your skills: Sure, this sounds vague, but it matters. The better you are, the more you can charge. Simple as that.

Here’s the rule I live by now: if what I’m doing won’t make me money, I put it on the back burner. Client pitches and projects come first; everything else is after-hours work. This mindset shift has been a game-changer.

You’re Sitting on a Goldmine—But You’re Not Using It

I want to tell you something that might blow your mind: your old work can still make you money. Yep, that blog post you wrote a year ago? It’s valuable. The eBook draft sitting in your Google Docs? That could be earning you passive income. The problem is, most writers don’t realize the potential of their existing work.

How to Maximize What You Already Have:

• Repurpose your content: That awesome blog post you wrote can be turned into an eBook or a series of social media posts. Content repurposing is a game-changer.
• Sell your expertise: If you’ve been writing in a specific niche for a while, you probably have knowledge people are willing to pay for. Why not create a course or offer coaching services?
• Affiliate marketing: If you’re recommending products or services, you could be earning a commission through affiliate links.

I used to think I had to keep churning out fresh content to keep earning, but then I learned about repurposing. Now, my old blog posts are working for me in new ways, bringing in income without much extra effort. Think of your work like an investment—it doesn’t have to be a one-time payout.

You’re probably underpricing yourself.

This one’s tough. Most of us, at some point, have charged way too little for our work. I get it—it’s scary to ask for more, especially when you’re just starting out. But here’s the thing: if you don’t value your work, neither will anyone else.

Why You Should Raise Your Rates:

• Your work has value. You’re not just stringing words together—you’re helping businesses grow, sell products, or connect with their audience. That’s worth something.
• Higher rates attract better clients: Believe it or not, customers who pay more tend to be less of a headache. They appreciate your work and respect your time.

When I first started, I was terrified to raise my rates. I thought clients would disappear. But something amazing happened instead—better clients, ones who didn’t haggle over every dollar, started hiring me. And they valued my work more because I did.

You Need Multiple Income Streams

Here’s a difficult truth: relying on one or two clients for your income is risky. What if they suddenly stop working with you? Having multiple income streams is key to long-term success as a freelance writer.

How to Diversify Your Income:

• Freelance for multiple clients: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even if you have a steady client, always have a few more in the pipeline.
• Create digital products: Think about creating eBooks, templates, or online courses that can generate passive income.
• Offer paid subscriptions: If you have an audience, start a paid newsletter or offer exclusive content that people can subscribe to.

Diversifying my income made me feel more secure. When one client took a break, I didn’t panic because I had other income streams. It’s like financial insurance for freelancers.

Get Laser Focused: How to Boost Productivity

Let’s be real—writers are notorious for procrastination. We tend to be scattered, bouncing between projects, emails, and random tasks, all while convincing ourselves that we’re being productive. But are we?

How to stay focused and get more done:

• Pomodoro Technique: Work in 25-minute sprints with short breaks in between. This keeps you focused without feeling overwhelmed.
• Daily goals: Set 2-3 key goals each day, and make sure they’re things that actually move the needle on your income.
• Time blocking: Schedule your day so that you dedicate specific hours to writing, pitching, or admin tasks.

Since I started using time blocking, my productivity has skyrocketed. By having dedicated time for each task, I’m no longer spending my entire day on busy work. It’s all about making sure your energy is going to the right places.

Conclusion:

You’re not making money as a writer because you’ve been focusing on the wrong things. But the beneficial news? You can fix this. Start by focusing on what matters—income-generating tasks. Pitch more clients, deliver more work, and repurpose what you’ve already done. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth, and make sure you’ve got multiple streams of income.

Call to Action:

You’ve got this. It’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter. Consider stepping back and ask yourself: What can I change right now to start making more money? Shift your focus, and the results will come. Let’s make it happen.