Mastering Online Writing: The Quality Over Quantity Approach
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Chapter 1: The Pitfalls of Quantity Over Quality
When it comes to online writing, many fall into the trap of trying to produce content in overwhelming amounts, believing this will lead to greater success. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and it often leads to disappointment.
My thoughts drifted recently to my Netflix habits, which I rarely indulge in due to my belief that binge-watching is counterproductive. Occasionally, while traveling, I might scroll through the offerings. I often find myself adding several shows to my watchlist, only to turn off the app due to loss of interest.
This reflection came after a discussion with a reader about what resonates with audiences in the digital content space, like writing or YouTube. We pinpointed a specific approach that seems promising but typically proves to be a colossal waste of effort. Unfortunately, I’ve stumbled into this trap before.
Section 1.1: The Firehose Method
I recently revised my content publishing strategy. With limited hours in a day, I realized that the firehose method—producing a flurry of articles and videos—was offering minimal value to both myself and my audience.
In a previous discussion about my YouTube revenue, I shared:
"I’ve concluded that if I attempt to publish more than 4-5 times a week, the returns diminish rapidly, rendering the effort inefficient. It’s far more beneficial to produce a few high-quality pieces than to inundate followers with subpar content."
I was struck by this insight while analyzing my YouTube efforts. Instead of overwhelming myself with numerous ideas, I focused on selecting the single best concept, which ultimately led to my first day earning over $10 on the platform.
Roland Millward, a dedicated creator and one of my favorite readers, echoed my thoughts:
"I’ve noticed many YouTubers fall victim to the quantity trap. As a viewer, I can only handle one or two videos weekly. When the volume increases, I often find myself watching nothing at all."
I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment.
Section 1.2: The Burden of Too Many Choices
As illustrated by my Netflix analogy, an excess of options can frustrate audiences, leading them to disengage. This phenomenon extends to YouTube, blogging, and various forms of content creation, especially in 2024, where attention spans are dwindling.
I've observed numerous YouTube creators who adopt the firehose strategy, especially during high-output periods like Vlogmas, only to find their audience tuning out.
After a year and a half of hustling, I can confirm that this approach ultimately cannibalizes your views and diminishes the value of your content and time.
Chapter 2: Reassessing My Strategy
I’ve made a conscious effort to refine my approach. Now, I focus on identifying video and article ideas that not only captivate my audience but also promise the highest potential for profitability.
I prioritize these projects because it’s common for creators to chase the quickest or easiest ideas, often ignoring those that require more effort. Ironically, the most challenging or time-consuming ideas often yield the greatest audience interest.
This principle was evident with my site’s most successful post, which has generated approximately $2,600 CAD to date. I aim to ensure my work is worthwhile for both myself and my audience.
While the allure of the firehose method is understandable, it simply isn’t effective. Emphasizing quality over quantity will yield far better results in the long run.
Publish Every Day Project Update: Day 150
I am currently engaged in an experiment to determine if I can generate sufficient income to leave my daily commute behind within a year, by publishing daily across various platforms and investing my earnings into passive income opportunities.
My target for retirement is $250 CAD daily.
On Day 150, my earnings were $64.98 (writing) + $3.67 (YouTube) = $68.65 total.
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