How to Make Money Writing: A 9-Step Guide by Dan Koe

Learn how Dan Koe Made $800k in One Year Writing 2 Hours a Day.
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The average writer earns around $60,094 per year, according to PayScale.

However, brand advisor and future of work (FoW) pioneer Dan Koe made $800,000 in 2022 by writing for just a few days a week and two active writing hours a day.

Yes, you read that right.

Of course, he did spend more time working on other aspects of his business, but writing - as Dan himself states - is the foundation of everything he does.

Every day, he spends around two active hours writing, and in this article, we’re going to give you the nine-step guide Dan has used to become a profitable writer.

These are steps you can follow even if you have $0 in your bank account.

But why writing, though?

The Future Belongs to Those Who Master the Internet

Because as Dan says, “The future belongs to those who master the internet.”

See, the internet is made up of two central parts.

Media and code.

This means to be able to create a viable business in the future and be a part of the creator economy you need to either master media or code.

The reality is there is an abundance of no-code website builders. Platform like Webflow, Carrd, and organizational tools like Notion (one of my personal must-haves), and several social media platforms, like Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn, allow you to create content without the need to learn how to code.

And the evolution of AI and AI tools has no doubt had a massive part to play, which makes it best for most people to learn how to master media.

Media is the front end of the internet which is what catches people's attention and what leads to the buying of products or services.

Because let’s be real here...

To live in the Western paradigm, you need money to reach any level of autonomy. These are just facts. The way to make money, as we know, is through solving a problem for your audience through a product or service (or both).

The reason why writing is a core medium and the pathway to creating a viable business is that writing is foundational to media.

Why?

Because it can be transformed into a multitude of other forms.

Think about it for a minute.

A tweet, a LinkedIn post, a Facebook post, an Instagram post - all of these are writing. Even reels begin as written scripts. A newsletter and a YouTube video are also based on written scripts.
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And all of these formats, including the video scripts and social media posts, attract attention and drive sales.

The base for them all? Their shared commonality?

You got it. It’s writing.
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So let's take a look at the nine steps you need to take to get started making money writing:

1. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and can't stop talking about

‍Write down your favorite books, social media accounts, and YouTube watch history. Think about what you would write about if money wasn't an issue.

Good writing is about energy transfer, not being professional.

Everyone can write with impact. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t matter whether they have an English degree or not. If you’re not convinced, look at the story and work of Maya Angelou, a great American poet and storyteller (and a personal favorite of mine).
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2. Brainstorm a unique perspective

‍Novelty catches attention, and you need attention for people to read what you write. Don't be afraid to take a different approach to a topic and share your personal experience with the things you write about. We all have our own unique views on things. Don’t be afraid to share yours.
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3. Write 1000 words on the topic

‍Every piece of content you write is based on a personal or professional problem. Paint a picture of the problem, talk about your personal experience, and give step-by-step advice on how to solve the problem.

Actionable advice is how you build an audience at the start to prove your worth and value.
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4. Sign up for a blog or newsletter software

‍No matter which route you take, it’s simpler to get started than you think. You can begin by creating a content ecosystem by writing one newsletter a week, uploading it as a blog, and turning it into a Twitter or Thread thread (yes, I did that) or social media post. Cross-post your content everywhere and link it back to your blog or newsletter for a trustworthy and authoritative place to promote your products or services.
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5. Repurpose the actionable part of your newsletter

‍In-depth, actionable advice is the most potent and beginner-friendly way to start growing on social media. I also highly recommend signing up to Dan Koe's newsletter. It's worth the time, I promise.
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6. Learn how to network and grow on social media

‍Figure out the rules and the mechanics of the game and network with people to get them to share your content. Joining a cohort or community, like those found on Twitter, Discord, and Skool is worth it. Like they say, your network is your net worth.
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7. Turn ideas into impactful tweets from your newsletters

‍Create lists and write down five reasons or steps (as an example) to do something.
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8. Develop a writing system

‍You do this by taking out a notebook or (my personal favorite) Notion blank page and studying writing and social media frameworks. Create step-by-step processes that you can test to write newsletters and tweets.
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Typeshare has been great in helping me funnel my thoughts and create a writing framework.

Whichever way you decide to start, know that you will refine your system over time, and this will, by default, decrease your mental energy expenditure.
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9. Branch out to different platforms

‍This means repurposing your writing for Twitter, Medium, or even YouTube to grow your reach faster.

‍Rinse and repeat.

It’s important to stick it out and be consistent like you would when pursuing a four-year degree. The only difference is this four-year degree will likely be showing profits vs. monies owing once you’re “done.”
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Remember, this will take time, but there is a way to do it.

Take action, be consistent, and offer a product or service along the way.

I hope this guide helps you on your journey to becoming a great writer.
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If you’re ready to start your journey to becoming a profitable writer, give yourself a 30-day challenge and follow these nine steps. Take a writing course like The 2-Hour Writer by Dan Koe or High Impact Writing by Kieran Drew if you need direction. Start by taking action today! Yes, even on a Saturday.

Don't forget to check out Dan’s YouTube video on how he made $800k in one year by writing just two hours a day, in his own words, here.

I know I could’ve used this advice when I was first starting out, so if this post helped you or you think it may help a friend, please share it with them.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What specific challenges do writers face when implementing these steps, and how can they overcome them?

A: Writers may face challenges such as writer's block, finding a consistent audience, and navigating the competitive landscape. Overcoming these requires persistence, continuous learning, and adapting strategies based on feedback and performance metrics.
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Q. How can writers diversify their income streams within the realm of writing?

A: Writers can diversify income by exploring freelance writing, content creation for blogs and websites, authoring books, conducting writing workshops, and leveraging platforms like Medium or Patreon. Additionally, affiliate marketing and sponsored content provide alternative revenue sources.
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Q. What role does personal branding play in a writer's success, according to the guide?

A: Personal branding is crucial for a writer's success as it helps establish credibility, attracts a dedicated audience, and opens up opportunities for collaborations and higher-paying projects. Building a strong personal brand involves consistent content quality, niche expertise, and active engagement with the audience.