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Top stories for bloggers, newsletter writers, and content creators.
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If there is an article you think should be included in this roundup, please reply with a link. |
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No. 1: Secrets to Blogging That Converts
Success leaves clues, and this year's Orbit Media Blogger Survey offers a roadmap for creators who want to earn more from their content.
Bloggers seeing "strong results" share a few habits, like spending more time crafting posts (at least six hours), regularly hitting 2,000+ words, and enriching their work with multiple visuals, audio, or video.
Collaboration is another key —think contributor quotes or partnering with influencers.
Successful bloggers also obsess over SEO, updating old posts to boost search rankings and watching their analytics like hawks to fine-tune performance. The takeaway? Create deeper, smarter, and more strategic content—your audience (and bank account) will thank you.
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No. 2: YouTube Challenges TikTok With Gifts
YouTube is stepping up its game against TikTok with "Gifts, Powered by Jewels," a virtual tipping system for vertical livestreams.
US-based creators in the YouTube Partner Program can now earn Rubies (worth one cent each) from animated gifts sent by viewers who purchase Jewels.
To sweeten the deal, YouTube is offering creators a 50% bonus on gift earnings for the first three months. The move not only replaces Super Stickers for vertical streams but also positions YouTube as a serious contender in TikTok's live monetization territory.
For creators, it's another chance to diversify revenue in a competitive space.
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No. 3: Investing in Creators' Futures
Sean Hansen, a 23-year-old creator, raised $120,000 by offering investors a 10% cut of his future earnings.
Sixty-four backers chipped in via Crowdsurf, a platform making it simple for everyday folks to invest directly in creators. The funding instantly transformed Hansen's operation, allowing him to expand his team and ramp up content production without the pressure of constant brand deals.
Crowdsurf lets creators monetize their entire future, not just a single platform while shielding them with revenue thresholds.
Investors, meanwhile, gain a direct stake in the booming creator economy. It's high risk, high reward —but it might just reshape how creators build their futures.
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No. 4: Newsletter Goldmine - Engage and Earn
Newsletters are having a golden moment. They promise not just a direct line to your audience, but a lucrative one —think six-figure ad deals for creators like James Clear and Sahil Bloom.
To make your newsletter thrive, strong content remains the cornerstone. But beyond that, think strategically —SEO-driven pages to attract signups, value-packed messaging that hooks readers, and subscription forms that convert.
Advertisers love newsletters for their targeting precision, so building and keeping an engaged audience is key. Whether selling products or pitching sponsors, the formula is clear, grow your list, serve your readers, and watch the revenue follow.
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No. 5: Substack's Profitability Problem Persists
Substack might boast 4 million subscribers —outpacing major outlets like the Washington Post— but profitability remains elusive.
In 2021, the platform reportedly lost $22 million, with losses persisting despite stabilization efforts. Co-founder Hamish McKenzie argues it's a choice, prioritizing growth over profit. Yet, challenges loom larger. A pivot toward hosting "civilized" political discourse, led by ex-CNN producer Catherine Valentine, has yet to meaningfully lure creators from platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Substack markets itself as a democratized media ecosystem where anyone can thrive, but some creators wonder: can a platform built for writers sustain its promise without turning a profit?
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