The Advisor's Edge: Understanding writer's Finances: The business side of writing posts and articles.
Branding Your Skill Set
If you're anything like me, you probably started writing because you had something to say—a story, a perspective, an itch you had to scratch. But somewhere along the way, a realization hits: if you want to keep writing sustainably, you need to build a brand.
This is something I call the Advisor's Edge: blending creativity with smart, deliberate business choices to help others grow and be successful. So here’s what I’ve learned about turning your words into income, in the most personal, approachable way I can share.
1. Know the Playing Field
Every platform you write on has its own rules and rewards:
Substack? It's about building a community that values you enough to subscribe.
Medium? Pays by the read, but consistency wins.
LinkedIn? It’s not about pay-per-post, but the doors it opens to clients and collaborations are real.
Don’t just write and hope. Understand where you’re publishing, and what opportunities each platform unlocks.
2. Let Your Writing Lead Somewhere
I used to write with no endgame—just for the love of it. But here’s the truth: your writing is the handshake before the real conversation.
What could that conversation be for you?
A simple guide expanding your best ideas through years of experience.
A workshop or course teaching what you know.
Coaching, consulting, or community-building.
For me, it has been consulting through financial education. I never set out with a business plan in mind, but the more I shared, the more people asked me to help them untangle their own financial questions. Whether it was understanding how private equity works, evaluating a balance sheet, or thinking through investment opportunities in real estate—it all started with a post. Those conversations evolved into one-on-one consulting in career counseling, educational teaching in finance, and even strategy sessions with small business owners and investors.
I didn’t have to sell—my writing made the introductions. All I had to do was say yes when the door opened.
The key is: invite your readers to go deeper with you. You never know where it might lead.
3. Own Your Audience
Social media followers are nice, but they belong to the platform. Your email list? That belongs to you.
Start small. A sign-up link at the end of every post. A monthly newsletter. You don’t have to have a perfect plan yet—just start collecting emails. One day, that list will be gold.
4. Stack Your Income Streams
I’ve learned that writing and consulting naturally create multiple avenues of opportunity, but only if you pay attention to them.
Not every piece of work needs to directly earn you money immediately. Some things you share will establish your reputation. Others will build relationships that become collaborations down the road.
Think in layers:
Teaching or workshops: Sharing your expertise in a structured way.
Consulting: Personalized guidance tailored to clients who need depth.
Speaking or panel opportunities: Expanding your reach and credibility.
Creating frameworks or tools: Practical solutions that others can apply and attribute to you.
The goal isn't to juggle everything, but to create a portfolio of pathways where your writing leads to deeper engagement, whether it's a service, insight, or partnership.
This layered approach ensures you're not solely dependent on one channel—instead, your work grows legs of its own.
More streams, less stress.
5. Pay Attention to More Than Likes
I love a good comment thread as much as the next person, but likes don’t pay the bills.
Instead, I track:
How many people joined my list from a post.
How much revenue or opportunity a piece created.
Whether a post sparked a conversation that turned into business.
Every post should work for you—either by growing your community or establishing your brand.
6. Value Your Time, Gently
This one’s personal. I used to sink hours into posts that barely moved the needle. Now, I ask myself: Was this time well spent?
Sometimes the answer is yes, even if it made no money—because it built connections. Other times, I redirect my efforts where there’s both passion and potential.
This is one of the most overlooked elements in your writing or consulting:
Brand Your Skill Set
Your brand isn’t just your logo or tagline. It’s the reputation you build around your name and specific strengths. For me, it’s being the person who can reshape someone’s business, simplify complex financial concepts, and guide others toward wiser financial decisions.
When you brand your skill set effectively, people know exactly why they should come to you—and what they’ll get. It transforms your skill from a general service to a trusted solution.
Ask yourself:
What problems do I solve uniquely well to help others grow?
How do I want people to describe me when they refer me?
Once you define that, your writing, messaging, and offerings all align. And that’s when your work starts attracting the right opportunities organically.
My Parting Thought
Writing is a gift, but turning it into a livelihood? That’s a craft of its own. It’s not about squeezing every dollar from someone out of your words—it’s about creating pathways and relationships so that the value you bring to others returns to you.
Start small. Start genuine. And remember: the internet is big, but it’s waiting for your unique edge.
The Advisor's Edge is simple: write with heart, build with purpose, and don't be afraid to offer genuine help to those in need.
Stay encouraged,
Until next time,
David