Top Writer’s Picks: The Best Platforms for Online Writing

 Are You Already Using Any of These?

Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash

I’ve started reading The Art of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole, and it’s a book every new online writer should read. Cole shares practical advice and tips, especially for those just starting out. One part of the book caught my attention — his list of the best platforms for writers. Surprisingly, I’m already using two of them!

1. Quora: A Simple Starting Point

Back in 2014, Cole moved from writing about World of Warcraft to answering questions on Quora. This shift helped him become one of the platform’s top writers.

Quora is a great place to share your thoughts and ideas while helping others. By answering questions, you can connect with readers who value your insights. If your answers are unique and helpful, people will want to follow your work.

Why it’s worth trying:

  • It helps you connect with readers who are curious about your topics.
  • You can establish yourself as someone who knows their stuff.
  • Well-written answers have the potential to go viral.

2. Medium: Perfect for All Types of Writers

Medium is one of the most popular platforms for writers, with over 100 million users. Cole shares how he earned $100,000 by republishing his old content here.

I’ve been using Medium too, and I love how easy it is to write and publish on this platform. It works well for both creative and professional writing, and the audience is huge.

Why it’s great:

  • A massive audience ready to read.
  • Opportunities to earn money through the Partner Program.
  • Easy-to-use tools for publishing clean and simple articles.

3. LinkedIn: More Than Just a Resume

LinkedIn is becoming a popular place to share ideas. I’ve seen posts about productivity tips, industry insights, and personal stories getting a lot of attention.

Cole mentions that many people still don’t think of LinkedIn as a writing platform, but that’s changing.

Why it works:

  • It’s ideal for reaching a professional audience.
  • Posts can help you build credibility in your field.
  • Engaging posts often reach more people through likes and comments.

4. Wattpad: A Haven for Fiction Writers

Wattpad is a great choice if you’re into storytelling. Take example of Beth Reekles who started writing on Wattpad at 15, and her story eventually became a Netflix series.

If you enjoy writing fiction, Wattpad gives you a chance to share your work with an audience that loves stories.

Why it’s worth exploring:

  • A community that appreciates creative writing.
  • Perfect for sharing stories chapter by chapter.
  • Encourages feedback from readers.

5. Twitter: Short and Sweet Writing

I never thought Twitter could be a place for writers until I read Cole’s story about a writer who shared short stories one tweet at a time. Over time, he built a large following and even published a book based on those stories.

Twitter challenges you to keep things brief, which can be a fun way to experiment with your writing.

Why it’s interesting:

  • Helps you practice writing short, engaging content.
  • You can reach a wide audience quickly.
  • A great way to test new ideas and get instant feedback.

6. Amazon: The Big Goal

For many writers, Amazon is the ultimate platform. Cole says it’s a great place to publish your work, but it takes time and effort to succeed here. He suggests starting on other platforms and building your audience before jumping into self-publishing on Amazon.

Why it’s worth considering:

  • It lets you turn your writing into a book.
  • You can reach readers worldwide.
  • Tools like Kindle Direct Publishing make the process easier.

Timing Matters

Cole points out that platforms evolve. For example, Quora was much easier to grow on in 2014 compared to now. However, one thing stays true — good content will always find an audience.

What’s Your Go-To Platform?

Are you already writing on any of these platforms? Or do you have other favorites? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

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