Hey friends, welcome back.

I started writing online in December 2022. Since then, I have published over 400 articles, and my content has garnered over 40 million views across various platforms.

For those who have been part of my writing journey, I’d like to share my reflections on my online writing experience so far, along with my thoughts on what has been working and what has not over the past 17 months.

I hope this post addresses some of your individual questions as well.

My Writing System

Central to my writing journey has been the development of a systematic approach that ensures consistency and dedication.

What system do you follow to write online?

To publish an article, my writing process involves the following 5 steps:

Let’s look at each process.

1. Brainstorming

Q: How does brainstorming start?

A: It always starts with finding a good question.

Q: What are good questions?

A: Good questions in terms of writing are open-ended and not too broad but also not too specific. Open-ended questions give you room to explore your own views and be creative in their delivery, which is difficult to do with close-ended questions. My favorite ones are those that start with “why” or “how.” The scope of the questions should challenge me to expand my insights but not to the extent that I am speaking beyond my expertise. For example, in my case, I aim for my answers to questions about the Japanese school experience to resonate with Japanese students and not just reflect my personal perspective, providing value to my audience interested in such experiences. However, I avoid over-generalizing, as details often enrich the narrative.

Q: How do you find good questions?

A: On Quora, there is a useful function for users to request answers from other users on the platform. I usually spend some time each week to see if there are any questions where I feel best positioned to provide insights (my hot topic has been the intersection of Japan, culture, and workplace or school). There usually are. What’s important is that whatever I’m writing about, I have credibility to support my voice. For instance, if I’m writing about Japanese schools, I need to have experienced going to a Japanese school myself before I say anything. Experience gives my voice 100 times more strength than any cool design or style of writing.

Q: Do questions matter?

A: So far, in my experience, I would say questions often have more impact on driving views than the answers themselves. However, as views accumulate, the quality and credibility of the content become more significant. A writer’s ability to craft compelling content is just as crucial as asking insightful questions. Yet, I’m continually learning and refining my understanding of this dynamic.

2. Research and Writing

Q: What structure grows?

A: Any content should have its opening, body, and closing. The length of each should be adjusted depending on the content you are providing. Readers pay attention to answers that are coherent and logical. On the other hand, answers that jump around, go off on tangents, and lack clear messaging and supporting points are hard to follow. Formatting plays a crucial role in structuring your content. You can convey the same information, but content with better formatting — using various font sizes, styles, bullet points, numbering, and illustrations — generates more views than poorly formatted content without these elements.

Q: What is the proper length for a single writing piece?

A: The ideal length of content varies across platforms and depends on the platform’s nature. On Quora, shorter answers tend to perform better. My most viewed post is under 150 words, and other popular answers range from 150 to 300 words. On Medium, however, longer pieces over 300 words attract more views. Medium readers are generally more receptive to reading substantial content. Regardless of the platform, you should ensure your answers strike a balance between under-delivering and over-delivering. Provide enough points to convey your message effectively without overwhelming your audience. Aim to offer slightly more than the minimum expected while avoiding excessive detail, encouraging readers to engage with your subsequent content. It’s a delicate balance, but that’s the goal.

3. Release

Q: Where to publish your writing?

A: You asked. You wrote. You might already feel accomplished. However, remember to click the publish button before closing your laptop. It’s the gateway to feedback and learning. In my experience, I learn a lot more from my work after it’s published than before. Make sure your work gets seen.

Q: How often to release your writing?

A: I try to write every day. I believe that the only way to be a writer is by writing. So far, I’ve found my favorite rhythm by writing on Quora every weekday and on Medium over weekends.

4. Circulation

Q: What is after publishing?

A: Each time I publish a post, I also share it on my other social media accounts. The goal is to maximize visibility for my content. You can increase visibility with minimal extra effort. The more platforms you utilize, the more views, feedback, and insights you gather for your next piece. Since the piece is your creation and not someone else’s, it’s your asset. You can republish it as many times as you like across various platforms. Make your asset work for you.

5. Analytics

Q: What metrics do you pay attention to?

A: The main metrics I focus on are total views, comments, and shares. Total views indicate how many people have seen the content. Platforms like Medium provide separate stats for view count and read count, showing how many readers completed the content versus those who dropped off. This distinction is crucial as it reflects both initial interest and engagement throughout. Total comments and shares indicate how much the content resonated with the audience. Comments, whether positive or critical, signal interest and provide valuable insights into audience reactions.

Q: Where do you get feedback? How do you implement the feedback in your next writing?

A: I want to take this opportunity to say that I really enjoy reading all the comments and messages you leave on my content. My primary source of feedback is the comments section on each post across platforms. Particularly on Quora, users are vocal and share their thoughts, which I find invaluable. I often find ideas for future topics from these comments. Feedback guides me in refining my content by addressing missed points or delving deeper into discussed topics. Your comments play a crucial role in shaping my next steps.

That’s all for today.

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

For more of my latest articles, follow me on Medium.

Catch you in the next piece 👋