Embracing the Minnow Mentality – How to Not Go Crazy Over Low Earnings

in steemit •  8 years ago 

 

Frustrated about low earnings? Ever get the feeling that even though you’ve got quality content, no one is viewing it as it gets drowned in the sea of new content? Well, you’re not alone. 

 

This guide is designed to help you move past that frustration and ultimately embrace the Minnow Mentality!

The first step is to recognize that we’ve all been there at one point or another, frustrated as we float seemingly nameless among the sea of little fish. But it’s important to put it into perspective, and realize where we’re coming from – Steemit is revolutionary, and we shouldn’t take it for granted. This is the first time we’re able to monetize our content so easily, as well as having the freedom to post content that we might not want to post on media like Facebook. It’s natural for us to get greedy upon first experiencing this new system, but it’s important to keep that in check so it doesn’t ruin our happiness. 

Similarly, there’s other reasons to feel happy about your content on Steemit. Even if they’re not high value, every like your post receives is a validation of your content. Not to mention, Steemit can provide a lot of valuable feedback and room for discussion. It only leaves room for development of these aspects in the future, as the new reputation system is great and is only a hint at Steemit’s potential. However, this doesn’t mean we have to just wait around for Steemit to improve. 

   

Instead of hoping your next post will automatically catch fire, there are a lot of ways you can proactively work to advertise your posts as well, through marketing, networking, and promotion. 

  • Marketing – Focus on your own personal brand image, with similar style posts having similar title layouts, as well as making sure your title, primary image, and introduction are attention grabbing. Don’t waste words introducing and providing context for your topic, jump right into it and grab the reader’s interest. 
  • Networking – No matter what sort of content you’re posting, chances are there’s a bigger fish who likes the same content. The hard part is finding this person or people, but once you do, check out their work and learn from it, and don’t hesitate to comment on their post and ask for advice. We are part of a very friendly community and most folks are glad to help. 
  • Promotion – There are a variety of avenues to promote your post, whether it be on your other social networks to try and encourage people to join Steemit, or Steemit-based promotional areas, such as the #postpromotion chat at steemit.chat   

Embracing the Minnow Mentality is all about realizing that not every article is going to make it big, and that even though there are a variety of avenues to get your post more views, at the end of the day, it’s not just about making money, it’s about having fun and making friends. A bit of money on the side is just an added bonus. 

 

Well, that about sums it up for this guide. I hope you enjoyed it and I encourage you to check out my other posts, especially my similar article “Rethinking Steemit – Still Broke? Here’s Why

And as always, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below~  

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Well, that about sums it up for this guide

No. You were just getting started. I wanna hear more!

Which part in particular? I can do follow up articles in the future, just didn't want to make too long of a post

Good post!
You know, sometimes can be hard being a minnow and newbie :)

I know how you feel, glad you enjoyed the article :)

Just keep at it, have some fun, do some networking, maybe earn a few dimes that you hadn't earnt before :)

Exactly!

Thanks for the encouragement, great post!

Glad you liked it!

For me, I was kind of fighting it for a while, trying to figure out what type of content to use. Then I kind of realized I was taking it maybe a little too seriously. After all, I spend the vast majority of every day with my daughter. What kind of content do I interact with? Play-doh art, sidewalk chalk, pictures of grasshoppers and butterflies, toads and turtles. So that is what my posts consist of these days, and I am a lot happier for it. I could care less if I earn. If Steem survives, these blogs I do for my daughter are things I can show her 5-10 years from now.

That's definitely the right attitude. I like the contrast between your name and posts haha

it is tough. It can mentally wear you down if it doesn't go well

This is why it's important to keep these things in mind, like the title says, so you don't go crazy. Thanks for the feedback :)