What It's Like to Create a Brand, Build a Website, Self-Publish, and Write in Between

I'll start off by saying anything worth pursuing requires time, effort, a lot of dedication, and some sacrifice.

With the effects of the 2020 pandemic, remote working, assisting with virtual schooling, and a lot of retrospection, I retired early in May 2021 from a law firm I had been with for nearly 18 years. I now write and read full-time.

I started out by writing on three online writing platforms and attempting to manage an old blog.

Creating a Brand

This part was the easiest because I utilized Canva to create a brand logo. This can also be transferred into other types of communication.

Once you have your logo created, you can transfer it to any writing platform or social media such as LinkedIn. Of course, you will want to include it on any website you're developing. If you're choosing your own logo or designing one yourself, it can be as complicated as you make it. I went with a simple one.

Online Writing Platforms

What I enjoy the most with writing online is honing my craft and building experience as well as a list of stories and articles.

When you have a lengthy list of stories and articles, organize them into topics so they're easier to locate. If you republish any piece on another platform, you should keep a list of what you write on each platform so there's no duplication.

For any platform where the options of feedback or comments are available, this is a great opportunity to create connections and make acquaintances.

Writing an eBook

Once you have a volume of stories or articles, once they are organized into topics, consider self-publishing an eBook with 15 or 20 pieces you've written. Each piece can serve as a chapter. I had over 200 articles and so far have self-published two eBooks. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing has been my self-publishing method of choice.

I use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing as my tool for self-publishing. The whole process is convenient and self-explanatory. It's not as difficult as you may think if you have never taken a dive into self-publishing before. Also, if your e-book is over 75 pages, consider self-publishing it in paperback format also.

I also believe just as you create more visibility in writing articles or stories in an effort to generate passive income, I believe that the more eBooks you have out there help to build your visibility in that area as well.

Self-promoting may not be comfortable for everyone. It's important, though, when you self-publish. If you have the skills to write quality material, there's no reason not to consider self-publishing. The main benefit of going this route as opposed to traditional publishers is that it's quick and you keep more of the royalties.

Building a website

There are several sites on the internet that promote website building whether by professional builders or do-it-yourself creative people like me. A website platform can provide you with templates to build your own website, or design it for you at a cost. If you want a domain, you will have a small fee associated with your website.

I currently use Web.com as my website builder. The monthly cost is less than $20 and the annual fee for the SSL Certificate is only $20. You have options to add on more products including having an online store.

Once you develop your website, you can add links to any eBooks published as well as market your writing.

Don't just sit on the bench thinking, "There are too many writers in the world." Not every writer provides quality writing to readers.

You have the tools. Go.