Real insights from someone who’s been there. You’ll discover smart, actionable tips. These tips will help beginners avoid common pitfalls and gain confidence from day one.
1. Don’t Chase Someone Else’s Dream
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was trying to copy what someone else was doing. I picked a niche that looked profitable, started writing the way they did, and even mirrored their site design. But it never felt right. I wasn’t connected to the content. I wasn’t proud of the work. And honestly, people could tell.
I shifted to writing about things I genuinely care about. These include living in Switzerland, easing into a slower lifestyle, and exploring ways to create freedom. As a result, everything changed. I felt more confident. I had more fun. And the right people started showing up.
Action Step:
- Write down three topics you love talking about with friends.
- Choose one to focus on for your first blog post or digital product.
- Make your first project personal, not what looks trendy.
2. Start Simple
In the beginning, I wanted to do everything at once. Build a blog, launch a course, grow an email list, post on social media daily. It didn’t take long to burn out.
What I wish I knew then was that one small win builds more momentum than ten half-finished projects. Focus is your friend. The simpler you keep it, the faster you get real results.
Action Step:
- Choose one platform (like a blog or YouTube channel).
- Set one simple goal (publish one piece of content per week).
- Stick with that for one month before adding anything new.
3. Do the Research First
I used to create content that I thought was useful. Sometimes it worked. Most of the time it didn’t. I was writing for an audience that didn’t exist yet and assuming I knew what they wanted.
Everything changed when I started listening first. I read forums, browsed comments, and took notes on what real people were asking. That’s when my content started getting responses.
Action Step:
- Join a group or community in your niche.
- Spend 30 minutes reading real questions and comments.
- Write down five problems people are talking about.
- Create content based on one of those problems.
4. Be Ready to Push Through the Dip
Nobody talks about how slow it feels at first. You publish a blog post, and crickets. You share something on social media, and barely a like. It’s discouraging. But it’s also completely normal.
In the beginning, you’re building a foundation. You’re proving to yourself that you can keep showing up. That consistency is what builds trust—both with your audience and within yourself.
Action Step:
- Show up three times a week, even in a small way.
- Track your actions, not your results.
- Reflect weekly: What’s feeling good? What’s draining you?
5. Build a Support System
Consistently doing everything alone is exhausting. You need people around you who understand your journey. They can cheer you on, answer questions, or just remind you that you’re not wild for doing something different.
I didn’t find those people right away. But once I did, everything became easier. Conversations sparked ideas. Feedback made my content better. Encouragement kept me going.
Action Step:
- Reach out to one person this week who’s also building something.
- Offer to swap ideas or support each other.
- Join a small online group to connect with like-minded folks.
6. Respect Your Time and Effort
In the beginning, I undervalued everything I created. I gave away too much for free. I avoided talking about prices. I didn’t want to seem pushy.
But here’s the truth: Your time matters. Your energy matters. When you create something useful, it has value even if you’re still learning.
Action Step:
- Create a simple free resource, like a checklist or mini-guide.
- Set a future date to turn it into a paid product with extras.
- Talk about the value you offer with confidence.
7. Focus on People, Not Just Posts
It’s easy to get caught up in creating content and forget that real people are on the other side. Your audience isn’t just a number. They’re human. They’re looking for help, for hope, for connection.
When I started writing like I was talking to one real person, things clicked. I got replies. I had conversations. I started building relationships, not just a platform.
Action Step:
- Picture one person you want to help.
- Write your content as if it’s just for them.
- Invite people to share their thoughts or questions with you
Bonus Tip #1: Don’t Wait to Hit Publish
Perfectionism is sneaky. I spent weeks tweaking and editing my first post because I wanted it to be “just right.” But every week I waited, I lost momentum. What I learned is that done is better than perfect.
Your first blog post won’t be perfect. It doesn’t need to be. What matters is that you hit publish, learn from it, and keep going.
Action Step:
- Set a 48 hour deadline to publish your first or next post.
- Accept imperfection and focus on getting it out.
- Improve later as you go.
Bonus Tip #2: Keep a Wins Journal
There were days I felt like I was getting nowhere. That’s when I started a simple “Wins Journal.” Every time I got a nice email, I wrote it down. A like or a comment also made it to the journal. Even when I finished something hard, it was recorded.
Those notes kept me going on rough days. They reminded me that progress was happening, even if it wasn’t flashy.
Action Step:
- Grab a notebook or open a doc.
- Write 3 small wins from your week every Friday.
- Read them back whenever you feel stuck.
Starting an online journey is exciting, but it’s also full of hidden challenges. These lessons came from my own experience, from the mistakes I made and the wins that followed. I’m still learning, still building, and still showing up. But now I’m doing it with more clarity and less stress.
If you’re at the beginning of your journey, I hope this helps you skip a few of the potholes. Start where you are. Keep it simple. Stay honest. And remember you’re not alone.
