How to Make it to Clout Level 10 Writing for Associated Content

Recently I made it to Clout Level 10 - the final stop-off in clout levelocity. It was both a relief and exciting, both a feeling of accomplishment and a feeling of "it's about time!" For what it's worth, I thought I would offer a few of my insights on what it takes to get to

Clout Level 10.

Write, Write, Write

The top tactic for becoming a Clout Level 10 writer is, of course, to write! Make a goal for yourself, even if it is to write one article per month. Break larger goals down into smaller, easier steps. Of course, the more you write, the faster you will reach the next clout level. Each clout level you reach will re-inspire you to keep writing - plus increase your income a little.

On that subject, don't expect to get rich overnight writing for AC. In the beginning, the monetary rewards are small. Bear in mind, though, with each article you produce and each clout level you gain, the more your income will improve. Also, don't stop writing, even for a month. By being consistent over time, your readership will increase and ultimately, the more page views you will get.

Give it Time

When it comes to reaching Clout Level 10, no tactic can be stressed more than time. Be patient. At first, it may seem painfully slow, and you may feel as though you will never get to the top clout level, never be equal to those level 10 authors whom you admire. With time and effort, however, all things are possible.

Be aware, too, that all writers reach a plateau at one time or another. You may find it hard to motivate yourself to write at that point. That's perfectly normal. If that happens, switch it up a little. Write about something different. Write an open letter to other AC writers. Write about not being motivated. Promise to reward yourself at such-and-such a goal. Whatever it takes, just keep writing.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Up-Front Payments

Although this really has to do more with making money on AC, I am including it here because it will encourage you to keep writing when AC accepts one of your articles for up-front payment. For quite awhile, I thought that upfront payment articles were reserved for the more prolific, more established AC writers. Not true. Write something that is relevant, timely, evergreen, and AC may well pay you for your efforts no matter what your clout level is. Don't be afraid to submit an article for upfront payment.

Write for Page Views

Write what is popular and what will give you the most readers! That doesn't mean you can't write for those subjects that are close to your heart. Certainly, write those pieces!

But also write articles that will give you lots of readers & therefore lots of page views. Having lots of readers and page views will help inspire you. In the process, you may discover something that both gives you lots of readers and also is something you like to write about.

For example, I wrote a few pieces on kids' coloring book pages for some now-unknown reason. I found that these articles attract a lot of readers. Some of my top-ranked page views are associated with coloring book page articles.

Writing about coloring book pages was never on my bucket list of things I must write before I die. But what the heck. It's kind of fun to write, and I do love those page views. Find something for yourself that produces great page views by experimenting with topics, and then write on that subject periodically.

Comment on Others Producers' Articles

Although this has nothing to do with producing your next article, it has everything to do with motivating yourself. Read other writers' articles and comment on them. You will find most of them will return the favor and comment on your articles. Besides giving you extra page views, reading other writers' comments really helps to inspire you to keep writing.

Always Be Willing to Learn More about Writing

If your writing isn't getting better, something's wrong. You should always be improving and looking back a year or two, you should be able to see it. Read writers on AC that you admire and study their writing, figure out what makes their writing great. Then incorporate those techniques into your own style.

Also - read, read, read! There's no one thing that will improve your own writing more than reading.

Bottom Line

To make it to clout level 10, simply keep writing and don't stop. Keep yourself inspired. Talk to other AC writers. I promise you will make it to Clout Level 10 - just don't stop.

A big thank you goes out to all the AC writers who have supported me throughout my journey to clout level 10. There are simply too many to list here, but you know who you are. I thank each and every one of you! Keep writing!