3 Things to Boost Post Payouts (Part 1)

This is the first post in a series teaching you about "Getting Paid to Post"

Step 1: POST

I know what you're thinking.

"Post?! That's your advice, Post? We're not stupid, of course you need to post!"

Okay, so you're already ahead in this lesson. You have to have something out there or people won't have anything to "buy". However, what are you selling? As a Red Fish or a Minnow it's important that you sell something worth buying.

Red Siamese Fighting Fish
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Fighting Fish

There are many different kinds of articles on Steemit. Some do well because of who the author is. Some do well because of the content. MANY do poorly because the author has little/no name recognition and following, OR the post isn't something that people felt was worth one of their precious votes.

If you're still new and trying to figure out where all the money is, you're not alone. However, you can't just "show up" and expect to have rewards and accolades heaped upon you. You have to Fight to get your share. Those who sit back and wait are going to get eaten. If you're a Red Fish, you might as well be a Fighting Red Fish!

So POST. But don't just post anything.

Don't Post Garbage

My intention wasn't the shame any authors so I blacked out their names. I'm just trying to show you examples of posts that probably won't get you far. I want to see you succeed, so I encourage you to post quality material that people will find valuable.

1) Text Blurb

Does this make you want to learn more about it?

The picture of the post above took me 2.8 seconds to find. They're everywhere. Go to "New" articles and I almost guarantee you can find one within 5 seconds.

They're just a little information, but there's no explanation, no documentation, and not even a picture to draw your eye...just a flat gimmick by adding rocket emojis. This post doesn't have much value at all. The opportunity the author is referencing could be amazing, but I'll probably never find out about it because s/he didn't make a quality post.

2) One Picture

One Picture

The "One picture and no explanation" posts are more common in the "photography" tag where people share pictures they took of specific places. That's ok for that tag, but if you're not specifically sharing that photo in photography, or posting it for a contest, that really isn't enough. Give an explanation of what the audience is seeing.

Add some detail. If it's a picture of a place you like, talk about why that place is special to you. Tell a story about a memorable time you had there. Or list some of the reasons you want to visit and what you would do while you're there. Help the audience to get excited about your interest! Maybe we'll go with you.

Note: Do NOT use the photography tag if the pictures aren't yours. This tag is curated and if you're caught using someone else's pictures, you can be reported to @steemcleaners and they may flag your post.

4) Plagiarism and Copy/Paste

I won't post an example here, but it should go without saying that the content you post should be original. If you want to write a story on a topic that's currently being discussed, that's totally fine. Just add your own perspective to the situation. If you post a link to a news story, give an explanation of what is going on and why you're posting it. Add something to the discussion.

And Always Cite Your Sources!

3) Memes

Quick meme I made on Decentmemes.com

The above meme "does not a quality post make" as the saying goes. It's funny, but for most people it's not worth their time. Or they want more content. Or they're not the target audience. Or even if they appreciate it, people might not think it's worth using one of their limited upvotes. Whatever the reason, I haven't seen memes do especially well. There are always exceptions to the rule, but generally speaking only posting memes probably won't get you too far.

Post Quality Content

If you're not sure what to write, take time to sit and come up with ideas for posts. Read other people's post and find out what topics interest you. You don't have to post on the same topic all the time. Some people only post on homesteading or crypto currency, but you don't have to. It's ok to mix it up. Just make it be interesting and of value.

For example, if you're doing one of the popular #walkwithme posts, follow @lyndsaybowes's example and do a meaningful post like this. Or @davedickeyyall's Walk in the Snow. Give your readers an idea of what your walk/your life is like.

I recommend posting at least a few paragraphs of meaningful, relevant text with 2-4+ pictures. It helps break up the text and allows the reader to better visualize what you're saying. You can find free-use picture at https://www.pexels.com or https://pixabay.com. Make sure to cite them if you use their pictures though.

Have fun

Enjoy yourself! Posting on Steemit shouldn't be a chore. If you're not having fun, find ways to change things up. Make a game out of it. But if you want to be getting paid, you're going to need to put out quality content that will make people want to come back for more.

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Ride Off Into the Sunset
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That's Your First Step to Boosting Your Post Payouts

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- What did you learn from this?

- What will you do differently?

- How do you normally get ideas for your articles?

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Let me know in the comments section below!

Don't forget to check back soon for Step 2!

@themanwithnoname