66 Comments
User's avatar
Jim McKay's avatar

This is a great article, very motivational! I bought the travel cards and look forward to working with you on my ideas.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Jim! Look forward to working with you! 😁

Linda Jackson 🌏's avatar

Your crawl, walk, run practical approach could work for anyone Jo. Thanks coach!

Anton Kemps's avatar

Great inspiration thank you, what you said here is so true everyone has interests, it’s just turning them into a stable income 💪

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Anton! 😁🙏

SustainabilitybyAlex's avatar

Wow, just what I needed to read. Thank you for articulating it so well. I will definitely refer to it as I set up my sustainability and responsible leadership project.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Alex! 😁

Joanne McClure's avatar

Love this and very clear strategy which I must follow

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Joanne! 😊

Michi Parker's avatar

Amazing, I got so much clarity from this article. It describes such a clear path to journey along. Much appreciated🌟🌟🌟

Jo Barnes's avatar

So glad it’s helped Michi! 😁

Marlene's avatar

Recognising that what you know already has value is the first step. Turning your hobby into digital assets is absolutely possible. The real challenge is learning how to package and share that value in a way people are willing to pay for.

60 Seconds to FIRE's avatar

This is the blueprint that all new substack writers need to be following. Great work Jo! We appreciate you.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thank you! 🙏

60 Seconds to FIRE's avatar

My pleasure!

Lisa Santa Barbara's avatar

Wow! This is a great article! I love how you broke it down into doable steps. This has definitely motivated me.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Great to hear Lisa. Glad you enjoyed it 😁

MillieMimi's avatar

Good content to save. I’m not sure if I will take the leap to share what I do but maybe I will.

Jo Barnes's avatar

What’s holding you back Millie?

MillieMimi's avatar

I’m learning to lean in to my joy. This article is encouraging and I will give it much thought as I navigate my space.

Just Danielle's avatar

Love it. Super practical and simple in application 🥂

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Danielle, glad it’s helped 😁

Mary Kelava's avatar

Very intriguing article!

Thank you😊

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks for reading Mary! 😁

Zack Elliott's avatar

Great read - not just a typical "get rich online" story. Actually laid it out in terms that everyone can relate to

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Zack. Yep I wanted it to be as realistic as possible to show a path anyone can take. Thanks for reading 😁

Luvona's avatar

Question! What if what you want to write and what would bring in revenue don't coincide?

Jo Barnes's avatar

Great question, and it’s a loaded one, because the answer depends entirely on your goals. You can write about almost anything and monetise through paid subscriptions, sponsorships, or a simple “support my writing” model, without ever creating a product. That’s a longer game, but it absolutely works. If you want to monetise through products or services, then the job of your writing shifts. You need to attract the kind of audience who will eventually want to buy what you’re creating, which means your content has to speak to their needs, problems, or aspirations. Neither approach is better. They’re just different paths. Get clarity on your outcomes first, then decide your writing strategy.

Luvona's avatar

I feel kind of at a loss, guidance-wise. I wanted to gear my writing toward lifestyle because there's a ton of "lifestyle" topics I want to write about. I keep finding myself maybe at a standstill when it comes to writing, though. I want to create digital products, but it feels like I couldn't put something together that a ton of people already create products for. OR I feel like what I write about doesn't fit the digital products I want to create.

Luvona's avatar

Also, thank you for your reply! It meant a lot to get a response and clarity!

Jo Barnes's avatar

Just start writing Luvona. Clarity comes from action. Right now you’re trying to think 5 paces ahead. Start writing about the things that interest you. Identify the type of person you want to be writing for, then watch what people respond to. What gets the most likes, engagement, shares or comments. That will begin to guide you towards digital products you can create. 😁

Luvona's avatar

True... I tend to overthink lol #anxietyyyy But thank you for being straightforward and clear! Taking that advice straight to heart!

The Glow Guide by Jen's avatar

I absolutely loved reading this Jo! It breaks it down so well into how achievable that is, between now and the end of 2026. Freedom is what I want, and this all makes sense to help me get there!

Jo Barnes's avatar

So glad it's helped Jen! 😁

Scotty G's avatar

Great ideas and examples. I really like the month by month breakdown. It sure helps explain the process and the things you need to do.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Scotty! Glad it’s helped 😊