Letters by Burk #155: What's Better Than Writing?

Also, important writing, YouTube secrets, the power of words, wow, and more

Dec 10, 2024

question mark neon signage — Photo by Emily Morter on Unsplash

Hi friends,

I love writing. I’d do it over and over again.

But, when I think about the creator economy now, at the end of 2024 and going into 2025, writing isn’t really the best way to start an online career.

It’s a great complementary part. No doubt! But not the best main job. More on that in our main story today.

Before that, let’s have a look at my favorite quote of the week:

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#1 Main Story

Why Starting Video Content is Still 100x Better Than Writing Online (Even If Newsletters Are Booming Right Now)

I am a wordsmith. I love writing. Blog posts were my intro to online business, and words have been the backbone of my success up until now.

That being said words can’t compete with video. Even though newsletters are booming more than ever right now.

You hear about people growing their email lists, selling courses, or making bank from their written content.

It’s tempting to think writing is the way to go.

But to me, video content is still king, and starting a video channel now is 100x more powerful than writing online.

Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Substack videos, video beats writing on nearly every level.

Let’s break it down and explore why, even during a newsletter renaissance, video is where your focus should be.

(And at the end, let’s talk about why writing still matters.)

Read the rest

#2 Creator Story:

YouTube Secrets Nobody Tells Beginners

You’re in the middle of starting a YouTube channel. Or you’ve got one and want to make it big.

Got you. Been there. (Started and deleted 5 YouTube channels until one became successful).

You may have already watched countless “how to YouTube” videos telling you to buy gear or use flashy transitions.

But after some years of creating content (and making plenty of mistakes), I’ve learned what seems to move the needle a lot more.

Let me share the stuff that works – no fluff, just practical tips you can use today.

It All Starts Before You Hit Record

Here’s something most people don’t talk about: your video’s success is mostly determined before you even touch your camera…

Read the rest

#3 Factually

Wanna hear something crazy about the power of words:

“Owen Wilson has made around $217,838,000 from his movies. He averages around 3500 words per movie in 47 movies. That's about $1,324 per word. "Wow" was 102 of those words. Owen Wilson has made roughly $135,072 from saying wow”

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