Starting to write online can feel a bit daunting, especially for older adults like myself, when you see younger generations who seem to have a natural talent for social media and digital communication. But here’s the good news: connecting with people, whether online or face-to-face, is really about offering genuine help, showing real interest, sharing your true self, and having meaningful conversations.
Ditch the “Digital Wizard” Comparisons
It’s super easy to feel a little intimidated by the younger crowd who seem to be born with a natural talent for social media and online communication. They did grow up with these tools, after all. But that definitely doesn’t mean you can’t carve out your own awesome space in the online world.
Instead of getting caught up in comparing yourself to those youngsters, shift your focus to what makes your perspective special. After all, your life experience and hard-earned wisdom are incredibly valuable assets that can add depth and authenticity to your online writing.
Embrace Your Authentic Voice
Forget trying to imitate how young people act online. The key is to be your authentic self and find ways to share your unique voice with the world. By doing so, you can make a meaningful connection with readers that goes beyond age or social media savvy.
This probably means focusing on writing longer, more thoughtful pieces rather than just those quick social media updates.
Find Your Sweet Spot
The online world can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But remember, finding your sweet spot online is a journey, so be patient and keep an open mind as you experiment and discover what works best for you.
One potential starting point is Medium. It’s super easy to share your stories there, and there’s already a big community of readers eager for all kinds of stories.
Connect with Heart
When you connect with others online, treat it with the same care and intention you would in the real world. Write with authenticity and focus on providing value to the people you connect with. The most meaningful connections happen when your true self shines through.
Enjoy the Ride!
Finding your place online takes time, so be patient with yourself as you experiment and learn. Some days you’ll feel like a writing superstar, and other days you might wonder why your story isn’t getting as much attention. Just keep going!
Over time, you’ll develop an online presence that truly reflects the awesome person you are. And trust me, you’ll be amazed by the wonderful friends you’ll make along the way.
