These Types of Content Make Money

When I first began writing online, everyone repeated the same thing to me: “Just deliver value.”

It sounded right. Of course, I wanted to give my readers something useful. But what did “value” actually mean? Was I supposed to teach? Entertain? Sell?

For a long time, I wrote in the dark, pumping out posts with no larger strategy. Some went viral; some completely flopped. I couldn’t make any sense of it.

It was like trying to hit a target by throwing darts behind my back.

Then I realized, great content isn’t just about “value.” It’s about four kinds of writing, each with a purpose.

1. Make People Feel

Some posts aren’t designed to teach; they’re designed to make people feel. It’s these kinds of posts that fire up inside—motivation, nostalgia, anger, or relief.

I once wrote about my love for writing with such feelings and depth that one feels when they build and create not only to earn but also to feel satisfaction in their soul.

That post? Blew up. Why?

Because they saw themselves in it. Emotion-driven content does amazingly well on social media and email because people share what moves them.

2. Make People Save

This is the kind of content that makes people stop and say, “I need this.” Think how-to guides, listicles, infographics, anything that readers save for later.

If emotional content is the spark, then value-driven content is the lifeboat. It keeps your audience afloat, helping them solve a problem.

3. Make People Think

Insights lie between emotion and value. They don’t just teach; they shift perspectives.

I once wrote about why most writers fail: not because they lack talent, but because they lack consistency.

It wasn’t a step-by-step guide, but it made people think. It guided them, like a compass pointing in the right direction.

4. Make People Buy

At some point, you have to sell. No amount of free value will pay the bills.

When I came out with my first book, I felt apprehensive about trying to sell it. Then it hit me—people want to buy things that help them. A sales pitch isn’t a trick; it’s an invitation.

And so, my book invited people and was sold!

The Key? It is balance!

A strong content strategy blends all four types: emotion, value, insight, and sales. Ignore one, and you weaken your brand.

So next time you write, don’t just “deliver value.” Know what kind of value you’re delivering.

Otherwise, you’re just throwing darts in the dark.