How I Make $5k per Month Writing Breakdown Articles

Unraveling the art of lucrative simplicity

Christopher Kokoski
Writers’ Blokke

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Cartoon blogger in glasses — How I Make $5k per Month Writing Breakdown Articles
Image by the Author using DALL-E and Canva

I’m making a cool $5k per month writing what I call Breakdown Articles.

You could say that I’ve “cracked the code,” and now I want to share with you exactly how I do it.

It starts with unraveling the art of lucrative simplicity.

The Enigma of Breakdown Articles: What Are They, and Why Are They so Darn Effective?

A Breakdown Article is not just another name for a lazy, hastily written piece.

Oh no, my friend! It’s a carefully crafted work of art, designed to peel back the layers of complexity and reveal the juicy, bite-sized morsels of knowledge beneath.

By focusing on a single concept and dissecting it like a word surgeon, we give our readers depth without drowning them in an ocean of information.

There’s more to it but that’s a good start.

The Secret Sauce: Simplicity and Clarity

But why do Breakdown Articles work so well?

The answer lies in the fact that the internet is overflowing with information, and people are often overwhelmed by its sheer volume of it. Even more so with the onrush of chatbots that can spew out information faster than a team of humans could write it.

The goal of a Breakdown Article is to simplify and clarify, making the content more digestible and enjoyable for the reader.

In a world where everyone is vying for attention, Breakdown Articles cut through the noise by providing an oasis of clarity amidst the chaos.

This, in turn, helps build a loyal following, leading to more traffic, shares, and ultimately, revenue.

The Art of Crafting Breakdown Articles: Unleashing Your Inner Wordsmith

It’s a nice concept, but let’s talk about how to do it.

Here are the steps I take:

  • Find the perfect topic for a Breakdown Article
  • Dive deep into the concept
  • Keep it short and sweet
  • Use humor to simplify and amplify
  • Go personal with concrete examples

Finding the Perfect Topic

The first step in creating a stellar Breakdown Article is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that you know inside and out.

This is where your expertise and personal anecdotes can shine, making your content not only informative but also entertaining.

Diving Deep: Analyzing the Concept

Once you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to dive into the deep end.

Break the concept down into its essential components, and then further subdivide those components until you’ve achieved a level of granularity that would make a diamond blush.

There is an art and science to this step.

That’s why there is a longer, more thorough explanation in just a moment.

Brevity is the Soul of Wit: Keep it Short and Sweet

Nobody likes a rambler.

When writing your Breakdown Article, be sure to keep your sections concise and to the point. Remember, the goal is to clarify, not confuse.

Injecting Humor: The Spice of Life

Humor is the secret ingredient that can transform a good Breakdown Article into a great one. Sprinkle in some wit, puns, and self-deprecating humor to keep your readers engaged and entertained.

Plus, humor is an underutilized tool for clarity.

Personal Anecdotes: The Cherry on Top

Weaving in personal stories not only adds credibility to your work but also helps your readers relate to you on a deeper level.

Share your own experiences and lessons learned to make your Breakdown Article more relatable and memorable.

These stories take concepts from ethereal to practical.

Keyword Research: Unearthing High-Volume, Low-Competition Goldmines

One of the most crucial steps in creating a successful Breakdown Article is finding those hidden gems: simple concepts with high search volume and low competition.

To do this, we’ll harness the power of keyword research strategies, which will guide us to the most promising topics.

  1. Use Keyword Research Tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or RankIQ can help you discover popular search terms in your niche. Look for high-volume keywords with low competition scores, indicating that there’s ample opportunity to rank well in search results.
  2. Explore Autocomplete Suggestions: Type your niche or topic into Google’s search bar and pay attention to the autocomplete suggestions. These can reveal highly searched subtopics and terms that people are actively seeking information on.
  3. Dig Deep into Forums and Q&A Sites: Communities like Reddit, Quora, or niche-specific forums are treasure troves of potential article ideas. Look for common questions and problems that people are seeking solutions for, and use these as a starting point for your Breakdown Articles.
  4. Analyze Competitors’ Content: Check out the top-ranking articles for your target keywords and identify any gaps in their coverage. This can help you discover unique angles and subtopics that haven’t been thoroughly explored, giving you a competitive edge.

Dissecting the Concept: A Masterclass in Deconstruction

Once you’ve identified a high-potential concept, it’s time to break it down from every angle.

The more thorough your analysis, the more value you provide to your readers. And the more value you give, the more value you get (in terms of revenue).

Here’s a step-by-step guide to deconstructing your chosen concept:

  1. Begin with Definitions: Start by explaining what your concept is and what it entails. Provide clear definitions for any jargon or specialized terms to ensure that your readers are on the same page.
  2. Discuss Different Types or Variations: If your concept has multiple variations or types, delve into each one. Explain the differences between them, and discuss the unique benefits and drawbacks of each variation.
  3. Mention Exceptions and Caveats: No concept is without its exceptions. Identify any caveats, limitations, or special cases that your readers should be aware of. Addressing these nuances demonstrates your expertise and thorough understanding of the topic.
  4. Cover Various Contexts and Applications: Discuss how your concept applies in different contexts, industries, or situations. This will help your readers understand the full breadth of the concept and how it can be utilized in their own lives or work.
  5. Use Analogies and Metaphors: To further simplify complex ideas, employ analogies and metaphors that your readers can easily relate to. This helps make your explanations more engaging and accessible.
  6. Provide Real-World Examples: Offer examples that illustrate your concept in action, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with it. This not only reinforces your explanations but also helps your readers visualize how the concept might apply to their own experiences.

Show Me the Money: How Breakdown Articles Generate Revenue

Breakdown Articles generate revenue in several ways:

  • Affiliate marketing
  • Display advertising
  • Sponsorships
  • Lead generation

Affiliate Marketing: Your New Best Friend

One of the primary ways Breakdown Articles generate income is through affiliate marketing.

By recommending products or services related to your topic, you can earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link.

Display Advertising: Tapping Into the Massive Ad Market

One of the major ways that I make money on my portfolio of websites is through display ads.

Once you set up your website and start to generate content, you can connect Google Adsense to your site. As you grow your monthly traffic, you can upgrade to display ad networks like Ezoic, Mediavine, and AdThrive.

Sponsored Content: When Brands Pay You to Write

As your blog gains traction, you may attract the attention of brands looking for sponsored content.

In exchange for payment, you can create a Breakdown Article that highlights their product or service, all while staying true to your voice and style.

Portfolio Websites: Your Online Business Card

Your collection of Breakdown Articles can serve as a powerful portfolio, showcasing your writing prowess to potential clients.

By demonstrating your ability to simplify complex topics, you’ll be well on your way to securing high-paying freelance writing gigs. In this way, your content becomes a lead-generation machine.

A Real-Life Example: Breaking Down Breakdown Articles

Let’s say you’re a fitness enthusiast and want to write a Breakdown Article about the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Instead of cramming all the benefits, science, and exercise routines into one gigantic unstructured monstrosity — or glossing over key points with barely a knuckle-bound nod, you’d break the topic down into smaller, more digestible sections.

HIIT 101: What is High-Intensity Interval Training?

Begin by explaining the basic concept of HIIT, including the structure of a typical workout and why it’s called “high-intensity.”

You could also talk about the different subtypes of HIIT.

The Science Behind the Sweat: Why HIIT Works

Delve into the science of HIIT, discussing how it boosts metabolism, increases cardiovascular fitness, and improves overall health.

Go slow and thorough all the way through.

My HIIT Journey: How I Fell in Love with Quick and Sweaty Workouts

Share your personal experience with HIIT, including anecdotes about your initial struggles and the triumphs that followed.

This personalizes and crystallizes the concept in your reader’s mind.

5 Killer HIIT Workouts to Get Your Heart Pumping

Provide a selection of HIIT workouts tailored for various fitness levels, ensuring that your readers have options to suit their needs.

Here you are applying different contexts to your concept.

This single tip has made me a mountain of money. You can take almost any concept and run it through a dozen (or more) contexts to make a longer and better piece of content.

Keeping it Fresh: Tips for Sticking to Your HIIT Routine

Offer advice on how to stay motivated and keep the workouts interesting, with a sprinkle of humor and personal stories.

By breaking the topic down into smaller sections, you make the content more accessible and enjoyable for your readers, increasing the chances that they’ll share your article, subscribe to your blog, and maybe even make a purchase through your affiliate links.

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Christopher Kokoski
Writers’ Blokke

Endlessly curious| proud word nerd| Don’t miss my next article — sign up to my Medium email list: https://bit.ly/3yy18Bc