Hey there, aspiring wordsmith! If you're reading this, chances are you've got a knack for putting thoughts into words and are thinking, "Why not make some cash out of this?"
Good news—whether you're aiming to write articles, blogs, or ebooks, you’ve got plenty of opportunities.
In this guide, I’ll show you the basics of how to earn money in writing. Let’s go!
How to Earn Money in Writing
Wait... before we dive into the how-to guide, want to hear a short story? This might inspire you or we could have the same starting point of writing. Anyway, let me do this!
I've been writing since my student era because it's my passion to write. Well, I was writing for fun back then. I wrote stories using the names of my classmates and they loved it so much especially those love teams in my class. Little did I know, from fun writing to a purposeful one which led me to earn extra income from doing it. It's clear to me that when the pandemic hit throughout the world, writing has opened opportunities for making money like writing authentic articles, crafting SEO blogs, and making a lead magnet ebook. Thus, writing made me the best version of myself. And the rest was history.
To speak from personal experience, writing is a fulfilling way to earn money while sharing your knowledge and creativity to the world.
So, as promised earlier, here's the basic guide on how to earn money in writing.
1. Start with What You Know
First things first—what do you like to write about? Is there a topic you can talk about for hours without getting bored? It could be anything from personal finance, for instance my chosen niche, to the latest trends in fashion or tech. Starting with a niche you’re familiar with or genuinely interested can make the writing process smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, your passion will shine through, making your content more engaging for readers.
Not sure about your niche? No worries! Explore different topics by writing sample pieces to anyone who needs a writer. Let's say a friend of yours struggle to craft a simple Facebook caption for his business social presence. You can start from there and make adjustments as you discover the niche you want to focus. The more you write, the clearer your niche will become.
2. Get the Basics Right
Before you start pitching to clients or publishing your work, make sure you’ve got the basics covered as follows:
Portfolio: Create a simple online portfolio showcasing your best work. Even if you’re just starting, you can include personal blog posts, guest articles, or even pieces you’ve written for fun. In my case when I started, I compiled those free works I did from friends along with their testimonials. Later on when I learned to craft a website I made a basic one in free domain.
Rates: Do some research to figure out standard rates in your niche. Rates can vary depending on experience, type of content, and industry. Don’t undersell yourself, but be open to negotiation as you build your client base.
Tools: Familiarize yourself with basic writing tools like Grammarly for proofreading, Canva for quick graphic design, and Google Docs for easy collaboration with clients.
3. Where to Find Writing Gigs
Now that you’re ready to roll, it’s time to find some paying gigs.
Here are a few places to start:
Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork and OnlineJobs ph are popular for beginners. You can set up a profile, list your services, and start bidding on projects. There's also Fiverr and Freelancer though I haven't tried it. Explore these two as nowadays a lot of freelancers are getting clients here too. While competition can be fierce, it’s a great way to get your foot in the door.
Facebook Groups: This kind of platform is helpful too in finding writing gigs. I can guarantee a lot of business owners or prospects are posting their need of assistance especially those groups where your market is engaging. Not to brag, I was able to get my first international client through a Facebook group. So, try to be present on the groups of your market.
Pitch Directly: If there’s a blog, website, or company you love, don’t be shy—reach out directly! And to pitch directly can be done through cold email which is somehow effective for me until now in reaching out prospects. Basically, you will be sending the prospects an email with a pitch of your article idea and letting them know you’re available for freelance writing. Direct connections can go a long way in finding your clients as it showcases a personal approach.
4. Consider Blogging
If you’re in it for the long haul, starting your own blog can be a great way to earn money. It won’t be an overnight success. I myself is a testimony of a work in progress in doing blogs.
But with consistent effort, you and I can monetize through:
Ad Revenue: Sign up for ad networks like Google AdSense to display ads on your blog.
Affiliate Marketing: Recommend products or services through affiliate links. Every time someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission.
Sponsored Posts: As your blog gains traffic, companies may pay you to write about their products or services.
Sell Your Own Products: Once you’ve built an audience, consider selling ebooks, courses, or other digital products.
5. Write and Sell Ebooks
Got a lot to say on a specific topic? Why not turn it into an ebook?
Ebooks are online books which can be accessed anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Also, this type of digital product can be a fantastic source of passive income.
Here’s how to get started:
Choose Your Topic: Focus on a subject you’re knowledgeable about or something that solves a common problem for your audience.
Write and Edit: Break down your content into manageable chapters. Write consistently, even if it’s just a little bit each day. Once your draft is ready, ask a friend or if you have a community of writers get help to check your work. Otherwise, if you have an extra budget, why not hire an expert to edit or proofread for a better result.
Design and Format: Use tools like Canva to create a visually appealing cover. You can format your ebook using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Well, more advanced formatting ways are out there, so explore about it.
Publish and Sell: Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make it easy to publish and sell your ebook. Of course, publishing on the said platform has its terms and guidelines. Better to have a thorough understanding of such things. Nevertheless, if you have your own website you can publish and sell from there too. Lastly, promote your ebook through your blog, social media, or email newsletter.
Final Thoughts on How to Earn Money in Writing
The writing world is constantly evolving, and so should you! Invest time in improving your writing skills, learning about SEO, and staying updated on how to earn money in writing. Take online courses, read books on writing, and connect with other writers. The more you grow, the more opportunities will come your way.
Last but not least—don’t get discouraged. The writing journey has its ups and downs, and it might take time before you see a steady income. But with persistence, passion, and patience, you can turn your writing dreams into reality.
So, ready to start earning money through writing articles, blogs, or ebooks? Grab your laptop, set up your workspace, and let those words flow! Your journey begins now. Happy writing!
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