9 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Writer Online: Side Hustle Edition
Want to make some extra cash with your writing skills? Freelance writing online can be a great side gig.
You can work from home, set your own hours, and pick projects that interest you.
You can earn money writing articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and more for websites and businesses. There are many ways to find freelance writing jobs on the internet.
With some effort, you can build up a client base and turn your writing hobby into a nice income stream.
Let’s look at some top ways to get started as an online freelance writer.
1) Start a Blog
Want to make money writing? Starting a blog can be a great side hustle.
You can write about topics you love and build an audience over time.
To get started, pick a niche you’re passionate about.
This could be anything from travel to cooking to personal finance.
Choose something you enjoy writing about regularly.
Next, set up your blog.
You can use platforms like WordPress or Wix to create a website easily.
Pick a domain name that fits your niche and start designing your site.
Now comes the fun part – writing content! Create helpful, engaging posts that your readers will love.
Aim to post consistently, whether that’s once a week or a few times a month.
As your blog grows, you can monetize it in different ways.
You might try affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions for recommending products.
Or you could sell digital products like ebooks or courses.
Another option is to offer sponsored content.
Companies may pay you to write about their products or services.
Just make sure to disclose these partnerships to your readers.
Don’t expect overnight success.
Building a profitable blog takes time and effort.
But with patience and persistence, you can turn your writing hobby into a money-making side gig.
2) Write for Online Magazines
Want to earn some extra cash with your writing skills? Online magazines could be your ticket.
Many digital publications pay freelancers for articles on various topics.
You don’t need to be a pro to get started.
Some magazines welcome new writers and offer decent pay.
For example, Oprah Magazine’s digital version might pay less than their print edition, but it’s still a great opportunity.
Looking for bigger payouts? Some online magazines offer over $100 per article.
Travel + Leisure is one such publication that supports freelancers.
To get started, check out magazine websites for submission guidelines.
If you can’t find them, try reaching out to editors on social media.
Twitter can be a good place to connect.
When pitching, make sure your ideas fit the magazine’s style and topics.
Read a few articles to get a feel for what they publish.
This increases your chances of getting accepted.
Remember, persistence is key.
You might not land your first pitch, but keep trying.
With practice, you’ll improve your pitching skills and build relationships with editors.
Writing for online magazines can be a fun way to share your knowledge and make some extra money on the side.
Give it a shot and see where your words can take you!
3) Create SEO Content
Want to boost your freelance writing income? Try creating SEO content.
This type of writing can be a great side hustle for writers looking to earn extra cash online.
SEO content helps websites rank higher in search results.
You’ll write articles and blog posts that use specific keywords to attract more readers.
It’s a skill that’s always in demand.
To get started, learn the basics of SEO.
You can find free online courses to teach you the ropes.
Focus on understanding keywords, meta descriptions, and how to structure content for search engines.
Once you’ve got the hang of it, look for clients who need SEO writers.
Many businesses are willing to pay good money for well-optimized content.
You can find these gigs on freelance job boards or by reaching out to companies directly.
As you build your skills, you can charge more for your services.
Some experienced SEO writers make a full-time income from this work.
But even as a side hustle, it can add a nice chunk to your monthly earnings.
Remember, SEO is always changing.
Keep learning and stay up to date with SEO trends to keep your skills sharp.
This will help you provide the best value to your clients and keep the work coming in.
4) Offer Ghostwriting Services
Want to make money writing without getting the credit? Ghostwriting might be your ticket.
As a ghostwriter, you’ll pen content for others who’ll put their name on it.
Ghostwriting can be a lucrative side hustle.
You could write anything from articles and blog posts to full-length books.
The pay varies, but some experienced ghostwriters charge up to $35,000 for a book!
To get started, build a portfolio of your best writing samples.
Even if they’re not ghostwritten, they’ll show off your skills.
Next, look for ghostwriting gigs on freelance job boards or writing-specific sites.
Reach out to potential clients like busy professionals, thought leaders, or business owners who might need writing help.
Let them know you can craft their ideas into polished content.
Don’t forget to diversify your services.
Offer to write different types of content to attract more clients.
You could ghostwrite blog posts, ebooks, speeches, or even social media posts.
As you gain experience, you can raise your rates.
Some ghostwriters charge by the hour, while others charge per word or project.
Find what works best for you and your clients.
Remember, discretion is crucial in ghostwriting.
Your clients trust you with their ideas and reputation.
Always respect their privacy and stick to agreed-upon terms.
5) Sell E-Books
Want to make money writing on your own terms? Selling e-books could be your ticket.
It’s a great side hustle that lets you share your knowledge and earn cash.
First, pick a topic you know well.
Maybe it’s cooking, personal finance, or pet care.
Whatever you’re passionate about can work.
Next, write your e-book.
Don’t worry about making it super long.
Even a short, helpful guide can sell well.
Aim for clear, simple writing that solves a problem for your readers.
Pricing your e-book is important.
You don’t need to charge a lot.
A $2.99 price on Amazon could earn you $2.10 per sale.
Sell five books a day, and you’re looking at $315 extra each month.
Now, where do you sell your masterpiece? Shopify is a popular option.
It lets you set up your own online shop to sell your e-books directly to readers.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing is another great choice.
It’s easy to use and puts your book in front of millions of potential buyers.
Don’t forget to promote your e-book.
Share it on social media, tell your friends, or even run some ads if you’re feeling bold.
Remember, selling e-books takes time and effort.
But with persistence, you could build a nice side income from your writing.
6) Join Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr)
Want to dip your toes into freelance writing? Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be great starting points.
These sites connect you with clients looking for writers.
On Upwork, you can bid on writing jobs that match your skills.
You set your own rates and work on a variety of projects.
It’s a good way to build your portfolio and gain experience.
Fiverr works a bit differently.
You create “gigs” offering specific writing services.
Clients come to you based on what you offer.
It’s perfect for selling your writing skills as a side hustle.
Both platforms take a cut of your earnings. Fiverr charges a 20% commission on all your gigs.
Upwork’s fees start at 20% but decrease as you earn more with each client.
Getting started is easy.
Create a profile showcasing your writing skills and experience.
Be sure to highlight any areas you specialize in.
Remember to price your services competitively when you’re new.
As you gain positive reviews and build your reputation, you can raise your rates.
These platforms can help you earn some extra cash on the side.
With dedication, you might even turn it into a full-time gig.
Just keep at it and watch your freelance writing career grow!
7) Pitch to Websites
Want to make some extra cash with your writing skills? Try pitching to websites! It’s a great side hustle that can fit into your schedule.
First, find websites that accept guest posts or freelance writers.
Look for ones that match your interests and expertise.
This way, you’ll enjoy writing for them.
Next, check out their submission guidelines.
Each site has different rules, so pay attention to what they want.
This will help your pitch stand out.
Now, craft a killer pitch email.
Keep it short and sweet.
Tell them who you are and why you’re the perfect person to write for them.
Include a few article ideas that fit their style.
Don’t forget to show off your best work.
Include links to your published pieces or writing samples.
This proves you’ve got the chops to deliver great content.
Be patient after you send your pitch.
It might take a while to hear back.
In the meantime, keep pitching to other sites.
The more lines you cast, the better your chances of landing a gig.
When you do get a positive response, celebrate! Then get to work on creating awesome content.
Deliver your best work, and you might just turn that one-off piece into a regular gig.
Pitching to websites can be a fun way to earn money on the side.
Plus, you’ll build your portfolio and make connections in the writing world.
Who knows? Your side hustle might even turn into a full-time career!
8) Offer Copywriting Services
Want to make some extra cash with your writing skills? Copywriting might be your ticket.
It’s a great side hustle that can pay well if you know what you’re doing.
Copywriting is all about creating persuasive content that sells products or services.
You can write for websites, emails, ads, and more.
Lots of businesses need good copywriters to help them stand out.
To get started, brush up on your persuasive writing skills.
Learn about marketing basics and how to write compelling headlines.
Practice writing short, snappy sentences that grab attention.
You can find copywriting gigs on freelance job boards.
Look for opportunities that match your interests and experience level.
Start small and build up your portfolio as you go.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to local businesses too.
They often need help with their websites or marketing materials.
You might find some steady work close to home.
As you gain experience, you can start to specialize.
Maybe you’re great at writing product descriptions or email campaigns.
Focus on what you do best and charge more for your expertise.
Remember, copywriting isn’t just about pretty words.
It’s about getting results for your clients.
Keep learning and improving your skills.
The better you get, the more you can earn from this side gig.
9) Providing Social Media Content
Want to make money writing online? Creating content for social media platforms can be a fun and profitable side hustle.
Many businesses need help managing their social media presence.
You can offer your writing skills to craft engaging posts, captions, and tweets.
This work often involves short-form content, perfect for quick writing sessions between other tasks.
Start by picking a platform you’re familiar with, like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Learn the best practices for that specific network.
Each one has its own style and character limits.
Build a portfolio of sample posts to show potential clients.
You can create mock-ups for imaginary brands or volunteer to manage a friend’s social media account.
Look for job listings on freelance platforms or reach out directly to small businesses in your area.
Many are eager for help but don’t know where to find writers.
Set your rates based on the type of content and how much time it takes you.
Some writers charge per post, while others prefer hourly rates.
Remember to engage with your clients’ audiences too.
Responding to comments can be part of your job and helps build a stronger online presence for your clients.
As you gain experience, you might expand into creating social media strategies or managing entire accounts.
This can lead to higher-paying, long-term contracts.
Finding Freelance Writing Gigs
Finding writing gigs online can be easy if you know where to look.
There are many ways to connect with clients and land paid work.
Freelance Platforms
Freelance job boards are a great place to start your search.
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com list tons of writing gigs.
You can create a profile and bid on jobs that interest you.
ProBlogger is another popular site for finding blogging and article writing work.
They post new opportunities daily.
Don’t forget about general job sites too.
Indeed and ZipRecruiter often have freelance writing listings.
Set up job alerts on these platforms.
This way you’ll get notified when new gigs match your skills.
Networking
Building connections is key to finding steady work.
Join writing groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Engage with other writers and potential clients.
Attend local networking events or writing conferences.
You never know who you might meet.
Consider starting a blog to showcase your writing.
Share it on social media to attract clients.
Reach out to businesses in your niche.
Offer your writing services directly. Cold pitching can lead to great opportunities.
Ask friends and family if they know anyone needing a writer.
Word-of-mouth referrals are golden.
Building Your Portfolio
A strong portfolio is key to landing freelance writing gigs.
It shows off your skills and helps clients see what you can do.
Let’s look at how to create a website and choose your best work to showcase.
Creating a Website
Setting up a website for your portfolio is easier than you might think.
You can use simple platforms like Clippings.me or Journo Portfolio to get started quickly.
These sites let you add links, upload PDFs, and even embed multimedia pieces.
Pick a clean, professional design that’s easy to navigate.
Make sure your contact info is easy to find.
You can also add a brief bio to tell potential clients about yourself.
Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy.
Many portfolio sites have templates you can use.
Just plug in your info and writing samples, and you’re good to go.
Showcasing Your Best Work
Choosing what to put in your portfolio is crucial.
You want to show off your range and skills. Pick 3-5 examples that best represent your work.
Make sure they’re relevant to the type of writing you want to do.
If you’re just starting out, you might need to create some samples.
You can:
- Write blog posts on topics you’re passionate about
- Offer to write for free for a local business or charity
- Create mock articles for imaginary clients
Remember to update your portfolio regularly.
As you get more writing jobs, add your best new pieces.
This keeps your portfolio fresh and shows your growth as a writer.
Setting Your Rates
Figuring out what to charge as a freelance writer can be tricky.
You want to make good money, but you also don’t want to scare away potential clients.
Start by checking out what other writers in your niche are charging.
This will give you a ballpark idea of the going rates.
Consider your experience level too.
If you’re just starting out, you might need to charge less at first.
As you gain more skills and clients, you can raise your rates.
Think about the type of writing you’re doing. Technical or specialized content often pays more than general blog posts.
Here’s a quick guide to help you:
- Beginner: $0.03 – $0.10 per word
- Intermediate: $0.10 – $0.25 per word
- Expert: $0.25 – $1.00+ per word
Remember, these are just guidelines.
You can adjust based on your specific situation.
You might also want to consider charging by the project instead of per word.
This can work well for longer pieces or ongoing work.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
If a client likes your work but can’t meet your rate, see if you can find a middle ground.
As you build your side hustle, keep track of how long projects take you.
This will help you price future work more accurately.