3 Content Writing Income Streams That Net Me $5k/Month

Although I relish the glitz and glamour that comes with product sponsorships on Instagram or my YouTube videos, they don't exactly fill my bank account. My social media presence is far from massive, and my YouTube channel is still in its early stages.

But, I have found solace in three mundane writing income streams that bring in a substantial portion of my earnings. Many writers dream of earning a living by simply penning beautiful prose, but the reality is, that's a challenging feat, even for talented authors like Roxane Gay.

Passive income is a rare commodity for writers, let alone freelance writers. Most of us are actively involved in the writing process, making it an effort-based pursuit.

Therefore, I suggest focusing on dull but profitable writing streams and using the extra time for your less profitable passion. These three writing streams earn me a comfortable $5k every month, and I'm able to make a living from writing online.

Income Stream 1: Writing with a Purpose

So what is Content Writing all about? Simply put, it's crafting content for a specific online audience. It's different from copywriting as it's not just about making sales, but rather delivering a message in a more creative manner.

Where can you land content writing gigs? I've had clients come my way through my LinkedIn or Medium profiles, but if you're just starting out, don't worry, you can find work on job boards like LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, or any other platform.

Crafting content writing pieces requires two key elements: a strong understanding of your target audience and a solid grasp of content marketing's purpose. You have to tell a captivating story and naturally include your client's message. For instance, let's say your client is a cat food brand. They would want content that addresses the needs of their potential customers.

Here are a few examples:

• 5 Essential Steps to Ensure Your Cat Eats Right
• Is Your Cat Food Hurting Your Feline's Teeth?
• 3 Simple Home-Made Treat Recipes for Your Cat

You can also check out posts on popular websites like Forbes or Entrepreneur for more ideas. They almost always link to products, services, or companies - that's the essence of content marketing.

How much can you earn from content writing? This writing stream typically generates around $1-2k a month for me. I have a steady client and usually 1-2 one-time clients each month.

The challenges of content writing? It can be a tough balance to strike between promoting awareness and not coming off as too salesy. And let's not forget clients who just want you to write an advertisement, even though that type of content is less appealing to readers. You may also have to write about topics that don't interest you.

But, if you learn to navigate these obstacles, content writing can be a lucrative writing stream that pays well.

Related Article: 8 Online Companies That Pay You to Write

Income Stream 2: The Art of SEO Writing

SEO writing is all about crafting content that delights search engine algorithms and helps you rank higher in search engines like Google.

How to land clients for SEO writing? My secret weapons are LinkedIn and Medium. I even wrote a guide to show you how to attract clients through SEO writing.

What does it take to create an SEO-friendly piece? The key is understanding the inner workings of search engines and what they want: relevant content that matches the reader's search intent. And, of course, search engines make money from advertising and your data.

With the right approach to keyword research and placement, you can turn your passion for writing into a profitable stream of income. I have even prepared a tutorial to get you started.

How much money can be made from SEO writing? On average, I earn between $2-3k each month from this income stream. I have a few steady clients who keep me busy and sometimes I get hired for one-off projects.

What are the challenges of SEO writing? It can be tough writing for an algorithm instead of a human reader. But with practice, you can master the art of SEO writing and attract more freelance clients and grow your blog's revenue.

Income Stream 3: Copywriting - The Art of Selling with Words

Copywriting is the art of persuading people to buy through writing. You've probably seen its impact on websites, ads, and product descriptions.

Where to find copywriting gigs? If you want to make money as a copywriter, check out platforms such as LinkedIn or Fiverr for opportunities. But, the best way to start is by writing for your own business, where you have the advantage of in-depth knowledge.

How to become a copywriter? As a writer, you need to learn how to write with a purpose - to sell. Unlike other writing income sources that come from clients, most of my copywriting is for my own business.

My writing includes emails, bios, calls-to-action, sales pages, and product descriptions. Although writing emails to my list is enjoyable, most copywriting is a necessary but unglamorous aspect of running a business.

What's the earning potential? I make around $2k monthly on average through copywriting, mostly from selling my own products, but also from some client work.

What are the challenges? Selling can be tough, especially for writers who find it hard to sell themselves. But, the ability to sell is critical for success, whether it's your LinkedIn profile, pitching to clients, or promoting your services.

With dedication and a desire to learn, copywriting can bring great rewards and fulfillment. Although it can be mundane at times, the thrill of successfully selling your words is unmatched.

Boring Income Streams Give Me Financial Stability

Living the writing dream requires a change of perspective - embracing boring income streams as a means to support your true passion. Instead of solely relying on writing fiction for income, diversifying with writing jobs that may not be as exciting, but pay the bills, is key.

For me, spending time with my cats, going on runs, indulging in fiction, chatting with friends, watching guilty pleasure reality TV shows, and baking, bring me joy. Unfortunately, these activities don't generate any income.

Many writers struggle financially because they limit themselves to writing only what they love, disregarding opportunities in areas like listicles, content marketing, and SEO.

Here's the thing, if you want to make a living as a fiction writer, it's essential to embrace these so-called "boring" writing income streams. I let go of my pride and took the time to learn and master them, and now I have the financial stability to pursue my passion projects without worrying about making ends meet.

Embrace the power of income diversity in writing. Invest some time and effort into mastering these income streams, and you'll be surprised at the happiness and financial freedom it can bring you.