The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Lucrative Writing Side Hustle

Are you passionate about writing and looking for ways to earn some extra cash? Freelance writing can be the perfect side hustle for you. With the flexibility to choose your own hours and work from anywhere, it can be a lucrative way to supplement your income. In this ultimate guide, we will explore 14 ways to get paid to write and provide actionable steps to help you start your own writing side hustle.

Click here to take a 1-minute quiz to find out what type of online writing job you are best suited to.

Is Freelance Writing a Good Way to Make Money?

According to a recent survey of freelance writers, 42% make between $2,000-$5,000 per month with their writing jobs, and 60% do it part-time. This means that freelance writing can be a profitable way to supplement your income, whether you are looking for a full-time career or just a side hustle. However, it's important to note that freelance writing is a competitive field, and success depends on your ability to market yourself, find the right clients, and deliver quality work.

Writing for Blogs That Pay for Tips and Stories

One way to get started as a freelance writer is to write for blogs that pay for tips and stories. These types of gigs can be a great way to get your foot in the door and build your portfolio. Here are a few blogs that pay for guest posts:

ACHS:

American College of Healthcare Science pays $50 per post for articles related to holistic health and wellness.

Income Diary:

This blog pays anywhere from $50-$200 per post for articles related to making money online.

Great Escape Publishing:

This outlet pays anywhere from $50-$200 for travel-related articles.

iWorkWell:

This website pays up to $200 per post for articles related to business topics.

Breaking Into Magazine Writing

Magazine writing can be a lucrative way to earn money as a freelance writer. However, it can be a competitive field to break into. One way to get started is to use the Writer's Market, which contains hundreds of publications that pay for freelance writing. You can also look for magazines that cover topics you are knowledgeable about and pitch them directly.

Finding Writing Jobs on Popular Job Boards

Job boards can be a great way to find freelance writing jobs. Some popular job boards for writers include:

Problogger Job Board:

This job board has many opportunities in a variety of niches on a weekly basis.

Freelance Writing Gigs:

This blog curates new job offers daily from around the web.

All Freelance Writing:

This website has a comprehensive list of freelance writing job boards and resources.

When applying for writing jobs, it's important to position yourself as an expert in your niche. Choose jobs that align with your expertise and tailor your pitches accordingly.

Finding Unique Gigs on Craigslist

Craigslist can be a great source for finding unique writing gigs. However, it's important to be cautious and avoid scams. To find writing gigs on Craigslist, search for big cities and look in the "Jobs" section under "writing/editing." Some gigs may require you to submit a writing sample before being hired, while others may pay per piece.

Cold Pitching to Find Your Own Clients

Cold pitching can be a highly effective way to find your own clients as a freelance writer. To get started, choose a writing niche that aligns with your expertise and build a writer's website or blog to showcase your work. Collect a few writing samples and start pitching businesses and blogs that use freelance writers. Be sure to tailor your pitches to each individual client and highlight your expertise in their niche.

Choosing a Writing Niche

Choosing a writing niche is an important first step in starting your writing side hustle. Focus on a niche that aligns with your expertise and interests, whether it's travel, health and wellness, marketing, or another topic. The more specialized your niche, the easier it will be to position yourself as an expert and find high-paying clients.

Building a Writer's Website

Building a writer's website or blog is an essential step in establishing yourself as a freelance writer. Your website should include an about me page, a services page, and contact information. You can also add a portfolio of your writing samples and testimonials from satisfied clients. Be sure to choose a domain name that reflects your personal brand and is easy to remember.

Collecting Writing Samples

Collecting writing samples is an important part of building your writing portfolio. If you have published work in your niche, include links to those articles on your website. If you don't have published work, consider submitting a few guest posts to relevant blogs or websites. This will help you build a portfolio and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.

Pitching Clients

Pitching clients is a critical part of finding work as a freelance writer. When pitching clients, be sure to tailor your pitches to their specific needs and highlight your expertise in their niche. You can use job boards, social media, and your personal network to find potential clients. Be persistent and follow up with clients after your initial pitch.

Setting Your Rates

Setting your rates can be a challenge for new freelance writers. Research industry standards and compare rates from other writers in your niche. Consider your experience level, the complexity of the project, and the time required to complete it when setting your rates. Be sure to communicate your rates clearly to clients upfront and negotiate if necessary.

Managing Your Time

Managing your time is essential when working as a freelance writer. Set realistic deadlines for your projects and prioritize your workload. Use a calendar or project management tool to keep track of your assignments and deadlines. Be sure to communicate with clients if you anticipate any delays or need additional time to complete a project.

Click here to take a 1-minute quiz to find out what type of online writing job you are best suited to.

Conclusion

Starting a writing side hustle can be a lucrative and rewarding way to earn extra income. By choosing your niche, building a writer's website, and pitching clients, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and find high-paying writing gigs. Remember to set clear rates, manage your time effectively, and prioritize quality work to succeed as a freelance writer. With persistence and hard work, you can turn your passion for writing into a profitable side hustle.