Writing is an old craft, as old as language or maybe a little younger but you get it. It’s old. If you are wondering if writing is still the best way to make money, then with all certainty, yes. For a long time, people have made good money from writing. I am a testament to the possibilities of making money online by writing. Are you a writer? Blogger? Or genuinely enjoy writing?
One would think that in a world full of writers and saturated digital media, there is no more room for new content or opportunities to make money from writing. The advent and rise of artificial intelligence might also seem to dull the ability to make money from writing.
Contrary to the thought, writing has long been a revered craft, providing countless individuals with the means to share their ideas, tell stories, and even secure a comfortable income. But as we navigate through 2024, is writing still the best way to make money? Let’s explore the multifaceted landscape of writing and its potential for monetary gain in the contemporary world.
How I Use Writing to Make Money
I began writing in 2018. As a young and unskilled writer, there was barely anything that I could do to make enough money or good money for my writing. The only options available were freelancing as a beginner writer and academic writing for students who were willing to pay generously.
Since then, I have improved my writing skills greatly, and it was a good way to learn. If you have no confidence in your writing, freelancing as a beginner can be a great way to get started. You get to learn and improve your skills.
Currently, I write for a few publishing presses, as a ghostwriter and professional blogger for a few websites. I started this blog in 2022 and have been writing ever since.
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How to Make Money from Writing
Writing is very broad, and there is a lot that you can do to make money with your writing. From the simple memes that are trending on TikTok, the small tweets on X (formerly Twitter) to the well-crafted speeches and news on TV. That is all writing. The good thing is that you can scale up pretty first.
In this article, we will explore these simple ways you can get started with writing and how to make money.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing remains the most common and widely preferred way to make money from any skill. It is simple, quick and hassle-free. For writers, this can be a robust avenue for generating income. If you are just getting started, freelance writing is a great way to get started. You can create a good standing with you clients and build a reputation.
Businesses, both big and small, continue to crave high-quality content to engage their audiences, educate customers, and enhance their online presence. This demand spans various niches, from technology and finance to travel and health. Specializing in a specific niche can not only make a writer more appealing to potential clients but also justify higher rates for their expertise.
Despite the increasing use of AI for content creation, human writers hold the edge in producing nuanced, emotion-driven content that truly resonates with readers. The value of authentic, well-researched, and well-written content cannot be underestimated. Freelance platforms and content marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr have simplified the process of finding writing gigs, enabling writers to build diverse portfolios and secure steady streams of work.
Where to Start Freelancing
While many platforms are specifically tailored for writers and promise better features and jobs, here are a few that I have personally curated. Always remember it is important to do your research and pick what works for you.
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Freelancer
- TaskRabbit
- Peopleperhour
Content Creation
The concept of content creation has changed a lot, and so has the type of content as well. Years ago, professional writing was limited to a few areas, such as journalism, print media, and copywriting. Today, content creation is broad and so is the field of content writing. From simple tweets on social media to scripting for big movies.
Writing has in many ways expanded beyond traditional articles and blogs.
Today’s writers are also creating video scripts, social media posts, podcasts, and interactive content. This diversification not only helps writers reach broader audiences but also opens up additional revenue streams. Brands and businesses are continually looking for engaging content to captivate their audience, and versatile writers who can deliver on multiple fronts are in high demand.
Moreover, adapting to various content formats as a writer can give you an edge in a competitive market. The ability to seamlessly transition from crafting compelling video scripts to concise social media posts is a skill set that is increasingly sought after in the digital age.
Blogging: The Marathon of Writing
Starting and monetizing a blog is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and strategic planning. Blogging about productivity, lifestyle, and relatable topics can be particularly lucrative if done right. By creating high-quality, consistent content that resonates with a target audience, bloggers can build loyal followings. Monetization strategies such as ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing can then convert this audience into a steady income stream.
However, it’s important to recognize that blogging is not an overnight success story. The earlier one starts, the better, as it allows time to refine one’s voice, grow an audience, and establish authority in a particular niche. Leveraging SEO techniques, engaging with readers, and networking with other bloggers are crucial steps in this marathon.
E-books and Online Courses: Sharing Expertise
The demand for e-books and online courses continues to grow as more people seek to learn new skills and gain knowledge from the comfort of their homes. Writers who possess expertise in particular areas can capitalize on this trend by creating and selling digital products. E-books on niche topics and comprehensive online courses can generate substantial income while establishing the writer as an authority figure in their field.
Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Udemy provide accessible avenues for writers to publish and market their digital products. The passive income generated from these sales can be a significant financial boon.
What to Do If You Dont Make Money from Writing
Patience and Persistence
Writing is undeniably competitive, and success requires not only talent but also persistence and resilience. It is not easy to start a business and have nothing to show for it. But this is the reality for many writers. While some writers achieve overnight fame, for most, it’s a long-term commitment that involves continuous learning, adapting to industry changes, and consistently delivering high-quality content.
As a beginner, having patience and resilience can go a long way to help create a reliable reputation and an audience if you are a blogger.
Adding the Human Touch in an AI World
Most content these days is AI-generated. Many people appreciate the abilities of AI to simplify the menial tasks of small writing. While AI tools like ChatGPT can assist in content creation, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Authenticity, creativity, and emotional intelligence are qualities that AI cannot replicate.
Readers value content that speaks to their experiences and emotions, which is why human writers will always have a significant role to play. As a writer, this can be the pain point to address for businesses and niches that require the human touch.
Guest Posting and Collaboration
Guest posting and collaborations offer writers opportunities to expand their reach and build their brand. By writing guest posts for other blogs or inviting guest contributors to their blogs, writers can tap into new audiences and enhance their credibility. Collaborations, such as co-hosted webinars or joint projects, can also bring fresh perspectives and increase audience engagement.
Platforms like Opera News Hub can be valuable for connecting with other writers and exploring collaboration opportunities. Participating in online blogging communities and forums can also help writers network and find potential partners for joint ventures.
Famous Writers Making Money From Writing
Authors
There are quite a few famous authors who have made significant money from their writing. Here are some notable examples:
- J.K. Rowling: Known for the Harry Potter series, she’s one of the highest-earning authors, with a net worth of over $1 billion.
- James Patterson: Famous for his thriller novels, he’s earned around $560 million.
- Stephen King: The master of horror has accumulated around $400 million.
- Nora Roberts: A prolific romance novelist with earnings of about $390 million.
- Danielle Steel: Another romance novelist, she’s made around $310 million.
- Ken Follett: Known for historical fiction like “The Pillars of the Earth,” he’s earned about $68 million.
- Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight series, she’s made around $75 million.
- Rick Riordan: Known for his Percy Jackson series, he’s earned significant income from his books.
These authors have not only made a name for themselves but have also shown that writing can be a very lucrative career. Do any of these names inspire you?
Bloggers
Blogging is one of the most famous ways that writers can make money online. The most difficult part is building an audience. However, some tips and tricks can go a long way to helping you on this path.
Here are some bloggers who have made a name for themselves and turned their passion into profitable hobbies and careers:
- Tim Ferriss: Known for his blog “Tim Ferriss,” he shares insights on personal growth, business, and lifestyle design. He’s also an author of best-selling books like “The 4-Hour Workweek.”
- Seth Godin: A marketing expert and author, Seth’s blog “Seth’s Blog” covers topics like marketing, tribes, and respect.
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Also known as “GaryVee,” he runs a blog where he shares his thoughts on business, entrepreneurship, and culture.
- Neil Patel: A digital marketing expert, Neil’s blog provides valuable tips and strategies for SEO, content marketing, and online business growth.
- Chiara Ferragni: A fashion blogger and entrepreneur, Chiara’s blog and social media presence have turned her into a fashion icon and influencer.
- John Lee Dumas: Known for his podcast “Entrepreneur on Fire,” John also shares valuable content on his blog about entrepreneurship and business growth.
There are significantly more bloggers than these that have a sustainable income from blogging. These bloggers have not only built a huge and loyal following but also monetize their blogs to make enough money to sustain their living. Some of the simple ways to make money from blogs include sponsored posts, affiliate marketing and selling products and services.
