There are plenty of reasons to start writing for many. Students can do so to gain some work experience before graduation as well as earn some extra cash. Some people can do so because they want to make money on doing what they love. The others write to promote themselves, to become popular, etc.
But no matter what the reason is, anyone is able to succeed if they try hard enough and invest time into polishing their writing skills. What stops many from trying, however, is a lack of a plan – as well as lack of ideas how exactly they could make money with the help of their writing.
While I cannot offer you a ready-made plan (this would be up to you), I still can help you with the latter. In this article, I want to focus on ways to turn your writing hobby into a successful business.
1. Freelance writing
If you are skilled in a certain niche or at least able to research quickly, you can try writing for money on one (or two, or as much as you want to) of the many freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, Problogger, etc.). These platforms offer different jobs, from article and blog writing to email writing, etc.
While it might be tough to find a job at first, such websites could really help you build a diverse portfolio (as well as reputation) while earning money in the process.
2. Writing for a certain company
If you like a company or two, you can try contacting them and asking for open writers’ positions. Sure, you need to have to show them something you wrote in order to prove you’re worthy of their time and attention – but this doesn’t even have to be a portfolio.
For example, if you’re interested in a certain niche and want to find a job there, you can consider starting a niche-related blog and fill it with high-quality content. Such blog can be an amazing portfolio as well.
3. Book writing
There are plenty of people who wanted to become writers but abandoned their dreams because they thought they were not going to make it. Good news – now you can make it on your own.
There are plenty of self-publishing guides and even resources that support writers during their work (like Patreon or Kickstarter). Sure, you need to invest a lot of time in the promotion if you want to receive that kind of support (and if you want your book to become visible), but this could be really worth the effort.
4. Academic writing
If you have good grades (or had them while you were in college), a degree or a deep knowledge of some academic field or fields, why not consider academic writing? There are so many websites willing to hire people that are able to come up with good cause and effect essay topics, proofread academic papers, and write them from scratch.
While graduates can do this as well, for students it can be even more profitable and useful as they can strengthen their knowledge on certain subjects as well as earn money.
5. Blogging
Anyone can become a blogger these days but if you truly want to succeed and monetize your blog later you’ll need more than just good writing skills. However, blogging is indeed a niche you can profit from in so many ways.
For example, you can write product or services reviews and get money for that. You can sell advertising using various ad services (this is an option that becomes available very quickly, though doesn’t bring much money unless your blog is insanely popular). You can also create your own products (like eBooks), selling them to your audience or on Amazon, using a blog as a promotional platform. And, of course, you can sell your own services as well, be it coaching or something else you are skilled at.
There’s only one drawback, though a pretty big one: you’ll have to work hard and perhaps even long before you succeed. That’s why if you plan on starting a blogging career, make sure that you have another job to supply you until your blog becomes popular enough.
As you see, there are plenty of options. Some of them can bring you money instantly and some require you to invest time and efforts first. Either way, all of them let you make money while doing what you love – writing. So you can choose any of them or combine a couple of them (for example, become a freelance writer and create your blog, promoting it in your spare time) – and start building a career of your dreams.
I wish you good luck with that!