Welcome Back To Side Hustle Weekly!

I’m excited to share with you another great side hustle you can start today! The side hustle we will be going over is how you can start making $10,000 per month with a keyboard and a bit of time.

All You Need is a Keyboard to Make $10,000/month

Are you passionate about writing and eager to make money doing what you love? Freelance writing can be one of the most rewarding and flexible careers, offering you the chance to work from anywhere, set your own hours, and earn a comfortable income. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience with writing, this guide will walk you through how to get your freelance writing business up and running step-by-step.

Ready to turn your words into cash? Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Hone Your Writing Skills

Before jumping into the world of freelance writing, make sure your writing skills are up to par. Clients expect clear, engaging, and error-free content. If you’re rusty, it’s worth investing some time in improving your grammar, storytelling, and editing abilities. You can do this by:

• Reading books on writing.

• Taking online writing courses (Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare are great options).

• Practicing by starting a blog or journaling daily.

While perfection isn't the goal, being able to consistently produce quality content will set you apart from the competition.

Step 2: Identify Your Niche

The freelance writing market is vast, so to stand out, choose a niche. A niche allows you to focus on a specific industry, topic, or writing style. Some profitable niches include:

• Technology: Writing about software, gadgets, and the latest tech trends.

• Health & Wellness: Producing content on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.

• Finance: Creating articles on investing, personal finance, or cryptocurrency.

• Marketing & SEO: Writing copy that converts, or producing blogs that drive traffic.

Research topics you enjoy and that have a demand for writers. Focusing on one or two niches will allow you to position yourself as an expert, attract higher-paying clients, and streamline your work process.

Step 3: Build Your Portfolio

Clients won’t hire you unless they can see samples of your work. If you don’t have any published pieces yet, don’t worry—you can build a portfolio from scratch. Here’s how:

• Write samples: Create two or three articles in your chosen niche to showcase your writing.

• Guest post: Reach out to blogs or online magazines and offer to write a guest post for free. In exchange, you’ll get a byline and a published piece to add to your portfolio.

• Start a blog: If you enjoy writing about a certain topic, start your own blog and publish regularly. Even unpaid, it shows your writing style and commitment to producing content.

Step 4: Find Clients

Now that you have a polished portfolio, it’s time to land your first clients. There are several ways to find paying freelance gigs:

• Freelance platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to bid on writing jobs. These platforms are competitive, but they can be great for beginners who need experience.

• Job boards: Sites like ProBlogger, Contena, and We Work Remotely post writing jobs specifically for freelancers.

• Networking: Leverage your personal and professional networks. Let friends, colleagues, or past employers know you’re offering freelance writing services. Often, your first clients come from people you already know.

Once you secure a few clients, deliver high-quality work on time, and ask for testimonials or referrals to help grow your business.

Step 5: Set Your Rates and Invoice Clients

Pricing your services can be tricky when you're just starting out. Most freelance writers charge per word, per article, or by the hour. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

• Beginner: $0.03 to $0.10 per word.

• Intermediate: $0.10 to $0.50 per word.

• Experienced: $0.50 to $1.00+ per word.

You can also offer package deals for long-term clients or larger projects. Use simple invoicing tools like PayPal, FreshBooks, or Wave to bill your clients.

Step 6: Scale Your Business

Once you’ve built a steady client base, you can start scaling your freelance writing business. Consider these options to grow:

• Specialize in high-paying niches: Certain industries, like finance, tech, or B2B marketing, pay more than others.

• Expand your services: Offer complementary services like editing, SEO consulting, or content strategy.

• Increase your rates: As you gain more experience and build a portfolio of satisfied clients, raise your rates to reflect the value you provide.

Scaling your freelance writing business means you can start taking on higher-paying clients, working less, and earning more.

Pros and Cons of Freelance Writing

Pros:

• Flexibility: You can work from anywhere and set your own hours.

• Unlimited earning potential: The more you work, the more you can earn. Experienced writers can make six figures annually.

• Creative freedom: Choose projects and clients that excite you.

Cons:

• Income variability: Your income may fluctuate from month to month.

• Client management: Some clients may be difficult to work with or pay late.

• Self-discipline: Staying motivated and organized can be challenging without a boss.

Tools and Software You’ll Need

To maximize your efficiency, consider using these tools:

• Grammarly (for checking grammar and spelling).

• Google Docs (for writing and sharing files).

• Hemingway App (to make your writing clearer).

• Toggl (for tracking time and staying productive).

• Canva (for designing graphics to complement your articles).

Products to Buy for Success

Invest in these items to create a comfortable, productive writing space:

• A good laptop: Reliable and fast for writing, editing, and research.

• Noise-canceling headphones: Helps you focus in noisy environments.

• Comfortable office chair: Prevent back pain and keep productivity high.

• A planner or project management app: Keep track of deadlines and client communications.

How Much Can You Make?

Freelance writers' income varies depending on experience, niche, and workload. Here’s a rough estimate of potential monthly earnings:

• Beginner: $1000 to $2,000 per month.

• Intermediate: $2,000 to $5,000 per month.

• Experienced: $5,000 to $10,000+ per month.

Once you establish yourself, freelance writing can lead to a stable and highly lucrative income.

In Summary

Starting a freelance writing business is a manageable and fulfilling side hustle or full-time career if you’re willing to put in the effort. With the right skills, niche, and tools, you can build a successful writing career and unlock unlimited earning potential.

Now, it's time to get started. The world of freelance writing is waiting for you!