Can I make money writing online?

If you’re a writer, you might be wondering what opportunities you have to make money with your skills. The good news is that the internet is teeming with opportunities to monetise your writing.

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, there are a number of platforms and methods to turn your passion for writing into a profitable venture. 

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How can I make money writing?

Let’s explore the various ways you can make money by writing online and how you can get started with each one. 

Freelance writing

One of the most popular ways to make money through writing is by freelancing. Good websites to start are Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer. These platforms all work similarly, by connecting writers (and other freelancers) with clients looking for help. You’ll find a wide variety of types of freelance writing gigs on there, from writing blog posts and articles to website copy and technical writing. 

How to get started with freelance writing:

1. Sign up to the platforms and create a detailed profile showcasing your writing skills, experience and portfolio.
2. If you’re only starting out, you’ll need to spend work putting together a portfolio. You can do this by writing a few sample pieces to demonstrate your abilities. 
3. Search for projects that match your expertise and submit proposals. Best practice is to tailor each proposal to the specific project and client. 

Wondering if freelance is the same as being self-employed? 

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Blogging

Another great way to earn money by writing is by setting up a profitable blog. While it can take some time to become profitable, the potential for income is huge! Successful bloggers earn money through a variety of streams, including:

• Advertising,
• Sponsored posts,
• Affiliate marketing,
• And selling digital products.

How to get started with blogging:

1. Choose a niche that you’re passionate about but also know a lot. It’s much easier to become successful in a niche than try to be too general and varied.
2. Look at platforms like WordPress or Blogger to create your blog. It’s worth looking at investing in a good domain name and hosting service.
3. Create quality content that is actually valuable to your end audience. 

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Content Mills

This is a platform that connects writers with clients who need large volumes of content quickly. While the pay is often lower than freelance writing, it’s a great way to gain experience and quickly build up a portfolio. 

Popular content mills:

• Textbroker
• iWriter
• WriterAccess

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Self-Publishing:

If you have a knack for storytelling, self-publishing eBooks can be a lucrative way to make money online. Platforms like Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) allow you to publish and sell your eBooks to a global audience.

How to get started:

1. The first step is to think about what you want to write. There are a number of different genres to pick from. 
2. The next step is to write your manuscript. It’s a good idea to get it checked properly by a second person before publishing.
3. Once you’re happy with the content, make sure it’s edited and formatted to be readable on eBooks. 
4. Publish your book and get it promoted. Writers often do this through social media, book blogs or other marketing channels. 

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Copywriting

You might be wondering how copywriting differs from freelance or article writing. And the truth is, many freelance writing gigs have copywriting within them. However, some writers will choose to specialise in copywriting, so we felt like it deserved it’s own section!

What is copywriting?

Copywriting is used to describe writing persuasive content for advertising and marketing purposes. 

This can include:

• Website copy,
• Email marketing campaigns,
• Product descriptions,
• Case studies,
• Video scripts,
• Press releases and more.

How to get started with copywriting:

1. Make sure you learn the fundamentals of copywriting and understand what makes content persuasive.
2. Just like with freelance writing, you need to look at developing a portfolio which showcases your skills and experience. 
3. Get yourself out there. Look at networking with businesses and apply for copywriting jobs or freelance gigs. 

How you can earn money from YouTube shorts

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Write online courses

If you’re an expert in a particular subject, this is a great way to combine your love of writing with expert knowledge. It’s also a very popular way of making money by writing online. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable allow you to create and sell courses online. 

How to get started:

1. Figure out what you’re an expert in. Now this could be writing or copywriting, or another field altogether. 
2. Start putting together your course material. Look at including a variety of learning materials including videos, quizzes and assignments.
3. Now it’s time to market your course. Great ways to do this is through social (particularly LinkedIn) or email marketing. 

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Are you ready to make money writing online?

Now that you know a lot more about the ways you can earn money by writing online, you’re nearly ready to go. But, before you do, it’s important to remember that if your self employed gross income is above £1,000 you need to declare it to HMRC and file a Self Assessment. You can learn more about what counts as tax free income here.

Many people begin freelancing as a side gig while still employed full-time. If you're considering this path, be sure to check out our article on paying employed and self-employed tax to navigate your tax responsibilities effectively.

If you’re already stressing over the thought of submitting a Self Assessment, don’t panic! We help thousands of people every year submit theirs. Interested in hearing more? Get in touch!

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