Make Money Online

Best side hustles for introverts often get overlooked in a world obsessed with loud launches and constant self-promotion. But not everyone wants to hustle in high heels or pitch on Zoom calls. Some of us prefer peace, creativity and a bit of quiet while earning money on the side.

You’re in the right place if you identify as an empath, deep thinker or creative soul. You don’t need to become someone you’re not to succeed. Plenty of side hustle ideas match your strengths and support your lifestyle without draining your energy.

In this guide, you’ll find introvert-friendly business ideas for working from home, thinking deeply, and making an income by aligning work with your core strengths.

Understanding Your Strengths as an Introvert

Introverts often get told to “put themselves out there” more, as if being quiet is something to fix. But introversion isn’t a weakness — it’s a different way of processing the world. It comes with strengths that are ideal for certain side hustles.

Deep focus, emotional awareness, creative thinking, and strong listening skills give introverts an edge. You probably prefer meaningful work over busy work and are more interested in impact than attention.

Empaths tend to pick up on the needs of others without being told. Thinkers enjoy solving problems, writing, or exploring complex topics. Creatives thrive when they have space to express ideas without being interrupted or micromanaged.

The best side hustles for introverts tap into those natural strengths. You don’t need a loud personality or a packed calendar. You need the right kind of opportunity that works with your energy, not against it.

Maximising an Introverted Personality for Business Success

Introverts often get a bad rap when it comes to business. There’s a misconception that entrepreneurial success requires constant networking, being “on” all the time, and thriving in extroverted environments. But the truth is introverts leverage unique strengths for business success.

Here’s how you can maximise your introverted personality to build a thriving, soul-aligned business:

Deep Focus for High-Quality Work

One of the greatest strengths of introverts is their ability to focus deeply on tasks. When you work alone, you can block out distractions and pour your energy into creating something truly valuable. That makes introverts excellent at producing high-quality content, refining products, or perfecting systems.

Why it works for business: Quality is often more important than quantity, and introverts excel at diving into the details and getting it right. It doesn’t matter whether you’re crafting a perfect blog post, designing a beautiful product, or building an exceptional customer experience. Your attention to detail can set your business apart.

Strategic Thinking and Planning

Introverts tend to be great strategists. You often prefer to think things through before jumping into action, allowing you to plan carefully and make well-informed decisions. You’re less likely to rush into risky ventures or make impulsive moves, which helps you build a more sustainable business in the long run.

Why it works for business: Introverts are natural problem solvers and big-picture thinkers. This ability to plan thoughtfully means you can navigate challenges with confidence and clarity, building a strong foundation for your business.

Listening Skills and Empathy

Introverts are often excellent listeners, making them incredibly empathetic and attuned to the needs of others. You will likely build deeper, more authentic relationships with clients, customers, or partners in business. You can identify problems, address concerns, and provide solutions that truly resonate.

Why it works for business: People appreciate being heard, and introverts’ ability to listen carefully can help create a loyal customer base. Whether you’re working with clients one-on-one or leading a team, empathy can help you forge meaningful, lasting connections.

Independent Work Style

Introverts often thrive when working alone. While collaboration has its place, introverts typically perform at their best when they have the space to work independently, think deeply, and create without constant interruption. This self-sufficiency is a tremendous asset when running your own business.

Why it works for business: As an entrepreneur, you will wear many hats — from marketing to product development to customer service. Your ability to stay focused and work independently will help you stay productive and keep your business moving forward without constantly needing others for validation or assistance.

Calm Under Pressure

Introverts tend to be more reserved in stressful situations, often maintaining a sense of calm and rationality when others may feel overwhelmed. That helps you think clearly and make strategic decisions when facing challenges.

Why it works for business: Entrepreneurship often involves navigating tough decisions and high-stakes moments. Your ability to stay composed under pressure will help you remain level-headed and solve problems effectively, even when things feel uncertain.

Creative and Thoughtful Problem Solvers

Introverts are naturally creative and reflective, taking the time to think deeply and develop innovative solutions. While you may not always be the first to speak up in a group setting, your mind always works to connect ideas, solve problems, and improve processes.

Why it works for business: Creativity and innovation are key drivers of business success. Your ability to think outside the box and find unique solutions will allow your business to stand out and solve problems in ways that others may not consider.

Authentic Brand Building

Introverts often excel at building businesses that reflect their authentic values. You aren’t driven by the need to impress others or “sell” yourself in a loud, flashy way. Instead, you focus on creating a brand that aligns with your true self, often leading to a more loyal and engaged audience.

Why it works for business: Authenticity is a powerful force in today’s marketplace. By staying true to your values and building a brand that reflects who you are, you create stronger connections with customers who resonate with your message.

By maximising these strengths, introverts can build businesses that are successful and aligned with their personality and values. Embrace your introverted nature and use it to your advantage — there’s a unique power in quietly creating, planning, and leading in your unique way.

How Introverts Protect Their Energy

As an introvert, protecting your energy is crucial to maintaining mental and emotional well-being, especially in today’s fast-paced, always-on world. Unlike extroverts, who often gain energy from socialising and being around others, introverts recharge by spending time alone and engaging in activities that allow them to reflect and restore their energy.

In a world constantly demanding more from us, introverts have learned to set boundaries and prioritise self-care to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how introverts can protect their energy and manage overwhelm in a busy world:

Prioritising Alone Time to Recharge

One of the most critical ways introverts protect their energy is by making time to be alone. Whether reading a book, going for a walk, or simply enjoying some quiet time, introverts need these moments of solitude to recharge and feel grounded. Without this downtime, the constant barrage of interactions and tasks can quickly lead to burnout.

Why it works: Alone time allows introverts to process their thoughts, reflect, and regain the energy they need to engage with the world again. It’s not about avoiding people but about recharging to be your best self when interacting.

Setting Clear Boundaries

In a busy world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by constant demands on your time and energy. Introverts are skilled at setting boundaries, whether saying no to social events, limiting work hours, or carving out space for self-care. By protecting their time and energy, introverts prevent overcommitting and keep their focus on what matters most.

Why it works: Boundaries create a sense of control over your environment and help manage stress. By recognising your limits and honouring them, you protect your mental health and stay focused on your personal and professional priorities.

Managing Overwhelm with Structured Time

Introverts thrive on structure and predictability, so scheduling downtime and sticking to a routine can help manage overwhelm. Planning rest periods, quiet activities, and personal space into your day ensures that there’s always time for recharging, even during busy periods.

Why it works: A clear structure reduces the mental load of making decisions on the fly, leaving more room for creativity and focus. Knowing when to rest and when to work keeps stress at bay.

Embracing Low-Stimulation Environments

Introverts often feel drained by loud, crowded, or high-stimulation environments. Choosing quieter spaces, working from home, or seeking out peaceful areas for meetings or brainstorming sessions can help reduce stress. Minimising external distractions allows introverts to focus and stay energised throughout the day.

Why it works: Low-stimulation environments foster better concentration and allow introverts to maintain mental clarity. By creating a calm space, introverts can stay more productive and less overwhelmed by external noise.

Practising Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can help introverts centre themselves and manage the overwhelm that often comes with a busy, fast-paced world. These practices offer a chance to disconnect from the chaos and re-establish a sense of inner calm.

Why it works: Mindfulness helps introverts stay present, reduce anxiety, and recharge mentally and emotionally. By incorporating these practices into their routine, introverts can combat burnout and regain energy more effectively.

Limiting Social Interaction When Needed

Introverts know their limits when it comes to socialising. While they may enjoy meaningful, one-on-one conversations or small gatherings, they’re careful not to overdo it with large groups or constant social interaction. When feeling drained, introverts prioritise their need for quiet time to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Why it works: Recognising when social interactions are becoming too much helps introverts avoid burnout and manage their energy. It’s all about balancing social time with moments of peace to stay refreshed and engaged.

In a world that constantly demands more from us, introverts protect their energy by creating a balanced environment where they can recharge, set boundaries, and find peace. By prioritising alone time, creating structured routines, and embracing mindfulness, introverts can successfully navigate the demands of both their personal and professional lives without feeling overwhelmed.

How I Protect My Energy as an Introvert

As an introvert, I’ve had to learn how to protect my energy the hard way. In 2023, I experienced an exhausting burnout after working with a micromanaging CMO. The constant pressure, lack of understanding, and constant interruptions left me feeling drained, frustrated, and overwhelmed. It was a wake-up call for me.

I realised that I thrive when working in quiet, low-stimulation environments. I need space to think, reflect, and create, which I couldn’t get in a high-stress, overly controlled situation.

I have ADHD, and dealing with the distraction of constantly being ‘on’ made it even harder to focus. On top of that, I also experience misophonia, which means certain sounds — like the tapping of keys or loud chewing — can make it incredibly difficult for me to concentrate.

That experience helped me understand how crucial it is to work in environments that respect my need for peace, autonomy, and control over my time. I realised that not everyone understands how introverts work, especially those who thrive in busy, high-energy settings. Flexibility and quiet space are key to maintaining balance and avoiding burnout, and I will never put myself in that situation again – no matter how week paid!

Through this journey, I’ve learned to prioritise self-care, set clear boundaries, and create a work environment where I can be my most productive self. It’s about understanding my limits, being kind to myself, and taking the time I need to recharge. Now, I focus on building my business in ways that align with my natural tendencies — with plenty of quiet, creative space and time to reflect.

10 Side Hustles That Align With Introverts

Finding the best side hustles for introverts starts with knowing what feels good to do. If you value quiet focus, emotional depth or creative freedom, these ideas offer a way to earn without draining your energy.

These introvert-friendly side hustles allow you to work independently, avoid small talk and do work that feels aligned with your personality.

#1: Freelance Writing

If you enjoy expressing yourself through words, freelance writing is one of the best side hustles for introverts. I can say that confidently, as I’ve been a successful freelance SEO writer since 2020. I love structuring work around my life and not the other way around.

You can write from home, choose topics you care about and avoid client calls using project platforms or email. Pick a niche you enjoy (I write for dog companies mostly), and you will find it easier to get regular work.

Best for: Thinkers and writers who love researching and sharing ideas
Getting started tip: Use tools like SEOWriting.ai to speed up your writing without losing your voice

#2: Digital Products on Etsy

Designing planners, journal pages or printable art lets you tap into your creative side and sell without showing your face. It’s one of the best side hustles for introverts that can build passive income over time.

Best for: Creatives who love designing beautiful, useful things
Bonus: Once listed, products sell while you relax, recharge or make more

#3: Faceless YouTube Channels

YouTube isn’t just for vloggers. Use voiceovers, stock footage or tools like Pictory and ElevenLabs to create inspiring content without being on camera. Think book summaries, calming videos or affirmations.

I have two faceless YouTube channels and am about to start a third. They’re brand new, so there’s not much traction yet. It takes time and consistent effort. It’s one of the best side hustles for introverts if you enjoy creating video content.

Best for: Introverts who enjoy storytelling but avoid the spotlight
Helpful tools: ElevenLabs for natural voiceovers, Pictory for editing without filming

#4: Affiliate Blogging

If you love writing and recommending useful tools, affiliate marketing through blogging is one of the best side hustles for introverts and a powerful way to earn. Focus on topics you enjoy and let SEO bring traffic to your website.

Best for: Writers and deep thinkers who enjoy building something long-term
Tool tip: Use Ubersuggest to find low-competition keywords that bring the right readers. Learn Pinterest marketing to drive traffic to your blog. Use SEOWriting AI to write SEO-optimised blog content and curate your content for a YouTube channel.

#5: Creating Meditations or Affirmation Audio

Empaths and spiritually-minded introverts often enjoy calming others. Recording meditations or affirmation tracks allows you to connect deeply — all from a quiet room at home.

It’s one of the best side hustles for introverts because these videos are easy to make.

One of my YouTube channels is Simply Manifesting, and I have created multiple meditation, subliminal and affirmation videos.

Best for: Empaths and creatives with a love of sound, healing and self-growth
Tools to try: ElevenLabs is fantastic for text-to-audio. I use CapCut for video editing (super easy to use), and royalty-free music platforms like Uppbeat are brilliant for royalty-free music.

#6: Pinterest Management

Pinterest is a search engine, not a social network, which makes it perfect for introverts. You can help creators or small business owners schedule pins and grow their visibility without ever hopping on a call.

Take a Pinterest course and offer to work for a local business to gain experience. Most Pinterest managers charge £500-1000+ monthly. Once you know how Pinterest Works, learn SEO and how to create beautiful pins that perform, it’s a dream job for an introvert.

Best for: Organised, visual introverts who enjoy quiet systems
Tip: Metricool is great for Pinterest scheduling and analytics

#7: Selling Notion Templates

If you love organising ideas and systems, creating and selling Notion templates could be your thing. It’s digital and creative and helps others stay on track. Notion baffles me. I just don’t get it. But, those people who understand Notion are making a good income.

Best for: Thinkers and planners who enjoy turning chaos into clarity
Selling tip: Use Gumroad or Etsy to list your templates without setting up a website

#8: Print-on-Demand Shops

Design simple shirts, mugs, and tote bags with meaningful quotes, artwork or spiritual themes. The platform handles printing, shipping and customer service, so it’s all hands-off after the design stage.

It’s one of the best side hustles for introverts who want to build a passive income. I started a Redubble store a few years ago and am still getting sales.

Best for: Creatives who want passive income without inventory
Style idea: Keep designs minimal and meaningful to stand out

#9: Email Newsletter with Affiliate Links

Try writing newsletters if you enjoy writing but prefer a more personal, low-pressure approach. Share thoughts, stories or useful finds once a week and earn through affiliate links.

Best for: Thoughtful introverts who enjoy slower, deeper communication
Platform tip: Try Systeme to start simple and grow at your pace

#10: Niche Research Assistant or Data Curator

Niche research is one of the best side hustles for introverts if you like researching or collecting data but don’t want to be the face of a business. Offer your services to bloggers, authors or YouTubers who need background info and ideas.

Best for: Quiet thinkers who enjoy working behind the scenes
Work style: No meetings, just tasks and timelines

Tips for Thriving as an Introverted Entrepreneur

Choosing the best side hustles for introverts is one thing —thriving while building them is another. You don’t need to force yourself into high-energy routines or try to become someone you’re not. Success looks different for introverts, and that’s a good thing.

Here’s how to make your side hustle work for your nature, not against it:

Protect Your Energy

Block out time for focused work, but don’t overcommit. Introvert-friendly business ideas often thrive in calm, consistent environments — not chaotic schedules. Honour your natural rhythm, especially if you need breaks to recharge.

Set Boundaries Around Visibility

You don’t have to show your face, speak on camera or be active on every platform. Pick one channel that suits your style. A blog, a Pinterest strategy, or a faceless YouTube channel can quietly do the work for you.

Automate Where Possible

Use tools like SEOWriting.ai, Pictory, and Metricool to streamline content creation and scheduling. Automating repetitive tasks lets you focus on your business’s creative, strategic tasks.

Choose Work That Feels Good

Not every opportunity is worth your time. The best side hustles for introverts often feel energising instead of exhausting. If something drains you, it’s probably not the right path.

Celebrate Quiet Wins

You don’t need viral success to feel proud. Building a peaceful, profitable side income that fits your life is a massive win — even if nobody claps for it on social media.

Tools That Make Business Easier for Introverts

The best side hustles for introverts often require tech magic to keep things flowing smoothly. Fortunately, there are plenty of free or low-cost tools that simplify tasks, boost productivity and minimise the need for constant interaction.

These tools make it easier to work quietly and efficiently, giving you more time to focus on your business’s creative or strategic parts.

SEOWriting.ai – Write Smarter, Not Harder

If writing feels like a challenge, SEOWriting.ai is your secret weapon. It helps you generate SEO-optimised content quickly so you can keep your blog, website or affiliate marketing content fresh and high-ranking without spending hours staring at a blank page.

Perfect for: Writers who want quality content with minimal effort
How it helps: It helps break through writer’s block or tedious SEO research.

Pictory – Create Faceless Video Content

If video is part of your strategy but you want to avoid being on camera, Pictory is the perfect AI tool for introverts. This AI tool lets you create professional-quality videos from text — ideal for introverts who want to share content without stepping in front of the lens.

Perfect for: Creatives who love storytelling but prefer not to be the face of it
How it helps: Turn blogs or scripts into engaging videos in minutes.

ElevenLabs – Turn Text Into Natural Audio

Whether you’re creating meditations, podcasts, or audiobooks, ElevenLabs transforms text into human-like speech. You can create audio content quickly, saving you hours of recording and editing.

Perfect for: Empaths, creatives and introverts who prefer to work behind the scenes
How it helps: Effortlessly produce professional audio without speaking a word.

Metricool – Social Media Without the Stress

As an introvert, you probably don’t want to be glued to social media all day. Metricool helps you schedule posts, track engagement, and optimise your social media strategy — all without having to be constantly active on your accounts.

Metricool is one of the best free scheduling options as you can post 50 pieces of content across multiple channels.

Perfect for: Introverts who want an efficient social media system
How it helps: Automates content scheduling and tracks your results in one place.

Ubersuggest – Find the Right Keywords Without the Fuss

When it comes to blogging or affiliate marketing, SEO is crucial. Ubersuggest helps you discover high-potential keywords with less effort. It’s the perfect tool to guide your content creation without spending hours researching.

Perfect for: Introverted bloggers who want to find keywords with high search potential
How it helps: It simplifies keyword research and competitor analysis.

Repurpose.ai – Content Automation for Introverts

Repurpose.ai helps you turn one piece of content into multiple formats. Whether turning a YouTube video into social media clips or repurposing a blog post into a podcast, this tool saves time and energy while keeping your content flowing.

Perfect for: Introverts who prefer batching and automating tasks
How it helps: Maximise content without constantly creating new material.

These tools give you the power to work smarter, not harder. By automating tasks and streamlining your workflow, you can focus on the parts of your side hustle that truly energise you.

Jobs That Don’t Suit Introverts

While some career paths perfectly align with the strengths of introverts, others can feel like an uphill battle. For introverts, some jobs can drain energy, demand excessive social interaction, or require constant performance under pressure — all things that go against the grain of what makes introverts thrive.

Here’s a look at a few jobs that might not be the best fit for someone who values peace, focus, and personal space.

Sales Representative or Telemarketer

Sales often require constant pitching, frequent face-to-face meetings, and long hours spent talking to strangers. Introverts tend to shy away from these roles because of their high-energy, persuasive nature, which relies on constant social interaction.

Why it’s not a good fit: High pressure, constant extroverted activity, and little downtime can leave introverts feeling drained.

Event Planner

Event planning may sound glamorous, but it involves managing hectic schedules, handling multiple client demands, and being constantly “on” in social settings. It’s a role that requires networking, coordinating large groups, and solving problems on the spot — all in a fast-paced, often loud environment.

Why it’s not a good fit: Requires a lot of face-to-face interaction, multitasking, and high-stress problem-solving in real time.

Public Relations (PR) Specialist

PR roles often involve managing media relationships, attending events, and maintaining a public-facing role for clients. The constant socialising and expectation to network and speak in front of large groups make it a less-than-ideal fit for introverts.

Why it’s not a good fit: Heavy social interaction, constant networking, and the need to be in the spotlight can be exhausting for those who prefer quieter work.

Customer Service Representative

Although working remotely in customer service is possible, the job typically requires dealing with numerous people daily, answering questions, and resolving complaints. The high volume of conversations and demands on communication can leave introverts feeling mentally drained.

Why it’s not a good fit: You would be continually interacting with customers (and not all of them pleasant), especially when problem-solving, can be overwhelming for someone who thrives on minimal distractions.

High-Level Management Positions

While management roles can be rewarding, they often require leading teams, attending meetings, and making quick decisions in a fast-paced environment. The expectation of being “always available” for the team and constantly interacting with staff may not align with the introverted need for time alone to recharge.

Why it’s not a good fit: The need for constant interaction, quick decision-making, and high visibility can be overwhelming for introverts.

Performer or Actor

Being on stage or in front of a camera requires continuous attention, rehearsals, and interactions with large audiences. The need to constantly perform can leave introverts feeling exhausted and drained. If you’re more comfortable observing than performing, this role likely isn’t your vibe.

Why it’s not a good fit: Public speaking, constant interaction with others, and the pressure to perform can feel uncomfortable and overwhelming.

While these jobs might not be ideal for introverts, it doesn’t mean introverts can’t excel in their businesses.

Another misconception about introverts is that we are shy. Often, that is not the case. Introverts are typically reflective and self-aware and spend a lifetime working on personal development. Introversion is more about how you recharge your energy and less about how you show up in the world.

With the right side hustles that align with their personality, introverts can build successful, soul-aligned careers that provide the space, creativity, and peace they need to thrive.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Introverted Strengths for Entrepreneurial Success

Being an introvert doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage in business. Indeed, your unique qualities — like deep focus, strategic thinking, and empathy are powerful assets that can help you build a successful, sustainable side hustle.

By choosing the right business ideas, maximising your strengths, and leveraging the right tools, you can create a thriving business that fits your personality and lifestyle. Choosing the best side hustles for introverts can take you on an exciting and profitable journey without losing your authenticity, energy, or mind!

From crafting high-quality content to connecting authentically with clients, you have countless opportunities to succeed. As an introvert, you don’t need to be loud to stand out — your quiet power is more than enough to drive your entrepreneurial success.

Embrace your introverted nature, lean into your strengths, and start building a business that reflects who you truly are. Your success is waiting, and it’s all within your reach.

FAQs

What Are The Best Business Ideas For Introverts?

Introverts can excel in businesses that allow them to work independently and creatively, such as blogging, freelancing, online tutoring, or digital product creation. Choosing a business that aligns with your strengths, like quiet, focused work, is key to success.

How Can I Maximise My Introverted Strengths in Business?

Introverts can leverage their deep focus, strategic thinking, and empathy in business. Introverts can build successful businesses that align with their natural strengths by working independently, focusing on quality over quantity, and creating authentic connections with clients.

Can Introverts Be Successful Entrepreneurs?

Absolutely! Introverts often excel in entrepreneurship by using their ability to think deeply, plan strategically, and solve problems creatively. Many successful entrepreneurs are introverts who have learned to embrace their strengths and build businesses that reflect their values.

What Types of Jobs Are Best for Introverts?

Introverts often thrive in jobs that require independent work and creativity, such as writing, graphic design, web development, or consulting. Roles that involve minimal social interaction and allow for deep focus tend to suit introverts best.

How Can Introverts Overcome Challenges in Networking?

Introverts can overcome networking challenges by focusing on building authentic, one-on-one relationships. Rather than attending large, noisy events, introverts can leverage online platforms and smaller gatherings to connect with like-minded individuals and potential clients.

Is It Possible To Start a Business as an Introvert?

Yes, introverts can start businesses by choosing ideas that fit their work style. Forget about what others do and find your unique advantage.

Many introverts succeed in online businesses, digital products, or services that allow them to work from home or on their own terms. Embracing their strengths, like strategic planning and creativity, helps introverts build thriving businesses.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. 

If you’re looking for profitable side hustles for beginners, you’re in the right place. Whether wanting a bit of extra money to pay the bills or want to build a full-time income.

It doesn’t matter if you’re working full time, juggling nap times, school runs, or have some spare time in the evenings. We got you. Above all, this guide will walk you through realistic ways to make money from home, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Moreover, these aren’t just ideas—they’re tried and tested by budding entrepreneurs who crave more flexibility, freedom, and financial wiggle room.

Side Hustle #1: Start a Faceless YouTube Channel

Yes, you can earn money from faceless content on YouTube without ever showing your face! Faceless YouTube channels are ideal for beginners who feel camera-shy or prefer creating quietly behind the scenes.

For instance, one mum I know started a channel focused on relaxing music for toddlers. She used stock videos and AI voiceovers to create soothing bedtime content.

After uploading just a few videos, she began earning money through YouTube ads and affiliate links.

It’s a fabulous example of a profitable side hustle for beginners who want passive income.

You don’t need fancy equipment. Above all, with the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can launch a YouTube channel over the weekend.

Your primary focus must be to find a profitable YouTube niche and choose a channel that inspires you. The truth is, you may not see instant results. Few people do. Certainly, it takes time for the YouTube algorithm to understand your content and place it in front of the right audience.

Focus on learning the best tips for YouTube growth. I picked these tips from hugely successful YouTubers and am just starting to apply them to my YouTube channels.

AI Tools To Help You Get Started

• Pictory ai to turn your script into engaging video content
• ElevenLabs to create human-sounding voiceovers
• vidIQ to optimise your videos so more people find them

Other free tools are Capcut for editing video and Audacity for adding voice effects.

YouTube channel ideas

• Sleep music for babies
• Affirmations for mums
• Relaxing nature scenes
• Sleep stories for adults

If you’re creative and want to find profitable side hustles for beginners that can grow in the background, this one’s a gem.

Read: Profitable Faceless YouTube Ideas: 7 Amazing Opportunities  

Side Hustle #2: Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a brilliant beginner-friendly side hustle. Primarily, you recommend products you genuinely use, and when someone buys through your link—you get paid.

Above all, affiliate marketing is low risk, easy to start, and can snowball into a solid income stream. However, don’t expect instant results. It can take time. Your affiliate marketing results depend on how much traffic you can drive to your offers.

Work on search engine marketing like Google (focus on writing SEO content for your blog), YouTube and Pinterest. Yes, I did say Pinterest! It’s a formidable search engine. Depending on your niche, it can start driving sales quickly once your account gains momentum.

I did several Pinterest courses that taught me how to create beautiful, inspiring pins and learn Pinterest SEO.

Unfortunately, I messed up my first Pinterest account. It got taken down after getting suspended because I made rookie errors.

Read: The Top 10 Profitable Pinterest Niches: What’s Trending          

Benefits of affiliate marketing:

• No product to create
• No dealing with customer service
• You can start with products you already love

For instance, you could share links on your Instagram Stories, in a blog post, or on Pinterest.

If you’re a blogger or content creator, using Keysearch will help you find high-ranking keywords to drive more traffic. Keysearch is a quarter of the price of the expensive Ahrefs! Moreover, it’s beginner-friendly and can help you get more traffic by targeting the best keywords for your niche.

Side Hustle #3: Freelance Writing

If you’ve got a knack for words, freelance writing is a flexible and profitable option. You don’t need to be a perfect writer—just clear, helpful, and reliable.

For example, when I started out, I wrote blog posts for anyone who would pay me. Over time, my writing improved, and I increased my rates. I started in late 2020 at £30 per 1,000 words and now get paid ten times that amount!

Build a portfolio. Practice and learn from successful writers. It’s a lovely way to earn extra money. For me, it’s a full-time income working part-time hours.

How to Get Started as a Writer

Pick a niche you enjoy. I mostly write for dog publications and life coaches in the mindset niche because I enjoy both. For instance, I’m a qualified dog behaviourist with multiple qualifications relevant to psychological businesses.

Focus on writing content that people love to read. Make your writing relatable and talk to one person. Identify their problems and provide a solution with your writing.

Where to find beginner gigs:

• Facebook groups for bloggers or small businesses (get access to 600 Facebook groups to promote your writing business)
• Freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork (these aren’t great, but they get you experience)
• Reaching out directly to brands you admire

Once you have a portfolio of published work, register with Clearvoice. I don’t write for them now, as I have dedicated client work. However, I got quite a lot of work from that platform in the beginning.

To speed up your writing and optimise it for SEO, try SEOWriting.ai. Primarily, this AI tool helps you write quicker and smarter—not harder.

Read: 38 Websites That Pay Bloggers To Write     

Side Hustle #4: Selling Digital Products on Etsy

Selling printables or digital downloads on Etsy is a fantastic way to create passive income. Once it’s made, it can sell again and again.

You can design things like:

• Habit trackers
• Digital journals
• Meal planners
• Vision board kits
• Affirmation cards
• Budget templates
• Kids activity sheets
• Printable invitations
• Routine charts for kids

The scope is infinite for what you can create and sell on Etsy.

Tools like Canva make designing easy, and Keysearch helps you find what buyers are searching for. For instance, with just a few listings, you could have a little digital shop running in the background of your day.

Try not to copy other Etsy accounts just because they’re successful. Focus on providing digital products or printables with a unique touch and make your mark on the platform.

Above all, you will need to stay consistent and list new products regularly. That way, one or more products could take off and start making money fast.

Although Etsy is one of the profitable side hustles for beginners, there is a caveat. Etsy can be unpredictable. Some Etsy sellers have no issues, but others experience all sorts of annoying problems, such as Etsy randomly closing their accounts.

My advice for pursuing profitable side hustles for beginners is NEVER to put all your eggs in one basket. Have at least two side hustles; if one falls by the wayside, you aren’t left without an income.

Side Hustle #5: Blogging for Passive Income

Any idiot who tells you blogging is dead can do one. Blogging was and still is one of the best profitable side hustles for beginners. That said, low-value blogging content has had its day.

In addition, Google and most ad-revenue platforms now want quality blogging websites for their advertising partners. With all the Google updates since 2022, the focus is on helpful content that satisfies user intent.

Blogging can start small and build into a beautiful business. Meanwhile, each post is like planting a seed that can grow over time. Most importantly, once you gain traffic, you can earn money from affiliate links, ads, or your own products.

Read: How To Create Evergreen Content That Ranks For Years

I started working seriously on my blog in April 2024. A year later, I got monetised with Journey by Mediavine, which was my goal for a passive income stream. You can install the Grow plug-in on a WordPress site to get approved once you have sufficient traffic. The plug-in has a few helpful tools to boost your website.

Journey by Mediavine recently removed 500 websites from their platform. Apparently, the reason is because they no longer support the flaky, sparse content (notably lengthy listicles) you see on some AI-written websites like the home décor niche.

Write quality content from the start, content that helps the reader and you stand a chance of getting approval. Don’t bother with Google Adsense. I tried that first, and it looked so clunky and intrusive on my website that I removed it.

In addition to ad revenue, I have 40+ affiliate partnerships and a ton of traffic coming in daily.

Was it hard work? You bet. Often, I did not want to write blog content or research user intent and keywords. Still, I set my goal to write one hundred blog posts within my first year, and I achieved that. It’s now paying off.

So, my friend, prepare for the long haul because the rewards are fantastic if you work hard now, preparing for the future passive income you crave.

To start a money-making blog, you’ll need:

• A topic you’re passionate about
• A simple WordPress site
• Tools like SEOWriting ai help you write SEO-optimised content that ranks FAST. Keysearch is an affordable and user-friendly SEO software that allows beginners to research the best keywords. It’s a fraction of the price of most SEO tools and does equally as good a job as more expensive SEO tools.

Most importantly, if you love writing or sharing tips with others, blogging for passive income is one of the most rewarding long-term profitable side hustles for beginners, especially if you want to maximise earnings without working longer hours.

Side Hustle #6: Voiceover Work Using AI

Voiceovers aren’t just for radio pros anymore. With tools like ElevenLabs, anyone can create polished audio—even if you don’t love your natural voice. The platform has hundreds of unique voices for every genre.

Best Applications for AI voiceovers 

• Podcasts
• Presentations
• Video Courses
• Guided meditations
• Audiobooks or children’s stories
• YouTube channels (see my Simply Manifesting channel and Soulful Entrepreneur channel, which I have used ElevenLabs for a chunk of the content

In addition, you can clone your voice with ElevenLabs. It takes a bit of time to get the right sound, but that alone can save hours of recording time. It’s surprisingly affordable, too.

The scope for profitable side hustles for beginners using voiceovers is unlimited. Therefore, with AI text-to-speech tools, creating top-quality audio content in minutes has become possible. No more bumbling with repeated takes, cutting out background noise, or the annoying space fillers like “ums” and “ers”.

Voiceover work is perfect for mums who want to work quietly behind the scenes. Once set up, it’s fast and fun, and you can even build recurring clients.

Side Hustle #7: Social Media Management

If you’re already spending time on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or Pinterest, why not turn that into income? Social media management is one of the profitable side hustles for beginners that many people have fun doing. They earn a good income too.

Many small businesses have no idea how to manage their social media accounts. It’s time-consuming and tricky understanding the different guidelines for each platform, so they’ll happily pay someone who “gets it.”

Beginner-friendly tasks include:

• Writing posts
• Writing captions
• Designing Canva graphics
• Scheduling content using free tools

Start by choosing which social media platform to focus on. That way, you can make more money as a specialist, and it’s easier to get referrals. For instance, offer to help a local business or friend. As you gain confidence, you can offer packages or monthly retainers.

Once you gain a good reputation, you will receive referrals from your happy clients. It’s a job most business owners find frustrating and time-consuming. Therefore, if you love content creation, it’s one of the best profitable side hustles for beginners.

Above all, make your job easier by using a scheduling tool like the popular Metricool. You can post fifty pieces of content each month entirely for free. After that, the price is much more affordable than other scheduling platforms.

Read: How To Save Hours Repurposing Content On Social Media      

Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed reading about 7 of the best profitable side hustles for beginners. I think you’ll agree that they are simple, realistic, and totally doable, even with a busy mum’s life.

You don’t need to do them all. Indeed, that can only lead to feeling overwhelmed.

Above all, choose one that speaks to you, permit yourself to start small, and trust that it will grow. Every business begins with that first brave step.

So, make a cuppa, pick your hustle, and let’s make that extra income a reality.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. 

FAQs

Which Profitable Side Hustle Is the Fastest To Start?

Affiliate marketing or freelance writing—you could literally start today!

How Long Until I Start Making Money With a Side Hustle?

Some side hustles (like freelance writing) pay quickly. Others (like blogging or YouTube) take a few months to build up.

Will These Profitable Side Hustles Work If I’m Not Tech-Savvy?

In short, don’t worry! Most tools listed here are beginner-friendly, and many have tutorials.

Can I Start a Side Hustle With Young Kids At Home?

Absolutely. For instance, committing to even one hour day when the kids are asleep or at school can get you started on the path to profitable side hustles for beginners.

How Do I Stay Consistent With My Side Hustle?

Primarily. pick one idea, block out 30 minutes daily, and treat it like your time to grow something just for you. Remind yourself that it takes time and anticipate feeling deflated if you don’t see results at first. Indeed, accept that as a fact and just keep going.

Do I Need To Register A Business?

Once you start earning regularly, you must register with the tax office. Still, don’t let that stop you from getting started—it’s easy to set up later.

These Fascinating Side Hustles Get Away From The Typical Etsy Pursuits & Make Far More Money

Side hustles for creative people are one of the easiest subjects to write about. Firstly, I am a creative person. Secondly, I have tried multiple side hustles.

Some creative side jobs from home still make me a small monthly passive income. Other side hustles for creative people are becoming my primary source of income.

If you’re a creative person, it’s absolutely possible to create an income from a side hustle. You’re happiest when creating, and you can make money from creativity.

Don’t worry. You aren’t limited to Etsy. I have plenty of side hustle ideas for you so you can learn how to monetise creativity.

1. Freelance Graphic Design

One of the best side hustles for creative people from home is graphic design.

You no longer need to invest in expensive software like Adobe. Canva is one of the most uncomplicated graphic design platforms to master.

Canva is great for artistic side hustles, and it’s low cost. If you’re new to Canva, I recommend following Created by Wayne on YouTube. His tutorials are easy to follow and implement.

2. Print on Demand

I started a print-on-demand shop in 2023. It’s a great digital art side hustle. I uploaded over 230 designs to my Redbubble shop, which is dog-themed. I created every single image with Leonardo AI.

Oh boy. I had so much fun.

You don’t have to use an AI image generator, but it’s quick and easy, and I found Leonardo to be the cheapest and easiest to use. You need to scale the images to 300DPI, but other than that, you’re good to go.

3. Blogging

This website is my blog, and I bloody love it!

Whatever creative interest you have, you can write many articles about it. A blog is a great way to build your brand, get subscribers to your newsletter, add affiliate offers, and sell digital or physical products.

The objective is to write content that gets ranked and monetise your blog without being in the face of your readers.

Always provide value content. Read my article on 7 types of blog content Google loves. That article was top featured snippet within 24 hours because it adhered to these 7 tips.

4. Pinterest Pin Design

If you’re looking for side hustles for creative people, you can make money with Pinterest.

If you love colour and creativity, creating Pinterest pins is a dream, and you can get paid around £500/month per client.

I’d advise learning Pinterest SEO and watching Kristin’s free pin design workshop.

After watching the free pin design workshop, I bought Kristin’s course, which is worth every penny and has dozens of gorgeous templates to help you speed up your design process. I am on the way to making a decent side hustle income from my Pinterest skills.

5. Web Design Templates

If you’re good with Squarespace, there’s a high demand for Squarespace website templates. Have a quick look at Etsy, and you will get an idea of how much money you can make with this side hustle for creative people.

Even more exciting is to create Canva website templates. They are surprisingly good, and people are happy to pay around £97.

Considering it would be £3k+ for a purpose-built website, this is a great side hustle that helps people who can’t afford a web designer.

6. Social Media Management for Creatives

Many creatives are fantastic at their art but not good at marketing and maintaining a social media presence.

As a social media manager, your job is to create and manage posts, monitor analytics and create a long-term strategy for growth.

Rather than focusing on multiple social media platforms, it’s best to provide a niche service, such as Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok. Knuckle down and become an expert with one particular platform and find the clients whose customers hang out on that channel.

7. Video Creation

Creating video content is addictive for creatives. I did a TikTok & Reels Creator Course, which was fantastic and changed how I do my video content.

Most businesses don’t know how to create impactful video content and pay handsomely for someone who does.

You don’t need a video camera. The course teaches you how to use your mobile phone for captivating content. I use the free Capcut software for editing.

8. Photography

Photography is a great side hustle for creators. The secret to success is to choose a niche. My friend photographs wildlife and makes a good side hustle income. Choose a niche you love, and you can make a side hustle income you will enjoy.

I’d advise taking a course and learning about lighting techniques, such as using filters and the best cameras. You may also find a photography group in your local area.

9. Writing

I’ve been a freelance SEO writer since early 2021 and made a good income working part-time hours. There are many ways to approach a writing side hustle:-

1. Copywriting
2. Creative writing
3. SEO writing
4. Ghostwriting – helping someone to write their book
5. Creating e-books
6. Creating books for Amazon – Kindle, paperback or hardback

Whatever you choose to do, pick a niche. Become a specialist in that niche and earn a handsome side hustle income.

10. Create a Course

Whether you have a gift for crafts, photography, writing, video content or something else, you can create a course and make passive income from this side hustle.

Here’s a story I heard recently. A woman created a recipe, put it online for $3 and made $250k from that product.

You can create your course on Canva or capture it on your screen with Loom. After that, register for a free account with Systeme. You can host one course entirely for free. You can also create a capture page, website, sales page and email campaign.

If you’re serious about building a side hustle, marketing is a priority.

11. Build Sales Funnels

There is a high demand for sales funnel builders. The exciting news is that Systeme is currently offering a free certificated course.

You can charge £1000+ per project or a day rate of £350+ per day. It is a super lucrative side hustle for creative people.

I’m currently working my way through the funnel-building course. It is super easy to follow.

12. Voice-Over Work

Have you got a silky smooth voice that makes people comment on how lovely it is? If so, voice-over work is the perfect side hustle for you.

You can get work as a voice-over artist for audiobooks, commercials, animation, documentaries or any project that needs a specific type of voice-over.

Do a quick search for “voice-over websites”, and you will find dozens of companies looking for voice-over artists.

13. Animation

There’s a high demand for animators, especially with the growth of the metaverse. You need to be good at storytelling, be able to work with a team, and have a high level of proficiency with animation software.

Experienced animators can command upwards of £100 per hour, so this is a superb side hustle for creative people with animation skills.

There are plenty of courses available online to learn.

14. Event Planning

Are you super organised and creative, and do you have an eye for detail? If that’s the case, event planning could be a perfect side hustle for you.

This side hustle can earn you thousands of pounds for a big event or a few hundred for smaller events.

You don’t need qualifications. Decide what niche you’d like to work in and whether you’d prefer private or corporate events. The latter pays more but can be more demanding.

Get some experience and then start marketing your services.

15. Art Vlogging

YouTube has made it easy for artists to make an income online from a creative side hustle. There are multiple ways to get paid.

1. Build up your YouTube channel and get monetised
2. Get brand partnerships
3. Start a membership
4. Sell your work
5. Create merchandise

You will need good lighting and a quiet background, but most art vloggers use their mobile phones to record.

Conclusion

If you’re creative, there is no excuse for being short of money. Most creatives I know can turn their hands to any creative venture.

I have built a Gabion stone wall, needle-felted dogs, revamped old furniture and done decoupage, pottery and many other creative things.

You could probably do any of these 15 side hustles for creative people, so let me know how you get on. Now go and start your side hustle and get more of the green stuff in the bank.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

FAQs

What Is The Best Side Hustle For Creative People?

The best side hustle depends on your skills and interests, but top picks include freelance graphic design, selling digital products, or creating content on platforms like YouTube or Etsy. These options let you express your creativity and earn well.

Do Creative Side Hustles Really Pay Well?

Yes! Many creative side hustles can become full-time incomes. For example, graphic designers, content creators, and course creators earn thousands monthly once they build an audience or client base.

How Can I Start A Creative Side Hustle With No Experience?

Start by identifying your strengths and interests. Then, choose a side hustle that aligns with them, learn the basics through free or affordable resources (like YouTube or Skillshare), and practise consistently. Many platforms allow beginners to get started quickly.

What Equipment Or Tools Do I Need To Begin?

It depends on the side hustle. For digital art, you may need a drawing tablet. A laptop, microphone, and design software can help with YouTube or digital products. Start with what you have and upgrade as you grow.

How Much Time Should I Dedicate To A Side Hustle?

Even just 5–10 hours a week can be enough to make progress. When I am busy with client work, I set aside one hour in the evening. That’s enough to get me started, and then I typically spend 1-2 hours working on my side hustle projects. My current side hustle workload focuses on creating YouTube videos and writing blog content to drive ad revenue.

Consistency matters more than time. Many creative people grow their side hustle in the evenings or weekends alongside a full-time job. Switch off Netflix and get started!

Can I Turn My Creative Side Hustle Into A Full-Time Business?

Absolutely. Many successful entrepreneurs started with a side hustle. With patience, strategy, and persistence, you can scale your side hustle into a profitable full-time career doing what you love.

Free Training & Certification to Become A Sales Funnel Builder

Building sales funnels is a fantastic choice if you enjoy creativity and want to start a side hustle that could become a full-time gig paying 6-figures.

You can access 100% FREE training to become a highly-paid sales funnel builder. Read on for details of the course and what building sales funnels involves.

When I first looked into building sales funnels, I felt overwhelmed by the platforms teaching it. That was around ten years ago, and I gave up.

My work is SEO writing, digital and affiliate marketing and I’m focusing on Pinterest expertise, but I always wanted to learn how to build sales funnels.

The thing is, businesses pay handsomely for sales pages that work because a great sales funnel can significantly increase sales. However, there are not enough people with the skills to create attractive sales funnels that perform.

Adding elements like payment, order bumps and upsells is not as difficult as you might think, and I have good news if you’d like to start building sales funnels and create a healthy income.

Systeme has almost 5k 4.9* Trustpilot reviews. It has the best reputation and the lowest prices for marketing tools

What is a Sales Funnel?

A sales funnel is like a mini website that takes your target customer on a journey. Whether you sell products or services, building a sales funnel can increase the number and value of sales. Sales funnel builders learn about the client’s audience and tailor the sales funnel to attract those customers.

You could build a simple email capture page, offering a lead magnet that appeals to the target audience. It could also be a robust sales funnel that encourages potential customers to invest more money after already buying one product or service.

How Much Do Companies Pay for Sales Funnels?

Building sales funnels is lucrative. Experienced freelancers charge from £350 daily, or you could pay an agency upwards of £1000, and, for a large organisation, that could as much as £50k+.

As a newbie, you can set your price depending on your skills. You might want to offer a few sales funnels at a lower cost to build your portfolio or start as you mean to go on and charge an hourly, daily or per-project rate.

What Does Building Sales Funnels Involve?

It’s not just a case of getting a brief and whipping a few pages together. You’re working closely with your clients to strategically build a sales funnel that hits the right spot for their target audience.

Research, Planning & Completion

1. Know The Target Audience: What problem are they trying to solve? After that, what is the client’s goal? Do they want to build their email subscriber list, book sales calls, sell products or services, get people to attend a webinar or anything else?
2. Plan Content And Touchpoints For The Funnel: Work with the client to decide the type of content, brand voice and what touchpoints they want in the funnel
3. How To Promote The Sales Funnel: How will the client get traffic to the sales funnel? Do they have SEO or a social media presence? Do they need a lead magnet to attract their target audience into the funnel? Finally, what is their call to action (CTR) and follow-up steps?
4. Building The Sales Funnel Structure: This step is like building a site map, working on each step seamlessly transitioning to the next
5. Integrating Technology and Tools: There are many moving parts in building a sales funnel, and it’s easy to make one mistake in the sequence that can throw the entire funnel into chaos.
6. Connecting Payment Options: That could be PayPal, Stripe or other payment processor
7. Testing: Carefully test each step of the funnel
8. Launching and Fine-Tuning: You might want to split-test a couple of different landing pages to see which resonates best with the audience
9. Stay Connecting With The Client: If you want recommendations, you will stay in touch with the client and get feedback. Create a survey so they can tell you what they liked and what you could do better

How Much Does it Cost To Build A Sales Funnel?

We’re getting to the nitty gritty now. How much will it cost YOU to build a sales funnel?

I have good news!

You can create your first three sales funnels for free! The maximum you will pay for unlimited sales funnels (plus multiple marketing tools) is $97 monthly.

You can build the sales funnels on your account or ask the customer to open a separate account where you can do the work. That’s the tidier option. The customer can set up their email campaign inside their account (or you can do that for an additional fee).

Other marketing tools platforms charge an arm and a leg to build sales funnels. I’ve been with Systeme for 18 months, and it is hands down the best value platform. They give away so much value for free.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Jan, Tell Me About the Free Training & Certification for Building Sales Funnels

You will learn how to build powerful, high-converting sales funnels and set yourself apart. Having the certification gives you the edge for social proof.

You have lifetime access to the FREE training, so you can continue building sales funnel skills.

There are 17 modules in the FREE certificated video course: –

• Introduction
• Understanding Sales Funnels
  • Fundamentals of sales funnels
  • Planning a successful sales funnel
  • Types of sales funnels in Systeme – Part 1
  • Types of sales funnels in Systeme – Part 2
  • Types of sales funnels in Systeme – Part 3
  • Types of sales funnels in Systeme – Part 4
  • Successful lead magnet ideas
  • Quiz
• Building Your Sales Funnels
  • Creating squeeze pages
  • Creating sales pages
  • Creating order forms
  • Crafting thank you and confirmation pages
  • Creating a link in bio page
  • Quiz
• Automating Your Funnels And Digital Products
  • How to create and configure a price plan
  • How to automate course access and tag customers
  • Quiz
• Analytics & Optimisation
  • Tracking funnel performance
  • A/B testing and optimisation
  • Quiz
• Get Your Certificate!

What Else Do I Get With The FREE Building Sales Funnel Certification?

The course will transform you into a funnel-building pro whether you are just starting or built a few funnels. The value never stops because you also get the following with the FREE building sales funnels certificated course.

• A ready-to-use sales funnel
• An irresistible lead magnet e-book
• A beautifully designed link in bio template
• And so much more!

Are you ready to get your funnel builder certification and earn full-time or part-time income from your newly acquired funnel-building skills?

Please take advantage of this 100% free training before it becomes a paid certification!

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

Freelance Writing Can Be Lucrative When You Know How to Approach Potential Clients & Write Great Content

Freelance writer? Is that what you want? If so, whoo hooo!It is easier than you might think for how to make money by writing.

I started my freelance writing business in December 2020, and it quickly transitioned into SEO writing. The income was great for three years before I found myself in a toxic environment, got burnt out and pivoted 50% of my time to digital and affiliate marketing. I was making around £295+ per 2,000-word article at the time.

I write regularly for a pet publication and features for other companies. I’ve worked in crypto, recruitment, marketing, and others. There are so many ways for how to make money writing.

Regardless of ChatGPT and other AI writers, many companies still want an actual human to write good quality content for their websites, blogs, marketing material, etc. Yes, many companies are using AI to save costs so it’s more important than ever to learn how to make money as a writer.

When you’re a new freelance writer and want to make money from writing, knowing where to look for work can be tricky. Most beginners end up on Upwork, and that can scar you for life. Many writers get messed about by clients on the platform, which can be a race to the bottom for the lowest fees. If you chose Upwork, apply to clients with payment history and good reviews because that’s how to earn money by writing without the stress of worrying whether you’ll get paid.

These days, I write primarily for my website and social media content as I am pivoting to digital and affiliate marketing. Words have power, so you will always find a way to make money as a freelance writer.

The Pros Of Freelance Writing

• No boss
• High demand
• Work from home
• Flexible workload
• Choose your hours
• Make a good income
• Work with various niches

The Cons Of Freelance Writing

• Feast & Famine: You’ve either got too much work or not enough. I was earning almost £40k a year working 20 hours a week, and overnight, I lost 90% of my income when two clients could no longer afford me.
• Competition: There are more applicants for writing jobs these days than when I started. There also seem to be fewer writing roles on job sites.
• Burnout: Writing long-form content can be exhausting, especially if the job requires research. The way around that is to write about something you know and love. As a qualified dog behaviourist, I love writing for a pet publication.
• Finding Clients: It’s an ongoing hunt for business. If you don’t pitch, people forget about you. They’re busy people.
• Dealing With Clients: They’re not all wonderful. I have worked with some fantastic people, but last year was horrible, putting me off working with clients for the rest of my life. Sorry, but it’s true.
• Declining Budgets: I’ve spoken to many writers who find getting the same fees they’ve been paid for years difficult.

What Is Freelance Writing?

A freelance writer isn’t tied to one client. You can write for multiple companies and invoice them for your work. You could write website copy, blog posts, ghostwrite a book, articles for online publications, magazines, newsletters, press releases, email sequences, SEO content and more.

Typically, it is your job to research the content. The client may provide an outline or leave it to you. After submission, you may need to make edits.

How Much Can A Freelance Writer Make?

There are enormous variables in writing fees. Content mills may pay $0.01 per word (do not EVER work for such low pay), but some publications may pay $500+ for a 1,000-word article. Content mills are not the best route for how to earn money from writing but it can be a start for beginner writers.

The SaS (software as a service) industry is among the highest-paid niches because fewer people are applying for SaS writing roles. Ghostwriting someone’s book can be $5k+, but it’s a tricky role. That was my first-ever gig. It paid well, but with 164k words of gibberish, it was hard work.

I advise trying to arrange a monthly retainer with your long-term clients. That provides some stability in knowing how much money comes in each month.

How Much Should I Charge for Freelance Writing?

Many new writers start with a price per word. I’d advise against that, even though that is how I started. My first freelance role paid £0.03 per word (I’m in the UK), and I had to bust a gut to earn enough to pay the bills.

Of course, your work needs to be excellent to command a higher fee. Aim for a price per project and avoid exchanging time for money. You are exchanging a skill for money.

Note: Build a portfolio as quickly as possible and put it online. Start a blog or a Medium account to show potential clients the standard of your work.

If someone asks you to do a FREE writing trial, say no. Decent clients do not expect you to work for nothing.

Get paid to write by registering for paid online writing jobs

How Do Freelance Writers Get Paid?

Every company has a different payment method. Below are some of the ways I have received payment

• PayPal
• Stripe
• Lumanu
• Bank transfer

Remember that some payment processors like PayPal charge processing or a currency exchange fee (around 3%)

Before accepting the work, clarify the payment schedule. Many writers get caught out and never get paid. If in doubt, ask for 50% upfront. Indeed, confirm everything before you put pen to paper.

How Do I Approach Prospective Clients?

Don’t be afraid to express your personality. Most applicants will follow a stereotypical approach that lacks punch. I once got hired on the spot after messaging an editor and saying, “I’m standing on a box and waving at you so you can see me above all the applicants who got ahead of the queue.”

• Share your portfolio
• Be confident
• Add links to published client work (if your name is on the article)
• Tell them how you can help
• Add your availability
• No need to mention rates

Where Do I Find Companies I’d Like To Write For?

In Google search, type “write for us: your niche” For me, that would be “write for us: pet publications” You can also add “paid” to the search.

Make a list, find out who the editor is, and send out your pitches. That can be as simple as asking if they need additional writers and sharing your portfolio—no need to overthink it.

I’ve put together a list of 38 websites that pay bloggers to write. Some of these websites pay well, such as $1 per word or up to $700 per blog post.

How Else Can I Find Freelance Writing Work?

1. Start a blog: That gets you into the habit of writing regularly. You can monetise your blog and tailor it to your chosen niche.
2. Upwork: OK, I’m not a fan of Upwork, but if you want experience, it can be a place to start
3. Fiverr: A bit like Upwork. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but you can find entry-level gigs.
4. Facebook Writing Groups: Most of my freelance work came from Facebook groups. Search for copywriting, freelance writing, content writing, etc., and look for established groups that engage in regular activity. Be careful of scammers.
5. Job Sites: FlexJobs is specifically for remote work. I got some clients from Indeed.
6. Contact Companies/Bloggers in your Niche: Keep at it, and you will find work.
7. ProBlogger Job Board: I’ve never found work here, but I have colleagues who have.
8. LinkedIn: Optimise your profile and post daily. It can be slow, but if you share niche-specific content, you will attract clients.
9. Freelance Writing: Freelance Writing has regular updated writers jobs
10. Publications: Search for publications in your niche

Do You Need A Qualification To Be A Freelance Writer?

Nobody asks for qualifications unless it’s an employed position that ridiculously asks for a degree. The main criterion is writing compelling copy that people want to read.

If you want to improve your writing and learn how to make money as a writer, taking a course can help.

How About Proofreading My Copy?

I use Grammarly Premium, and it has massively helped improve my writing. I follow a strict protocol before submitting my work and rarely get asked to edit anything.

1. Research
2. Write the first draft in Microsoft Word
3. Open Grammarly and edit
4. Check for plagiarism (Grammarly has this built-in)
5. Go to “Review” and “Read Aloud” You will be amazed at how sticky some of your sentences are when you “hear” them. It also picks up mistakes you cannot see
6. If the copy is for US English, I upload it to Google Drive, change the language to US English and run a spell and grammar check

The goal to get repeat work is to make your editor’s job as easy as possible. If you aren’t getting work returned, you’re doing a great job.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started with your freelance writing career and see where it takes you!

If you’re struggling getting writing work, do as I am and start a DFU business.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

FAQs

How Can I Make Money from Writing?

Firstly, decide what niche you’d like to write for. Secondly, approach companies and ask if you can submit a pitch or article. Build a portfolio by writing on a free platform like Medium or Substack, and have something to show potential clients. The next thing to focus on is specialism. I am an SEO writer, so that is my specialism. I get content ranked on Google page one SERPs (search engine results). You might prefer copywriting or ad writing. Choosing a niche you enjoy makes life a lot easier.

How to Get Paid Writing?

The easiest thing for freelance writer income is to check out my blog post “38 websites that pay bloggers to write” as that is a great list with multiple niches and companies looking for writers. Register with writing platforms like paid online writing jobs

How to Earn Money Writing?

Just keep going. There are plenty of companies that need good writers, so keep perfecting your writing skills. I started writing at £.0.03 per word. Now, my average fee is £250 per 1,000 word SEO blog post. It took time to build my skills and reputation, but it’s worth the effort.

How to Write and Make Money Online?

I’m not going to tell you writing online is a bed of roses. I’ve had some challenging experiences. What I’m doing now is building and monetising this blog and starting a new blog for a trending topic I can promote on Pinterest. I write content for a few companies still, but if you want a long-term future as a writer, start writing content for yourself. Start with affiliate marketing, work towards ad partnerships and make money without relying on clients. Work from home freelance writing offers multiple opportunies. For instance, I make a small monthly income from selling my Amazon books.