Writing as a Side Hustle: How to Profit by Offering Writing Services on Upwork and Fiverr
- artturipekkola5
- Feb 2
- 5 min read
In this site, me and you are both wondering how to make money online with minimal effort, we need those side streams of income. Here's one idea if you like writing, with platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, your writing skills can transform from a passion into a nice profitable venture. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just have a knack for crafting engaging content, this guide offers you practical steps to turn your talent into cash.
If you want a quick taste of it without spending much time, see for example this writing service my online friend is trying out at the moment of writing this. Apparently they offer 25 to 35$ per hour, and they are hoping minimum of 5 weekly hours from a new writer.
If my math doesn't fail on me, that could make 500-700$ per month BUT also means 20 hours of work per month, remember.
Why Consider Writing Services as a Side Hustle
Writing services present a fantastic opportunity for several reasons:
First, even in this time of AI, the demand for written content is still significant. According to a recent statistic, nearly 75% of businesses recognize the value of quality content for their marketing efforts. This includes everything from job seekers needing professionally crafted resumes to companies requiring informative articles for their blogs.
Use your day job knowledge as your superpower!
Furthermore, if you have experience in a specific industry, you already have a competitive advantage. Your inside knowledge means clients are willing to pay more for your services because you know terms and things that someone outside of the industry does not. Side job on the side of your day job! For example, specialized healthcare writers can command rates between $50 and $150 per hour depending on their expertise.
Additionally, freelancing offers the benefit of flexibility, allowing you to manage your time around other commitments such as a full-time job or family. You can choose your hours and work at your own pace.
Optimize your workload with the help of AI
I'm not saying to produce fully AI based content and sell it, although I believe that IS a big business these days as well. (Online courses, PDF courses, whatnot..)
However, you can significantly reduce your workload by using AI for drafting, checking spelling, grammar, etc., and this is the trick that can actually make this a quite profitable side hustle as long as you find the clients.
Choosing Your Niche
After deciding to sell your writing services, the next critical step is selecting your niche. Think about what sectors interest you, such as:
Healthcare: Writing articles that help patients understand complex medical procedures.
Technology: Creating content that demystifies new software for users.
Education: Focusing on writing educational materials or tutoring resources.
Your own area of expertise: What do you do for daily job? Use this!
By narrowing down your niche, you increase your appeal to potential clients. People prefer to hire writers who genuinely understand their industry and can convey that understanding through compelling content.
If you previously worked in a particular field, leverage that experience. For instance, if you spent several years in technology, you can write insightful articles about emerging tech trends or software reviews, making your service invaluable.
Setting Up Your Profiles on Fiverr and Upwork
Creating effective profiles on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork is key to attracting clients. Here are essential tips for crafting profiles that stand out:
Use a Professional Profile Picture: A clear, friendly photo gives a great first impression, helping you appear approachable and reliable.
Craft a Strong Bio: Summarize your skills and experiences while injecting a bit of personality into your bio. Highlight your exclusive qualifications or specific achievements that can set you apart. For instance, mentioning that you've written articles for top industry publications can significantly boost your credibility.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include samples of your work that demonstrate your writing style and range. Potential clients often base their hiring decision on the quality of samples provided.
Determine Your Pricing: Research competitors in your niche and set your prices accordingly. A writer specializing in technical content can charge between $75 and $200 per article depending on complexity and length.
Offering Service Tiers
To attract a more extensive client base, consider creating service tiers. For example, you could offer three levels of writing services, each with increasing features and price points:
Basic: A straightforward cover letter.
Standard: A tailored resume along with a cover letter.
Premium: An in-depth resume rewrite and a one-hour consultation on job-seeking strategies.
These options allow clients to choose a service that fits their needs and budgets, leading to increased sales.
Time Management and Organization
Balancing a side hustle with other obligations requires effective time management. Set aside dedicated hours for freelancing each week. For instance, if you choose to work during evenings or weekends, block out two hours on certain days purely for writing.
Consider using digital calendars or productivity apps to schedule deadlines and track your tasks. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable steps can reduce stress and help you maintain a sense of accomplishment.
Remember, the more organized you are, the higher the quality of your work. This approach often translates to positive reviews and repeat clients.
Leveraging Client Feedback
Once you begin working with clients, actively seek their feedback. Positive reviews are crucial for enhancing your profile’s credibility on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
Responding professionally to both positive and constructive criticism helps build strong client relationships. Satisfied clients are likely to recommend your services or return for future projects. Don't hesitate to display their testimonials prominently on your profile, as these act as powerful endorsements to attract new clients.
Marketing Your Services Beyond the Platforms
While Upwork and Fiverr are excellent starting points, think beyond these platforms to boost your visibility. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with potential clients. Share your expertise by posting articles or tips related to your niche, which helps establish you as an authority in your field.
Consider creating a simple website or an online portfolio. This not only showcases your writing skills but also helps potential clients find you outside of freelancing platforms.
Offering professional writing services on Upwork and Fiverr is an excellent way to earn extra income. With your writing skills and a clear focus on your niche, you can become a valuable asset in the ever-growing gig economy.
If you navigate this side hustle, prioritize setting up professional profiles, offering tiered services, and managing your time effectively. Embrace tools that can enhance your productivity while ensuring your unique voice shines through in every piece of writing.
My own review of this Side Hustle?
This is one I have tried and proved already. It's honest and it certainly works.
I did just as I mentioned, used ChatGPT to help me drafting and checking my content, but I actually always liked to write since I was a kid.
I didn't dive too deep in this though, I made few hundreds of dollars in a bit over a month, but in my life situation I simply don't have even few extra hours. That's why I'm currently still hunting for the "big passive whale" that could get me to thousands without adding work hours. Therefore, this side hustle is in my pile of "Proven and usable one day when needed".
Potential for income
Few hundreds of extra income per month should be easy, and with the help of AI you can minimize the hours.
I believe this one could be scaled up by putting effort in it, really branding your services - perhaps even hiring someone from Upwork or Fiverr to work for you while you take care of your client?
However, the future of AI is certainly eating this side hustle eventually, in my opinion.
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