Introduction
Three months ago, I had zero experience writing online, and I certainly wasn’t making money from it. Fast forward to today, and I’m consistently earning $3,000 a month from writing. It didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t easy, but with the right strategy, commitment, and a few key lessons, I turned writing into a profitable venture. Whether you’re looking to replace your full-time job or earn some extra income, here’s how I made the leap from $0 to $3,000 a month by writing online.
One example is freelance writing, although there are other fields where working for yourself is common:
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Digital marketing
- Editing and proofreading gigs
- Email marketing specialist
- Graphic design
- Social media management
- SEO expert
- Web design
- Video editing
- Voice over artist
In my experience, freelancers frequently make between $25 and $50 per hour or more. As I’ve had writing projects that pay well over $100 per hour, you can easily make $3,000 in a month.
1.Starting From Scratch
Like many people, I had a vague idea that people made money writing online, but I didn’t know where to begin. My first step was simple: research. I spent a couple of weeks reading blogs, watching YouTube videos, and following online writing communities to understand what types of writing gigs existed and how I could break into the market.
What I Learned:
There are multiple avenues to make money writing: Freelance writing, content writing, copywriting, blogging, ghostwriting, and self-publishing are just a few examples.
Different platforms cater to different writing styles: Sites like Medium, Upwork, and Fiverr cater to freelance writers, while content mills like Textbroker provide quick but lower-paying assignments for beginners.
2.Finding the Right Platforms
Once I understood the various options, I began by experimenting with different platforms. I signed up for freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr, where clients post job listings for writers. I also started publishing articles on Medium, a platform that allows writers to earn money through their Partner Program, which pays based on reading time and engagement.
Key Platforms I Used:
Upwork: I started applying for small writing jobs here, such as blog posts, product descriptions, and articles. The competition is high, but once you land a few gigs, it’s easier to get repeat clients.
Medium: While I didn’t make much money from Medium initially, it served as a portfolio of published work that I could show potential clients.
Fiverr: I created simple writing gigs, offering my services to write articles, blog posts, and social media content.
Early Challenges:
Building a portfolio: With no prior experience, I had to rely on sample pieces I wrote on my own or published on Medium to show clients my writing ability.
Landing clients: At first, it was hard to win projects because I didn’t have any reviews or a reputation. I accepted lower-paying gigs just to get my foot in the door and gain experience.
3.Gaining Momentum: The Power of Consistency
In the first month, I made a modest $200 from a handful of small projects on Upwork and Fiverr. While this wasn’t a life-changing amount, it proved that the process worked, and I could make money from writing. The key during this stage was consistency: applying for jobs daily, improving my pitch, and refining my writing.
What I Did:
Applied to multiple gigs every day: At first, I would send 5-10 proposals a day on Upwork, constantly refining my application process to make it more appealing.
Focused on niches: I found that clients often preferred specialists. I identified a few niches that I enjoyed writing about, such as personal finance and digital marketing, and honed my expertise in those areas.
Took every opportunity to improve: Even when I received rejections or low-paying offers, I treated each project as a learning experience.
Tip: Build Client Relationships
Once I landed my first couple of jobs, I focused on delivering exceptional work and building long-term relationships with clients. Some of my initial clients ended up hiring me for ongoing projects, which gave me a steady income stream and allowed me to raise my rates over time.
4.Scaling Up: From $500 to $1,500 in Month Two
By the second month, I started seeing significant progress. My portfolio was growing, I had more reviews, and I felt more confident in my ability to write and deliver value to clients. I also began experimenting with higher-paying job postings and offering more specialized services, such as SEO writing and content strategy.
Strategies That Helped Me Scale:
Raising my rates: As I gained experience, I started charging more for my services. Instead of charging $30 for a blog post, I increased my rates to $50, then $75, and eventually $100 as I built credibility.
Building repeat business: I focused on providing excellent customer service and meeting (or exceeding) deadlines. This led to repeat clients and larger projects.
Diversifying my income streams: I started contributing to Medium more consistently, joined revenue-sharing websites like Vocal, and even began pitching articles to larger publications.
5.Reaching $3,000 a Month by Month Three
By the third month, my hard work had paid off. I had developed a steady roster of clients, many of whom hired me for ongoing work, such as weekly blog posts, web content, or social media management. I was also getting inquiries from new clients through word-of-mouth referrals and my growing presence on freelance platforms.
Key Drivers of Success:
Consistency and persistence: I didn’t let early setbacks stop me. I applied for jobs daily, improved my skills, and delivered quality work on time.
Networking and client retention: Networking with other writers and connecting with clients outside of platforms (via LinkedIn or email) helped me secure new projects. Client retention was also crucial—happy clients gave me repeat business and referred me to others.
Leveraging multiple platforms: My income came from a mix of platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Medium, and direct clients. This diversity helped smooth out fluctuations and provided more security.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Online Writers
If you’re interested in turning writing into a full-time or part-time income, here are the most important lessons I learned:
Start small, but think big: Don’t expect to make thousands right away. Focus on building your portfolio, getting client reviews, and improving your skills. The money will follow.
Be consistent: Apply to jobs every day, write consistently, and don’t give up. Persistence is key.
Narrow your focus: Identify a niche or two that you enjoy writing about and specialize in that area. This will help you stand out and attract higher-paying clients.
Diversify your income: Don’t rely on one platform or one client. By diversifying your writing income, you’ll be more secure and have more opportunities for growth.
Network and build relationships: Your best clients will often come from referrals and repeat business. Focus on building long-term relationships with clients by delivering high-quality work and being professional.
Going from $0 to $3,000 a month by writing online in three months wasn’t easy, but it was entirely possible with the right approach. By consistently applying for jobs, improving my writing, and building strong relationships with clients, I was able to turn a passion for writing into a reliable source of income. If I can do it, so can you. Start small, stay persistent, and soon enough, you’ll be making money from your words too.