So, what does How to Select the Best Router have to do with Side Hustle Success?
Read on and learn the rest of the story.
Back in March, I wrote a post about picking up some money writing through Blogmutt. I made a little money, but it really didn’t pan out. Actually, I got flustered with the way the system worked in pitching articles and hoping they’d get picked up. That and not really having any way to communicate with clients was just not working.
In late July I discovered Upwork (upwork.com) and signed up. Within a few days I applied for a gig to write for a wood working website, Wood Work Boss, and since then I’ve written about 13 articles for them. Unfortunately, I’m a Ghost Writer so there’s no byline, but hey I’m making some decent money.
Woodworking website? Yep. I’m a former woodworking instructor and have done it as a Side Hustle for years. So it’s a good fit. One of my articles is How to Select the Best Router, which was fun to write as it’s my favorite woodworking power tool.
As I mentioned, I’m making some decent money. In fact, my first article netted me more than I made for the five that I wrote for Blogmut. So far, so good. We’re talking a long-term gig now.
I really like how Upwork’s system works, as I get to apply for gigs and communicate with my clients. They are very receptive to my input and are very low pressure in their deadlines. Freelance writing is definitely a way to make some money.
One of the best things is being able to write when and where I want to. I can’t say the same about my woodworking gigs, but hey, not every side hustle is going to be so flexible.
So, how did I find out about Upwork? Well, I follow Life and My Finances and came across an article written by Laura Harris, How to Make Extra Money As a Freelance Writer. Laura shared some great info in her article, including a link to the article, Websites That Pay Writers 2015: These 79 Sites Offer $50 and Up, written by Jennifer Roland.
That article listed Upwork, so I figured I’d check them out. It’s paid off, for sure.
In all my years of teaching woodworking, I never imagined that I’d get paid to write about it. Who knows what you might be able to make some money writing about.
If you’re interested in making some coin by wordsmithing, I suggest you look into that list of 79.
So, what subjects do you have to write about? I’ll bet you have some, you just need to give it a shot.
So glad the resources I mentioned in my article helped you, Keith! They made a major impact on my own journey out of low paying content mills. Way to stick with it!
Thanks again, Laura. They sure did. Sure is more rewarding writing for a better platform. All the best in your adventures!
There is only going to be more and more demand for content so I think finding a niche and getting “good” at creating content will serve people well over time. UpWork is a really great site! I was not successful in finding a designer for my redesign on there, but I found an incredible graphic designer. Definitely a good site for both parties in the deal!
Hey, DC!
Thanks for popping in! I agree in that there will be continued demand for content, and figuring out a niche will be the best route.
Sounds like Upwork is working out for both of us. I may have to get your graphic designer’s name some time.
All the best!
Yes let me know if you are interested in the graphic designer’s name, I am happy to send you his way! He worked out really well for the two jobs I gave him and he seems motivated to make sure that his clients are happy. A bit of a language barrier but nothing we haven’t been able to work through.
Thanks, DC! I’m definitely interested in getting in touch with your designer. Language barrier? I doubt it’s going to be a problem.