Since I started blogging a little over ten years ago I have consistently made more than $10,000+ a year while working a full-time job.

It’s been a perfect side hustle to diversify my 9-5 income, but it’s become more than that. It’s led to getting a book deal and writin books, interviews on local and national television, and becoming an expert in something that is totally different than what I do for my full-time job. It’s something that I can work on from anywhere, which is important to me.

The extra money I’ve made has not only allowed my wife and I to make progress on our student loan debt, build an emergency fund, travel, and make some major house renovations.

None of this would have been possible if I didn’t make the leap and start a blog.

In short, blogging has had a huge impact on my life – both financially and otherwise. I am not the only one with a story like this. There are many people who are consistently making thousands of dollars a month from their blogs, or who even make enough money to quit their job.

Because I’ve been a blogger for over ten years I’ve been able to see some of these remarkable stories play out. From creating a side income – whose impact shouldn’t be understated – to seeing people build a brand and business from nothing to a six figures, it’s incredible the opportunities out there for those willing to put in the effort.

The one thing all these successful bloggers have in common is this: they started a blog. Without taking this critical first step it’s impossible to make money blogging. It’s easy to think about “someday” starting a blog, but honestly the sooner you start one the better. By starting a blog today you are already far ahead of the millions of people who have the idea of blogging but have not (and may never) take the critical first step of starting a blog.

There are free blog options such as “Blogger,” and many people make the mistake of starting a blog on one of these free platforms. The problem with free hosting options is that advertisers do not like them. They like the self-hosted blogs and do not take the blogs on free hosting seriously.

I’ve seen many bloggers go through the headache of transitioning from a free hosting platform to a paid, self-hosted one like Bluehost and some have spent an entire weekend going through the process and working out bugs. Don’t make that mistake! The process can be so complicated that I completely abandoned one of my Blogger blogs instead of go through the headache of transitioning to Bluehost.

I have started a number of websites over the past 10+ years and helped many others get started. Since switching to Bluehost for web hosting I have always recommended them to people who are looking to start a blog. They are highly rated, offer affordable pricing, and make starting a WordPress blog extremely easy with their 1-click WordPress installation.

If you want to start a blog that makes money you are going to want to start one on Bluehost. Bluehost offers many advantages, including:

• Affordable – by using my link you get hosting for just $2.95 per month, which is less than $36 a year.

• Free Domain Name – you will get a free domain name when you sign up for hosting on Bluehost using my link

• Extremely Easy WordPress Installation – Bluehost has a “one-click” WordPress installation

• 24/7 Tech Support – Bluehost tech support is available 24/7 and has been outstanding every time I’ve used them

• Attractive to Advertisers – having a self-hosted blog is attractive to advertisers and will make it easier to make money blogging

• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee – if you cancel within 30 days you receive a full refund on your hosting service

• Extended Money Back Guarantee – if you cancel after 30 days you receive a prorated refund for the remainder of your hosting term

As you can see there are a ton of benefits of using BlueHost to start your blog. With their money-back guarantee there is very little risk of starting a blog through BlueHost, and so much potential for making money blogging.

1) Choose a Hosting Option

 
Once you have gone to BlueHost you will see the various hosting options. I highly recommend using the “Starter” package. Even though there are two higher-priced packages, there is nothing in the higher-priced packages that you need.

Keep in mind that this option is very affordable for self-hosting a website and comes with a money-back guarantee. If you decide within 30 days blogging isn’t for you, you can get your full payment refunded. Even at 10, 11, or however many months in, if you decide you don’t want Bluehost web hosting you will get refunded for any months you paid for but haven’t used yet.

You can also always upgrade to the other accounts if you reach any of the space limits from the basic account.

2) Choose a Free Domain Name

 
When you sign up for Bluehost using my link you get a free domain name. This is an ~$15 value if you had bought the domain name.

Once you click on the Starter package in the previous step you will be brought to a screen where you enter the domain name you want.

I will be the first to admit it’s not easy to choose a domain name. I got lucky by finding Young Adult Money, as many domains with “money” in it are already taken. But even Young Adult Money isn’t a perfect domain name.

It’s easy to overthink a domain name, but in all honesty the value of your blog will not be in the name but in the content you put out. There are many hugely successful blogs out there with obscure domain names.

It will almost for sure take a few attempts to find a domain name that isn’t already taken. Think of something unique (or not unique – i.e. Young Adult Money haha) and once you find one that is not taken, grab it. Just think of something that sounds good to you and you are good to go!

Once you have a free domain, you simply need to complete your registration and you officially have a blog! I would choose none of the extras on the last screen as they are just going to increase the cost of starting a blog.

The only one that I would consider is the $0.50 a month for “Domain Privacy Protection.” It’s not necessary, but it does shield and protect your information as a website owner.

Note: you can skip the section below and go straight to “Install WordPress” if you are registering a free domain name.

Already have a domain name?

If you already have a domain name that you bought on a site like GoDaddy, it’s easy to connect your domain name to Bluehost. Instead of registering a new domain, just choose the second option on the page and enter the domain you would like to be linked to your Bluehost hosting.

Here are the directions for connecting your GoDaddy domain to Bluehost:

To modify, add, or delete name servers (DNS) for your domain(s):

• Log in to the GoDaddy.com Account Manager.

• Select Manage Domains from the Domain Names drop-down menu or the Manage Your Account list.

• Select the domain name you wish to modify using the checkboxes and then click Set Name Servers.

• Enter your updated name server information in the spaces provided under the blue Name Servers heading on the right side of your page and click Save Changes at the bottom. Your entries should look like this:
  ns1.bluehost.com
  ns2.bluehost.com

This can all be done within the cpanel once you have purchased hosting. If you run into issues do not hesitate to email me. When I first got BlueHost I already had a domain, so I’ve personally gone through these steps a few times.

3) Install WordPress

 
Once you have signed up for an account, login to your Bluehost account and go to hosting -> cpanel.

Once on this page, scroll down to website builders and find the Install WordPress icon.

Once you click the Install WordPress icon, you simply need to click install and choose the domain you are installing WordPress to. You will then set up your login information.

To log into your WordPress blog, go to your domain name and add /wp-admin to the end of the domain. This will pull up the user and password fields that allow you to log into WordPress.

Just like that you have a living breathing WordPress blog. Congrats!

Remember, if you have ANY questions at all do not hesitate to ask. I am happy to help you with any blogging questions just as I’ve helped many others set up a blog.

Blogging Tips for New Bloggers

 
As I said earlier, I have over 10 years of blogging experience and have made thousands of dollars blogging. I do not say that to brag, but to make it clear that I can attest to the fact that it is possible to make money blogging. If I can do it, you can too.

Here are area few tips I have for new bloggers:

• Commit to 6 Months – While I don’t have a statistic to prove this, a common quote that floats around the blogosphere is “most bloggers quit within the first six months.” When you start your blog, consider making a a deal with yourself to blog for at least six months. If you still want to quit, you can, but at least you gave yourself a decent amount of time to build up content and truly give blogging a try.

  If you are hesitant about starting a blog on Bluehost because of the potential that you won’t like blogging, remember that they offer a refund for unused months that you already paid for. Even if you decide to quit after 3, 6, or any number of months you will get a refund for the remaining months you already paid for. There is very little risk in giving Bluehost – and blogging – a try.

• Connect with other Bloggers – The biggest mistake new bloggers make is thinking that traffic will simply appear. The reality is that getting ranked in search engines is difficult for established blogs and unlikely for brand new blogs. The best way to get some initial traffic and links to your site is by commenting on other blogs in your niche. This is extremely important for new bloggers!

• Plan ahead whenever possible – Many established bloggers do not write their posts on the fly. Instead, they plan their posts. This helps in situations where something unavoidable – an illness, a late night at the office, etc. makes it difficult to write a post the night before it goes live. Consider using an editorial calendar to plan posts in advance.

While this isn’t a comprehensive list of all the tips I would give to new bloggers, it should provide a good start for those who are looking to start a blog. Remember, it’s more important to actually start your blog than to have it be perfect from day one.

If you have any questions about Bluehost or blogging, do not hesitate to send me an email. I have been blogging for years and have helped many people start a blog, so I’m happy to help you as well.

But on a positive note, there has never been a better time to learn about and discover a new hobby. Even if you can’t do all of these hobbies yet because, you know, #socialdistancing and all, you can learn about them and commit to doing it when the quarantine is over.

Here are 20+ ideas for hobbies to fill your time.

Outdoor Hobbies

 
1) Running or Walking
 
What’s not to love about getting outdoors and seeing your local neighborhood? Fortunately for us, too, walking or running is a socially distant activity. Simply leave room when encountering others on the side walk.

Best of all, all you need to get started is some comfortable clothes and tennis shoes, making it one cheap hobby.

 
2) Gardening
 
Gardening is a great hobby – it allows you to get outdoors, it’s great exercise, it’s affordable, and you can learn something about each plant.

And if you don’t have a garden, it’s not a problem. You can start enjoy gardening by planting a few house plants and keeping them in your apartment.

 
3) Hiking
 
If you are craving an escape from the city or suburbs, then hiking is an excellent hobby. There are tons of state parks that offer hiking trails, no matter if you are a novice or expert hiker.

If you’re just getting into hiking, start with some gentle trails. As you get more into it, you may want to consider buying some basic hiking gear, such as boots, safety supplies, and a backpack.

 
4) Geocaching
 
Do you like scavenger hunts? Then you will love geocaching.

There are millions of geocaches hidden around the world. A geocache is basically a small box of inexpensive treasures. You can download a geocaching app and use GPS to find geocaches near you. Happy searching!

 
5) Camping
 
Camping is the perfect summertime hobby. For those looking to disconnect and get away to nature, you really can’t go wrong.

The best thing about camping is it can be as comfortable or rugged as you like. If you aren’t so sure about sleeping on the ground, you can always look at renting a camper or staying in a cabin. Or, if you’re truly ready to embrace the outdoors, you can load up your belongings in a backpack and sling a hammock in the woods.

 
6) Canoeing or Kayaking
 
Whether you live near a river or a lake, you can take advantage of canoeing or kayaking.

For around $50, you can rent a canoe for the afternoon and get in a killer workout while enjoying the peace of the water.

Hobbies that Can Make Money

 
7) Blogging
 
Of course, we had to mention blogging! Blogging is truly a fun way to make money. You get to write about a topic that matters to you, you can share your insight and knowledge, and you get to meet a ton of people all over the world.

Starting a blog is easy – you can follow this guide to get started.

 
Related:

• 7 Years of Blogging as a Side Hustle – Should You Start a Blog?

• How to Make Money Blogging

 
8) Writing
 
Onto my personal favorite hobby – writing.

Freelance writing is the perfect hobby (in my not so humble opinion!) It allows you to work with clients to create informational and engaging content, all from the comfort of your own home.

Freelance writing is near and dear to me, as it allowed me to pay off all of my student loans. Not too bad for something I truly enjoy doing.

It’s also worth noting that you can write as a hobby without the intention of making money doing it. There is nothing wrong with keeping a journal, writing stories, or even blogging simply because you like to do it.

 
9) Selling Printables
 
Printables are a file you create for others to purchase. Once someone purchases it, they simply download the file and print it off in their own home.

Not only are printables fun to sell, but they are super fun to create. You can use really any program, including free ones like Canva, to create downloadable printables on your computer.

 
10) Flipping Furniture
 
Flipping furniture might sound like an arduous task, but it can be a pretty simple way to make money if you do it right.

To flip furniture, you score sites like Craigslist and Facebook to find beat up old furniture for a steal. You then bring it home, fix it up, repaint it, and make it look new. Then, you resell it for a much higher cost than you bought it for.

 
11) Coding
 
Learning how to code is fun, and sites like Codeacademy will teach you how to code for free.

Once you become a skilled coder, you can find online coding gigs and earn money from home.

Hobbies that Educate You

 
12) Take a Course
 
Thanks to the internet, you can learn just about anything. Take a course through sites like Udemy, or simply watch how-to videos on YouTube.

 
13) Learn an Instrument
 
There’s such a wide variety of instruments that you aren’t limited in what you can learn. From piano to guitar and from trumpet to drums, you can teach yourself on any instrument that interests you.

YouTube is a great resource for free lessons while you are stuck at home. And if you don’t have any instruments, you can search your local Facebook Marketplace to find a cheap and used one.

 
14) Reading
 
Even if your local library is closed due to COVID, you can still find plenty of ways to read books.

First, check out your library’s website. They often have free subscriptions to apps like Libby, which gives you unrestricted access to thousands of audio books and e-books. Some libraries are also offering curbside, no-contact, pickup. Finally you can always buy books on Amazon, like DC’s Student Loan Solution.

Artistic Hobbies

 
15) Coloring
 
People who haven’t tried it might roll their eyes at adult coloring books, but coloring can be a great way for adults to relax and release stress. In fact, some of the best-selling books on Amazon are adult coloring books. There are some that may surprise or shock you, such as the best-selling Calm the F*ck Down coloring book.

 
16) Photography
 
Photography is a fascinating hobby to learn. Not only do you get to learn about taking the perfect photo, but you can learn how to master editing software.

Don’t have a fancy camera? No problem. Nowadays, many people do photography right from their smartphones.

 
17) Crocheting
 
Crocheting requires minimal materials, and is an easy hobby to start. All you need is a hook, some yarn, and a little patience. Start with learning something simple, like a scarf, and you can then work your way up to more advanced items.

Food and Beverage Hobbies

 
18) Cooking and Baking
 
Since you are likely eating most of your meals at home anyway due to quarantine, why not start learning how to cook or bake?

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Start off with some simple recipes, and master the technique. You’ll be on your way to becoming a gourmet chef in no time.

 
19) Mixology
 
Interested in beer, wine, and spirits? Practice mixing up the perfect cocktail at home.

For recipes and inspiration, check out Liquor.com. This website will help you pick and choose your spirits, plus walk you through how to create some pretty tasty drinks.

More Popular Hobby Ideas

 
20) Traveling
 
Though traveling is limited during quarantine, that doesn’t mean you should stop planning your travels.

Create a list of every place you want to go, and start researching! Now is a great time to plan your upcoming trips.

 
Related:

• Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards

• Here’s How Much It Cost Us for an 11-Day Trip to Thailand and Vietnam

• Chase Ultimate Rewards: Our Simple Guide to Maximizing Your Points

 
21) Volunteering
 
What better hobby than to serve others?

Find a cause you care about and volunteer your time. Whether you want to help at the food bank, local schools, animal shelters, or something else, there are thousands of opportunities to volunteer.

 
22) Home Projects
 
If you rent or have an apartment or condo you may be limited in this hobby, but if you own a home why not spend your free time fixing up your house? You can start small by painting or taking on other low-pressure house projects, but the sky is the limit.

 
What did we miss? What is your hobby?

Today I want to share tips for those who are considering starting a blog while working full-time. As I mention in my recent post 7 Years of Blogging as a Side Hustle – Should You Start a Blog? blogging can be a great side hustle. If I had decided against starting a blog over seven years ago, my life would look a lot different today.

With that being said, blogging – like any side hustle – can take a lot of time. The problem is that once you account for your 9-5 job there isn’t a ton of free time. It’s not easy to consistently carve out time for a blog week-after-week. If you are motivated to start a blog and build a brand, you can overcome these time constraints. After all, thousands of other bloggers have done it – why not you?

Commit to Six Months Before You Start Blogging

 
Before starting Young Adult Money I had started a few other blogs including a political blog and a group blog focused on music, as well as a couple other short-lived projects. I spent a solid year deciding whether or not to start another blog because I didn’t want it to be another blog that I ended up abandoning.

Because blogging burnout can hit relatively quickly, I recommend new bloggers commit to at least six months of blogging. If you can get past blogger burnout and get into a rhythm, you have a good chance of sticking with the blog for the long-haul. Way too would-be bloggers, myself included, abandoned a blog after just a few months.

Use a Calendar to Carve Out Time to Work on Your Blog

 
There is no way I would have been able to run a blog, let alone write a book, while working full-time unless I used a calendar. If you aren’t in the habit of using a calendar, you will want to start. If you want to be a successful blogger it’s vital that you know exactly where your time is going. I even put in “drive time” in my calendar so I don’t forget about all the time that I need to set aside just to get to and from places.

The real benefit of keeping a calendar is carving out specific time for blog work. I carve out one-to-three hour chunks to sit down and work on my blog, typically after work a couple days a week and some time on the weekend. Especially when I was writing my book it was so important that I have that time carved out.

Remember: Writing Blog Posts Is Only Part of the Work

 
Many new bloggers are shocked at how much time it takes to do all the “extra” stuff that comes with blogging. Between working on your blog design, growing your email list, promoting your content, and everything else, writing content ends up only being a portion of the time commitment that blogging requires.

It’s important to think about your blog as a brand, especially in today’s world. Ultimately you will likely branch out of solely producing written content. You don’t have to start a podcast, or start putting weekly videos on YouTube, but you may end up writing a book, being a podcast guest, or produce social media content to a greater extent down the road. It’s exciting to see your blog and brand grow to this level, but it does take more time.

Start by focusing on consistently publishing blog content, but keep in mind that there is an endless number of other things you can do to grow your blog and brand that you may want to carve out time for in the future.

Write Down Topics and Ideas as Soon as You Think of Them

 
The one thing I miss about the very early days of my blog was the huge list of topic ideas I had. After all, I was starting from scratch so I had a ton of topics that I wanted to hit on. Over time that wears off.

To keep a strong pipeline of ideas I suggest writing down ideas as soon as you think of them. For me, that means jotting them down in a notebook. For you that could mean typing them in your phone. Whatever works. This will keep a healthy list of ideas that you can refer back to when it comes time to write your next post.

If you want to take this a step further, start outlining blog posts ahead of time. For me, if I have a blog topic picked and a general outline complete, I can write the post relatively quickly. And with a 9-5 and a tight schedule, being able to write a post quickly is a big benefit (just make sure quality doesn’t suffer).

Use an Editorial Calendar

 
Not only do I suggest keeping a list of your topic ideas, I also recommend that you use an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar is simply a calendar that you use to plan out future content.

I can tell you from experience that having the next few weeks of blog post topics laid out on a calendar can be really helpful. Even if you never get ahead more than a week, having the topics on the calendar makes you subconsciously start thinking about what the posts will look like for upcoming topics.

You can grab a free copy of my editorial calendar template here.

___________________________________________________

 
Blogging while working full-time isn’t easy, but if you stay motivated, get into a rhythm (i.e. planning content ahead of time using an editorial calendar, constantly write down new ideas, etc.), and are intentional about setting aside time for your blog, you absolutely can succeed.

If you have any specific questions or just want to drop a line, please reach out. I would love to hear from you. Knowing other bloggers who also were working full-time while blogging was really helpful when I first getting started – and is still helpful today.

Getting Your Blog Set Up

 
There are free blog options such as “Blogger,” and many people make the mistake of starting a blog on one of these free platforms. I’ve seen many (too many) bloggers go through the headache of transitioning from a free hosting platform to a paid, self-hosted one like Bluehost and some have spent an entire weekend going through the process and working out bugs. Don’t make that mistake!

The process can be so complicated that I completely abandoned one of my Blogger blogs instead of go through the headache of transitioning to Bluehost.

If you want to start a blog that makes money you are going to want to start one on Bluehost. Bluehost offers many benefits, including:

• Affordable – By using my link you get hosting for just $2.95 per month, which is less than $36 a year.

• Free Domain Name – You will get a free domain name when you sign up for hosting on Bluehost using my link

• Extremely Easy WordPress Installation – Bluehost has a “one-click” WordPress installation

• 24/7 Tech Support – Bluehost tech support is available 24/7 and has been outstanding every time I’ve used them

• Attractive to Advertisers – Having a self-hosted blog is attractive to advertisers and will make it easier to make money blogging

• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee – If you cancel within 30 days you receive a full refund on your hosting service

• Extended Money Back Guarantee – If you cancel after 30 days you receive a prorated refund for the remainder of your hosting term

As you can see there are many benefits of using BlueHost to start your blog. With their money-back guarantee there is very little risk of starting a blog through BlueHost.

Millennials have several advantages when it comes to side hustling. In most cases, they’re fresh out of school, could usually use the extra cash, and have few responsibilities, resulting in more free time.

Make the best use of your twenties by starting one of these side hustles today.

1) Rent out a room

 
Have extra space to spare? Renting out a room is the perfect option for millennials.

Renting out space on sites like Airbnb can be a fun and profitable way to get to know people from all over the world. Whether you have an extra couch, room, or a whole separate house, you can make money on Airbnb.

2) Start freelance writing

 
I started freelance writing in my twenties, and I can’t say enough positive things about it. Freelance writing is easy to complete from anywhere in the world, and you can earn quite a bit of cash while doing it.

Freelance writing allowed me to pay off my student loan debt entirely. For any millennials in similar situations, I highly recommend freelance writing.

3) Tutor

 
Tutoring is perfect for anyone just out of college who is looking to earn some extra money on the side. If you specialized in any particular subject, you can find tutoring clients to share your knowledge with.

Here’s 8 places to find tutoring clients.

4) Care for others

 
Need to earn more money on nights and weekends? Then becoming a caretaker could be a great option for you.

There are many ways you can work as a caretaker, depending on what your interests are. You can house-sit, watch cats or dogs, babysit, or assist the elderly in their homes.

Whatever you like to do, it’s fairly easy to find caretaker gigs. Check out sites such a Care.com or Rover.com to find work near where you live.

5) Start a blog

 
Of course, we think blogging is one of the best ways for millennials to make money. As a blogger, you get to run your own business all while writing about the topics that interest you most.

Plus, if you keep at it, blogging has the potential to be a very lucrative side income for you.

Anyone can start a blog. In fact, we even have a free step-by-step tutorial below to show you how to do it.

Related:

• How to Start a Blog

• 8 Reasons Why Blogging is the Best Side Hustle

6) Practice graphic design

 
Have an eye for design? You can work as a freelance graphic designer to earn extra money on the side.

You can work on a freelance basis by yourself or you can sign up for services such as Fiverr or Upwork to offer your creative services for a set rate. Pick and choose the projects you want to work on and build your portfolio as you go.

7) Sell on Etsy

 
Have a passion for crafts and arts? Take advantage of your talent and sell your homemade items online.

With websites like Etsy, it’s never been easier to find dedicated buyers for your homemade goods. In fact, you can ship your crafts all around the world, and make a pretty penny while doing it.

8) Work in social media

 
For any millennial who spends their days on social media, it may seem like a dream to be able to earn money by creating social media plans for companies.

Social media is always changing, so companies are constantly looking for specialists to handle their online presence.

9) Drive for a rideshare

 
Anyone with a car, a license, and a clean record can drive for ride sharing services such as Uber. The best part about driving for Uber is that you can set your own hours and drive as much or as little as you want.

This is a perfect gig for anyone who can drive in the evenings and on the weekend, since that’s when the highest demand is. The bigger the demand, the more the rates increase, meaning more money in your pocket.

 
 
Related:

• The Beginner’s Guide to Side Hustles

• 12 Productivity Hacks to Help You Side Hustle Better

 
 
Did you start a side hustle in your twenties? If so, what did you start doing? Do you wish you would have started a side hustle in your twenties? Why or why not?
 
 

Though making money online doesn’t have to be rocket science, your success and scale can greatly depend on what skills you bring to the virtual table.

So, what skills can you use to help you make money online?

We are addressing the top 10 in this post – so keep reading!

1) Blogging

 
One of the best skills to have as you enter the freelance or entrepreneur world is honing in on your writing skills.

Having a blog to share your knowledge is a great way to build trust in your expertise and brand, and attract potential clients. You can even use your blog as a source of income through affiliate marketing or sponsorships.

>Having great writing skills can be super beneficial no matter what industry you are in!

2) Networking

 
Being able to connect with people can be a difficult skill to learn but highly worth it!

To really start making money online, you will likely have to tap into your network and start brushing shoulders with other people in your industry. Your network can then turn into a resource for referrals, speaking engagements, and other opportunities!

If the idea of networking makes you nervous, feel free to check out our post on how to get over your fear of networking.

3) Branding

 
Freelancers and business owners are learning more and more about the importance of having a personal brand.

Not only does having a personal brand help you stand out from the brunch, but branding is a highly marketable skill to have! After all, having a personal brand makes it easier for potential clients to connect with you – which is something worth paying for!

4) Website Design and Development

 
In this day and age, it seems as though every freelancer and entrepreneur has a website.

Know what that means? It means there is a demand for people that know how to build them!

If learning website design and development interests you, it is definitely a great skill to have! You can easily make a couple thousand dollars per money as a website developer!

5) Video

 
Do you have a knack for speaking on video? If so, you could be making money with YouTube!

With the right topics and message, you can grow a YouTube account and really start making good money online! The key is staying consistent with high-quality videos. You can then start making money through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and more!

6) Social Media Growth

 
Whether you use it for your business – or hope to become a social media manager to other businesses – social media growth skills are super valuable to have!

You can grow your social media accounts to start generating more business, drive traffic to your site, and even attract brand collaborations.

Or, you can become a social media manager and attract high-paying clients who need your help!

7) Consulting

 
Already have expertise in something but want to know how to make money with it?

Why not become a consultant?

You can then sell your knowledge online to businesses that need it most – no matter where you are in the world! Over time, you can gather reviews from past clients and really scale up your business!

8) Personal Development

 
If you have a strong desire to help others, growing your skills in personal development can make a huge impact!

You can coach others on how to improve their lives and even offer courses in topics like relationships, life, money, and more!

Then, you can choose work on a one-on-one basis, with a class, or solely as a teacher of your course. There many ways to make money with this niche!

9) Digital Marketing Strategy

 
If you have a mind for marketing, people will be willing to pay you big money to help them online!

Business owners and freelancers often to turn to digital marketers to help them get more clients. With this skill, you can start offering paid services such as Facebook ad management, writing email campaigns, and more!

The best part is that the more results you get for your clients, the more potential you have for raising your prices. Sweet!

10) Money Management

 
Great money management is a useful skill whether you are hoping to make money online – or are just trying to keep track of your personal finances.

Many people need help in this department, so with experience in money management, you can start offering this as a paid service.

Clients will be happen if you help them save money and make good investments. Over time, you can build up that rapport and raise your prices down the road.

 
 
What skill do YOU hope to master to start making money online?
 
 

When I first started blogging I didn’t use one. Even when I started hiring writers I didn’t use an editorial calendar.

It’s one of the things I would change if I could do things differently, because having an editorial calendar makes it so much easier to stay organized and plan your blog content ahead of time.

Now that I started using one I will never go back.

I love spreadsheets and create them all the time both at my 9-5 job in corporate finance as well as for this blog. It just made sense to me to create an editorial calendar in a spreadsheet, and this is now the sixth year I’ve been using a Google Sheets Editorial Calendar.

Not surprisingly others have found an editorial in Google Sheets helpful as well, so I’ve given it away the past five years as a free download. This year is no exception and the 2019 editorial calendar is available for you to download free of charge!

But first I want to reiterate the value of using an editorial calendar.

 
I have a number of contributors on the site. Without an editorial calendar it would be very difficult to coordinate posts and make sure that topics are aligning well.

Google Sheets is the ideal tool for an editorial calendar for a few reasons, including:

• Web-Based – accessible from any computer/phone/tablet that has a web browser

• Multiple Users – Unlike an Excel file where only one person can be in it at once, Google Sheets allows multiple users into the file at the same time. And you can even both edit and update the spreadsheet at the same time

• Automatically Saves Changes – no need to hit a save button

I’ve been using Google Sheets for years and would highly recommend it for anyone who needs to collaborate with others or have a number of people access and input information.

Free 2019 Editorial Calendar in Google Sheets – Contents

 
Note that when you get to the 2018 editorial calendar template you will want to make your own copy. The reason you need to do this is because the file you are in right now can be viewed by anyone, but can only be edited by me. It is not a unique file, so you need to make your own copy you can edit.

It’s easy enough to do. All you need to do is go to File -> Make Copy

 
Also included in the file is a sample tab. This is our sample from September 2016, and reflects what my editorial calendar actually looked like (click for larger image).

One tip I would give if you have multiple contributors is to color code each person’s posts. That way you know who is on for what day, how many posts someone is publishing in a given week, etc. It makes it easier to manage.

 
You also have blank calendar months, ready to be populated with your ideas:

• November 2018
• December 2018

• January 2019
• February 2019
• March 2019
• April 2019
• May 2019
• June 2019
• July 2019
• August 2019
• September 2019
• October 2019
• November 2019
• December 2019

• January 2020
• February 2020
• March 2020
• April 2020

 
Here’s one of the blank calendar pages (click for larger image):

 
And here’s a close-up of one of the blank calendar pages:

 
The 2019 editorial calendar can accommodate up to 3 posts per day. If you have three posts on a given day, you will need to unhide two additional rows. Highlight the two hidden rows and choose “unhide.”

 
Feel free to customize the calendar as you see fit. On my own calendar I have an “ideas” tab for posts that I plan on using in the future but haven’t assigned to specific days yet.

Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned freelance writer, you should know that there is ample opportunity to make money while freelance writing. Once you land your first gig, it becomes that much easier to land more and more freelance jobs.

So, no matter where you are in your freelance career, here are 7 tips every freelance writer needs to know.

1) Networking is key

 
Commonly, freelance writers are introverts and work remotely. Because of this, it’s all the more difficult for freelance writers to network.

But networking is key to growing your professional life and your client base. You would be amazed at what information fellow freelancers are willing to share about their experiences, and how that might help you. Plus, you never know when one network connection you have could lead to another client.

Networking has been key in growing my freelance career. Not only have I found supportive friends who also work as freelance writers, but I have had amazing clients refer me to other incredible companies.

You don’t have to be a pro in order to network successfully. In fact, you’d be amazed at how far you can get with interacting with your favorite clients and freelancers on social media.

2) Feedback is valuable, not hurtful

 
Undoubtedly, at some point in your freelance writing career, you will receive feedback from a client. While we would all love to receive positive feedback, the truth is, no one is perfect. We all make mistakes and have areas where we can improve.

Instead of dwelling on negative feedback, truly take it as a learning opportunity. If you receive negative feedback, try to read through the lines. What is your client asking for? What do they need to see?

You don’t need to apologize for delivering work that didn’t match a client’s expectations. But you do need to understand why your client isn’t happy.

Thank your clients for feedback, and ask clarifying questions if you are confused as to what they are unhappy with. Take note of what you need to change. If you made mistakes, try not to make the same mistake again.

3) Set boundaries

 
As a freelance writer, it may be tempting to work around the clock. Regardless if you’re freelancing as a side hustle or as a full-time gig, it’s vital to set boundaries.

Without boundaries, you will find yourself quickly burnt out. In order to stay in freelancing for the long-term, you need to set adequate boundaries.

One way to do this is to set a freelancing schedule. Set aside time each week to finish your work for each client. Do your best to stick to schedule. Further, work with your clients to help them understand your boundaries.

One of the best ways to showcase your skills as a writer is through a blog. If you want to be successful freelance writer but don’t have a blog, it’s time to start one. Here’s a guide that will help you get started today!

4) Be you

 
While every freelance writing client has their own tone and content they are looking for, it’s important to remember that most freelance clients still want you to be you. Remember, they hired you for a reason!

You’ll quickly lose yourself if you’re trying to imitate someone else’s writing style or conform too drastically to a client’s expectations. Understand that you and your style have value – in fact, it’s probably what landed you the gig in the first place.

5) Don’t be afraid to pitch often

 
When you first start freelance writing, clients won’t just happen to find you. It takes initiative to find those first key clients.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Apply for jobs you don’t think you’re qualified for, build your network, and reach out to your dream clients on social media. You’ve got nothing to lose!

6) Do more in less time

 
If you are paid per freelance writing post, then it’s key to make the best use of your time.

Since you aren’t earning an hourly rate, time really becomes a major factor.

For example, say you earn $50 per 1,000 word freelance writing post. You could either write that single post in an hour, and make $50 per hour, or you could finish it in two hour and only earn $25 per hour.

While that’s not a bad rate by any means, I would still rather earn more money in less time – wouldn’t you?

Keep track of how much time you are spending on each client and on peach project and adjust your rates accordingly.

7) You have to market yourself

 
Lastly, the most successful freelancers never forget that they are always marketing themselves. From how they share information on social media, to their network, to accepting gigs that might expand their publicity, you can’t over market yourself as a freelance writer.

This can be a tricky idea to wrap your head around. Most freelance writers start their career because they want to write. But to take your freelancing from a hobby to a business, you have to understand the marketing component as well.

 
Related:

• How to Start a Blog that Makes Money & Attracts Freelance Writing Customers

• How to Become a Paid Freelance Writer

 
 
Have you ever considered becoming a freelance writer? If so, what tips do you have? What are the hardest lessons you have learned? Drop a comment below.