23 Business Ideas For Writers [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a writer in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a writer could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Writers?
We put together 23 of some of the best writer business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other writer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Become a business coach ($55K/month)
Starting a business as a business coach could be a lucrative and fulfilling opportunity for writers. By leveraging your writing expertise, you could help aspiring entrepreneurs hone their messaging, improve their content marketing strategies, and create compelling business plans. With specialized skills in areas such as marketing, e-commerce, stress management, or leadership, you would be well-equipped to offer invaluable guidance to small-business owners struggling to get started, grow, and succeed.
Furthermore, the analytical and communicative skills that you possess as a writer would be essential in identifying new opportunities and helping entrepreneurs take advantage of the ones they already have. Your ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive content could be the key to unlocking potential and driving success for your clients. This dual role not only supplements your income but also allows you to make a significant impact on other businesses while enriching your own professional journey.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,749 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
2. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business could be an excellent opportunity for you as a Writer to supplement your income, make extra money, or even create a new full-time career. With your strong writing skills, ability to meet deadlines, and self-starter mindset, you could successfully navigate various niches and produce high-quality content that clients are eager to pay for.
Working as a freelance writer offers you the flexibility to define your work schedule, allowing you to work from home at any time that suits you best. You'll have the freedom to choose the topics and projects that interest you, keeping your work engaging and diverse.
With proper communication skills and staying updated with the latest writing tools and trends, you could build a robust client base and establish a thriving freelance writing business.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
3. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be an excellent opportunity for you as a writer to supplement your income and share your wealth of knowledge. By focusing on a niche or topic you're passionate about and one that resonates with an audience, you could create a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing that taps into your existing skills in storytelling and communication. Envision episodes where you discuss writing tips, interview authors, or delve into the nuances of different genres—your unique insights could captivate listeners and draw a dedicated following.
With basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and an affordable hosting platform, you could produce high-quality content without breaking the bank. Promoting your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth could help you build an audience quickly. Over time, this growing listener base could attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your podcast into a profitable side business or even a full-fledged enterprise.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
4. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an excellent way for a writer to supplement their income and even build a side business. Writers can leverage their storytelling skills to create engaging content that draws viewers in, whether through book reviews, writing tutorials, or sharing their own creative processes and experiences. By developing a niche that aligns with their writing expertise, writers can attract a dedicated audience.
YouTube's established monetization system and massive popularity offer a promising platform for generating revenue. While reaching the required 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to join the YouTube Partner Program takes time, the journey could be rewarding. Additionally, exploring different approaches to promote the channel and grow viewership could open up new opportunities for income through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
5. Become an author ($227K/month)
Starting an author career could be a natural and fulfilling extension of your work as a writer. By creating and publishing your own books, novels, or articles, you could utilize your existing literary skills to share your unique stories, ideas, or expertise with a broader audience. This can be done either through traditional publishing avenues, where you submit your manuscript to a publishing house or literary agent, or via self-publishing, which allows you to independently manage and market your work.
Taking the self-publishing route could grant you complete control over the publishing process, potentially leading to higher returns and a closer connection with your readers. As an author, you might not only generate income from book sales and royalties but also open up additional revenue streams like speaking engagements and workshops. This diversification can enhance your professional standing and provide a more robust income stream, allowing you to further establish yourself within your field.
How much you can make: $200 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.
6. Become a blogging coach ($26.4K/month)
If you're a writer with blogging experience, you could supplement your income or start a thriving side business by becoming a blogging coach. By creating blogging courses, you could teach others how to build successful business blogs, select engaging topics, and optimize for conversions. You'll be able to leverage your expertise to guide businesses and individuals who are eager to embrace blogging as part of their content marketing strategy.
As a blogging coach, you could also show your clients how to repurpose and promote their blog content effectively. With the growing demand for blogging as a marketing tool, there are ample opportunities to make a significant profit by sharing your knowledge. This entrepreneurial pursuit could not only provide extra income but also position you as a leader in the blogging space.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $80,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 12 days (?)
Ryan Robinson explains how he built a blog with over 500k monthly visitors and generates $25,000-$55,000 in revenue each month through affiliate partnerships, sponsorships, and his own digital products like courses and books.
7. Start a business podcast ($111K/month)
As a writer, launching a business podcast could be your golden ticket to carving out a unique niche in the digital age. Picture creating audio content centered around industry insights, trends, and expert interviews that provide value to business enthusiasts and professionals alike. This venture allows you to utilize your storytelling skills and craft compelling episodes that captivate your audience.
To get started, you'll need a clear vision of your podcast's theme and target audience. Imagine engaging with followers, influencing markets, and even generating ad revenue—all with low upfront costs and flexible scheduling that fits seamlessly into your busy life. If you have a passion for business and communication, this could be an incredibly rewarding entrepreneurial pursuit.
The real work lies in maintaining consistency and high-quality content to build a loyal listener base. By securing industry leaders for interviews and leveraging platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you could cultivate a platform that not only supplements your income but also elevates your professional profile.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $349,983/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Empire Flippers is a thought leader in brokering online business deals, having brokered over $50 million worth of deals and grown their pool of potential buyers by hundreds every month through a focus on content marketing and middle-of-funnel content.
8. Create an online course ($83.3K/month)
Creating an online course could be an excellent side business for writers looking to supplement their income or launch a new venture. As a writer, you could tap into your expertise in various writing techniques, storytelling, or even niche topics like content marketing and digital copywriting. You have the opportunity to identify educational gaps in these areas and develop engaging video lessons along with supplementary materials, such as downloadable guides or worksheets.
The flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures allows students to learn at their own pace or benefit from a community of learners, while you build a steady stream of passive income. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge and instructional talents, an online course serves as a lucrative and low-cost way to monetize your skills, catering to lifelong learners eager for accessible and convenient education in emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
9. Start an online community ($21.6K/month)
As a Writer, you could leverage your unique skills and passion for storytelling to create an engaging online community centered around your niche. This community would attract like-minded individuals who share your interests in writing, literature, and related topics. By fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose, you could turn this community into a profitable venture.
You could monetize this community in various ways, such as selling your own writing services or products, promoting affiliate links for commission, or running targeted ads. Additionally, you could offer exclusive access to premium content through a paid membership model, or charge for sponsored posts and content within the community. This side hustle not only supplements your income but also expands your reach and influence in the writing world.
How much you can make: $100 — $162,620/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
VC-turned-entrepreneur Phil Strazzulla, who previously built a successful b2b SaaS business, shares how he bootstrapped an online review site for HR software into a viable business with over $1k monthly revenues in just 3 months through organic search traffic growth and selling high intent leads.
10. Start an online advertising agency ($177K/month)
As a Writer, you could effortlessly transition into starting an online advertising agency, utilizing your expertise in crafting compelling narratives and persuasive content. Your ability to engage audiences through well-written material makes you a natural fit for developing impactful ad campaigns that resonate with consumers. By leveraging your writing talents, you are well-positioned to create persuasive ad copy that captures attention and drives results for various businesses.
You could begin on a budget by mastering digital marketing basics through free online resources, and then build a professional website alongside social media profiles to highlight your skills and services. Starting with mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family will help you build a portfolio. With dedication and strategic marketing, you could attract more clients and gradually grow your agency, supplementing your income or even turning it into a full-time business.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
11. Start a content writing company ($46.4K/month)
Starting a content writing company could be a smart entrepreneurial move for a writer looking to supplement their income or even establish a full-time business. Content writing encompasses a variety of formats such as blog posts, eBooks, product descriptions, and press releases, making it a versatile field with broad market appeal. With companies actively competing for online visibility, there's a consistent demand for quality content, offering a steady stream of opportunities for your services.
As the head of your own content writing company, you could enjoy the flexibility of setting your schedule and managing your workload, ensuring a better work-life balance. Furthermore, running a content writing business could help you develop new skills, such as digital marketing and project management, that extend beyond traditional writing. By researching the market and choosing a niche, you could establish a specialized service that caters to specific client needs, amplifying your earning potential.
Creating a solid business plan and a professional website would be your initial steps, followed by building a team of talented writers. Leveraging modern technology to streamline operations could make managing your new venture more efficient. Ultimately, a content writing company provides not only an additional income stream but also the possibility to scale your operation into a thriving business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
12. Start an online marketing business ($169K/month)
Starting an online marketing business could be an ideal venture for entrepreneurial writers with a knack for promoting brands online. By leveraging skills in SEO, content creation, and analytics, you could help companies enhance their online presence through digital channels like social media, search engines, and email.
You could begin this journey by creating a website to showcase your services and start networking to find clients, perhaps beginning with small businesses eager to expand their reach. Imagine guiding a company to the top of search results or creating a viral social media campaign—tangible results that could drive your clients’ success and your business’s growth.
This venture offers flexibility, scalability, and the opportunity to make a real impact on others’ brands while carving out a dynamic niche for yourself in the digital marketing world. Plus, the initial setup is straightforward, allowing you to gradually build a portfolio and establish your credibility in the industry.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,783,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
13. Start a tech blog ($91.6K/month)
As a writer with a knack for technology, starting a tech blog could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even build a profitable side business. With your strong writing skills and understanding of the tech industry, you could share engaging content about the latest products, startups, and industry news, capturing a growing audience eager to stay updated on technological advancements.
Considering the demand for tech information, your well-crafted articles could draw substantial traffic to your blog, helping you monetize through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing. With the potential to make an average of $37,073 per year, a tech blog not only allows you to share your passion but also translates to significant financial rewards if executed properly.
How much you can make: $150 — $700,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $275 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Seedtable is an authentic weekly newsletter on European tech, business, and politics, with 10,000+ subscribers and 50,000+ monthly visitors to its startup rankings, providing an insight into the European tech industry for investors, founders, and employees of leading Euorpean tech companies and funds.
14. Become a neurologist
If you're a writer with a deep interest in health and science, particularly neurology, you could consider starting a specialized health writing business. By leveraging your writing skills and knowledge of neurological topics, you could create insightful content for medical journals, educational websites, or health blogs. This niche not only allows you to supplement your income but also positions you as an expert in a valuable field.
Additionally, you could offer your services as a ghostwriter for neurologists who need help with research papers, books, or articles. This could lead to steady work and the opportunity to collaborate with medical professionals. Whether it's through writing patient education materials or contributing to industry publications, diving into neurology as a specialized writing niche could be a fulfilling and profitable venture.
15. Start a personal finance business ($227K/month)
As a Writer, you could find lucrative opportunities in starting a personal finance business, especially if you have a knack for simplifying complex information. By leveraging your communication skills, you could help individuals and families understand their finances, budget effectively, and make informed investment decisions. Writing clear, accessible content on financial planning, debt management, and investment strategies can build your credibility and client trust.
Moreover, the demand for personal finance services is continually growing, as many people seek guidance to manage their money and achieve their financial goals. This venture not only allows you to supplement your income but also positions you to make a tangible, positive impact on others' lives. With the right expertise and possibly certifications, you can turn your financial acumen and writing talents into a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
Your Money Geek blog grew rapidly to over 250k monthly page views in nine months, leading to the creation of a white-glove, paid mastermind program to help site owners drive traffic and revenue for their own blogs.
16. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
As a writer with entrepreneurial aspirations, starting a lead generation service could offer an exciting opportunity to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business. Using your skills in communication and content creation, you could craft compelling campaigns and strategies to capture interest and convert it into actionable leads for businesses. With writing playing a critical role in digital marketing, your expertise can significantly improve the quality of content used in these campaigns, making them more effective.
In today's digital age, businesses are in constant need of effective lead generation to stay competitive, offering a reliable market for your services. Your knack for storytelling, paired with data analysis and digital marketing skills, could provide immense value by delivering a steady stream of high-quality leads. Imagine not only helping businesses grow but also establishing a profitable venture for yourself in the process.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
17. Start a SEO services ($87.4K/month)
As a writer, you could leverage your strong command of language and understanding of content creation to start a SEO services business. By optimizing website content, building quality backlinks, and conducting keyword research, you help other businesses improve their visibility on search engines like Google.
This venture could be a low-cost entry point into the entrepreneurial world, requiring only a computer, an internet connection, and some basic SEO knowledge. You could offer your expertise to small businesses seeking to enhance their online presence, creating a new revenue stream without a significant upfront investment.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.
18. Start a food blog ($38.5K/month)
If you love educating people about healthy eating, starting a food blog could be a rewarding and fun way to supplement your income as a Writer. By leveraging your skills, you could share valuable information on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, offer budget-friendly recipes, and provide insightful content to engage your audience.
To enhance your blog's reach and effectiveness, you could hire professionals to handle website configuration and content creation, freeing you up to focus on delivering quality content. Engaging posts that combine your writing skills with useful tips can increase interaction, drawing more visitors to your blog and potentially leading to monetization opportunities through ads, sponsorships, or even e-books.
How much you can make: $500 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How one food blogger turned his passion into a business that brings in $15k-$20k per month through display advertising, affiliate marketing, and exclusive content, and doubled in revenue every year since going full time in 2018.
19. Become a youtube personality
As a writer, starting a YouTube channel offers numerous possibilities to supplement your income or even create an entirely new business. By sharing your expertise through engaging video content, you could attract a loyal audience interested in writing tips, storytelling techniques, or book reviews, thereby generating revenue through ads, memberships, and merchandise sales.
Moreover, YouTube's Super Chat and Super Stickers can provide an additional income stream, as passionate fans may pay to have their messages highlighted in your live writing sessions or Q&A streams. By becoming part of the YouTube Partner Program, you'll also benefit from YouTube Premium Revenue, receiving a portion of subscription fees when premium fans engage with your content.
Leveraging your skills as a writer to build a YouTube personality could not only amplify your reach but also create diversified income streams, transforming your passion into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.
How much you can make: $175,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5 (?)
How long does it take to build: 34 days (?)
This case study explores Thomas Frank's successful business teaching people how to use Notion and selling templates, with sales reaching $2.1 million in two years and template sales currently at $120k/mo, showcasing his journey from blogging and YouTube to e-commerce and SaaS.
20. Start a sausage making business
Starting a sausage making business could be a surprisingly complementary venture for a writer, allowing you to combine your storytelling skills with culinary arts. You could weave fascinating narratives around your sausage recipes, creating a unique brand story that resonates with customers and sets you apart in a crowded market. Imagine writing compelling blog posts, engaging social media content, and even crafting a cookbook that highlights your journey from wordsmith to a sausage connoisseur.
This side business could offer the flexibility to balance writing deadlines with sausage production, ensuring a steady supplementary income. Plus, it's an opportunity to explore a new creative outlet, diversify your income streams, and establish a hands-on venture that contrasts nicely with the more sedentary nature of writing. With the popularity of artisanal and gourmet foods on the rise, there’s a growing market that appreciates quality and authentic storytelling—perfect for a writer-turned-sausage maker.
21. Become a content strategist ($64K/month)
As a writer, venturing into a content strategist role could open up substantial opportunities to supplement your income or even start a full-fledged business. Utilizing your writing skills and deep understanding of content creation, you could help companies create and implement effective content strategies that align with their business goals. This includes researching target audiences, determining impactful content types, and developing comprehensive plans for content creation and distribution.
Transitioning to a content strategist role leverages your existing expertise while expanding your skill set to include market research, data analysis, and project management. Your natural ability to communicate and collaborate could also be invaluable, as you would often need to work closely with marketing and sales teams to ensure the content aligns with overall business objectives. Embracing this entrepreneurial path could allow you to offer a high-demand service and secure long-term contracts, providing both financial stability and career growth.
How much you can make: $500 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Draft founder, Karl, built a productized service for technical content, generating $10k in (mostly) recurring revenue in just three months of running the business, showing the success of skill-stacking and the impact of word of mouth and maintaining a strong network in a service business.
22. Start an online masquerade masks store
As a writer, you could leverage your creativity and narrative skills to build an engaging and visually captivating online masquerade masks store. This niche market not only allows you to showcase unique and hand-crafted masks but also lets you create compelling product descriptions and stories that will captivate buyers, be they party-goers, event organizers, or mask collectors. Your prowess in storytelling could make each mask not just an accessory, but a piece of art with its own tale.
With the relatively untapped potential of this market, you have the opportunity to carve out a distinct segment and create a recognizable brand. By investing in high-quality product photography and a user-friendly website, combined with strategic partnerships with reliable distributors or talented artisans, you could ensure that your online store stands out.
Furthermore, understanding design trends and having a knack for marketing will be crucial in maintaining operations and attracting a diverse customer base. This venture would not only supplement your income but could also be a fulfilling way to blend your love for writing with an exciting business endeavor.
How much you can make: $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How 2 marketing professionals turned a $3k investment into a profitable eCommerce business, VIVO Masks, with monthly revenue of $25k in just their third month by sourcing and selling authentic Venetian masks handmade in Italy to the North American marketplace.
23. Sell used motorcycles
If you're a writer with a passion for motorcycles, you could channel that interest into a lucrative side business by selling used motorcycles. This venture would not only diversify your income but also allow you to connect with a community that shares your enthusiasm. You could write engaging blog posts or eBooks about the intricacies of motorcycles, attracting potential buyers and enhancing your credibility in the market.
Your skill in storytelling could be an asset here, enabling you to create compelling listings that highlight the best features of each motorcycle you sell. Furthermore, by documenting your journey and offering tips for buying used motorcycles, you could build a loyal following and potentially secure additional revenue through affiliate marketing and sponsorships. With a writer’s keen eye for detail and persuasive language, you could turn your motorcycle-selling venture into a successful and fulfilling business.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.