How to Make Money Online as a Writer? [From Home in 2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

Are you looking for ways to make money online as a writer? You're in luck! There are a number of great opportunities available to a writer who want to work from home. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best ways to make money online as a writer. We'll also provide tips for getting started.

So, if you're ready to start making some extra money online from home, keep reading!

1. Start a website editing service ($9.1K/month)

A website editing business involves helping individuals and businesses improve their websites’ look, functionality, and content.

The website editor business involves tasks like fixing broken links, updating outdated information, improving the layout, and enhancing the overall user experience. You can also offer services like proofreading and editing content to ensure it’s clear and error-free.

To start this business, you’ll need basic knowledge of website platforms and editing tools, which can be acquired through online resources and tutorials. With minimal upfront costs, such as a computer and internet connection, you can launch this venture and provide valuable services to clients seeking to enhance their online presence.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $12,200/month

How much does it cost to start: $525 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

2. Start a content planning business ($7.5K/month)

Content planning is the strategic foundation behind successful digital campaigns. Imagine helping businesses efficiently curate, schedule, and manage their online content. Your role would be to develop comprehensive content calendars that keep social media, blogs, and other platforms consistently active.

In a world where digital presence is crucial, companies often struggle with maintaining a steady stream of engaging content. By offering a tailored content planning service, you help businesses stay relevant and connected with their audience without the overwhelming hassle of daily content management.

Starting a content planning business involves working closely with clients to understand their brand voice and goals. You'll need to stay abreast of trends, analyze data, and adjust plans accordingly. This field promises creative collaboration and the satisfaction of directly impacting a brand’s success online. If you're organized, strategic, and creative, content planning could be a fulfilling venture for you.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $13,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

3. Start a ghostwriting business ($688K/month)

Got a way with words but prefer to stay behind the scenes? Ghostwriting might just be the perfect business idea for you. Ghostwriting involves writing content—books, articles, speeches—that is officially credited to someone else.

You get to wield your writing skills and transform clients’ ideas into polished, engaging text. The spectrum ranges from helping busy execs craft impactful speeches to penning memoirs for public figures. It’s a business that can start small, taking on freelance projects on platforms like Upwork, and scale up to a full-fledged agency.

The appeal here is twofold: flexibility and demand. You manage your workload and choice of projects, making it ideal if you want control over your schedule. Plus, there’s always a market for high-quality content. If you’re disciplined, have a knack for capturing different voices, and love the art of storytelling, ghostwriting can be a rewarding and lucrative business.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

4. Start a short-story writing business

Are you passionate about writing but not sure which business you can start? If you are creative enough, you could start writing short stories and selling them via online platforms.

Short stories refer to a content category with less than 100 pages comprising approximately 20,000 words.

Starting a short story business takes a lot of legwork and dedication. Choose a niche, and focus on creating attractive and entertaining content. With a serious commitment to your business, you could be on your way to earning a six-figure profit monthly.

How much you can make: $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

5. Become a ghost blogger ($12.2K/month)

A ghost blogger is simply a writer who specializes in producing blogs for other people.

As a ghost blogger, you can earn between $300 and $1,500 per week, depending on word count and topic.

Ideally, the ideas and knowledge contained in the article originate from the publicly named author.

Therefore, as a ghostwriter, your role is to put the ideas into words.

How much you can make: $450 — $24,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

6. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)

Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.

Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,

To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:

  • Strong writing skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Stay on the cutting edge
  • Be a self-starter
  • Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
  • Proper communication skills

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 (?)

7. Start a resume writing service ($23.1K/month)

A resume writing service offers professional assistance in crafting compelling resumes for job seekers.

With this service, your day-to-day activities revolve around collaborating with clients to gather their employment history, skills, and achievements, and transforming that information into well-crafted resumes that highlight their qualifications.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week

8. Start a monetization business ($150K/month)

Are you looking to turn expertise or content into a revenue stream? Consider a monetization business.

A monetization business focuses on converting digital assets, such as blogs, videos, and software, into income. This could mean leveraging ad networks, affiliate marketing, subscription models, or even selling premium content or products.

Interest lies in the flexibility—whether you're a content creator, app developer, or blogger, multiple avenues are available to generate income without major upfront investment. You control how you earn, making it an adaptable choice for various skill sets.

If you're seeking a business that adapts to your talents and scales with your effort, a monetization business deserves serious consideration. Note that you’ll need to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices to maximize potential, but the reward could be a steady, diversified income.

How much you can make: $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 140 days (?)

9. Become a copywriter ($37.4K/month)

Copywriting is a high-demand, high-reward job. This kind of work can be done from anywhere - all you need is a computer and an internet connection.

With services like Upwork and Fiverr, it's easier than ever to find work, build up your clientele, and make a substantial living copywriting.

Once you've gained experience and connections in this field, you may consider venturing out on your own and starting your own copywriting business.

How much you can make: $500 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 42 days (?)

10. Start an article

Starting a blog might just be the side hustle you’ve been looking for. Simply put, blogging is the creation of written content published on a website. The beauty of blogging is that it allows you to share your expertise, passion, or experiences with a global audience, all from the comfort of your home.

To get started, choose a niche that genuinely interests you—be it travel, tech, fashion, or lifestyle. Your passion for the subject will keep the content flowing. Setting up your blog involves selecting a domain name, a hosting service, and user-friendly blogging software.

Monetizing your blog can come from multiple revenue streams like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling digital products. While it requires consistent effort to generate engaging content and grow your audience, the potential returns make it worth considering.

Blogging offers an excellent opportunity to build a personal brand and achieve financial independence over time with minimal initial investment.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

11. Start a data monetization business ($150K/month)

Data monetization is about transforming your untapped data into a valuable stream of revenue. In simple terms, it involves collecting, analyzing, and selling data insights to businesses seeking to make informed decisions.

This business idea leverages the ever-growing amount of digital data generated by consumers and organizations alike. Imagine tapping into this goldmine with expertise in data science, analytics, and marketing. Your potential clients range from market researchers to advertisers, all hungry for data-driven insights.

Starting a data monetization business requires a deep understanding of data privacy laws, a robust infrastructure for data storage and processing, and strong analytical skills. It's not just about gathering data but also about extracting actionable intelligence that businesses are willing to pay for.

For those intrigued by the intersection of technology and business, this venture promises a compelling blend of analytical rigor and entrepreneurial excitement. Secure your niche in the data economy by turning raw data into business gold.

How much you can make: $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

12. Become a blogger ($15.7K/month)

Are you looking for a business idea you can start from home? One great option to explore is to start your own blog.

With the flexibility of location independence, you can work on your blog from anywhere in the world!

What’s amazing about blogging is that anyone can start with just a computer and the internet! Besides, you don’t need any special talents or previous experience to start.

It’s an open field that welcomes anyone who has a passion for writing and sharing their thoughts with the world. The best part is that it can be one of the most rewarding passive income business ideas you can start.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $70,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

13. Become a blog content promoter ($37.5K/month)

The blog content promoter business idea involves helping businesses promote their blog content to a broader audience. This can be done through various methods, such as social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising. The goal is to increase the visibility and reach of the blog, ultimately driving more traffic and engagement to the website.

To run a successful business in this line, it’s important to have a strong understanding of digital marketing and how to promote content online effectively. It’s also helpful to have a network of connections in the industry, as this can help you secure partnerships and collaborations that can further promote the blog content.

Some tips for running a successful blog content promotion business include:

  • Research and understand your target audience: Knowing who your audience is and what type of content they are interested in will help you tailor your marketing efforts to their needs and interests.

  • Stay up to date with the latest marketing trends: The world of digital marketing is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends and best practices.

  • Use analytics to measure the success of your campaigns: By tracking and analyzing the performance of your marketing efforts, you can identify what’s working and what isn't and make adjustments accordingly.

  • Collaborate with other businesses and influencers: Collaborating with other businesses and influencers can help you reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to the blog.

By following these tips and staying focused on delivering value to your clients, you can build a successful blog content promotion business that helps businesses get their content seen by more people.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

14. Start an educational website business ($5.03K/month)

Do you have a passion for teaching and a knack for digital platforms? Consider launching an educational website.

In simple terms, an educational website offers courses, tutorials, and resources online, catering to a global audience eager to learn new skills or enhance existing ones.

The allure of this idea lies in its vast potential for impact and growth. You can create and curate valuable content, build a subscriber base, and monetize through course fees, ads, and sponsorships.

If you're dedicated and enjoy putting in the effort to develop high-quality educational material, this business can be incredibly rewarding. Starting your own educational website provides not just a revenue stream, but also a platform to share your knowledge and make a real difference in people's lives.

How much you can make: $50 — $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

15. Start a themed content business ($40K/month)

Looking to bring creativity and engagement to content creation? Consider launching a themed content business. This venture involves crafting and curating multimedia content around specific themes, catering to audiences looking for niche, quality material.

The essence of the business is straightforward. You select captivating themes—be it fantasy, science, mindfulness, or seasonal trends—and tailor content such as articles, videos, social media posts, and newsletters around them. This niche focus attracts a dedicated audience and builds a strong, loyal following.

The beauty of a themed content business lies in its versatility. You can work solo or build a team, collaborate with content creators, and leverage platforms like Patreon or Substack for monetization. It’s a brilliant way to turn passion into profit by consistently delivering targeted, high-quality content.

If you have a knack for storytelling and a flair for niche topics, this could be an ideal path to explore.

How much you can make: $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,050 (?)

How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)

16. Start a portfolio website business

Want to showcase your skills and talents to potential employers or clients? Start a portfolio website business. This idea involves creating and managing personalized websites that display the work and achievements of individuals in various fields.

You'll be responsible for designing aesthetically pleasing and functional sites while helping clients curate their best work to attract opportunities. With the increasing importance of online presence, there's a growing demand for custom portfolio websites.

You'll need to develop web design skills and have an eye for detail to succeed. Most of the work involves collaborating with clients, understanding their needs, and translating those into an engaging online portfolio. It's a rewarding venture if you enjoy blending creativity with technical expertise.

How much you can make: $350/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

17. Start a social media content creator ($170K/month)

Looking to make your mark on digital platforms? Consider being a social media content creator. This business revolves around producing engaging and eye-catching content for various social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

You'll create posts, videos, and stories that resonate with an audience, growing your personal brand or helping businesses enhance their online presence. The key is consistency and authentic engagement.

The demand for compelling content is high, as companies increasingly shift their marketing strategies toward social platforms. By mastering digital tools and understanding audience preferences, you can carve out a profitable niche.

The journey involves research, content planning, and a bit of trial and error. But the potential to build a significant online following and secure lucrative partnerships is a strong motivator for those willing to put in the effort.

How much you can make: $100 — $850,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

18. Start an online writing business ($62K/month)

Looking to turn your writing skills into a profitable online business? Consider starting an online writing business. This venture involves offering writing services like blog posts, articles, or copywriting for businesses and individuals via the internet.

Starting an online writing business requires setting up a professional website, showcasing a strong portfolio, and effectively marketing your services to attract clients. With a growing demand for high-quality content, from SEO articles to professional emails, the opportunities are vast.

What’s compelling about this business is its scalability; you can start small and gradually build up a team of writers, thereby increasing your revenue without massively increasing your workload. If you’re seeking a business idea that leverages your creativity while providing opportunities for growth, an online writing business could be the perfect fit.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $208,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,050 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

19. Start a digital writing business

Starting a digital writing business could be your gateway to a flexible and rewarding career.

In simple terms, this business involves creating various forms of written content—blogs, articles, social media posts, whitepapers—for clients and businesses. It’s not just about impeccable grammar; it’s understanding clients’ needs, conducting research, and meeting deadlines.

The allure lies in the low startup costs and the freedom to work from anywhere. Utilize platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients and build a portfolio. As your reputation grows, so do your opportunities and potential earnings.

Perfect for those who have a way with words and a penchant for storytelling, this business allows you to turn a passion into a profession.

How much you can make: $2,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

20. Start a writing & editing business ($213K/month)

A writing and editing business is a business that provides writing, editing, and sometimes proofreading services. Such businesses market their services to businesses, corporations, and individuals who might require those types of services.

The earning potential of writing and editing is incredible. Freelancing is one of the best ways to earn some extra money. If you like writing and editing, then freelancing can provide you with an opportunity to prove yourself as an expert, increase your network and help steer your career in a new direction.

Writing is one of the easiest businesses you can start. You might dream of becoming a professional writer, selling your stories to famous magazines, or writing books that millions around the planet will read.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. -1 hours/week

21. Write a book business ($61K/month)

Imagine owning a space where stories come to life and knowledge is at everyone's fingertips—a book business could be your next venture. At its core, a book business involves selling new or used books either online or in a physical store. It's a perfect way to tap into the timeless love for reading.

Starting a book business offers the opportunity to curate a selection of genres that can attract a diverse clientele. While you’ll need to manage inventory, sourcing, and marketing, the reward is a loyal customer base driven by the ever-present demand for reading material.

Setting up requires careful planning, a reliable supply chain, and an effective marketing strategy. But once established, your book business can become a cultural hub, bringing people together through the power of words. If you're passionate about literature and want to turn that passion into a career, this could be your path.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $149,986/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 247 days (?)

22. Start a content writing company ($46.4K/month)

Content writing involves writing, editing, and publishing content in a digital format. Examples of content include a blog post, product description, and podcast script—eBooks, press releases, or landing page content.

Becoming a content writer allows you to work as your boss. Therefore, you choose whatever working schedule suits you and take a manageable workload. Moreover, content writing helps you develop essential skills you may not obtain from regular writing.

Content writing is a highly-on-demand service, as companies compete for the online audience who often begin their shopping journey by searching for relevant and educative content online. Therefore, a content writing company is an excellent source of passive income.

To start a content writing company, research the market and choose a suitable niche. Sketch a proper business plan and create a website. Hire a pool of talented writers and leverage modern technology to streamline operations.

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 (?)

23. Become a children's book writer ($20.7K/month)

If you are passionate about early childhood education, why not become a children’s book writer? Starting a children’s bookstore is a low-barrier-to-entry business you can start today.

You can write storybooks or subject textbooks for kids, publish and distribute them through the bookshops or your online bookstore, or sell them on Amazon and other online bookstores.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

24. Start a product description writing business ($31.5K/month)

A product description writing business is a service where you create compelling and informative descriptions for products that are being sold online.

This type of business involves using your writing skills to craft engaging content that helps potential customers understand the benefits and features of a product.

You can start this business with minimal investment, mainly requiring a computer and internet connection.

To get started, you can offer your services on freelance platforms or reach out to e-commerce businesses directly, offering to write product descriptions for their online store.

As your business grows, you can expand your services to include additional writing tasks and potentially hire other writers to help meet the demand.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

25. Start a freelancer community ($149K/month)

A freelancer community offers a platform where independent professionals can connect, collaborate, and find work. Imagine a dedicated space where freelancers from various fields—writers, designers, developers, and more—can network and grow their careers.

This business idea centers around creating an environment that supports freelancers by providing job listings, project collaboration tools, and professional development resources.

It's an excellent opportunity for anyone passionate about building and nurturing communities. You’ll need to invest time in moderating the platform, curating valuable content, and engaging with users.

If you’re driven by the desire to help freelancers succeed and are ready to foster a connected, thriving community, starting a freelancer community could be the path for you.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

26. Start a reddit posting business

With approximately 52 million daily active and 430 million monthly users, Reddit is a good platform for creating niche discussions and getting answers from highly engaged subreddits. Thus, starting a Reddit posting business can pay off well if you identify or create engaged subreddits. You can post about topics of interest, so you grow a subreddit quickly and receive many views.

More business ideas

  • 27. Start a freelance researcher

28. Start a speech writing business

Starting a speech writing business can be a lucrative and fulfilling career for those passionate about language, public speaking, and crafting compelling narratives.

The business involves writing custom speeches for clients in various industries, including corporate, political, academic, and personal events. These speeches can range from formal presentations to wedding toasts and may be delivered to small or large audiences.

To start a successful speech writing business, it is vital to have strong writing skills and an ability to understand the needs and goals of each client. Researching and understanding current events and relevant industry topics can also be beneficial in crafting appropriate and engaging content.

In terms of marketing and building a client base, networking and relationships with event planners and public speaking coaches can be helpful. An online presence, including a professional website and social media accounts, can also help attract potential clients.

To succeed in this business, it is essential to meet tight deadlines and have excellent communication skills to collaborate with clients and deliver high-quality work effectively.

A willingness to continuously learn and improve writing skills is also essential in staying competitive in the market.

Starting a speech writing business can be a rewarding and flexible career for those with a love of language and a desire to help others effectively communicate their ideas and messages.

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

29. Become a freelance journalist

Think you have a knack for storytelling and investigative work? Becoming a freelance journalist might be your calling.

In simple terms, a freelance journalist writes news stories, articles, and features for various publications without being tied to any single employer. You pitch your story ideas to magazines, newspapers, or online platforms, then conduct the research and interviews needed to produce compelling content.

This career offers the chance to explore a range of topics, from hard-hitting news to lifestyle trends. Your days will be varied; expect to dig through archives, interview sources, and meet tight deadlines. The real allure lies in the freedom to choose your assignments and the potential to see your byline in prestigious outlets.

It's not the simplest path, but for those with strong writing skills and a curiosity about the world, freelance journalism can be exceptionally rewarding. If you crave flexibility and the thrill of the chase, this could be the ideal business for you.

How much you can make: $45,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

30. Start a handwriting analysis business

Graphology or handwriting analysis is a field of study that seeks to identify and understand people’s personalities, behaviors, and characters.

Handwriting analysis tools help forensic document examiners enlarge and examine a script and reach a conclusion.

With the increased need for handwriting analysis tools, starting a business that focuses on this line can be profitable.

31. Start a start a blog ($57.5K/month)

Ever considered sharing your insights and passions with a wide audience? Starting a blog might be your ideal business venture. A blog allows you to write and publish articles on topics you're passionate about or knowledgeable in, reaching readers across the globe.

Launching a blog involves choosing a niche, setting up a website, and consistently generating valuable content. It's a flexible business that offers autonomy and a platform to voice your opinions, teach, or entertain.

Interest grows when you realize the potential for income through ad placements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. It's an opportunity to build a personal brand, connect with a community, and even turn a side project into a full-time career.

If you've got a unique perspective or specialized knowledge, starting a blog is a compelling way to share it while creating an avenue for growth and income.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 179 days (?)

32. Start a podcast editing service

Have a knack for audio editing and want to turn it into a business? Consider starting a podcast editing service. In simple terms, you offer to polish up raw audio files for podcasters, enhancing sound quality, removing background noise, and adding professional touches like music or sound effects.

Podcasting is booming, and many creators lack the time or skills for editing. This is where your service comes in, providing a polished, final product that saves them hours of painstaking work. It's not just about cutting and trimming; you’ll need to know audio software, have an ear for detail, and offer reliable turnaround times.

For those who love working with audio and have a passion for storytelling, this is a great opportunity. With minimal upfront investment—mainly good editing software and a high-quality pair of headphones—you can start offering your services and build a client base. Make your mark in this growing industry by turning raw audio into compelling, professional-quality podcasts.

How much you can make: $30,000/month

33. Become a linkedin manager ($263K/month)

Looking to enhance professionals' online presence? Consider becoming a LinkedIn manager. This role focuses on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, crafting engaging content, and strategizing networking activities for clients.

Your tasks will include profile makeovers, content planning, and regular updates to ensure visibility and engagement. You'll be responsible for growing your clients' networks and interaction rates, requiring a good understanding of LinkedIn's algorithm and best practices.

LinkedIn management is crucial for professionals aiming to expand their online influence and generate opportunities. Whether it’s executives needing branding or job seekers looking for an edge, the demand is there.

With flexibility to work remotely and the potential for steady income, this business idea offers the chance to make a significant impact on your clients' careers while building a thriving service-based enterprise.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.