76 - Why Freelance Writing is the #1 Side Hustle for 2020

76 - Why Freelance Writing is the #1 Side Hustle for 2020

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach April 6, 2020 Duration: 18:35

In this Monday with Michael episode, I share why freelance writing is the number one side hustle in 2020 and how you can easily get started!

5 Reasons Freelance Writing is the Best Online Job

In 2018, I had to face the harsh truth – the blog that I had quit my 9 – 5 to pursue wasn't growing, my side hustles were not generating income and my credit card doubt was racking up. I knew I had to pivot or I would end up back at my 9 – 5.

When I discovered freelance writing, I dove in headfirst and this one choice helped me earn over $100,000 in two years and it kept my entrepreneur dream alive!

Freelance writing is the best online side hustle for these reasons:

1. Low Start Up Costs
With freelance writing, you can get started for almost nothing. In fact, you could apply for jobs today on Upwork or job boards without even having a freelance writing website.


2. Low Barrier to Entry
Another perk to freelance writing as a side hustle is that you can get started quickly. You don't need to learn endless new skills to launch your online writing business.


3. Easy to Scale
With freelance writing, and only a few clients you can make a few thousand as a side hustle or go all-in as a full-time writer. In the last six months, I've averaged $10,000 while only working part-time with 3–5 clients!


4. Freedom to Pick Your Clients
At the start of your journey you might take anyone, but as time goes on being able to pick people you like and trust as well as projects that interest becomes very appealing.


5. Get Paid Quickly
With freelance writing, you choose our payment schedule. Each client is different but for the most part, you will always get paid the same month.

Check out Freelance to 5K now --> freelanceto5k.com


Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inspire Your Success
Podcast Episodes
REPLAY: How to Beat Overwhelm As a Freelancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
Use these freelancing tips to beat overwhelm and get more done so you can have more free time! >> Scale Your Freelance Writing Business Learn my exact system to make $1,000-$5,000+ per month as a freelance writer inside…
127: How to Get Paid as a Freelance Writer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
Multiple income streams and making up your own rates is one of the reasons why so many people get into freelance writing. But how do you get paid? How do you invoice clients? What are the best practices to getting paid p…
126: Finding the Perfect Client Mix for Consistent Income [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
What's great about freelance writing is you can have a ton of different income streams... unlike a 9-5. Most months I have between 4-6 (sometimes up to 9) clients at a time. But dedicating the time and energy isn't easy…
125: How to Nail Test Pieces so Clients Say YES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:52
Most clients will want to "test" your services out before hiring your for a long term gig. Sometimes they won't but it depends... needless to say this is your audition to getting the gig. This short episode will help you…
124: Why You Need a Pricing Guide to Land Clients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:47
Learn why you need a simple pricing guide to start landing clients. This simple (and cheap) tool will help you change clients perspective from... "Should I work with this writer" to "Which package should I hire them for?…
123: You Only Need ONE Client to Change Your Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:36
After a two-year hiatus of this podcast I'm back and want to help you start and scale your writing business in 2023. In this episode we'll cover: The new content schedule Discuss the ups/downs of freelancing How freelanc…
122: Why You Should NOT Write Every Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:09
"Write everyday" said every writer ever... except me. After writing millions of words online and earning more than $250,000 writing I want to discuss why this is bad writing advice and what to do instead. >> Scale Your F…
121: Will AI Destroy Freelance Writing Careers? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:16
Will AI destroy freelance writing as we know it? Short answer: NO. Longer answer explained in this podcast where we'll cover: Why Google hates AI How to use AI to make writing easier Why my clients told me to ignore some…
120: Freelancing Helped Me Launch a New Business (Where I've Been) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:46
After a two-year hiatus of this podcast I'm back and want to help you start and scale your writing business in 2023. In this episode we'll cover: The new content schedule Discuss the ups/downs of freelancing How freelanc…
119: How Delaney Quit Her Job With Freelance Writing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:22
Learn how one of my students used freelance writing to quit her 9-5 in less than 6 months (while working full-time). Delaney went from: Not having a niche --> a niche to writing about topics she loves. Being scared to pi…