The $500 Email Copy Side Hustle You Haven’t Tried Yet

Used to be, back in the olden days, an email was a couple lines of information or direction, straight up communication. Fast forward to today, and freelance email writing has become the hottest marketing tool around. How, you ask? Keep reading to find out how you can get in on the  email copywriter side hustle.

Start Up is Easy

Everyone knows how to write an email, but writing a marketing email might make ya go hmmm. Here’s the thing: if you can write, you can create sizzling, fresh email copy businesses want and need. 

• Market yourself! Send out your own fresh email marketing yourself, and what you can do to draw business to your clients. Heck, offer ‘em a discount for signing up with you!

• What’s your jam? Real Estate? Fitness? Landscaping? Find your niche and follow that arrow, drawing on your personal interests or experiences to bring that extra zing your clients are looking for.

• Learn skills you need using platforms geared towards writing good email marketing copy like AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action) or follow framework guides to help write a good hook.

• Find out how freelance email writers get their foot in the door, using platforms unique to the business like The Pajama Writer, Upwork or Fiverr.

Tools of the Trade

So you have a starting line, what’s next? First, a computer is very helpful (duh!). Spend the money and buy the stuff that helps you write successfully, like Google Docs, or Word, editing software like Grammarly or Hemingway, and develop a firm grasp on writing persuasive, attention-getting copy. ChatGPT is a great way to create an outline and flow, but remember not to copy and paste what the bot gives you, instead, use it as inspiration and add your own creative flair!

How Does This Gig Work?

Business owners don’t have the time to do all the things associated with their business AND try to do their marketing. What you offer frees them up to not only work their business but enjoy the uptick in clients that you help bring in. 

• It’s a notable fact that email marketing brings in around $36 for every $1 spent, a handy stat to share with prospective clients. 

• Just about everyone has and uses email, and a snazzy, colorful email copy in their inbox, along with a sleek blurb about the business, what they have to offer, and maybe a coupon or incentive to check them out is gold. 

• It bears repeating, sending out marketing emails is not on a business owner’s bingo card, in fact, most of the time, they will tell you they loathe having to do that. Writer’s block is real, and most business owners struggle with it. But you won’t struggle, because you know just what to create for their tailor-made email copy. 

Show Me The Money!!

So let’s talk bottom line here, shall we? Writing email copy can be a pretty lucrative side hustle, and the best part? YOU control the narrative, setting your rates and working as much or as little as you want. But (there’s always a but, isn’t there?), there’s a few cautionary caveats:

• Be realistic. It’s very possible to make money writing emails, but it’s also very possible to price yourself right out of that side gig money, so you want to adjust your rates accordingly. It’s perfectly acceptable to visit other writer’s pages, and compare your rates to theirs. 

• Create a framework that fits your schedule, using calendar software or even a simple spreadsheet to track your work, deadlines, and submission dates. Contracts, invoices, and other frequently used documents can be streamlined using templates.

• Protect your creativity! It may be prudent to copyright your writing, templates, or other proprietary works. You’ve worked really hard to craft your side hustle, so make sure you don’t give away your trade secrets. And remember to give credit where credit is due, citing other’s works when you use them in your writing.

Final Points to Ponder

You’ve just read through a ton of good information for your side gig, and you’re excited to get started with your email copywriter side hustle, right? Here’s some parting words from the pros, who write for their bread and butter:

• Make sure your writing is attention-grabbing, action-filled, and a little bit emotional. The first line or two needs to pique the reader’s interest. Why should they choose to do business with that company? Your email should tell them, succinctly, why it’s their best choice.

• Once you’ve gotten established with a client, start collecting reviews, testimonials, and end results. Nestling these reviews (and make sure they’re all positive!) into your email copy is another way to direct new business to your client.

• Network. Network. NETWORK! Seek out peers in the writing community who can help you be the best you can be. Social media, clubs and groups, and websites can renew your passion, inspire your work, and help you find new clients.

Hungry for more? Has your passion for writing reignited? You’re at the right place, and our Freelance AF Newsletter has all the things you’re gonna need for your freelance email writing gig. Things like sample writing templates, more pro tips and helpful advice can be found in this super-informative newsletter. Subscribe now and make your email copy writing side hustle become reality!