Side Hustle Monkey

The home of side hustles

Home

  • I Sold My Blog of Medium Stories for $395

    I Sold My Blog of Medium Stories for $395
    Blog sold for $395 on Flippa

    I previously wrote about how I deleted 207 stories from Medium. They weren’t earning any money, so there was no point in keeping them there.

    I moved them to two separate blogs and have just sold one as a starter site for $395. They were a pretty random mixture of articles and I didn’t want to spend much time on them. My focus is on the other blog which is a better niche for me — Side Hustle Monkey.

    I listed the site on flippa.com and it sold in just 3 days. That was much faster than I was expecting. I think the price is pretty good as well. I had originally listed it as an auction with a BIN (buy it now) price of $495. I got 5 bids on the auction in the first couple of days, so I was confident it would sell.

    On day 3, someone reached out to me and offered $395 for the site. I accepted the offer and ended the auction.

    The site had 102 articles on it, so they sold for roughly $4 per article. That doesn’t sound much, but they weren’t earning any money on Medium. I’ve earned almost $8,000 writing on Medium in the last year and a half, so the $395 is a nice bonus on top of that.

    Of course, there were fees to deduct that. A $39 listing fee, a $39 selling commission fee, and a $20 escrow fee (as I’m not in the US). So that left me with $297.

    It also cost me $33 to set up the site, so the profit is $264. Was it worth the work? Just about. If I hadn’t sold them they would have been a distraction. I hate distractions, so now I can fully focus on my other projects.

    I previously wrote about how I set the blog up for just $33, so be sure to check out that article if you’d like to do something similar.

    The whole process was fairly simple:

    1. Buy a domain and hosting from Bluehost. The total cost was $33.
    2. Move stories from Medium to the new website. See How to Easily Copy Your Medium Articles to a WordPress Website.
    3. Share some articles on social media and appropriate forums to get some traffic.
    4. Apply for Google AdSense. This part is not essential, but being accepted for AdSense will help the site sell.
    5. List the site for sale on Flippa.

    Of course, there is no guarantee that your site will sell if you do this. If your articles are mostly in one niche, you might be better off keeping the site and generating some income. This will take some time but might be worth it in the longer term.

    I’ve also started a travel blog that has just been accepted for AdSense. It’s earned around $1 a day for the last few days. This is a long-term project for me. My last travel blog sold for $25,000 and made me a total of $60,000 over three years. I’m hoping to replicate that success.

    If you’re interested in traveling, you can follow us on our travels at 2GoTraveling.com. We’ve spent the last three months in Hungary, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

    Mostar has been our favorite place so far. We’ve spent a total of 4 weeks there.

    Mostar

    Later this week we’re headed back to Croatia and then to Slovenia, Germany, Poland, and Turkey. After that, we’ll head to Asia.

    ,
    ,

  • New Side Hustles I’m Considering That Will Help Me Reach $20,000 a Month

    New Side Hustles I’m Considering That Will Help Me Reach $20,000 a Month

    I’ve had numerous side hustles over the last 20 years so. I’ve probably earned around $750,000 from them in total. I need to take the time to document them all and get a more accurate figure though.

    After that success, I’ve taken it too easy over the last 5 years or so. I’ve had a few minor side hustles, but have got a bit lazy.

    Over the last year or so I’ve started setting more goals for the next few years and plan to make a real effort to make some worthwhile money.

    My side hustles help me travel to places like this.
    My side hustles help me travel to places like this.

    Last year I wrote about how I planned to be earning $8,000 a month by the end of 2023.

    A few days ago, I wrote about how I already reached that target in January.

    I’m not there yet though, as that’s only one month. I might only make around $2,000 this month. I want to be earning $8,000 a month on a consistent basis, and that will take a little longer.

    As I mentioned in that post, these are my targets for the end of the year:

    • $3,000 from crypto.
    • $1,000 from index funds.
    • $1,000 in interest.
    • $500 from writing.
    • $1,000 from my niche blogs.
    • $1,500 from property renovation.

    The first three are pretty passive, so take almost no work at all. Once the crypto market enters the next bull phase I’ll be dedicating a few hours a week to it though. I think we may already be at the start of a bull market, but let’s wait and see for now.

    Writing might only take me an hour a day maximum, while it’s similar for my niche blogs.

    That leaves the property renovation project. This will involve a few days or weeks of dedicated searching for the right property. Once that’s done, there shouldn’t be too much work, as I already have a real estate agent and a team of workers lined up. They already worked on renovating my wife’s house, so they won’t need much supervision.

    Getting from $8,000 to $20,000 a month

    As the above projects aren’t going to take too much of my time, it got me thinking about what I could do to get from $8,000 to $20,000 a month.

    I don’t expect that to happen quickly, but it would be nice if I could reach my target by the end of 2025. I’m pretty confident that I’ll reach $8,000 by the end of 2023, so I just need to up my game for the next phase.

    As I’ve mentioned many times, I’m a big fan of doubling down on what’s working and dumping what’s not. This got me thinking about what worked and what didn’t in the past. Maybe I can restart some of the best-performing projects.

    I sometimes get into a bad habit of working on low ROI projects, so that’s something I need to improve on. I need to work on projects that bring in a decent income not a few dollars here and there.

    Medium is one of the low ROI projects. That’s why I’ve stopped writing here every day. But I will continue to write articles like this one, as I find they’re a great way to help me clarify my thoughts and plan ahead. Hopefully, they’ll also help others that are following a similar path.

    So, what projects have I done in the past that I could repeat?

    • The main project that comes to mind is my ecommerce store. I built it from scratch and made over $500,000 in three years. It made around $7,000 a month on average, with the rest coming when I sold it. Building another project like this would take me a long way to my new goal. I’m actively considering this and will most likely go ahead with it later this year. It’s too big a project for now because I’ll be traveling with my wife for the next six months.
    • My next best project was a travel blog that made me $60,000 over three years. I’ve been considering this for our current travels, but it seems like it might be too much work for too little return. I doubt I could make the same amount again, as the travel blog niche is super-tough right now. Last time, the money came from writing about travel in Asia. Writing about travel in Europe is already covered comprehensively by very big companies that I have no hope of competing with. I am still tempted, even though I know I shouldn’t. That’s a bad habit that I mentioned above.
    • The next most successful project was building websites that earned money from advertising and affiliate sales, then selling them. I made around $12,000 doing this. That’s why I set up this blog, as I can run it as a background task. It wouldn’t make big money, but could possibly make $25,000 to $50,000 over the next year or two.
    • One past project that I’ve decided not to repeat is writing books for Kindle. A few years ago I wrote 8 Kindle books. It’s too much work for too little reward. And it’s much tougher these days.
    • One project that earned me $5,000 was domain sales. I will restart this, as it doesn’t take much time at all. The hard part is finding great domains at reasonable prices. Then it’s just a case of listing them and waiting for sales. This could easily bring in nothing or $1,000 to $2,000 a month.
    • Other minor projects from the past include eBay sales, virtual assistant work, web development work, and a few other things that I can’t longer remember right now.

    I’ll go ahead with these 3

    A combination of a new ecommerce store as my main task, along with background tasks of domain sales and a few more niche websites would suit me perfectly.

    I can outsource some of the work instead of doing it all myself as I usually do.

    Any new projects?

    I’m still spending time thinking of other options, but all the above is enough to keep me going for now.

    One idea that’s always on my mind though is opening a café in Bangkok. My wife has the right contacts to make this work if we can find the right location at the right price.

    One thing against it though is that we both love to travel. We’d need to find some reliable to run the café when we’re away, and finding reliable workers in Thailand isn’t so easy. So it will stay at the back of my mind for now. I’d be happy for my wife to run the project though if she wanted to.

    Am I taking on too much?

    Part of me thinks I have too much on the go, but most projects are either passive or can be put on hold for a while.

    What do you think? Am I planning too much, too little, or the right amount?

    I should mention that I no longer have a day job, so I have plenty of time on my hands.

    ,

  • I Already Reached My Target of Earning $8,000 a Month

    I Already Reached My Target of Earning $8,000 a Month

    It happened 11 months earlier than expected

    In November last year, I set myself a target of consistently earning $8,000 a month by the end of this year, 2023. I was expecting to have slow and steady growth. It was a target but I was aware that I may not reach it. But I expected to get close.

    So, I was blown away to reach my target in January. But I’m certain that I won’t hit the target every month. In fact, I’m certain that I’ll have months where I lose money.

    Over the entire year, I hope to be consistently earning close to my target though. If I can do that, I’ll up my target for 2024.

    This is how I planned to get to $8,000 a month:

    1. $3,000 a month from writing.
    2. $1,000 a month from index funds.
    3. $2,000 a month from crypto.
    4. $1,000 a month from print-on-demand.
    5. $1,000 a month from building niche websites.

    It hasn’t worked out quite like that. I have already abandoned the print-on-demand idea. After some research, I realized it was too much work for too little return.

    My $3,000-a-month target for writing is also going to be dropped. Last April I earned almost $1,700 writing on Medium. In January I earned $80. I have no hope of getting anywhere near my target.

    Even though those two haven’t worked out, the others have more than made up for it.

    I’m a huge fan of dropping what doesn’t work and doubling down on what does work, so that’s what I’ll do.

    This is what I earned in January:

    1. $7,819 from crypto.
    2. $1,978 from index funds.
    3. $1,089 in interest.
    4. $80 from writing.
    5. $65 from my niche blog.

    That gives a total of $11,031 for January. That won’t happen every month. In February, I’ll be happy if I make $2,000. That would still give me $13,000 over two months. That’s an average of $6,500 a month. Close enough to my target to be happy.

    My new targets are as follows:

    1. $3,000 from crypto.
    2. $1,000 from index funds.
    3. $1,000 in interest.
    4. $500 from writing.
    5. $1,000 from my niche blogs.
    6. $1,500 from property renovation.

    As you can see, I’ve added an extra income stream for property renovation. I’ll be traveling around Europe with my wife until the end of July, so will start the property renovation project after we return home.

    I’m still feeling pretty positive about reaching my target. I know I’ll have some major setbacks though. That’s just part of the game though.

    All these targets seem pretty realistic to me, but who really knows? I’ll keep moving forward and keep adapting when needed.

    Ultimately, I’d like to be earning $20,000+ a month. That would give me a very nice life. It’s not just about the money though. I love challenges like this, and much of that money will be donated to good causes. The more I can make, the more I can give away.

    $20,000 a month target for end of 2025

    I’ve just posted this follow-up article about my plans to get to $20,000 a month income by the end of 2025.

    New Side Hustles I’m Considering That Will Help Me Reach $20,000 a Month

    ,

  • This Blog Only Cost $33 to Set Up – Here’s How I Achieved It

    Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@justin_morgan?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Justin Morgan</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/blogging?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
    Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash

    Many people think setting up a new blog will cost them hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. While that can be the case, there are much cheaper options. I set up this blog over the weekend for just $33.

    Before I explain the setup, there are a few things you should know

    When I create new blogs and websites, I aim to spend as little as possible. Some will work and some will fail, so there’s no point in spending a lot of money upfront to get the perfect site with the perfect logo.

    What I prefer to do is build a site that’s good enough. Then I start adding content and see how much traffic I get. If the traffic is too low, I can just dump the site easily.

    If the site gets traction and starts earning money, I can pay to upgrade the site if I think that will help.

    So, don’t expect my site to be perfect. It’s not. And it’s not meant to be.

    Why have I built this site?

    I’ve been writing on Medium for the last year, but at the moment it feels like a dying platform. The majority of my posts have earned $0 this month. Out of 419 posts, only 135 have earned any money this month. Many only earned $0.01. 

    That means that I have almost 284 posts just sitting there, wasted. Earning nothing.

    Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll be transferring many of these posts to this site. This should give them a new lease of life.

    Building a valuable asset

    Building my own site also means I’m building a potentially valuable asset. Websites and blogs that earn money can be sold for around 30-50 times their monthly profit.

    If this blog earns me $100 a month, I could sell it for $3,000 to $5,000.

    If it earns $1,000 a month, it could be worth $30,000 to $50,000. I had a travel blog that earned $1,000 a month that I sold for $25,000. Prices have risen since then.

    Buyers are queueing up to buy sites that earn money every month. They offer an excellent return for investors.

    Building the site

    To get started with your own blog or website, you generally need three things.

    1. A domain name.
    2. Hosting – the site needs to be hosted on servers so that the general public can access it.
    3. A website – for most people, this will be a WordPress site.

    Here are the services that I used

    Domain name

    I usually buy my domain names from Namecheap.com. I’ve used them for years and have always had great support when needed. Their prices are very reasonable. A domain generally costs around $10.

    I just checked the current prices and they show as $9.58 for the first year for a .com domain. Renewals will cost $13.98 a year. If you’re new to Namecheap, you can use discount code NEWCOM698 to get the domain for $6.98.

    Hosting

    For the hosting, I chose Bluehost. Their current best offer is $2.95 a month. You have to pay for the first year in advance though, which makes the price $35.40 for the year. 

    This is the offer I chose. I then clicked around and a pop-up window showed a reduced price of $2.75 a month if I bought it right away, which I did.

    Click here to buy hosting from Bluehost.

    That means I paid just $33 for a year’s hosting. You should note that this is shared hosting. After the first year, the cost will rise to $9.95 a month. Hopefully, your site will be earning enough by then to justify the cost. You’re free to move the hosting and find another starter offer if you prefer.

    This Bluehost offer includes a free domain name. I didn’t take up that part of the offer, as I prefer to keep my domain names with different companies than those I host with. I’ve heard too many horror stories of people wanting to change hosting companies but having a problem with accessing their domains. These are general stories and not specifically related to Bluehost.

    Click here to buy hosting from Bluehost.

    The above is an affiliate link and I’ll be compensated if you buy hosting via this link.

    I am recommending them because I use them myself.

    WordPress Theme

    Once you have your domain and hosting set up, Bluehost will automatically set up a WordPress site for you. They offer a few basic themes, but I didn’t like any of them. You can use them if they suit you, but it’s easy to find and install a different theme.

    I used a free WP theme from ColorMag from ThemeGrill.

    I’ve found the theme fairly easy to use and think it looks pretty good for a free theme. There’s also a Pro version that has more features.

    Whether you use a free or premium (paid) theme is up to you, but as I mentioned above, there’s no need to go spending money on a premium theme right away. You can easily upgrade later.

    Once you’ve chosen your WP theme, you need to install it onto your WordPress site. This is very straightforward.

    After that, it will need some customizing. This can be a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never used WordPress. I’ll write another post that shows how I got my set up.

    One thing I’d suggest before customizing the theme is writing a few blog posts. Or just copy posts you already have on Medium. This will make the customization easier. If you don’t have any posts or if you just have one, the site won’t look good and it will be difficult, or impossible, to see what’s going on.

    I would suggest one post for each of your categories. As you can see from the top menu on my site, I have seven main categories. I may add more later though.

    Click here to buy hosting from Bluehost.

    ,

  • My Side Hustle Blog Made Another $65 in December

    All I’ve done so far is republish a few Medium stories

    All my ducks in a row. Photo by the author.

    This will be of interest to Medium writers because it’s a way you can earn additional income from the stories you’ve already published here.

    My articles here are spread across a few niches, with the biggest ones being side hustles and making money online.

    I set up my blog, Side Hustle Monkey, toward the end of October. I earned $65 in October, nothing in November, and $65 in December.

    Earning $65 a month would mean the blog could be sold for around $2,600. Not bad for re-publishing my articles.

    If you have a bunch of stories from a particular niche, it may be worth you trying the same. See how to set up a blog for $33.

    If you give it a try, let me know how it works out for you.

  • 10 Habits of Highly Successful People You Can Adopt Today

    What are you waiting for? Let’s go.

    Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
    Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

    Success is a subjective concept that means different things to different people. For some, it may be achieving financial stability, while for others it could be pursuing their passions and finding personal fulfillment.

    Regardless of what success means to you, there are certain habits and behaviors that highly successful people tend to adopt and cultivate in order to achieve their goals. Here are 10 such habits that you can adopt today to help you on your path to success:

    Habit #1 — They set clear goals

    Successful people know exactly what they want to achieve and have a clear plan in place to get there. They set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for themselves and regularly review their progress to ensure they are on track.

    Habit #2 — They prioritize their time

    Successful people understand the value of their time and make the most of it by prioritizing their tasks and activities. They focus on what is most important and eliminate or delegate anything that is not essential.

    Habit #3 — They are lifelong learners

    Successful people recognize that learning is a continuous process and make an effort to constantly expand their knowledge and skills. They seek out new experiences, take on challenges, and embrace opportunities to learn and grow.

    Habit #4 — They have a growth mindset

    Successful people are not discouraged by setbacks and failures, but rather see them as opportunities to learn and improve. They have a growth mindset and believe that with hard work and determination, they can overcome any obstacle.

    Habit #5 — They are consistent

    Successful people understand the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving their goals. They stick to their habits and routines, even when it’s not convenient or easy, and consistently put in the effort required to succeed.

    Habit #6 — They are adaptable

    Successful people are able to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot when necessary. They are open to new ideas and approaches, and are not afraid to try something new if it will help them achieve their goals.

    Habit #7 — They are positive

    Successful people have a positive attitude and outlook on life. They focus on the good, rather than dwelling on the negative, and believe that they have the power to shape their own destiny.

    Habit #8 — They are persistent

    Successful people do not give up easily and are determined to see things through to the end. They understand that success often requires perseverance and the ability to keep going even when faced with challenges and setbacks.

    Habit #9 — They are resilient

    Successful people are able to bounce back from adversity and setbacks. They have mental and emotional strength, and are able to recover quickly from setbacks and move on to the next challenge.

    Habit #10 — They are proactive

    Successful people take initiative and are proactive in pursuing their goals. They do not wait for opportunities to come to them, but rather create their own opportunities and make things happen.

    By adopting these habits and behaviors, you can set yourself up for success in whatever endeavors you pursue. It may not be easy, and it will require effort and dedication, but the rewards of achieving your goals and reaching your full potential will be well worth it.

  • The Ups and Downs of My Medium Earnings

    Straight up and straight back down again

    Graph created by author using meta-chart.com.

    It’s pretty shocking to me how quickly my earnings went from $0 to $1,695 and then back down to $77.

    You can see the chart above.

    I earned over $7,000 during these 14 months. I would have preferred to earn a steady $500 a month than the rollercoaster ride I had.

    If I knew April would bring in $1,695, I’d have written 2 or 3 times as many stories to capitalize on the good earnings.

    In other months, I would have taken it easy if I know the earnings would be low.

    Most of the articles will be written for my blog, Side Hustle Monkey, so adding them here is only a few minutes of extra work.

  • You Likely Have $1,000 Hidden in Your House — Go Find It

    You’ll be surprised what you have hidden at home

    Photo by Kyle Bushnell on Unsplash
    Photo by Kyle Bushnell on Unsplash
    We would all like some extra cash and often struggle for ideas of how to get it. What if I told you that you likely have $1,000 hidden in your home? IT’s true. Many people have this amount and often more. Of course, not everyone does. But even if you manage to find $100, that’s still better than nothing. There are many things that people have at home that they can sell to make $1,000. Some examples include:

    #1 Furniture

    People often have furniture that they no longer need or want, such as couches, tables, beds, and dressers. You can sell these items on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or through local classified ads. Here are three tips for selling furniture:
    • Clean and repair the furniture: Before you list your furniture for sale, make sure it is clean and in good repair. This will make it more appealing to potential buyers and increase the chances that you will be able to sell it.
    • Take good photos: When selling furniture online, good photos are crucial. Take pictures of the furniture from multiple angles and in good lighting. This will help potential buyers get a sense of what the furniture looks like and whether it will fit in their space.
    • Price it competitively: Research similar items that are currently being sold and use that information to determine a competitive price for your furniture. Don’t price it too high or too low, as either can turn off potential buyers.

    #2 Electronics

    Many people have old electronics that they no longer use, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. You can sell these items on sites like eBay, Amazon, or through local classified ads. Here are four tips for selling electronics:
    • Research the market value: Before you list your electronic item for sale, do some research to determine its market value. This will help you price it competitively and increase the chances that it will sell.
    • Test the item and include details in the listing: Make sure the electronic item is in good working order before you list it for sale. Test it and make note of any issues in the listing. Include as many details as possible, such as the model number, storage capacity, and any included accessories.
    • Take good photos: When selling electronics online, good photos are crucial. Take pictures of the item from multiple angles and in good lighting. This will help potential buyers get a sense of what the item looks like and whether it meets their needs.
    • Offer a warranty or return policy: Consider offering a warranty or return policy to increase buyer confidence and make the sale. This can be especially important for electronics, which can be expensive and may have hidden issues that are not immediately apparent.

    #3 Clothing

    If you have gently used clothing that you no longer wear, you can sell it on sites like Poshmark, Depop, or ThredUp. Here are four tips for selling clothing:
    • Clean and repair the clothing: Before you list your clothing for sale, make sure it is clean and in good repair. This will make it more appealing to potential buyers and increase the chances that you will be able to sell it.
    • Take good photos: When selling clothing online, good photos are crucial. Take pictures of the clothing from multiple angles and in good lighting. This will help potential buyers get a sense of what the clothing looks like and whether it will fit them.
    • Price it competitively: Research similar items that are currently being sold and use that information to determine a competitive price for your clothing. Don’t price it too high or too low, as either can turn off potential buyers.
    • Provide accurate sizing and product details: Include accurate sizing information and as many details as possible about the clothing in the listing. This will help potential buyers know what to expect when they receive the item and reduce the likelihood of returns.

    #4 Books

    If you have a large collection of books that you no longer want, you can sell them on sites like Amazon or eBay. Here are four tips for selling books on Amazon:
    • Research the market value: Before you list your book for sale, do some research to determine its market value. This will help you price it competitively and increase the chances that it will sell.
    • Provide detailed product information: Make sure to include accurate and detailed information about the book in the listing, including the title, author, publisher, and ISBN number.
    • Offer fast and reliable shipping: Consider offering fast and reliable shipping options to increase buyer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
    • Consider offering a return policy: Consider offering a return policy to increase buyer confidence and make the sale. This is especially important for books, as buyers may want to return a book if it is not in the condition they expected.

    #5 Collectibles

    If you have collectibles that are in good condition, you can sell them on sites like eBay or through specialty collectors’ stores. Here are three tips for selling books on collectibles:
    • Provide detailed product information: Make sure to include accurate and detailed information about the collectible in the listing, including its age, condition, and any relevant history or provenance.
    • Consider offering a return policy: Consider offering a return policy to increase buyer confidence and make the sale. This is especially important for collectibles, as buyers may want to return a collectible if it is not in the condition they expected.
    • Sell to specialty collectors’ stores: If you are unable to sell your collectible online, you may be able to sell it to a specialty collectors’ store in your area. These stores often deal in specific types of collectibles and may be interested in buying yours.

    #6 Handmade items

    If you are skilled at making crafts, you can sell your handmade items on sites like Etsy or at local craft fairs. Here are five tips for selling handmade items:
    • Choose a niche: Consider specializing in a particular type of handmade item, such as jewelry, clothing, or home decor. This will help you build a loyal customer base and increase the chances that your items will sell.
    • Take good photos: When selling handmade items online, good photos are crucial. Take pictures of the items from multiple angles and in good lighting. This will help potential buyers get a sense of what the items look like and whether they meet their needs.
    • Price your items competitively: Research similar handmade items that are currently being sold and use that information to determine a competitive price for your items. Don’t price them too high or too low, as either can turn off potential buyers.
    • Offer customization options: Consider offering customization options for your handmade items, such as the ability to choose different colors or add personalization. This can make your items more unique and increase the chances that they will sell.
    • Promote your items: Use social media and other online platforms to promote your handmade items and reach a wider audience. Consider setting up a website or an Etsy shop to make it easier for customers to find and purchase your items.

    #7 Services

    If you have a particular skill or talent, you can offer services like photography, tutoring, or home repair to make money. You can advertise your services on sites like Craigslist or through local classified ads. Here are four tips for selling services online:
    • Choose a niche: Consider specializing in a particular type of service, such as photography, writing, or home repair. This will help you build a loyal customer base and increase the chances that your services will sell.
    • Create a website or online portfolio: Having a website or online portfolio will make it easier for potential customers to learn more about your services and see examples of your work.
    • Click here to see how to set up a website for just $33.
    • Use social media and other online platforms to promote your services: Use social media and other online platforms to reach a wider audience and promote your services. Consider setting up a Facebook page or an Instagram account to showcase your work and interact with potential customers.
    • Offer excellent customer service: Providing excellent customer service can help you stand out from the competition and encourage repeat business. Be responsive to customer inquiries, deliver on time, and go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
    Let me know how much money you manage to make using the methods above. https://medium.com/@mike-lewis/membership

  • 5 Ways You Can Reliably Build Wealth

    I’ve done all of these. They work.

    Photo by Nathan Walker on Unsplash

    We’d all like more money so that we can feel more secure and enjoy a better quality of life.

    Fortunately, there are several tried-and-trusted ways that we can build wealth. Anyone can do these as long as they’re prepared to put in some work.

    #1 Invest in real estate

    One way to build wealth quickly is to invest in real estate by purchasing a rental property or flipping houses. Real estate can be a lucrative investment because it has the potential for high returns, particularly if you can buy low and sell high.

    When buying real estate, you can choose between residential and commercial properties.

    It is not necessarily the case that commercial real estate is a better investment than residential real estate or vice versa. Both types of real estate can be good investments, and which is a better investment will depend on various factors such as the location, demand for the property, and the specific details of the investment.

    Here are a few differences between a commercial and residential real estate that may help you determine which one is a better investment for you:

    • Rental income: Commercial properties tend to generate higher rental income than residential properties. This is because they are often leased to businesses, which may be willing to pay higher rent than individual renters. However, commercial properties may also have longer vacancy periods, so you must consider this when evaluating the potential rental income.
    • Financing: It may be easier to obtain financing for a residential property than a commercial one, as lenders may view residential properties as safer investments. However, commercial properties may also offer more favorable terms, such as longer loan terms and lower interest rates, making them more attractive investments.
    • Management: Managing a commercial property can be more complex than managing a residential property, as you will need to deal with the needs of multiple tenants and may need to provide additional amenities. This can require more time and effort, but it may also result in higher profits.

    Ultimately, deciding whether to invest in commercial or residential real estate will depend on your goals, risk tolerance, and available resources. It may be helpful to speak with a financial advisor or real estate professional to determine which type of real estate investment is right for you.

    #2 Start a business

    Another way to build wealth quickly is to start your own business. This could be a brick-and-mortar business or an online business, and it could be something that you are passionate about or something that you are knowledgeable about. The key is to find a market need and fill it in a profitable way.

    Here are three business ideas that can be started with little cash:

    • Freelance services: If you have a skill or talent that you can offer as a service, such as writing, design, or marketing, you can start a freelance business. Many freelancers start out working from home, which can help to keep costs low.
    • Online store: Another business idea that can be started with little cash is an online store. There are many platforms that make it easy to set up and manage an e-commerce business, and you can sell products that you have made yourself or source products from wholesalers.
    • Social media consulting: If you have expertise in social media marketing, you could start a business offering consulting and management services to small businesses and individuals. This can be a low-cost way to get started, as you can likely do much of the work from your home and will only need a computer and internet access to get started.

    It is worth noting that starting any business, even a small one, will require effort and dedication. It is important to do your research, create a business plan, and be prepared to put in the work to make your business a success.

    #3 Invest in stocks

    Investing in stocks can be a fast way to build wealth, particularly if you are able to identify undervalued stocks that have the potential to increase in value over time. It is important to do your research and invest wisely, as the stock market can be volatile.

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether it is best to invest in individual stocks or an index fund. The decision will depend on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

    Here are a few points to consider when deciding between individual stocks and an index fund:

    • Diversification: One advantage of investing in an index fund is that it offers diversification, as it holds a basket of stocks that represent a particular market or sector. This can help to reduce the risk of your portfolio, as it is not reliant on the performance of any one individual stock. In contrast, investing in individual stocks means that you are putting all of your eggs in one basket, which can be riskier.
    • Fees: Another factor to consider is the fees associated with each type of investment. Index funds tend to have lower fees than actively managed funds, as they are not trying to outperform the market. This can make them a more cost-effective investment option. Individual stocks do not have management fees, but you may incur trading fees when buying and selling them.
    • Time and effort: Investing in individual stocks requires more time and effort than investing in an index fund, as you will need to research and select the stocks you want to buy. If you do not have the time or expertise to do this, an index fund may be a more convenient investment option.

    Ultimately, the decision of whether to invest in individual stocks or an index fund will depend on your personal circumstances and investment goals. It may be helpful to speak with a financial advisor or professional to determine which option is right for you.

    #4 Invest in yourself

    Another way to build wealth quickly is to invest in yourself, whether that means improving your skills and education, networking, or developing a new stream of income. By increasing your value to others, you can potentially increase your earning potential and build wealth more quickly.

    Investing in yourself can be a great way to build wealth, as it can increase your value to others and potentially increase your earning power. Here are a few ways to invest in yourself:

    • Enhance your skills and education: One way to invest in yourself is to enhance your skills and education through training, coursework, or earning additional degrees. This can make you more competitive in the job market and increase your earning potential.
    • Network: Building a strong network of professional contacts can be a valuable investment in yourself. Networking can help you learn about new job opportunities, get advice from others in your field, and make connections that can help you advance your career.
    • Start a side hustle: If you have a skill or hobby that you are passionate about, consider starting a side hustle or freelance business. This can be a great way to earn extra income and potentially turn your passion into a full-time career.
    • Prioritize your physical and mental health: Investing in your physical and mental health is also a way to invest in yourself. This can include activities such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and practicing stress management techniques. Taking care of your health can help you feel your best and perform at your highest level.
    • Learn a new language: Learning a new language can be a valuable investment in yourself, as it can open up new job opportunities, allow you to communicate with a wider range of people, and broaden your cultural understanding.

    #5 Save and budget wisely

    Finally, one of the most straightforward ways to build wealth quickly is to save and budget wisely. This means spending less than you earn, investing your savings in a high-yield savings account or other low-risk investment, and being disciplined about sticking to a budget. By saving and budgeting wisely, you can build a strong financial foundation that will allow you to build wealth more quickly over time.

  • I Only Published 4 Stories in December but Still Earned $77

    But that’s over 95% less than my best month when I earned $1,695

    Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

    On 14 November, I wrote my last regular story on Medium. After a year, it was no longer worth writing regularly. My views and earnings have kept dropping every month since last April.

    But I still write and publish the odd update here and there.

    In December, I only published 4 stories. So, it’s heartening to have earned $77.43 for such little work.

    I suspect that January’s earnings will be even lower though.

    Views

    Medium views for December 2022 — Screenshot by the author

    In November, my stories were viewed 8,617 times. In December, that dropped over 58% to just 3,564. That’s the lowest ever.

    The 4 stories I published in December only got 501 views. So, over 85% of views were from stories published before December.

    Audience

    Medium audience for December 2022 — Screenshot by the author

    My number of followers rose 165 to reach 4,901. I am surprised about this. It seems weird that people are still following me when I write so infrequently.

    I also gained one email subscriber. I’m now at 141.

    I didn’t get any new referrals, but I didn’t lose any either. The 15 referrals I have contributed $31.19 to my earnings.

    Earnings

    Medium earnings for December 2022 — Screenshot by the author

    My earnings came in at $77.43. That’s a drop of over 50% from November’s $155.98.

    It’s a drop of over 95% from April’s $1,695.06

    December’s earnings were made up of $31.19 from referrals, $13.69 from the 4 stories I published in December, and $32.55 from stories published before December.

    December’s stories earned an average of $3.42 each. I could earn more writing for a content mill. I don’t have any plans to do that though. I have bigger fish to fry.

    You may think I earned so little because I only wrote 4 articles. What if I’d written 40 instead? I’d likely have made $136.90 for the new ones. That would take my monthly earnings to around $200. Maybe readers would also have read some of my older articles more often, but it would still be a lot of work for next to no return.

    I need to focus on my blog, which is giving a higher return at the moment.

    438 stories earned $46.24. That means that each story earned an average of $0.10. That’s pretty pitiful.

    In complete contrast, my Side Hustle Monkey website earned $65 from 17 posts. That’s $3.82 per post. It’s even more amazing because only one of those posts has an affiliate link that made the money.

    What lies ahead?

    I’ll probably continue to write a handful of articles every month. These will likely be monthly Medium updates and monthly blog updates.

    My blog earned another $65 in December, and I’m hopeful of increasing this over the coming months. I’ll post a longer update on that in a few days.

    I wrote about how the Medium subscription fee is likely to rise soon. If this means writers start earning more money, I might consider writing a few extra stories to see if it’s worth it. No promises though.

    Apart from that, most of 2023 will be spent traveling. My wife has her visa sorted out, so we’ll be starting our travels around mid-January. We’ll be booking the flights next week.

    ,