How I Achieved Six-Figure Success Through Writing
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Chapter 1: My Journey to Six Figures
For quite some time, I aimed to become a six-figure writer. I had moments where I approached that goal, earning over $10,000 monthly for a few months, but unforeseen circumstances always seemed to derail my plans. However, in 2022, everything came together, and I proudly entered the six-figure writer/entrepreneur community.
Here's a detailed account of how I achieved this milestone, how you can follow suit, and the gaps I identified in my business model.
The majority of my income was generated through freelance platforms, particularly Fiverr, with some contributions from Upwork. In 2022, I earned approximately $60,000 from freelance copywriting alone. Fiverr was the standout performer, and this growth wasn’t by chance. I took a closer look at the platform and implemented strategic changes that nearly doubled my income—from roughly $3,500 monthly at the start of the year to over $7,000 by year's end. In fact, I almost hit $10,000 in January of this year on Fiverr alone, with a recorded income of $9,765, indicating that I nearly tripled my earnings on the platform within a year.
Here are some specific steps I took to reach this level:
- I applied for the Pro Seller status and upgraded all my gigs to Pro Gig status, which enhanced my profile's credibility and allowed for higher pricing.
- I enrolled in their Seller Plus program, providing me access to a personal Success Manager. I scheduled regular consultations with my Success Manager and implemented her suggested tweaks. While not all adjustments were effective, several proved to be immensely beneficial.
- I created videos for my profile and enhanced my gig images.
- I uploaded a more comprehensive portfolio.
It's worth noting that while the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT affected Fiverr, there remains significant earning potential for those who know how to navigate the platform.
Key Takeaway:
Each platform has its unique dynamics. Whether you’re focusing on Fiverr or trying to grow on Medium, delve deep to discover the strategies employed by the most successful users and replicate those approaches as closely as possible. Mastering one platform is often more fruitful than spreading yourself thin across multiple ones.
This video titled "How I Became a SIX-FIGURE WRITER (and how you can become one too)" provides insights into my journey and strategies for achieving similar success.
A Long-Term Perspective
Interestingly, another revenue source that performed well last year, despite minimal effort on my part, was client recommendations and returning clients. Perseverance pays off; after over a decade in this field, I’ve collaborated with more than 2,000 clients, and my writing is widely known.
In 2022, my previous employer asked for my assistance with content marketing while launching a franchise, and another client’s business had expanded, requiring additional help. These two clients alone generated around $32,000, with additional recommended clients bringing my total return-client revenue to $38,000 for the year.
Key Takeaway:
Don’t hesitate to share what you do with others. Consider establishing a referral program where existing clients receive discounts for successful recommendations. I plan to explore this soon.
Providing exceptional service is crucial; I aim to exceed client expectations by offering extras, such as a basic website mock-up, a brief video with some recommendations, or even delivering projects ahead of schedule. When you go above and beyond, clients are more likely to return.
Final Revenue Streams
In 2022, I earned about $2,000 from Medium, despite not dedicating much time to writing, as most of my focus was on client work and family. Additionally, I conducted minimal marketing coaching, which yielded another $4,000.
Key Takeaway:
Experimentation is valuable. Fiverr initially started as a side project while I was running my coaching business, but it now generates over $50,000 annually. Stay focused on your most effective income streams, but allocate time to explore new opportunities.
Ultimately, my revenue reached a total of $104,000. While summarizing this journey is straightforward, the year itself was incredibly hectic. Here are the lessons I learned.
The Importance of Delegation
Growth necessitates effective delegation. I employed other freelance writers for various copywriting projects, but at times, the workload became overwhelming. Issues arose with clients not due to their demands or the writers’ abilities, but rather my lack of efficient management of outsourced work.
For those aspiring to transition their freelance practice into an agency, I suggest the following:
- Hire a sales/customer service representative first. This allows you to concentrate on your work while they manage communications.
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for every project before bringing on external writers (or designers). SOPs outline tasks and simplify the process for anyone involved. They are foundational to a successful business.
Aiming for More Revenue Streams
Previously, I wrote about how multiple income streams might not lead to wealth. The idea was that spreading oneself too thin can be counterproductive, and significant income typically comes from mastering one area. I still hold this belief, but I feel my primary income source could be more substantial.
I’m focusing on expanding my efforts on Medium and Substack, as I have valuable insights to share through concise digital courses. However, I’m concerned about becoming overwhelmed. Juggling two small children, five articles, two newsletters, and 3-4 client projects weekly can be exhausting. Some days, I feel the urge to escape for a few days just to recharge.
Currently, I’m managing it with a few productivity strategies, and the pressure pushes me to grow. To reach bigger goals, I need to evolve as a person.
Adjusting My Offerings
My one-on-one services should be priced higher, as they require significant time and effort. However, I lack digital products to serve as a primary income substitute. Creating digital products would allow me to assist more people at a lower cost.
I have several ideas in mind, and I’m eager to see how they develop. I’ll return to share updates.
Final Reflections
We often downplay our achievements and swiftly shift our focus to the next goal. Have you noticed this pattern? I’m making a conscious effort to celebrate my accomplishments. Achieving something once deemed impossible is worthy of recognition before diving into course creation and SOP development.
What are your goals, and what moments of success do you overlook? If you wish to celebrate your achievements as a solopreneur, I invite you to join the One-Person Business Success newsletter.
For more insights on making informed financial decisions, keep reading:
This article serves informational purposes only and should not be construed as Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information may be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making significant financial decisions.
The second video titled "What It Takes to Make Six Figures as an Author + Dispelling Myths" offers valuable insights into the realities of becoming a successful author.