Recession Strategy: 5 Alternative Sources of Income for Copywriters

During global crises, the world is at a critical juncture, and there’s certainly no going back to the old normal. Therefore, moving forward can’t be about doing things like you used to. To survive, the action to take is to adapt creatively.

That being said, if you are a trained professional, you must explore how you can utilize your skills optimally. At this point, you can’t rely solely on being employed despite the new work arrangements in your company. According to economic analysts, the global economy is at its most unstable during a major crisis of any kind. Thus, everybody must come up with alternative and extra avenues of income to ride out the storm.

Side hustles and new jobs

If you provide content copywriting services for a branding and marketing company, do consider side hustles and even a new job right now. Nobody knows the extent of the economic damage a global pandemic like COVID-19 will cause. All businesses feel is the squeeze to their operations due to mobility restrictions on people. 

So, take the time to think about the unique applications of your skills and how your knowhow can prove relevant during challenging times. This way, should the business organization to which you belong succumb to the recession, you can stay financially afloat. For side hustle and new employment ideas, here are five to consider.

1. Full-time blogging

Earning from blogging can take some time. However, if you’re consistent with it and you gain a good following, not only will you be able to monetize your blog, but you can also score some sponsorships. 

According to top bloggers, the sponsorships are particularly financially beneficial. They will provide you with content ideas and open opportunities for new sponsorships.

Best of all, companies that usually offer these sponsorships have products for you to try. They will send you samples, which are usually abundant. You will find that the samples are more than enough for you. Therefore, you have the option to sell these and earn yourself some money, too.

2. Reviewing products

One of the most important skills for copywriters is research. Therefore, you can use your talent for research to review products extensively. Sign up for survey sites, or pitch your services to publications such as newspapers and magazines.

Another route you can take is just starting a review account on Instagram. It’s going to be a lot like blogging, but you can reach a new group of people to impart your experiences and insights with. What’s more, your written content can have a significant impact in revitalizing companies, as well as industries.

3. Writing stories

According to a report shared by Biz Stream on NHK World, the demand for books (both physical and digital) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why not take advantage of this development?

There’s no good copywriter who’s not a talented storyteller. Let your creative juices flow and start weaving stories to amuse, entertain, and inspire. You can submit short stories to magazines or publish these yourself. As for a novel, get in touch with Amazon because they have a program for budding novelists, and the site will sell your work.

Consider submitting a contribution to Chicken Soup for the Soul, as well, because this media company is always looking for contributors. And lastly, why not try drafting a manuscript for TV? Who knows, you may have the perfect formula for a prime time hit.

4. Proofreading and editing for the local government

Now that local government units are connecting with the masses through social media, they need to be more consistent with content production. Announcements and news should be posted regularly; but not only that, these types of content should be flawlessly written. 

As an experienced copywriter, you can lend your proofreading and editing services to LGUs, and get paid for it. You may start out as an outsourced talent for them, but eventually, you can actually become a true local government employee. And, as everybody knows, government jobs are among the most stable, especially in times of economic turmoil.

It’s worth noting, as well, that government agencies are considered information services. With your copywriting skills, you can smoothly shift from editing tasks to content creation, which is a more appropriate use of your talent.

5. Mentoring

Another fantastic way to keep your finances as a copywriter from going to the red is by taking on the role of a mentor or teacher. Use your experience, skills, and training to educate others. The need for learning continues, no matter the economic condition of the world. According to the specialist on non-formal education, learning is one of the favorite hobbies of people, especially in specific cultures, so take advantage of this.

Teach writing on the Internet. There are different platforms that you can join that will ensure your income as a teacher or mentor. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, training centers are looking for skilled professionals to teach short course programs on everything — from writing in the English language to speaking a new language. 

Or, start a YouTube channel. Your copywriting know-how will definitely be useful to students who are assigned papers for the different subjects in school. And you also have aspiring copywriters who are looking to learn from highly experienced professionals. Online learning is more important than ever, jump on the bandwagon, and become a writing course teacher online.

Thinking differently is a must

Indeed, a major crisis is always an incredibly difficult period for the world, and what makes the current economic slump even more worrisome is how nobody can accurately say when it will end. 

The world needs to think outside of the box and be more welcoming to alternative systems of going about daily living. Insisting on the old is not going to help. 

Doing more work online, eyeing positions in more resilient industries, and finally pursuing goals that have been forgotten or pushed aside due to a demanding professional life should be your new top priorities. These are some of the best ways for you to continue working and earning during troublesome times.