We want financial independence. 

That comes from either landing a client who pays $1 million annually. Or building multiple sources of income.

If you’ve found that high-ticket client, congratulations. For the rest of us, here are tiers of different income sources.

(I) Different types of writing

You already offer writing services. But there are many specialized types of writing you can explore, each with its own market and pricing potential:

• Technical writing: Create user manuals, API documentation, and software guides. Often pays higher than SEO writing.
• UX writing: Write microcopy for apps and websites. Growing demand as companies focus on user experience.
• Grant writing: Help organizations secure funding. Requires specific knowledge but pays well.
• Scriptwriting: Write video scripts, podcast scripts, or presentation content. Growing need as video content expands.
• Social media writing: Create engaging posts and campaigns across platforms. High demand as brands focus on social presence.
• Email writing: Create newsletters, sequences, and campaigns. Essential for most businesses’ marketing.
• Speech writing: Create compelling speeches for executives and events. Specialized skill with premium rates.
• Proposal writing: Help companies win contracts and deals. Combines persuasive writing with business acumen.
• Whitepaper writing: Create in-depth reports and industry analysis. Technical but lucrative niche.

And more…

(II) Easiest to start

Begin here using your current skills while building toward more complex streams.

• Content optimization: Help improve existing content. Good bridge to consulting work.
• Editing services: Offer proofreading and editing. Natural extension of writing skills.
• Start a blog: Build your authority and platform. Foundation for other opportunities.
• Launch a newsletter: Begin building your audience. Can monetize later.
• Content repurposing: Help maximize existing content value. Growing need as content expands.
• Content brief writing: Help create detailed content guides. Natural extension of writing skills.

Note: These are “easy” to start. But difficult to scale and make money from.

(III) Moderate effort

These need some initial setup but use skills you already have. 

• Content planning tools: Develop spreadsheets or Notion templates. Help others organize their content work.
• Social media templates: Create reusable post formats. High demand across industries.
• Email sequence templates: Design proven email flows. Valuable for marketing teams.
• Content calendar templates: Build planning frameworks. Essential for content teams.
• Resource library: Create guides, checklists, and frameworks. Sell through your site or platforms like Gumroad.

Note: Building these require moderate effort. But to sell them, as with everything else here, you need a solid distribution!

(IV) Needs experience

These leverage your existing expertise but require proven track record.

• Marketing consulting: Help businesses plan content strategy. Usually project-based with retainer potential.
• Online course business: Create, market, and maintain comprehensive courses. Requires constant updating and student support.
• Writing communities: Build and manage paid communities. Need regular engagement and value delivery.
• Agency building: Scale beyond solo work by hiring other writers. Requires management and sales skills.
• Group programs: Run cohort-based courses or mentorship programs. Higher touch but better scaling than 1:1.
• Public speaking: Build reputation as industry expert. Opens doors to high-paying opportunities.
• Content team training: Help companies upskill their teams. Often leads to retainer arrangements.
• Editorial consulting: Help publications improve content quality. Requires strong portfolio and industry knowledge.
• Mentorship programs: Guide other writers/marketers to success. Build long-term revenue relationships.

(V) Truly passive income

These streams eventually run without your active involvement. They need significant upfront work or capital, but can generate income while you sleep.

• Stock investment 
• Dividend stocks: Focus on established companies with consistent payouts
• Content website: Build and monetize through ads/affiliate. Create once, earn for a long-term.
• Evergreen courses: Create comprehensive courses that stay relevant. Market through platforms like Udemy.
• Premium templates: Develop high-quality Notion or writing templates. Sell through established marketplaces.
• eBooks: Write evergreen guides that sell continuously. One-time creation for ongoing sales.
• Real estate investment
• Book Royalties: Create books that remain relevant for years

Which sources should you pursue?

Start with your available resources:

• Time you can invest
• Current skills
• Available capital
• Energy level
• Learning capacity

Begin with easy sources that use existing skills. Use income from these to fund more complex ventures. 

Gradually build skills and resources for higher-leverage options.

The goal isn’t just multiple income streams, but reducing dependence on active work. 

Start where you are, but always build toward more automated income. Each source should either:

• Generate passive income, or
• Build assets for future passive income, or
• Fund development of passive income streams

True financial independence comes when your income isn’t tied to your time. Build progressively toward that goal.