Best Side Hustles for Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is an excellent side hustle for Canadians looking to earn extra income while leveraging their writing skills.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, these opportunities offer flexibility, decent pay, and the chance to grow your expertise. Here are the best freelance writing side hustles in Canada, along with their income potential, recommended tools, resources, and steps to get started.
Blog Writing
Blog writing involves creating engaging and informative articles for websites and blogs. Many companies and individuals hire freelance writers to maintain their blogs.
Income Potential:
CAD 0.10–0.50 per word or CAD 50–100 per article (500–1000 words).
Tools and Resources:
- Grammarly - For error-free writing.
- Hemingway App - To improve readability.
How to Get Started:
- Create a portfolio of writing samples.
- Sign up on platforms like Upwork and ProBlogger Job Board.
Copywriting
Copywriting focuses on crafting persuasive content for advertisements, email campaigns, and landing pages to drive sales or engagement.
Income Potential:
CAD 0.20–1.00 per word or CAD 75–200 per project.
Tools and Resources:
- CoSchedule Headline Analyzer - For compelling headlines.
- HubSpot Blog - For copywriting tips.
How to Get Started:
- Learn copywriting basics through courses like Copywriting Essentials on Skillshare.
- Join platforms like Fiverr and PeoplePerHour.
Technical Writing
Technical writers create user manuals, product guides, and other documentation that explains complex information clearly.
Income Potential:
CAD 25–60 per hour or CAD 500–1500 per project.
Tools and Resources:
- MadCap Flare - For creating professional documentation.
- TechWhirl - A community for technical writers.
How to Get Started:
- Build a technical writing portfolio.
- Apply for projects on Freelancer and Guru.
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriters create content such as books, articles, or speeches that are published under someone else’s name.
Income Potential:
CAD 1000–5000 per book or CAD 100–300 per article.
Tools and Resources:
How to Get Started:
- Network with authors and publishers.
- Sign up on platforms like Reedsy and WriterAccess.
Resume Writing
Resume writers help job seekers create professional resumes and cover letters to land their dream jobs.
Income Potential:
CAD 50–200 per resume or CAD 300–500 for a package including a cover letter and LinkedIn profile.
Tools and Resources:
How to Get Started:
- Advertise services on LinkedIn.
- Join niche platforms like ResumeEdge and TopResume.
Academic Writing
Academic writers create essays, research papers, and other scholarly documents for students and institutions.
Income Potential:
CAD 30–150 per page or CAD 500–2000 per project.
Tools and Resources:
- Zotero - For managing references.
- Grammarly’s Plagiarism Checker - To ensure originality.
How to Get Started:
- Register on academic writing sites like EssayShark and Academia-Research.
Content Writing for SEO
SEO content writers create articles optimized for search engines to improve website traffic.
Income Potential:
CAD 0.15–0.50 per word or CAD 100–500 per article.
Tools and Resources:
How to Get Started:
- Learn SEO basics with Moz Academy.
- Offer services on platforms like iWriter and ContentWriters.
Freelance writing is a lucrative and flexible way to supplement your income in Canada. By choosing a niche that aligns with your skills and interests, you can turn your passion for writing into a sustainable side hustle. Explore the resources provided and start building your writing career today!