Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi

July 26, 2025

SHS #169: Still Making Under $3K as a Writer? Here's How to Break Through

Reading time: 3 minutes

↓

​

Hi friend,

I want to tell you exactly what works.

The method I used during my freelancing days that helped me become free.

And while you don't need to use it to break free from the shackles of the corporate world (you can, but that's not the only reason you should side hustle) - you can at least use it to build a new income stream.

Let;s get started!

​

Our sponsor for this week:

Under 25

If you’re at a university, this is your opportunity to become a student leader and work with some of the biggest brands.
​
Applications for The 500 Club are now open.

(More details on my recent LinkedIn post here)

Apply Before July 30

1. Aim for this

Low-effort and high value

• takes you less time
• pays a lot more money
• is more scalable

This is why I quit writing blogs and did website copy instead.

Pro Tip: You don't need to know what kind of writing to do before you start. Do different gigs so you can realise what you don't want to do, and get closer to what you enjoy doing instead.

2. Use filters

I got my first $15k client on Upwork.

Here's what you should do:

• use lots of filters
• 'verified payment' check always
• apply where there are under 5 proposals

The newer folks are willing to pay you a lot more.

3. Packaging

Your services need to be packaged to tempt.

Instead of stating $500/article, make it:

• $500 for one article
• $1200 for three
• $3500 for ten

You're more likely to get a gig with an enticing price.

4. Study your clients

I started big because I didn't want to do tiny gigs and earn peanuts.

I never did a 'discovery call', because that costs time

And why would I want to talk to people whose profile screams that they're looking for a $5/1000 words freelancer?

5. Always build your list

Continue building a personal brand, but also build your email list. Substack is free. Gumroad is free.

It can help you when you launch a lead magnet or product in the future.

Even if you think you don't want to, right now.

6. Pivot to consultations

Aim for at least 3 income streams. This could be your second one.

If you know how to grow a business with content strategy, charge for it.

Create a consultation link and give that to people who ask for help around this.

7. The basics

The boring stuff you already know:

• build your portfolio
• underpromise and overdeliver
• learn + improve your skill

---

Summary:

Obviously, you can also build your personal brand on the side but in case you are full-time in uni or a job and cannot write online, do this:

1. Aim for low-effort, high-value gigs
2. Use filters on Upwork
3. Bundle your services
4. Study your clients well
5. Build your list on the side
6. Become a consultant too
7. The basics (you know this)

All the best!

Love,
N

Before you go:

1. ​Join AuthenticIN: the only LinkedIn tool you need to grow. Join for free!​
   ​
2. ​FREE Side Hustler Checklist: to help you kickstart your side hustle. 11,000+ superstars love it.
   ​
3. Build your personal brand that prints $$$$: fill out this form if you want me to help you build your brand.
   ​
4. ​Advertise with me: If you’re a brand or a business looking to grow, I get 3 million+ monthly views on my content. Let me help you shine bright in front of my audience.
   ​

​

I value your time. If you're not learning from this newsletter, I encourage you to unsubscribe so you can use this time elsewhere.

​Unsubscribe | Update your profile | 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA, 98104-2205