creative writing business

How to Build a Creative Writing Freelance Business

The problem with creative writing jobs is that they can be unpredictable.

Think about it.

You apply for dozens of screenwriting or technical writing jobs, and you finally receive an offer! You spend days negotiating a fair price and learning how to write in the format and tone of your new client.

But that creative writing “job” is nothing more than a short-term writing project. Every few months, you’ll find yourself starting the cycle all over again.

Search. Apply. Negotiate. Work. Repeat!

Are you ready to turn your passion for writing into a consistent living with a steady stream of clients and income?

To build a freelance creative writing business, you should:

1. Become a Student of the Craft 2. Develop a Business Plan 3. Create a Blog, Website, and Online Profiles 4. Dedicate Your Time to Lead Generation 5. Consider Hiring Subcontractors

Become a Student of the Craft

When those creative juices flow, you’re unstoppable.

You’re a natural creative writer. Your words connect seamlessly, and your short stories are convincing enough to provide readers a long-anticipated mental escape.

But there’s always room for growth.

Whether you have a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, some high school English courses, or none of the above, you should step back into the “student” role and:

Sharpen Your Research Skills

Nothing will ruin your credibility quite as much as inconsistencies, plot holes, and unreliable sources.

So, practice your research skills in your free time.

For example, you can vet sources for accuracy when you read blog posts or articles.

Or even research historical concepts in film and TV and look for scenes that don’t quite add up (like the lack of accurate Spartan armor in the movie 300 ).

Decide on Your Favorite Niches

When it comes to marketing your creative writing business, you’ll find that your ads generate more organic traffic when you have a specific niche.

For example, a director looking to develop a new television pilot is more likely to search for a “screenwriter” than a generic “creative writer.”

So, select a genre that puts your writing skills on full display, like:

• Screenplays
• Newspaper journalism
• Magazine writing
• Public relations
• Short stories
• Pop culture
• Website content writing/blog posts

Of course, it won’t matter how engaging your content is if you don’t have the necessary tools to bring those pieces to fruition.

So, make sure you’re up-to-date on your technological resources (i.e., proofreading tools like Grammarly or Hemingway , high-speed internet, a laptop, and a printer).

Related: 11 Mistakes Freelancers Should Avoid

Develop a Business Plan

The biggest shock of becoming a business owner is … well … the “business” part.

As a freelance writer, your only concerns were submitting projects before the deadline and waiting for the check to clear 24 hours later.

Now, you have much more on your plate:

Business expenses , legal contracts, invoicing, and lots more.

So, your business plan should take into account:

There’s an ongoing debate regarding the best way to bill clients.

But if you want to ensure you never accidentally undercharge for your services, charging by the hour is the unofficial “gold standard.”

How to Set Your Rate as a Freelance Writer

Take out your calculator. Let’s do a little math:

• Choose an ideal annual income: We’ll say $72,000.
• Decide how many hours you’d prefer to work per week: Let’s go with 40, the standard for a decent work-life balance.
• Multiply your number of weekly hours by 52 weeks: 2,080 hours
• Take your annual income and divide it by the product of #3: $34.60/hour

Hold on! Keep that calculator out!

You’ll also want to factor in overhead costs, like your Grammarly subscription, virtual office fees, or bookkeeper wages.

So, if those additional costs total up to $2,500 a year, divide that by 2,080. This calculates out to an extra $1.20/hour to secure your desired $72,000 annual income.

Your Business Name and Logo

The average person sees over 5,000 ads per day .

So, you want to make sure that your ideal client sees your ad and remembers it after they click to another page.

The best place to start?

Choosing a memorable and creative business name and a matching logo, which you should have no problem with considering your career path!

But you must be careful not to use names or logos being used by another entity because doing so can result in trademark lawsuits. Trademarks are a brand’s or product’s identifiers, including brand names, slogans, logos, sounds, and symbols. However, it will help to first understand the meaning of various trademark symbols for you to identify what names or logos are trademarked

How to Choose a Name for Your Freelance Business

Look for words related to your niche and see how you can piece them together to convey your writing (i.e., “ScreamPlay” if you specialize in penning horror flicks).

Come up with a dozen or so, and jot them down on paper in order of your favorites. Starting at the top of the list, Google them to see if each one is taken. If someone already uses that name for their business, move on to the next.

The last thing you want is to choose a business name that someone’s already using!

Your Business Finances

Until recently, the only thing you had to worry about was earning enough monthly income to keep the lights on and pay your rent.

But now, the money will flow from your account in both directions. And that can be a scary thought if finances aren’t your strong suit.

To best manage the financial aspects of your creative writing business:

Establish Business Accounts

The one thing that’ll make tax season even more of a nightmare is having to thumb through piles of receipts and paperwork to separate personal and business expenses .

Never commingle your money!

Instead, open up a bank account and credit card strictly for your business venture!

Choose How You’ll Invoice Clients

You went through all that effort to determine a fair hourly rate. Now, you have to figure out how you’ll send your clients the bill when you finish their next order.

Our favorite invoicing tools are:

• PayPal : Anyone who’s ordered from Amazon or DoorDash probably has a PayPal account up and running. Just be aware that there’s a 2.9% + $0.30 flat fee on all invoices you send (though we have a few workarounds ).
• Wave : You can easily send professional invoices to clients while also tracking your receipts and business expenditures in one easy-to-use app!
• Bloom : Okay, we’re biased because this is our product. But starting at $9/month, you can send unlimited invoices to clients while also streamlining client contact and your business’s workflow!

Since most invoicing tools require small fees, condensing multiple articles or batches into a single invoice can reduce your overhead.

Try Bloom for free today!

Your Legal Protections

Every business owner’s worst nightmare is facing a lawsuit or having a client go AWOL before paying their dues.

So, you want to pursue legal protections like:

Business Insurance

Accidents happen, even in the writing world.

So, when the USB drive holding your latest manuscript winds up in the washing machine or a client isn’t satisfied, a $100,000 lawsuit will put you underwater.

You need business insurance to provide ongoing legal protection for as little as $20/month!

A limited liability company (LLC) might be a little costly to set-up, but it’s the best way to protect your new business if you happen to get attorney papers in the mail.

Any lawsuit will be directed toward your LLC, not your personal bank account!

Legal Contracts

As much as you want to trust your best-paying client, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive payment unless you require it legally.

So, a legally-binding contract —fit with an e-Signature—is an absolute “must.”

Don’t begin working on a project until the client signs the contract, agrees to the price, and, in an ideal world, puts the money into escrow!

Learn more about protecting your business in case of broken contracts: How to Write a Force Majeure Clause

Create a Blog, Website, and Online Profiles

The best part about being a creative content writer is that your clients don’t have to put blind trust in your business.

That’s because your best work is already available online via social media, an up-to-date blog, or a professional website.

At least it should be!

Here’s what you need to know about honing your online presence:

Publishing Your Work Online

The best way to ensure your clients leave 5-star reviews on Yelp is by giving them a good sense of your tone, voice, and research style before they hire you.

So, publish regular writing samples on:

• Wattpad (for stories, preferably)

Not only will your publications reach a far wider audience (which may include potential clients), but you can also garner feedback from your loyal readers!

Creating a Professional Website

You don’t need to hire a web designer or an SEO expert (although it certainly doesn’t hurt), but your business’s website should have an air of professionalism.

On top of regularly-scheduled blog posts, be sure to include:

• SEO keywords related to your niche that your ideal client will find organically on Google (like “fictional story writer”)
• Up-to-date contact information
• Landing pages with gated content and a client intake form (collect those email addresses!)
• A scheduling tool for planning out first meetings with new clients
• A simple website domain (nothing screams “I put this together last night” quite like a .wordpress.com or .weebly.com domain)

And don’t forget that all of your online advertisements and social media profiles should link potential clients to your website!

Creating Social Media Profiles

Social media can be a little trickier for a writer than for a photographer, as people are far more inclined to look at an image than read a 5-minute article.

So, it’s all about using your online handles strategically.

For example, Tumblr is a unique artistic community that appreciates short stories, fanfic, and poetry.

Instagram and Twitter either have a cap on character count or prioritize images.

In that case, putting an excerpt from your latest work on a white background and turning it into an image will generate more interactions and shares!

And if your screenwriting, playwriting, or speech writing have been videotaped, add them to your YouTube profile so that potential clients can see your work in action.

A Note on Pen Names:

One of the best parts about being a creative writer is that you can pursue anonymity by using a pen name. It can also do wonders for your career if your real name is something common like John Smith.

That’s completely fine!

However, consistency is key.

So, make sure to post all of your work under the same name, whether that’s a Tumblr blog, Facebook profile, or your website.

Where to Find Freelance Creative Writing Jobs Online

Sure, it may take time for your website to show on the first page of search engines like Google, but it doesn’t have to take months or even years to start a blog and make money. 

Additional jobs for creative writing experts on:

• Freelancer.com
• Writers Work

The trick is creating these profiles on all or most of these sites so that you don’t have to actively apply for jobs once you get your business running.

If you set your preferences to let the platform know what kinds of work you enjoy, then complete a few jobs to show them you do quality work, they’ll send you job alerts whenever they have a posting that might interest you.

Dedicate Your Time to Lead Generation

Now that you’ve ironed out the kinks and gotten your business off the ground, it’s time to secure even more work through lead generation .

We know what you’re thinking: “But I don’t know anything about marketing.”

No worries!

Here are a few tips to turn your freelancing career into a thriving business:

Reach Out to the Right People and Businesses

Take a second to think about who your ideal client is, where they are, and how you can get in contact with them.

If you’re a scriptwriter or playwright, reach out to local performing arts facilities like theaters and studios.

If you’re more of a copywriter, pay a visit to downtown businesses that might need advertising content.

Phone your local magazine and newspaper editors to find out if they’re looking to hire essay writers.

And if lyrics or speechwriting are more your things, local politicians or up-and-coming musicians might need your services.

Make a Sales Pitch

Ask yourself: Why should a client place an order with my creative writing business?

Is it your years of experience writing persuasive essays ?

Have you had publications in national magazines?

Do you fulfill all orders within four weeks?

Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. If you can’t fit it into an easy to skim email or brief phone call, you have a little work to do!

Start Marketing Online

Nothing beats talking to people face to face. But when you’re a creative writer, you might be working for people in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, even if you don’t live in those places.

In other words, most of your business will be virtual!

So, begin marketing your services online for a much broader reach.

The obvious starting points on the marketing front are Google PPC ads and Facebook Ads . But it’s your approach to marketing that makes the biggest difference.

Get creative by:

• Putting your best work on display (i.e., boosting Facebook posts of your samples, rather than just ads).
• Automating your marketing efforts through regular email campaigns, advertising discounts, deals, and incentives!
• Joining LinkedIn groups related to your niche and participating in conversations.
• Submitting samples of your work into competitions that’ll give you exposure and more relevant search results.
• Using relevant hashtags to get your content on your ideal client’s screens without having to spend a dime.

Soon enough, you’ll have referral clients knocking down your door and a fully-automated sales funnel to keep you busy and your bank account full.

Consider Hiring Subcontractors

The whole purpose of transitioning from a solo freelancer to a business owner was to get more clients and expand your earning potential.

But now, it feels like you’re spreading yourself too thin.

With a strict hourly rate, the only way to make more money is by sacrificing your free time and allowing your business to consume your entire life.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way!

It might be time to think about hiring subcontractors and creating a team of other skilled freelancers, like:

Other Writers

Short stories might be your forte, but you can’t seem to find your “salesperson hat” when you get a copywriting project.

Consider hiring creative content writers that thrive in your weaker niches to create an all-inclusive creative writing business!

Virtual Assistant

You may be stepping into the shoes of a “business owner,” but you’re maintaining an active role in your company as the head writer.

Think about hiring a virtual assistant to handle the behind-the-scenes tasks (lead generation, client communication , etc.).

You’ll never understand the financial aspects of running a business until you begin adding others to your payroll.

Bringing a part-time bookkeeper on board can help you track your ongoing business expenses and better prepare for tax filing.

Editor or Proofreader

Nobody said that your writing quality wasn’t on par, but it’s easy to let errors slip through the cracks.

Enlisting the help of a sharp-eyed proofread can ensure your writing is always top notch!

Where to Hire Subcontractors

Writers are more likely to scour job boards like Upwork , ProBlogger , or Fiver than to look at listings on Indeed or Monster.

So, those sites are the best place to start.

When writing listings, create clear job descriptions that detail precisely the type of person you want to join your “team,” like:

• Number of hours per week
• Starting pay (ensure your budget allows you to still profit)
• Skills needed to be successful
• Required technology (Grammarly, Hemingway, laptop, etc.)
• Deadlines and flexibility requirements

Most of all, don’t forget to factor in these new overhead costs when you deliver project estimates to new clients.

So, if it costs you $1,000/month to pay your new hires and you average 200 orders a month, consider adding an extra $5 flat fee to every contract!

Now that you’ve proven your knack for writing and escaped the vice of entry-level creative writing jobs, it’s time to start working on building a business.

No matter where you envision your new business heading in the next few years, keep your sights on the most important thing:

Creating engaging content.

The more satisfied your clients are, the better reviews they’ll leave online. In the next six months, this “crazy” creative writing startup will be a lucrative business!

And to think you started as a part-time freelance writer!

Learn more about how Bloom can help you manage your business!

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• Jul 27, 2022

9 Steps to Launching a Profitable Writing Business

Updated: Jan 16, 2023

So, you want to start a writing business.

There are probably dozens of ways to do this, from selling ebooks to monetizing a blog. I'll tell you about the path that has worked for me for more than six years: Selling writing as a service.

Beginning a writing service business can be difficult. You will sometimes be bored of the subject you've been paid to write about. Some clients will hate your words (and tell you so). You will live project to project, sometimes feeling far too busy, and other times wondering if you have enough work to stay solvent.

But if you can endure the difficult bits, starting a writing business is one of the most fulfilling careers in the world for creative types. You get to set your own schedule, work from home, solve creative problems for a living, and work with inspiring people and brands.

Most important: you get paid (sometimes great money) to put pen to paper. If that sounds like a career you'd love, here's how to start a writing business.

(You may also be interested in my article about how to become a freelance copywriter .)

1. Understand the most common writing services

Most people hate writing. It's a chore for them. And since almost every person must at least sometimes write, that means anyone who finds pleasure in writing is already in demand.

If you're going to begin a writing business, start by learning the most common forms of writing that people and organizations outsource:

Blog writing

Website copywriting

Ghostwriting

Social media writing

Ad copywriting

Not all writing forms are created equal. Writing an A+ college essay requires different skills than writing an effective blog post. The best way to master any particular writing style is to read the work of people excelling in that niche. And then practice, practice, practice.

As you specialize in different forms of writing, you'll pick up certain skills (like brevity, simplicity, or more technical abilities like SEO). The good news is, you can learn as you go.

2. Tell everyone about your services

Your first writing clients will likely come from your network. You'll find them by telling everyone you know that you now offer writing services. Text friends. Post on social media. Announce your new business in the family Christmas card. No communication methods are off limits.

Yes, you may feel some imposter syndrome. No, that shouldn't stop you.

Didn't I tell you? Writing is a hard business. The good news is, you are capable of doing hard things. So, acknowledge that as a beginning writer, you may be an imposter. Then go tell your network about all the great writing services you offer (even if that makes you feel deeply uncomfortable).

3. Give your first clients a deal they can't refuse

You won't get rich on your first writing gig. (If you do, please tell me your secret.) My first paid project was $17 for an 800-word blog post.

It's okay to charge a low fee on your first few projects. The key is to not treat these assignments like low-paid work. This is your chance to overdeliver. Write the best blog post or website copy your friend has ever seen. Make them feel guilty for paying you so little.

Because these first projects aren't about the money. They're also not about impressing your friends. Your first paid writing projects are about building a great writing portfolio .

4. Showcase your work

As soon as your work goes live, create a portfolio. This is where future clients can see your past work to assess your skills.

Your portfolio can be a website, Google Doc, PDF, or freelance profile. It's any place where you can publicly show off your best writing samples. As you do more and even better work, you will gradually replace your worst samples with your new best.

Armed with a few portfolio pieces, you can raise your rates and find clients outside your network.

5. Find clients anywhere and everywhere

In my first year in business, I found clients on Craigslist, at events, on Upwork, through friends, in Facebook groups, on Thumbtack, and by contacting former colleagues. My point is: Writing clients are everywhere.

The best way to find clients in the beginning is to try a little bit of everything. You won't know your marketing strengths until you've tested many promotional tactics.

Join freelancer sites. Keep badgering your friends. Attend conferences and trade shows. Join online and offline communities. The key is to find what sticks. Test and invest.

6. Just pick a rate

A lot of beginning writers get stuck deciding their rates. My recommendation is to choose a rate quickly because you won't know if you're charging too much or too little until you begin pitching clients .

Just remember: You can always change your rates later, with the next pitch. There are a few ways to charge for your services. Most writers charge by the word or by the hour. I prefer charging a fixed fee by the project.

No matter how you charge, remember that as a pro writer (yes, I'm talking about you), your prices are subject to the whims of supply and demand. That's a fancy way of saying that the more people who want to hire you, the more you can charge for your writing services.

So, if you want to earn the big bucks, learn to generate more leads than you can handle.

7. Be professional

One unfortunate stereotype about freelancers is that they're unprofessional. They overpromise and underdeliver. They turn in work late (or not at all). Freelancers are often seen as employees between jobs who know nothing about professional services.

These stereotypes exist because they're often true. The good news is, you can use these negative stereotypes to your advantage. If you deliver good work, on time, and remain engaged beginning to end, you'll quickly stand out and get ample repeat business.

A little professionalism goes a long way in the writing services industry.

8. Build a reputation for quality

There's no shortage of bad content on the internet. No one wants to hire a subpar writer. But subpar writing is everywhere. That's why when companies work with a truly exceptional writer, they hold onto them forever .

If you love the craft of writing, and are willing to put in the work to consistently improve, you can set your work apart and develop a reputation for quality. There's no shortcut to becoming a great writer. It requires years of dedicated writing practice. But persistence pays dividends.

Businesses will pay good money for great writing. At the risk of sounding ostentatious, I earn a comfortable six figures profit writing and know other writers doing the same. It's not unrealistic to earn a good living from your words. But you will need to put in the work.

9. Play the long game

Successful writing careers aren't formed overnight. Even the best writers must pay their dues , working for low rates and unpleasant clients.

It's my experience that the best fruits of any writing business only begin to ripen after the second year. By then, you're working with better clients at higher rates. You're also more confident in your samples and abilities. Plus, by then you've developed the most important marketing tool in professional services: a reputation.

There's nothing magical about having two years under your belt. That's just when work starts getting more fun.

And the best part? Each year (mostly) gets a bit better after that. Your writing improves, your reputation expands, and more interesting projects find their way into your inbox.

Not to mention, your competition becomes irrelevant . The competition among low-paid, low-experienced writers is more fierce than among the most experienced and in-demand writers. That's because good writing is rare enough that truly great writers (who've put in the work to foster a strong reputation) seldom need to compete for projects. More businesses need great writing than there are great writers to fill that need.

In summary: if you want to enjoy the best that a writing business has to offer, master your craft and play the long game. Everything else will work itself out in time.

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A guide to creative writing in business.

Published: November 22, 2022

Updated: November 22, 2022

Learn how to unlock creative writing that can help you attract and hold customers' attention.

Many small-business owners don't think of themselves as writers, but writing can play a central role in running a successful business. Writing can help create meaningful narratives, strengthen connections to customers, and build a strong brand . The goal of creative writing in business is to create true stories and content that resonates with your audience.

What is creative writing?

At its core, creative writing is any writing that isn’t strictly academic or technical, such as poems, plays, or songs. When you write creatively, you can tap into your own unique experiences to create something new.

Creative writing can be used in business in a number of different ways. Sharing your brand story on your company website or creating a compelling blog or social media post is often based on creative writing. For your company's website copy, a dash of creativity woven throughout can help make your message more meaningful to your audience.

It’s about finding a way to develop and convey an idea to your audience effectively – the trademark of a solid piece of creative writing.

Tips for Creative Writing in Business

Try these tips to help bring your writing and brand to life. 

1. Tell stories.

Storytelling is essential to the art of doing business. Telling the story of your brand, product, or service in a blog post or on social media , for example, is a way to connect with prospects and customers and give them a deeper understanding of your company. Your stories can take the form of everything from online posts to e-books, but no matter the form, it can help to consider the traditional elements of stories: plot, setting, and character. Think of these to help craft meaningful stories your audience will notice and remember.

2. Observe the world.

Good writing begins with being alert to the world beyond your brand. Watch, listen, and take note of industry trends, work culture trends, and more. Observe yourself, as well as your employees and customers, then translate those observations into stories that establish thought leadership.

3. Keep a journal.

It’s not always easy to find time to write every day, but doing so can make you a stronger writer. Having a journal can help you make writing a daily activity. Jot down your ideas, thoughts and questions, then return to them later to see if you can develop them into something more. This is a low-pressure way to get into the habit of writing: try not to judge your writing immediately, but use it as a springboard for ideas.

4. Freewrite.

Freewriting or brainstorming can help make connections that lead to great ideas. You might be surprised at the ideas you can come up with by freewriting. Start with a question to answer or an image you want to build a story around – and see where your writing takes you.

5. Share your writing.

Getting feedback on your writing can help you grow. Having others read and comment on your work can make it stronger and give you ideas for ways to develop it further. It can also help you feel more motivated to continue writing.

6. Use active verbs.

Avoid passive voice whenever possible. For example, instead of writing, “Our wine was determined to be the best in the region,” write, “Customers voted our wine the most delicious merlot in the region." Strong verbs show action, and action sells.

7. Write catchy openings.

Novelists and journalists find ways to compel the reader to keep reading. Quickly draw your readers in with a surprising image, an intriguing statement, or a vivid scene – anything that will get them wanting to find out what happens next.

8. Simplify the language.

The best writing often gets right to the point without flowery language. Use strong, descriptive, and poetic language, and don’t use big words just to sound impressive. That can be an easy way to lose your audience's interest and attention.

9. Consider your audience.

Think about who your audience is, what they expect and what they want, then tailor your writing for that audience. Avoid jargon, for instance, if your audience isn’t likely to understand it. Consider all writing as a kind of sales: you want people to buy your stories and ideas. 

The Takeaway

Consider creative writing an essential tool for engaging your audience and growing your business. The best way to get better at creative writing is to do it more often.

A version of this article was originally published on October 20, 2014. 

Photo: Getty Images

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A Framework to Start the Writing Business of Your Dreams: 15 Tips for Entrepreneurial Writers

You might have started your writing business because you love to write.

You might get a lot of positive feedback on your writing.

And you might have even picked up many great writing gigs over the years, solidifying your status as a professional writer .

But something is missing.

It’s difficult to balance writing for your existing clients and attracting new clients. Consequently, your writing income varies at different times throughout the year and the work you love to do never quite feels sustainable.

TET: the backbone of a sustainable writing business

Whether you’re just starting your writing business, or you’ve been building it for a while and are hoping to make it more financially secure, I have 15 tips that support a healthy, productive solopreneur venture.

To make the advice manageable, I’ll list five tips under three important categories for anyone working for themselves: Technology, Education, Tools (TET).

The success of a writing business depends on so much more than your ability to write.

Educating yourself on the business of writing and content marketing gives you a huge advantage over other (directionless) writers.

My Writing Business TET Talk below — not to be confused with a TED Talk 😉 — will show you how the right knowledge combined with the unique value you offer clients can create a powerhouse business that allows you the freedom to be yourself and do work you care about.

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For the first time, The Copyblogger methodology is now available to a select few clients. We know it works. We’ve been doing it since 2006.

Writing Business Technology

Technology makes most modern writing businesses possible.

And getting set up with the right digital services doesn’t require a ton of technical knowledge. Instead, this section will focus on core business logistics that depend on some sort of technology.

My goal is to help you feel thankful for easy access to these solutions, rather than overwhelmed by a bunch of new things to learn.

As you’ll see, the main components you need are pretty simple.

1. Set up your internet, email, and phone accounts

We’re really starting at the beginning here, but I don’t want to skip the basics.

Intermittent, possibly not secure, internet access at a coffee shop just doesn’t cut it when you’re ready to get serious about your writing business.

Having a reliable internet connection at a place where you can always work — whether that’s at home or an office space — will give you peace of mind that you can communicate with your clients whenever you need to.

I also suggest having an email address and phone number for your business.

While you’re passionate about your work, separating business from personal communications is one step that can help prevent burnout.

Rather than having your entire day be one mix of business and personal tasks, you can get in the habit of managing business and personal items at different times.

2. Invest in hardware and software

This one is all about asking yourself questions to find out what you need to do your job well.

You can have a first-priority list with absolute necessities and a second-priority list for possible additions in the future.

To create your first-priority list, you may ask yourself:

• Is my computer able to perform every function needed for my business?
• Does the camera still work if a client requests a video call? What about my microphone and speakers?
• Is the writing software I use sufficient? How about my accounting software?

To create your second-priority list, you may ask yourself, what would I need if I wanted to:

• Start a podcast as a content marketing channel for my writing business?
• Make YouTube videos?
• Host live events?

3. Build a beautiful, secure website for your writing business

If you were setting up a brick-and-mortar business, you’d be checking out real estate at different locations.

One of the perks of a digital writing business is that you don’t necessarily need to rent or buy a physical space in order for you to do your work.

What you do need, however, is a beautiful, secure website that’s fast and easy to use. Then you’ll have a professional place to welcome prospects.

4. Prioritize your social media accounts

To complement your digital home, you’ll have social media accounts.

But attempting to have a presence on every site can be time-consuming and distracting.

Find out where your prospects hang out online and focus your social media efforts on those sites. Ultimately, you’ll share content on those platforms that will bring visitors back to your website.

5. Select a payment processor

What’s the best way for clients to send you money?

You don’t want to use a system that’s super easy for you but a pain for your clients, or vice versa.

Envision how your ideal scenario would play out once someone wants to hire you, and then select a digital payment processor, like PayPal or Square. That’ll be your standard procedure.

More on outlining your terms of service and payment policy below.

Writing Business Education

If you’re using content marketing and copywriting to build your writing business, you’ve probably already realized an unpleasant truth:

We live in a day and age when there is plenty of outstanding content to consume.

Your ideal customers and clients have multiple lifetimes worth of content to consume, right at their fingertips.

So it begs the question:

Why should an audience choose your great content over the competition?

That’s where having a broad understanding of digital marketing comes into play.

The good news is that we’ve narrowed down this range of competence to three core areas we teach inside Copyblogger Academy .

It’s what we call the trifecta of core skills

Writers with a good understanding of these three skills end up with higher-quality clients who are happy to pay a premium. These clients are also more likely to give you ongoing work.

This makes growing and scaling your writing business far easier.

Interested in mastering these three core skills?

Find out more about joining us inside Copyblogger Academy here .

Since ongoing education is crucial for writing business owners, let’s look at entrepreneurial actions you’ll need to learn about and perform.

1. Draft a budget

This is another one that helps you separate business activities from your personal life.

How much money do you need to run your business?

When you set aside funds for business expenses, you’ll have a realistic picture of what you can spend money on now and what you might need to hold off on until a later time. Then you’ll have an idea of how much money you need to save for certain items you eventually want to invest in.

Review your budget on a regular basis, since you may need to adjust how much money you spend on certain things.

For example, if an emergency expense comes up, you may have to borrow money from the amount you typically spend on social media ads, and pause those ads until you’re able to replenish the social media ads portion of your budget.

2. Determine your prices

Every project you work on will have different factors that affect how much you charge for your work, but the right type of preparation makes negotiating fees with clients much easier.

Check out our article 5 Stress-Free Steps for Pricing Your Services by Beth Hayden.

You’ll learn how to:

• Perform research and determine your hourly rate
• Estimate how many hours the project will take
• Add some margin to cover additional expenses, overhead, and surprises
• Communicate the price clearly to your client
• Track your hours and adjust future pricing accordingly

3. Outline the terms of service and payment policy for your writing business

While “terms of service and payment policy” may sound like boring business details, I consider them a fun opportunity for you to stand out as a professional .

If you want to have an exceptional service business, you cannot casually respond to any form of business communication or informally agree to any business transaction.

Check out my article Service Business Fundamentals: Impress and Score Your Next Client .

You’ll learn:

• How to become a master of assessing, communicating, and managing expectations
• The “service business as go-to collaborator” model
• How to present terms of service that help you convert prospects

4. Become the Editor-in-Chief of your website

You knew this one was going to be here.

Remember that beautiful, secure website that you built? That’s your publishing company, so make sure you manage it like an Editor-in-Chief.

My article Why Marketers Need Content Editors will show you how to become your own content editor, and you can pick up blog editing essentials in 40 Quick Editing Tips .

5. Avoid this common marketing mistake

I’m especially enthused about sharing this one with you because it will save you a lot of time.

Many new service providers (myself included, back in the day) create marketing materials that try to convince someone that they need a certain service.

For example, writers would speak to someone “who doesn’t know they need a professional writer” and try to persuade that person into thinking that hiring a professional writer is better than writing your own content and copy .

It’s a reasonable starting place for business newbies, and not a terrible mistake, but think about creating marketing materials for those who are already looking for a professional writer.

Prospects who already value professional writers are much easier to convert to clients.

Your job is convincing them that you’re the right person to hire. You don’t have to first convince them that they need to hire someone like you.

Writing Business Tools

Our final section will help you with the day-to-day activities of being self-employed .

These are practices that help you become more creative, productive, and confident.

Small changes to your writing habits can make a big difference when something unexpected happens and you have to roll with the punches.

Let’s roll …

1. Have an idea notebook

You’ll write down way more ideas than you’ll actually use, but it’s smart to document your thoughts about:

• Content ideas
• Marketing experiments
• Potential business partners
• Social media communities
• Books you want to read
• Your ideal clients
• Extra value you can provide

The pages can look messy and only make sense to you, but the notebook is a resource you can open if you ever feel stuck and don’t know where you should put your effort next.

2. Break down writing business tasks into lists

I wish I could sell lists as my own product called “Overwhelm Begone!”

There are often many different parts to a project or many different steps you need to complete before you can finish a task or achieve a goal.

My simple method to immediately avoid overwhelm is listing out every step that needs to happen. If you need to delegate tasks to other people, map out their roles in a sublist.

I include even the tiniest tasks because once they’re written down, they’re out of my mind and I can use that portion of brainpower for something else.

If you only had one thing to do at all times, I understand that breaking down that one thing into a list would be unnecessary. But when you have a lot going on, lists help ensure that everything gets done properly.

3. Use systems and processes

Like lists, systems and processes help you swiftly take care of business.

Here are some examples:

• A spreadsheet can help you monitor the stages of every project you have or organize your content marketing ideas.
• Your email policy can inform clients upfront about how quickly you respond to emails, so you can prioritize your workload.
• If you have trouble remembering to do a weekly task, assign it to a certain day of the week and stick to that routine.

4. Create a sample workday

Working for yourself gives you a lot of freedom, but it’s also stressful if you don’t manage your time properly. It will feel like you’re working all the time, and you’ll lack that balance I mentioned earlier.

So, if you keep the items you need to tackle on any given workday in mind, it’s a reminder that there’s a time to hustle and a time for leisure later in the day.

Your sample workday may include:

• Responding to work emails
• Writing for practice
• Writing for clients
• Meeting with clients
• Reading blogs about writing, content marketing, and your industry (if you write for a specific niche )

5. Filter out unsolicited criticism

They mean well, but sometimes they’re just mean.

I’m talking about the people you interact with who will make negative comments about your professional writing services. You know, the ones who know nothing about your industry or actually being a professional writer.

I don’t want to get too snarky, because a lot of them likely just want to protect you.

It’s difficult for many people to understand how writers make a living, so it’s a lot easier to discourage a writer from going down a path of uncertainty.

But you’re smarter than that. You know you don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to go down a path of uncertainty.

If you want to start the writing business of your dreams, you’ve come to the perfect place.  Copyblogger has helped accelerate the careers of writers just like you since 2006.

Enter your email address below to stay in touch …

Stefanie Flaxman

Stefanie Flaxman is an editorial director . Get her best tips for new writers at StefanieFlaxman .COM. Previously, Stefanie was Copyblogger's Editor-in-Chief for 9 years.

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Reader Interactions

Reader comments (18).

May 2, 2017 at 8:43 am

Good advice. I really need to start carrying a notebook with me for ideas as I’m like a goldfish at the moment.

May 3, 2017 at 5:09 am

As a fellow goldfish, I can attest that this is a useful practice. 🙂

May 3, 2017 at 12:40 pm

I could have called it a “focus” notebook too. 😉

Once you have your ideas written down in one place, it’s much easier to narrow down your top priorities and select one to focus on.

May 2, 2017 at 9:26 am

I loved this article Stefanie – give yourself a pat on the back!

I started carrying an idea notebook around a year ago and like you, I would recommend to anyone. It’s amazing how many ideas seem to pop into your head when you are relaxed and away from your workstation!

May 2, 2017 at 1:36 pm

It’s so simple, but so helpful. 🙂

May 2, 2017 at 3:48 pm

Simple clear advice. Thank you, Stefanie. I love lists and they are definitely a way to move forward when you are wondering what next.

May 2, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Nice article.

Speaking of secure sites (per the Technology point #3), does Copyblogger have any plans to switch to HTTPS?

May 3, 2017 at 3:03 pm

We’re looking at SSL for all of our site properties and any transactional portions are already secure.

May 2, 2017 at 5:59 pm

I love the part about creating marketing materials for those who are already looking for a professional writer. That must be one of the best demonstrations of the 80/20 rule there is. Rather than spend your time marketing to people who resist your service, wouldn’t you rather just be writing?

May 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm

I’m glad you liked that one, Michael! I remember how beneficial that shift was for me.

May 3, 2017 at 3:11 am

Lists always are the best way to manage all the tasks and perform to the fullest. Thanks for the article. Good Read!

May 3, 2017 at 3:35 am

Are these your secrets based on your experience, Stefanie? Because they sound so good – well planned and mapped out. I always believed that writing would be a great business; whether you build your own website or start as a freelance writer to gain experience and exposure. Sadly, some of those who go for freelance writing are often paid so badly (and cheap) by other companies that it discourages them in the long run. This article would surely encourage them to push on.

May 3, 2017 at 1:05 pm

Thanks, Brooke. The tips are based on my experience.

I’m glad you pointed out how writers can get discouraged if they are paid poorly.

I think a common theme throughout the post is having professional standards for your writing business. One standard I didn’t explicitly mention is knowing your worth and avoiding clients who aren’t a match for your services and don’t have the budget to pay for your high-quality work.

Our Certification program helps writers provide more value to their clients, so they don’t have to get stuck working for low rates. 🙂

May 3, 2017 at 6:17 pm

Good read! Thanks for the sharing! The ideas are all very practical! I once did a personality test and find out am actually a ESFJ personality. Surprisingly, I found myself maybe not a good fit for writing stuffs. Well, after reading this, I think I will find a way to figure out how to keep myself writing.

May 5, 2017 at 4:06 am

Thank you for all this infos. I usually have trouble breaking down tasks into lists, but i will try it and hope it will improve my work.

May 6, 2017 at 6:31 am

Great article!

I am a big fan of Copyblogger, you guys simply post great content on each topic. The article very well explains and the sub points are just amazing and very much useful.

Great work, Thanks!

February 23, 2023 at 12:02 pm

Point number 5 right on spot Stefanie. Whoever is looking for a good author/content creator will know who to hire by reading their content. If you are good they will come to you.

February 23, 2023 at 3:31 pm

I hardly breakdown tasks into a list and I usually end up mixing things up. Thanks for sharing.

This article's comments are closed.

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The Business Of Creative Writing: Navigating Your Next Steps

Learn how to monetize your writing

Writing is a tough business with daunting odds. Yet in this digital age, when leveraged well, a writer has never had more power and opportunity. The Business of Creative Writing shows you how to identify your brand and build your platform, as well as to evaluate the commercial potential of your work and understand the paths toward monetizing your writing. This workshop will cover traditional publishing vs. self-publishing and all the stops in between, including: agents and query letters; rights and legal issues including copyright; tenacity vs. talent; author websites as well as tips on how to connect with other writers to create the support you need to embrace the writing life.

View Enrollment Details

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Author Platform

• Beyond the book: build your brand
• Authenticity and platform
• Tools: website, blog, email list, social media, and more
• Original content vs. curating
• Copyright and fair use

Lesson 2: Assessing Publishing Readiness

• Polishing and formatting your manuscript
• Submission timing
• Understanding copyright
• Narrowing down your primary market

Lesson 3: Understanding Current Paths to Publication

• Traditional publishing with advance and royalties
• Traditional publishing without advance, higher royalties
• Digital first or digital only
• Self-publishing with assistance
• Solo self-publishing

Lesson 4: Finding a Literary Agent

• Do you really need one?
• Understanding the ground rules
• Insider tips for locating the right agent
• Compiling a list of agents
• Exclusive or multiple submissions
• Keeping track of submissions

Lesson 5: Writing a Query Letter

• Developing your elevator pitch
• Length, voice, essential elements
• Individual agency submission guidelines

Lesson 6: Dealing with Rejection

• Surviving the tough stuff
• Recognizing the golden nuggets
• Tenacity and staying positive

Lesson 7: Debrief and Critique

• Polishing your platform
• Paving your path
• Fine-tuning your agent list and polishing your query letter

Lesson 8: Staying connected

• Platform, your next steps
• Writing conferences
• Build your own lifeboat

Learner Outcomes

After this class, participants will be able to:

• Identify your author platform and take the first steps toward building it
• Create an author website. To blog or not to blog
• Identify the best social media platform(s) for your audience
• Develop a social media plan: original content vs. curation
• Assess publication readiness. Use writing tools and resources
• Identify the differences between the various routes to publication
• Recognize pitfalls and scams associated with publication
• Create a list of potential literary agents
• Write a polished query letter ready to be customized for each literary agent
• Build a support and/or critique group and learn how best to connect with the larger writing community

Course Schedule

The business of creative writing course information.

Contact Hours 12 hours

Course Fee(s) Tuition non-credit -  $425.00

This course applies towards the following certificates:

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“ I could write a novel. ” You’ve thought it. Your friends have thought it. Everyone who has ever put pen to paper has imagined scripting their own great literary work.

However, you probably have the sanity to know that being a published author is not in your stars — but that doesn’t mean you should give up creative writing for good.

As a hobby, creative writing is soul-enriching, but it also can have dramatic effects on your more marketable business skills.

Whether you are currently a business leader or you aspire to become one, here are all the reasons you should continue to write creatively while you work.

1. Less Stress

Having any hobby that allows you to let loose and enjoy yourself has a positive effect on your stress levels.

Non-stressful activities, like writing, allow your body to release endorphins which make you feel happy, even when you have big projects looming at work. Creative writing is a superb hobby, even if you never strive to improve or hope to publish.

Plus, writing about stressful experiences has been shown to lessen the impact of trauma on the mind and body. In a group of 70 individuals suffering from asthma and arthritis, those who were allowed to write about their stress rated substantially better on their measures of disease severity than those who were instructed to write about non-stressful situations.

Thus, setting your pen to paper and creatively chronicling your daily stresses can make you healthier and happier.

2. Better Critical Thinking

There are two ways to get better at writing : reading and sharing your writing with others.

Reading voraciously, regardless of the genre or style, is bound to expand your field of experience, which will help you develop different stories for your future creative writing.

However, reading also allows you to enhance your ability to evaluate characters and situations and gain knowledge from them — in other words, it develops your ability to think critically.

Critical thinking is crucial in every business at every level.

Leaders expect their employees to be competent critical thinkers, able to make effective and efficient decisions using the right information. By learning to parse through your emotions to understand exactly how a certain novel or short story is effective, you will be able to master your emotions in the business sphere as well.

3. Better Communication

If you recall, the second way you can improve your writing skill is by inviting others to read and review your work.

Without others’ input, you will never learn the mistakes in your writing; it is unlikely that you will be able to catch repeated grammar mistakes, plot holes, inconsistencies, and other glaring issues without another person to point them out.

In the digital age, many creative writers create websites and interact on forums in order to connect with like-minded writers all over the world.

You can gain many crucial communication skills by engaging with other writers on the Web. First, you can dramatically improve your basic spelling and grammar, making simple business messages easier for others to understand. Additionally, you will learn how to take other’s feedback, positive and negative, and apply that information to improve.

In business, utilizing critiques to the best of your ability will provide you a substantial advantage over your peers.

4. Better Retention

As early as elementary school, students learn how much easier it is to remember facts once they have written them down.

Writing solidifies certain information in your brain, which is why note-takers tend to excel in school more than listeners: In one study, an entire group of students remembered the same amount of information from a particular video (about 40 percent) but those allowed to take notes were able to recall the more important points.

This boon to retention seems to extend to all forms of writing, including the creative variety, because it engages the spatial memory of the brain, which is the strongest. Therefore, you may be able to increase your ability to recall key facts by putting pen to paper every once in a while.

5. More Empathy

The best creative writing includes characters that seem to leap off the page with outstanding depth and authenticity; it is easy for readers to believe that these characters are real people.

Crafting such well-rounded characters is far from effortless. In fact, it requires a finely honed sense of intuition and perception that most people unfortunately lack. Creative writers, with time and effort, can develop stronger senses of empathy to generate more meaningful characters — and more meaningful relationships in real life.

Though the phrase “ It’s not personal ” is exceedingly common in business, the truth is that the most successful people remain constantly aware of the humanity of their employees and consumers.

Being empathetic allows you to better understand what encourages your employees to be better and what drives your target audience to act, which ultimately makes your business more profitable.

See our pages: Understanding Others and Types of Empathy for more.

6. More Originality

Finally, we come to the “creative” part of creative writing. Whether you are drawing on your own experiences or imagining completely new universes, when you write creatively you are encouraging your brain to stretch and unfold.

With practice, you will become faster and more capable at thinking outside the box — or thinking as though there is no box — so you can come up with more fascinating storylines and more captivating characters. The habit of creativity will extend into every facet of your life, including work, where you will be able to solve problems in new and exciting ways.

The brain is a muscle — or else it acts like one. The more you exercise it with challenging activities, the faster, stronger, and better it can perform in the future.

Creative writing is perhaps the brain’s equivalent of a decathlon: It forces you to think, feel, perceive, and remember, to communicate effectively and to make smart decisions, to be innovative as well as feasible, and to let loose all with the purpose of generating a product you can be proud of.

When one activity provides all these benefits, it is easy to see why creative writing can help you succeed in any endeavor — especially business.

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Our eBooks are ideal for new and experienced leaders and are full of easy-to-follow practical information to help you to develop your leadership skills.

About the Author

Megan Andrews is a freelance writer who is just stepping into the wonderful world of content marketing and SEO. She has a BA English and experience in many fields, ranging from finance to health (and a few odd ones too).

When not creating quality content for quality sites, Megan enjoys reading, photography, and learning new things about the amazing world around her.

Continue to: Business Writing Tips How to Write a Press Release

See also: Report Writing Creating a Compelling Vision Writing Styles

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Five Tips for Creative Business Writing

• Author: Sheryl McAtee
• Grammar & Writing Skills
• creative writing for business

Your boss has asked you to write an article for the company website about an important project your team just finished.  You are proud of the project and getting the word out will be exciting! You sit down to type. You look at the empty Word document.  And the blank page just looks back.

Welcome to the challenge of creative writing for business!

Too often, we think of creative writing as something that is written outside the office, and business writing as something that happens at the office.  In fact, any time we create a new approach at work, we are creating—and writing about that creation is a creative writing exercise.

So, if you get stuck while writing a business letter, article or report, consider these five tips:

• Decide on a Writing Category. Telling: are you instructing how to accomplish a task? Asking: are you asking a question? Shaping: are you sharing a good news story to boost support or change an opinion?Knowing the category – or goal – can help you get started. If it is Telling, start by listing the steps. If it is Asking , write down the key question. If it is Shaping, start with your opinion and why it is important.
• Tell a Story. Storytelling is a great tool for creative business writing. In fact, many business schools use the “case study method” as a teaching tool. What is a case study? A story. So, instead of writing a list of procedures, tell a story about the person who needed to complete the task, why and how they did it.  Instead of asking for money or business, tell a story about someone who benefited from the service, or a client who has benefited from your work.
• Brainstorm and Edit. Once you have something written down, just start adding.  More details about the steps or policy; more questions and why they are important; or what the alternative views may be and why they matter.Many people find it easier to edit than to write, so write down anything related to your subject, without stopping and reading as you go.  Just type.  This is also called “stream of consciousness” writing. Then, go back and edit for structure, flow and language.
• Proofread! And no, editing is not proofreading!  Business English is tricky, and making sure you have the right tense, no missing words and no typos takes careful focus and attention.
• Start with Five Tips About YOUR Topic! If you are really stuck, write down your topic, and then generate five tips about that subject that you would give to another person.  This provides a framework and structure for your writing, while still leaving lots of room for creativity.

Creative business writing allows you to have fun with serious subjects – these tips can help you create a work product that grabs attention, while also providing valuable knowledge.

Related content

Business writing for clarity and impact, effective business communications from the inside out, want to boost productivity have employees read a book, proofreading hacks: from sloppy to superb, six word selfie, seven lessons from fiction, we value your privacy, privacy overview.

What to Know About Creative Writing Degrees

Many creative writing degree recipients pursue careers as authors while others work as copywriters or ghostwriters.

Tips on Creative Writing Degrees

Getty Images

Prospective writing students should think about their goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals.

Many people see something magical in a beautiful work of art, and artists of all kinds often take pride in their craftsmanship. Creative writers say they find fulfillment in the writing process.

"I believe that making art is a human need, and so to get to do that is amazing," says Andrea Lawlor, an author who this year received a Whiting Award – a national $50,000 prize that recognizes 10 excellent emerging authors each year – and who is also the Clara Willis Phillips Assistant Professor of English at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

"We all are seeing more and more of the way that writing can help us understand perspectives we don't share," says Lawlor, whose recent novel "Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl" addresses the issue of gender identity.

"Writing can help us cope with hard situations," Lawlor says. "We can find people who we have something in common with even if there's nobody around us who shares our experience through writing. It's a really powerful tool for connection and social change and understanding."

Creative writing faculty, many of whom are acclaimed published authors, say that people are well-suited toward degrees in creative writing if they are highly verbal and enjoy expressing themselves.

"Creative imaginative types who have stories burning inside them and who gravitate toward stories and language might want to pursue a degree in creative writing," Jessica Bane Robert, who teaches Introduction to Creative Writing at Clark University in Massachusetts, wrote in an email. "Through formal study you will hone your voice, gain confidence, find a support system for what can otherwise be a lonely endeavor."

Read the guide below to gain more insight into what it means to pursue a creative writing education, how writing impacts society and whether it is prudent to invest in a creative writing degree. Learn about the difference between degree-based and non-degree creative writing programs, how to craft a solid application to a top-notch creative writing program and how to figure out which program is the best fit.

Why Creative Writing Matters and Reasons to Study It

Creative writers say a common misconception about their job is that their work is frivolous and impractical, but they emphasize that creative writing is an extremely effective way to convey messages that are hard to share in any other way.

Kelly Caldwell, dean of faculty at Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City, says prospective writing students are often discouraged from taking writing courses because of concerns about whether a writing life is somehow unattainable or "unrealistic."

Although creative writers are sometimes unable to financially support themselves entirely on the basis of their creative projects, Caldwell says, they often juggle that work with other types of jobs and lead successful careers.

She says that many students in her introductory creative writing class were previously forbidden by parents to study creative writing. "You have to give yourself permission for the simple reason that you want to do it," she suggests.

Creative writing faculty acknowledge that a formal academic credential in creative writing is not needed in order to get writing published. However, they suggest, creative writing programs help aspiring authors develop their writing skills and allow space and time to complete long-term writing projects.

Working writers often juggle multiple projects at once and sometimes have more than one gig, which can make it difficult to finish an especially ambitious undertaking such as a novel, a play for the screen or stage, or a well-assembled collection of poems, short stories or essays. Grants and fellowships for authors are often designed to ensure that those authors can afford to concentrate on their writing.

Samuel Ace, a published poet and a visiting lecturer in poetry at Mount Holyoke, says his goal is to show students how to write in an authentic way that conveys real feeling. "It helps students to become more direct, not to bury their thoughts under a cascade of academic language, to be more forthright," he says.

Tips on Choosing Between a Non-Degree or Degree-Based Creative Writing Program

Experts note that someone needs to be ready to get immersed in the writing process and devote significant time to writing projects before pursuing a creative writing degree. Prospective writing students should not sign up for a degree program until they have reached that sense of preparedness, warns Kim Todd, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts and director of its creative writing program.

She says prospective writing students need to think about their personal goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals.

Aspiring writers who are not ready to invest in a creative writing degree program may want to sign up for a one-off writing class or begin participating in an informal writing workshop so they can test their level of interest in the field, Todd suggests.

How to Choose and Apply to a Creative Writing Program

In many cases, the most important component of an application to a writing program is the writing portfolio, writing program experts say. Prospective writing students need to think about which pieces of writing they include in their portfolio and need to be especially mindful about which item they put at the beginning of their portfolio. They should have a trusted mentor critique the portfolio before they submit it, experts suggest.

Because creative writing often involves self-expression, it is important for aspiring writing students to find a program where they feel comfortable expressing their true identity.

This is particularly pertinent to aspiring authors who are members of minority groups, including people of color or LGBTQ individuals, says Lawlor, who identifies as queer, transgender and nonbinary.

How to Use a Creative Writing Degree

Creative writing program professors and alumni say creative writing programs cultivate a variety of in-demand skills, including the ability to communicate effectively.

"While yes, many creative writers are idealists and dreamers, these are also typically highly flexible and competent people with a range of personal strengths. And a good creative writing program helps them understand their particular strengths and marketability and translate these for potential employers, alongside the more traditional craft development work," Melissa Ridley Elmes, an assistant professor of English at Lindenwood University in Missouri, wrote in an email.

Elmes – an author who writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction – says creative writing programs force students to develop personal discipline because they have to consistently produce a significant amount of writing. In addition, participating in writing workshops requires writing students "to give and receive constructive feedback," Elmes says.

Cindy Childress, who has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Louisiana—Lafayatte and did a creative writing dissertation where she submitted poetry, says creative writing grads are well-equipped for good-paying positions as advertising and marketing copywriters, speechwriters, grant writers and ghostwriters.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual compensation for writers and authors was $63,200 as of May 2019.

"I think the Internet, and writing communities online and in social media, have been very helpful for debunking the idea that if you publish a New York Times Bestseller you will have 'made it' and can quit your day job and write full time," Elmes explains. "Unless you are independently wealthy, the odds are very much against you in this regard."

Childress emphasizes that creative writing degree recipients have "skills that are absolutely transferable to the real world." For example, the same storytelling techniques that copywriters use to shape public perceptions about a commercial brand are often taught in introductory creative writing courses, she says. The ability to tell a good story does not necessarily come easily to people who haven't been trained on how to do it, she explains.

Childress says she was able to translate her creative writing education into a lucrative career and start her own ghostwriting and book editing company, where she earns a six-figure salary. She says her background in poetry taught her how to be pithy.

"Anything that we want to write nowadays, particularly for social media, is going to have to be immediately understood, so there is a sense of immediacy," she says."The language has to be crisp and direct and exact, and really those are exactly the same kind of ways you would describe a successful poem."

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The Importance of Creativity in Business

• 25 Jan 2022

When you think of creativity, job titles such as graphic designer or marketer may come to mind. Yet, creativity and innovation are important across all industries because business challenges require inventive solutions.

Here’s an overview of creativity’s importance in business, how it pairs with design thinking, and how to encourage it in the workplace.

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Why Is Creativity Important?

Creativity serves several purposes. It not only combats stagnation but facilitates growth and innovation. Here's why creativity is important in business.

1. It Accompanies Innovation

For something to be innovative, there are two requirements: It must be novel and useful. While creativity is crucial to generate ideas that are both unique and original, they’re not always inherently useful. Innovative solutions can’t exist, however, without a component of creativity.

2. It Increases Productivity

Creativity gives you the space to work smarter instead of harder, which can increase productivity and combat stagnation in the workplace. Routine and structure are incredibly important but shouldn’t be implemented at the expense of improvement and growth. When a creative and innovative environment is established, a business’s productivity level can spike upward.

3. It Allows for Adaptability

Sometimes events—both internal and external—can disrupt an organization’s structure. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how the present-day business world functions . In such instances, imaginative thinking and innovation are critical to maintaining business operations.

Creatively approaching challenges requires adaptability but doesn’t always necessitate significantly adjusting your business model. For example, you might develop a new product or service or slightly modify the structure of your operations to improve efficiency. Big problems don’t always require big solutions, so don’t reject an idea because it doesn’t match a problem’s scale.

Change is inevitable in the business world, and creative solutions are vital to adapting to it.

4. It’s Necessary for Growth

One of the main hindrances to a business’s growth is cognitive fixedness, or the idea that there’s only one way to interpret or approach a situation or challenge.

Cognitive fixedness is an easy trap to fall into, as it can be tempting to approach every situation similar to how you have in the past. But every situation is different.

If a business’s leaders don’t take the time to clearly understand the circumstances they face, encourage creative thinking, and act on findings, their company can stagnate—one of the biggest barriers to growth.

5. It’s an In-Demand Skill

Creativity and innovation are skills commonly sought after in top industries, including health care and manufacturing. This is largely because every industry has complex challenges that require creative solutions.

Learning skills such as design thinking and creative problem-solving can help job seekers set themselves apart when applying to roles.

Creativity and Design Thinking

While creativity is highly important in business, it’s an abstract process that works best with a concrete structure. This is where design thinking comes into play.

Design thinking —a concept gaining popularity in the business world—is a solutions-based process that ventures between the concrete and abstract. Creativity and innovation are key to the design thinking process.

In Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar’s course Design Thinking and Innovation , the process is broken down into four iterative stages:

• Clarify: In this stage, observation and empathy are critical. Observations can be either concrete and based on metrics and facts or abstract and gleaned from understanding and empathy. The goal during this stage is to gain an understanding of the situation and individuals impacted.
• Ideate: The ideation stage is abstract and involves creativity and idea generation. Creativity is a major focus, as the ideation phase provides the freedom to brainstorm and think through solutions.
• Develop: The development phase is a concrete stage that involves experimentation and trial and error. Critiquing and prototyping are important because the ideas generated from the ideation stage are formed into testable solutions.
• Implement: The fourth stage is solution implementation. This involves communicating the solution’s value and overcoming preexisting biases.

The value of design thinking is that it connects creativity and routine structure by encouraging using both the operational and innovation worlds. But what are these worlds, and how do they interact?

The Operational World

The operational world is the concrete, structured side of business. This world focuses on improving key metrics and achieving results. Those results are typically achieved through routine, structure, and decision-making.

The operational world has many analytical tools needed for the functional side of business, but not the innovative side. Furthermore, creativity and curiosity are typically valued less than in the innovation world. Employees who initiate unsuccessful, risky endeavors are more likely to be reprimanded than promoted.

The Innovation World

The innovation world requires curiosity, speculation, creativity, and experimentation. This world is important for a company’s growth and can bring about the aforementioned benefits of creativity in business.

This world focuses more on open-ended thinking and exploration rather than a company’s functional side. Although risky endeavors are encouraged, there’s little structure to ensure a business runs efficiently and successfully.

Connecting the Two Worlds

Although the operational world and innovation world are equally important to a business’s success, they’re separate . Business leaders must be ambidextrous when navigating between them and provide environments for each to flourish.

Creativity should be encouraged and innovation fostered, but never at the expense of a business’s functionality. The design thinking process is an excellent way to leverage both worlds and provides an environment for each to succeed.

Since the design thinking process moves between the concrete and abstract, it navigates the tension between operations and innovation. Remember: The operational world is the implementation of the innovative world, and innovation can often be inspired by observations from the operational world.

How to Encourage Creativity and Innovation

If you want to facilitate an innovative workplace, here are seven tips for encouraging creativity.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks

Creativity often entails moving past your comfort zone. While you don't want to take risks that could potentially cripple your business, risk-taking is a necessary ingredient of innovation and growth. Therefore, providing an environment where it’s encouraged can be highly beneficial.

2. Don’t Punish Failure

Provide your team with the freedom to innovate without fear of reprisal if their ideas don’t work. Some of the best innovations in history were the product of many failures. View failure as an opportunity to learn and improve for the future rather than defeat.

3. Provide the Resources Necessary to Innovate

While it can be tempting to simply tell your team to innovate, creativity is more than just a state of mind. If your colleagues have the opportunity to be creative, you need to provide the resources to promote innovation. Whether that entails a financial investment, tools, or training materials, it’s in your best interest to invest in your team to produce innovative results.

4. Don’t Try to Measure Results Too Quickly

If an innovative idea doesn’t produce desirable results within a few months, you may consider discarding it entirely. Doing so could result in a lost opportunity because some ideas take longer to yield positive outcomes.

Patience is an important element of creativity, so don't try to measure results too quickly. Give your team the freedom to improve and experiment without the pressure of strict time constraints.

5. Maintain an Open Mind

One of the most important components of an environment that fosters creativity and innovation is keeping an open mind. Innovation requires constantly working against your biases. Continually ask questions, be open to the answers you receive, and don't require fully conceptualized ideas before proceeding with innovation.

6. Foster Collaboration

Collaborative environments are vital for innovation. When teams work together in pursuit of a common goal, innovation flourishes. To achieve this, ensure everyone has a voice. One way to do so is by hosting brainstorming sessions where each member contributes and shares ideas.

7. Encourage Diversity

Diversity fosters creativity and combats groupthink, as each individual brings a unique outlook to the table. Consider forming teams with members from different cultural backgrounds who haven’t previously worked together. Getting people to step outside their comfort zones is an effective way to encourage innovation.

Learning to Be Creative in Business

Creativity and innovation are immensely important skills whether you’re a job seeker, employer, or aspiring entrepreneur.

Want to learn more about design thinking? Start by finding fellow professionals willing to discuss and debate solutions using its framework. Take advantage of these interactions to consider how you can best leverage design thinking and devise different approaches to business challenges.

This exposure to real-world scenarios is crucial to deciding whether learning about design thinking is right for you. Another option is to take an online course to learn about design thinking with like-minded peers.

If you’re ready to take your innovation skills to the next level, explore our online course Design Thinking and Innovation , one of our online entrepreneurship and innovation courses. If you aren't sure which course is the right fit, download our free course flowchart to determine which best aligns with your goals.

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Why Creative Writing Belongs in Business Writing

Founder, Write Right

When I decided to pursue a degree in creative writing -- with an emphasis in poetry, no less -- I did so because I wanted to be a better poet. I knew the degree wouldn't be of much use to a career. Who, after all, makes a living as a full-time poet? I don't know of any full-time poets. Even the successful poets make their livings through speaking engagements or stints as directors of creative writing programs. Their poetry is not a career.

Neither is my poetry, but I have come to believe it's foolish to divide writing into the categories of "creative" and "professional." My professional writing is what it is because of my creative writing. The same is true of my creative writing. My professional writing affects it. When I allow the two to interact with each other, interesting things start to happen. I'm no longer tied to the rules that somebody instituted eons ago. I'm free to test the boundaries.

Doing so can be a little alarming to clients or employers; it's frightening to try something new. It might be strange to focus on specific elements of language or grammar in a business setting. People may balk at having to review some of the writing rules or marvel at the passion aroused in some writers by the use or lack thereof of semicolons or the "ubiquitousness" of words like "ubiquitous" and "very."

It's an understandable response. It perhaps even is a rightful one. It's a response, though, that can be addressed. It's one to which answers exist.

If I'm asked why grammar and punctuation and spelling matter, my answer rarely has anything to do with the rules. At least, it has nothing to do with following the rules to the letter. My concern is with the spirit of such things. My answer is that one only can break the rules, i.e., be creative, if he or she knows the rules. Creativity begins at the point of curiosity. It asks "what if," then proceeds to see what happens when the "what if" is tried. Sometimes, the result isn't pretty. Sometimes, it is. Both results provide lessons, and, if the former isn't harped upon as a "failure," it can result in more creativity and pushing toward a new level in one's writing be it creative, professional, or creative professional.

Another part of the answer lies in creating memorable content. What content is remembered? Is it dry facts? It usually isn't. It's the content that uses creative means and gives context to the facts. It's content that falls upon the elements of storytelling, the buzzword of 2012, and creative writing. It's content that isn't content with generalities or cliches. It is specific and concrete. It seeks ways of speaking that are relevant and -- even though everything really is a remix -- original in some way. It's content that uses metaphor and simile, comparison and contrast, and rhythm. It's the sort of content that creates an ebb and flow through long, winding sentences, then strikes with a short, terse statement. It's content that isn't afraid of fragments or punctuation marks. It may even be content that employs other means, such as images or videos or podcasts.

That wealth, that perspective, is what happens when creative writing is brought to the world of business writing. Business writing seeks to share information; creative writing seeks the best way to share it. It ponders what words, style, and means are the best vehicles. It asks how the message can be sharpened. It acts as a catalyst, and neither business writing nor creative writing are left the same.

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Creative Writing and Business Writing

Sharpen your writing skills with our dynamic array of creative writing and business writing courses. Dive into a world of opportunities as you embark on a journey to discover courses designed to refine your writing skills. From mastering the art of concise, impactful communication to conquering writer's block, from the intricacies of publishing to the secrets of influential business writing – we've got it all and more! Join us, and let your words transform your world. 

Upcoming Schedule of Classes

• April 9: How to Publish Your Work

Registration Opens April 1, 2024

• June 8: Fiction Writing Workshop
• June 8: How to Publish Your Book
• June 10: Overcoming Writer's Block
• July 13: Novel Writer's Boot Camp

Business Writing Courses

Become a more effective writer and learn tools on how to improve and sharpen your writing skills to produce well-written documents. Explore how to organize your thoughts before writing and how to avoid grammatical mistakes. The course will focus on how to use wording and style to achieve a courteous and friendly tone, grammar and punctuation rules, and the creation of transition sentences. Review some time saving techniques that can help you quickly compose documents. Learn how to utilize organizational strategies such as chronological order, spatial order, and order of importance. 15-hour course .

Learn the fundamentals of narrative writing: theme, plot, character, conflict and setting. Uncover narrative writing techniques, and how and when to use them in presentations, papers and other forms of written communication. 9-hour course .

Find strategies to overcome writer’s block, unleash your creativity, and become a more confident and successful writer. Learn what writer’s block really is and explore practical steps to regain your inspiration. Discover proven techniques to begin writing when it doesn’t feel quite right or if you have been in a rut. Understand the difference between writing well versus falling into perfectionism. Elevate your creative writing skills with exercises that will get your creativity flowing and help you achieve writing success so you can start consistently producing inspired work more often. 6-hour course.

Do you find yourself writing sentences that are too long? Get to the point and explore what filler words are, how to eliminate them, and, learn how to identify and re-construct overly complex sentences into clear and coherent ones. 9-hour course .

Capture the attention of your readers by adjusting your writing style for a targeted audience. Learn strategies for communicating thoughts and ideas effectively, the difference between active and passive voice, and how to concisely get your message across. 12-hour course .

Creative Writing Courses

NEW Summer 2024

Embark on your fiction-writing journey, whether you are aspiring to write a novel or are a published writer seeking to elevate your craft, dive into this immersive hands-on experience. Explore the intricacies of stellar fiction, mastering character development, conflict resolution, and plot structure. Hone your skills in crafting compelling dialogue, creating vivid scenes, and refining your prose to meet commercial writing standards. This workshop can help you unlock impactful storytelling and transform your writing aspirations. 10-hour course.

Unleash your storytelling journey and receive expert insights into book publishing, self-publishing, effective writing, formatting, and marketing strategies. Elevate your writing game with this comprehensive, step-by-step course, led by a published author. Discover powerful shortcuts and acquire the tools needed to succeed in the competitive world of publishing. Whether it's your first book or part of a series, this course is your key to becoming a successful author and will give you tools you need to get published. 10-hour course.

Join this workshop and explore ways to self-publish or re-purpose your content into multiple formats including paperback, digital, blog, cards, apps, calendars, and more. Begin to master techniques, style, and storytelling by learning different methods for writing inspirational prose and poetry. Begin to recognize writing techniques that inspire creativity. Use creative writing techniques to craft compelling stories and captivate readers for personal and professional growth. 6-hour course.

This critique-intensive class is designed to support novel-writers through the creation of their first drafts. You’ll have an opportunity to submit excerpts from your work and receive critique and support from the instructor and fellow writers. Re-register each semester this course is offered until your book is complete, providing ongoing support for navigating the challenges of crafting that all-important first draft. Ignite your creativity and become a skilled and accomplished author. 10-hour course.

Elevate your writing prowess by learning a process for transforming tension and stress into a productive mindset. Overcome writer's block with proven strategies that keep your creative flow unhampered. Boost productivity with practical writing hacks that enhance output and set effective writing goals for success. Cultivate mindful writing practices to infuse depth and authenticity into your work. Writing lessons and exercises are designed to create a shift in one’s thinking to effectively use daily writing to have a positive impact. 12-hour course.

Registration Information

Our noncredit programs are open enrollment and available to students on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is open until the class start date or the class is at full capacity. Some courses or programs require program approval or have required prerequisites. Students attempting to register online must login to their MyMC Student Account to register for the classes in the program.

Ways to Register

• Online: WDCE Web Registration Information new window
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24 Creative Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

D o you want to start a business that pads your wallet and fuels your creative personality? Keep reading; we have a mega list of creative business ideas!  

Before I began my blog, my quest to earn a good living and do something I loved felt futile. I had always enjoyed helping people, traveling, and writing, but I could never figure out how to practically apply my passions to a career that would pay me a decent wage.

Many times I thought I had it figured out. But once I began the work, I slowly lost interest and started searching for my next gig. I couldn't figure out what to do professionally.

Through the process of leaving the work world to become a stay-at-home mom, I eventually realized what I wanted. Aside from my desire to be at home with my daughter, I also longed for a career that would offer me flexibility, good pay, and a creative outlet.

Fast forward to today. I'm able to spend lots of time with my family, I earn more than I ever made as a nurse, and I get to call the shots and nurture my creativity.

The good news is nowadays; it's a lot easier for individuals with creative personalities to start a business that they are passionate about.

If you're ready to be in charge of your career direction and work on passion projects, here are some creative business ideas to inspire your entrepreneurial journey.

If you love to create worksheets, planners, coloring sheets, gift card holders, or any other digital products, you can make good money with a printable business ! For this business, you don't even need any graphic design skills! You can use a free platform like Canva to create printables to sell on sites like Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers .

One business owner who earns over $1,000 a month selling printables on Etsy is Cody Berman . On his Etsy shop, he sells digital printables. Cody has been so successful at this side hustle that he started teaching others how to start their printable business from home! 

2. T-Shirt Designer

Graphic tees have made a comeback. Whether you love to share and promote great designs from others or you're a design guru yourself, there are many companies to help make your t-shirt design dreams come true.

Companies like Spring and Spreadshirt can help you get your designs onto shirts and on the bodies of your customers, earning you a commission on every shirt sold. Most companies also offer the opportunity to print your designs on other items, like mugs , stickers, posters, and more. If you have an idea for a catchy saying, cool graphic designs, or funny drawings, designing t-shirts might be the home business you're looking for.

3. Photography Business

If you're a skilled photographer, stock photography is in high demand, and there are many buyers and platforms who will pay you a commission, give you assignments, or buy photographs you've already taken. Sites like Shutterstock and Getty are a couple that pay for stock photos.

Don't have a fancy camera? No problem. Smartphone apps like Foap will allow you to upload photos from your smartphone to their site. Each time one of your photos sells, you earn money.

Check out this article for more ways to make money selling photos .

4. Photo Book Designer

If you're more into scrapbooking than photography, you can use your creative skills to earn money by creating photo books. Using scrapbook design software, you can get creative by helping others organize their photos so they can archive them in a keepsake book rather than being lost in the digital abyss.

With smartphones and digital cameras, people snap hundreds, even thousands, of vacation photos, pictures of their kids, and holiday moments … but those images just sit there. Scrapbooking takes time and talent, so if you've got the eye for it, you can create beautiful masterpieces, earning you money while having fun.

Here's an interview with three photo book designers  so you can see how they got started. In fact, Rachel Jenkins of ScrapMyPix says she receives a large portion of her business through referrals and networking. She started scrapbooking while working on a baby book for her son. She says, "It was a perfect creative outlet for me. As I was putting those pictures to pages, I thought, 'I wish people would pay me to do this.'" If you've got a talent for organizing photos and digital scrapbooking, photo book design might be perfect for you!

5. Web Design Business

If you have experience in website development, you know it can be a very creative process. Some people cringe at the idea of learning HTML, navigating through the land of platforms, and web hosting. But if technology doesn't frighten you, this can be a lucrative and creative way to earn money from home.

If you enjoy website building , your services can be extremely valuable to bloggers, sellers, and other online business owners. Even if you have to outsource some aspects of the process (such as logo design to a resource like Fiverr or Upwork ), you can do much of the page designing and layout yourself with your creative skills.

6. Graphic Designer

While graphic design is competitive and working for an agency often requires a degree or extensive experience, there are still plenty of ways for you to make money from home in graphic design .

Self-taught designer Karen X. Cheng says, "I got my job as a designer without going to design school. I had hacked together my own design education in 6 months while working a full-time job … To be clear, I'm nowhere near as good as those design prodigies that come out of a 4-year education at an elite school like RISD. But I'm definitely good enough to do my job well. I'm the only designer at Exec [the startup firm where she works], so I do a pretty wide range of things – visual and interaction design, print, web, and mobile app design."

If you have design experience and think you're ready to take it to the next level, look at online design job options from sites like Dribbble , FlexJobs , and Legiit to see if you can find the right opportunity. Alternatively, you can advertise your services and showcase your portfolio through your own website and by working your network.

7. Freelance Writer

Writing from home is an excellent way to express your creative side and hone in on your talents. There are tons of platforms out there to help freelance writers connect with job opportunities. Try looking at  Freelancer  or FlexJobs to get started.

Alternatively, you can write blog posts for a variety of paid outlets. Head to BloggingPro or ProBlogger for job listings and writing opportunities. Need advice on how to build your work-at-home writing career? Make a Living Writing has your answers. You can also check out our comprehensive list of paid writing opportunities .

And don't feel you're limited to writing articles and blog posts. There are many opportunities for you to express your creative side with writing -- such as writing greeting cards, poems , recipes , resumes, ghostwriting , copywriting , e-books , and more.

8. Event Planning

I love the idea of being an event planner—and in fact, I considered it as a career option at one point. It's so much fun to plan parties, set up for guests, and think up different themes, foods, and decoration ideas . As a work-at-home event planner, you can help with major events like weddings, fundraisers, and large-scale gatherings or small events like children's birthday parties and showers. Find your area of expertise and build from there. Think of a niche before you begin, then start networking!

Word-of-mouth can be great advertising for any event planner , particularly if you want to work within a small area (like within your neighborhood, school, or church). Once you get your foot in the door with one event, reach out to others, pass out your business cards, and see where it takes you.

When it comes to making money from home, blogging has grown by leaps and bounds. If you enjoy writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas online, blogging is an excellent way to earn money. You can choose a topic you're passionate about, work on your own schedule, and make money with advertising, sponsored campaigns , affiliate marketing, course sales, freelance services , and more!

If you aren't sure how to get started, download my free e-book, Blogging Success . Consider what you would like to blog about and look for your particular niche and style. Once you have a plan, check out this post on to how to build your blog with WordPress. Don't worry; you don't need a tech background to get started.

From there, you’ll need to develop a regular writing and posting schedule. Be sure to include the best SEO techniques on your site and in your articles. Then build your network, and promote your posts using social media and  email marketing .

10. Crafter

DIY and craft mavens can use their talents to sell their wares from home. You can sell your handmade items on sites like Etsy. These sites are simple to use, increase your exposure, and help connect you with potential customers.

However, if you want to grow your brand, you'll eventually need to create your own online shop. Use an e-commerce website builder like Shopify. With these platforms, you can sell directly from your site and promote your products via social media, blogging, and email marketing.

It's important for those running a craft business from home to remember to connect with local vendors and market spaces as well. If you live in a town with a farmer's market, local festivals, and craft fairs, these events are great opportunities to get your products in front of potential customers and increase your exposure.

12. Start a YouTube Channel

Do you enjoy creating videos, slideshows, and tutorials? YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms, and there's big money for those who can turn out entertaining and helpful videos.

Most YouTube creators make money from affiliate marketing, sponsored campaigns , and Google Adsense . To earn money through Google's ad monetization, you'll need at least 1,000 followers and 4,000 public watch hours, so it's important to post content that's engaging, well-put-together, honest, and helpful.

Wondering how much you can make as a YouTube Star? Check out Judy Travis' story ! She's earning over a million dollars a year creating YouTube videos, amazing!

12. Fashion Designer

If you're a seamstress, a fashionista , or have an excellent eye for sewing and detail, becoming an online fashion designer might be a great business idea. You can create and sell your items on your own website or set up shop via a third-party platform like Etsy.

Need help launching your fashion line?  Lisa Springsteel Dupré has some excellent tips and advice in this post.

12. Illustrator

Are you great at making ideas come to life through drawing? Book publishers, web designers, and authors are looking for your talents! If you have a passion for drawing, you can find illustration work through companies like Avatar Press and Cricket Media .

You can also submit your designs to Rubber Stamp Madness and Teacher Created Resources or join a site like 99 Designs .

Check out listings on Upwork for comic artists and illustrators as well.

Another option is to watermark your illustrations and sell them on Etsy for download. As your creative talents and connections grow, you may want to explore joining a professional illustrators organization such as the AOI .

Similar to selling crafts , sewing, or photography, your business as an artist will vary by your area of expertise. If you enjoy painting portraits or pictures of animals, you can try your hand as a portrait artist for hire. Advertise online, and talk to other local artists.

Many cities have artist networks and feature open galleries. Talk to local coffee shops, bookstores, and other small businesses about displaying your work for sale. Fairs and street festivals can also be excellent opportunities to display and sell your creations.

Remember, when selling your art, you may want to offer smaller, more affordable options (postcards, prints) rather than only large paintings, especially if you're interested in getting your work in front of people and finding new buyers.

You can also sell your artwork online using platforms like Artfinder and Aftcra . For more online platforms where you can sell your artwork for money, check out this list .

15. Podcaster

If you have the gift of gab, producing a podcast might be your calling. Find your niche and start to brainstorm topics you'd like to discuss. You will need a microphone and some basic audio editing software like  Audacity or Garage Band . Once you've recorded and edited your podcast, you're ready to publish. Just find some platforms to host your podcast and then promote it. iTunes is a popular platform, but there are many others to choose from. To make money from your podcast , you can include sponsorships or advertisements.

16. Lip Gloss Maker

Don't think you can make big money selling lip gloss from home? Kylie Jenner has made billions selling her lip gloss and cosmetics. While this is an extreme example, Kiki Quesada has made quite the name for herself on TikTok selling lip gloss through her online shop Kikiz Cosmeticz. Not only does she have fun shades and colors, but she adds glitters and yummy flavors. I'm not sure how much Kiki is earning, but with over a million TikTok followers, I'd say she's doing pretty well.

17. Content Creator

If you enjoy creating content, whether it's writing, taking photos, or filming videos, there are many ways to make money as a content creator! To get started, choose a niche market like crafting, cooking, dancing, woodworking, or something completely different, and start creating content and posting it to social media sites like Facebook, TikTok , Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or even LinkedIn. Competition is fierce between these platforms, and they all have creator funds that will pay you to create content. But creator funds are not the only way to make money; you can work with brands on sponsored content , create UGC for companies, sell your own merchandise and courses, or use affiliate marketing or ads to generate revenue. 

18. Calligrapher

When I was younger, I had a calligraphy set. And even though I spent hours trying to master my craft, I never was able to produce the gorgeous handwritten script that was shown in my book. If you have beautiful handwriting , you can make good money with a calligraphy business. You can sell your services addressing wedding invitations, selling SVGs on a marketplace like Etsy, or even creating fonts to sell online.

According to  Career Explorer , a calligrapher earns an average of $61,580 per year, with some making as much as $115,020 annually. 

19. Slime Seller

When my daughter was in elementary school, she loved making slime! She spent hours each day making slime and filming videos. Little did I know that she was selling the slime at school and making quite a fortune! The slime that is being sold today looks nothing like what my daughter was selling. Some companies make slime baking kits where you combine slime ingredients that look like real food products, such as eggs and butter. Then you combine all these slime ingredients into a finished pie or cake. It's wild how far slime has come! 

One company that makes these ingenious slime kits is Slime Community . They release new slime kits on TikTok, and they are always sold out. They recently had a Thanksgiving slime kit that sold for $39.99. If you're looking for a fun side hustle that you can do with your kids, being a slime maker might be your calling.

20. 3D Printing Business

If you have a little money to invest, starting a 3D printing business is a great way for creative entrepreneurs to express themselves. With a 3D printing business, you can create prototypes for other entrepreneurs, 3D printed parts for digital nomads who are building out their vans or can design your own products to sell, like planters, toys, puzzles, coasters, organizational products, and tools. Once you have some products, you can set up a shop on Etsy, which will only cost you $0.20 per listing. You can cross-promote your Etsy listings on your social media accounts to reach more potential clients. 

Austen Hartley is one entrepreneur who makes money using a 3D printer. In 2021, he earned over $100K from his 3D printing business! He has a helpful  YouTube video  if you're interested in pursuing this profitable business idea. 

21. Cricut Entrepreneur

Another unique business idea is becoming a Cricut entrepreneur. If you're unfamiliar with Cricut, it is an intelligent cutting device that can cut materials like vinyl, paper, leather, wood, iron-on fabric, and more. These materials can be used to create custom coffee mugs , labels, sweatshirts, cards, decor, and so much more! 

Melanie from Simple Made Pretty is one entrepreneur who used a Cricut machine to launch her own business. She started creating one-of-a-kind greeting cards and selling them on Etsy. Today, she also runs her blog, showcasing DIY and craft projects. 

If you're wondering what crafts you can make with a Cricut, check out this list of ideas .

If you have a great voice and enjoy acting, voice acting is a great way to make money and use your creative talents. As a voiceover artist, you can narrate TV and radio commercials, audiobooks , educational films, phone prompts, and more.

For this career, you'll need to invest in some equipment, such as a high-quality microphone, audio interface, pop filter, and recording and editing software like Audacity or Garage Band. And most importantly, you'll need a quiet space to record your clips. You can use acoustic sound panels, purchase a portable recording booth, or even use a closet to accomplish this.

To find voice-acting jobs , you can check out Voices.com , BunnyStudio , and Voice123 .

23. Soap Maker

Another creative small business idea is becoming a soap maker! In fact, according to  Quicken , the average US consumer spends $60 a month on personal grooming supplies, making this a potentially lucrative business venture. From all-natural soaps and shampoo bars to specialty soaps for people with skin care concerns like eczema, there are many different niches you can target with this online business idea. 

Once you have the soap-making part down, set up an e-commerce website on Shopify, or use an online marketplace like Etsy , Amazon Handmade, or eBay . You can also choose to sell locally at farmer's markets. Check out this detailed post for more info on starting a soap business from home.

24. Charcuterie Board Business

One new business idea that's become extremely popular is the charcuterie board business! This is a fun and creative way to combine your passion for food and creativity into one unique business. From doing small-scale events like birthday parties and anniversary parties to large events like weddings, you can do this business full- or part-time, depending on your financial goals. Specialize in appetizer boards or dessert boards; the sky is the limit with this creative business idea. Check out this article for more inspiration on running a  charcuterie board business from home!

Creative Business Ideas Wrap-Up

There are so many great ways for creative personalities to earn money from home. As you think about ways to make money, consider what you really love and what truly speaks to you. What talents do you have? What makes you feel the most fulfilled? After all, one of the secrets to success is to love what you do!

Are you making money from home by doing something creative? We'd love to hear what you're up to and how you've found success!

Ready to start your business? Grab our FREE Simplified Business Plan Template , which will walk you through the questions and steps you need to take to get your creative business off the ground!

Holly Reisem Hanna is the Founder and Publisher of the award-winning career website  The Work at Home Woman.

More From Forbes

25 writing tips for business owners and content marketers: part 2.

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In the first part of this five-part series , I shared five writing tips touching on the foundation of readable and authoritative writing. We talked about sentence length, active voice, adverbs, the rule of three, and specificity.

In this article, I’ll share five more tips to help you craft content that captivates and persuades. We’ll cover:

• Jargon—how and when to avoid it.
• Metaphors and similes—how they ease comprehension.
• Emotion—how to weave it into dry pitches.
• Headlines—how to pack them with power.
• Social proof—how and where to use it.

Let’s jump in.

Huawei s Pura 70 Ultra Beats iPhone With Pioneering New Feature

Sh gun episode 10 review a powerful finale but not what i was expecting, the trump media stock price (djt) is about to adjust down by -22.7%, 6. avoiding jargon: how and when to keep the language simple.

Have you ever sat down to write about your business? It’s easy to get bogged down in a swamp of passive voice, third-person speak, and jargon so thick you could spread it on toast. No one wakes up in the morning and says, "I think I want to invest in a multi-faceted, future-proof cloud-based solution" to their spouse over coffee.

Using a conversational tone matters because it:

• Builds trust: People connect with people, not faceless corporations.
• Enhances readability: Ditching complex jargon makes your message clear and engaging.
• Boosts conversions: Readers are likelier to respond to a relatable and friendly tone.

Let’s look at an example of moving from jargon-filled to engaging.

Original: Our comprehensive marketing solutions are synergistically designed to optimize long-term brand visibility across all key demographic sectors .

Confused? Let’s simplify.

Examples of turning jargon into engaging messaging

Now, let’s pull it all together.

The old, stiff version : Our comprehensive marketing solutions are synergistically designed to optimize long-term brand visibility across all key demographic sectors.

The new, conversational version : We offer everything from website design and SEO to social media, so you don't have to juggle multiple vendors. Our strategies connect all the marketing dots to help you stretch your dollars and build a solid online presence that keeps attracting the right customers, month after month. Whether you're a local shop or a national brand, we’ll design a plan that fits your goals.

The new version is longer, but that’s okay. Clarity always trumps word count.

Bottom line?

Jargon is a shortcut for people who speak the same language. It’s okay to use it with your teammates. It’s okay to use jargon when writing a trade article for an audience of your peers.

For example, when a doctor discusses a patient's MRI with a radiologist, she might use terms like hyperplasia or ischemia . That jargon is okay because the doctor knows her audience understands the language. However, the doctor has to use different words when speaking to the patient. Instead of hyperplasia, she might talk about an overgrowth of cells , abnormal cell growth , or increased cell activity . Instead of ischemia, she might say reduced blood flow or talk about tissues not receiving enough oxygen .

The critical point to consider when thinking about jargon is your reader’s level of understanding.

Jargon is a shortcut that hides specifics for efficiency’s sake. When you’re writing to prospects—who may not understand your terminology—chances are you want to use more straightforward, friendlier language.

7. Using metaphors and similes: Enhancing comprehension through comparison

Using metaphors and similes can help your readers understand complex and abstract concepts

Using metaphors and similes in your writing can turn complex and abstract concepts into relatable and understandable ideas. They add color and depth, making your content more engaging and memorable.

Using similes in your marketing content

Similes directly compare two unlike things using the words like or as . They can make descriptions more vivid and abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.

Here are a few examples of sentences before and after adding similes.

• Before : Neural networks are a type of artificial intelligence model.
• After : Neural networks are like the brain’s wiring, creating a web of interconnected nodes to process information.
• Before : Content marketing is about providing value to your audience.
• After : Content marketing is like planting seeds, nurturing them with valuable content, and eventually reaping the fruit of sales.
• Before : SEO involves creating online content in ways that enable search engines to find it and show it as a top result for searches of chosen keywords.
• After : SEO is like a compass for your content, guiding it towards visibility on the vast sea of the internet.

Using metaphors in your marketing content

Metaphors are figures of speech directly referring to one thing by mentioning another, suggesting a likeness or analogy between them. They’re imaginative ways of describing things. Unlike similes, which use the words like or as to make comparisons, metaphors make comparisons without those words.

For example, the phrase Life is a highway suggests that life, like a highway, is a journey. You’re traveling it with a madcap assembly of others. And that journey, like the highway, can be rough or smooth.

Here are two recent metaphors you may have come across:

• Data is the new oil . This metaphor emphasizes how valuable data has become today, much like oil was during the Industrial Revolution.
• AI is the electricity of the 21st century . This metaphor highlights AI's effect on industry in the same way that electricity revolutionized the world in the 20th century.

Metaphors and similes help you create clear, understandable content, whether explaining AI to small business owners or go-to-market strategies to your team. The goal is to make your message stick. And these literary devices are a great way to do just that.

8. Injecting emotion: How to enliven dry pitches

Which emotions do you want your prospects to feel?

Have you ever painstakingly crafted a pitch packed with facts and figures, only to be met with polite nods and non-committal responses? While facts are important, the missing emotional connection often leaves potential clients uninspired. Let's transform two "dry" statements into pitches that resonate and win engagements.

Scenario 1: The higher education consultant

Imagine that one element of the consultant’s messaging is identifying performance strengths and resolving situational roadblocks to improve promotional opportunities .

But she’s now out to win a long-term strategic planning contract with a university president. Should she share her messaging as-is? Heck no! Let’s add the emotional element:

There’s no need to lose sleep over declining enrollment and budget pressures. We help university leaders turn ambition into real, sustained growth. By partnering with us, you’ll gain the clarity and actionable insights you need to make strategic decisions that attract top-tier students and the funding you need to support groundbreaking research.

This revised messaging is longer but speaks directly to the president's likely anxieties and aspirations. It positions the consultant as an empathetic problem-solver who shares their vision for excellence.

Scenario 2: The precision manufacturer

Imagine that one element of the company’s current messaging reads: Our injection-molding machines produce parts with a tolerance of 0.001 inches .

Let's add the emotional element so we can help the company land a contract to manufacture critical components for a revolutionary prosthetic hand for children.

Our commitment to precision goes beyond a 0.001-inch tolerance level. We know that the parts we’ll create will allow children to grasp a toy, hug a parent, and experience the joy of everyday living. We’ll pour our expertise into every piece we produce because every detail matters when restoring a child's independence.

This message connects the technical capability to the profound human impact, showcasing empathy and shared values with a customer who cares deeply about improving children's lives.

In any pitch situation, it's your job to uncover the prospect’s key frustrations and hopes and then weave those emotions into your messaging. When you do so, you demonstrate to the buyer that you see them as more than a transaction. You see them as a person or team whose challenges and goals matter.

9. Crafting powerful headlines: Techniques for attention-grabbing titles

The right headlines will cause your ideal customers to pay attention.

Think of your headline as a potential reader’s first impression. In the endless sea of online content, a weak headline means your carefully crafted message may never get seen, even if it's fantastic. It's your job to make those first few words count!

Great headlines:

• Capture attention, whether through intrigue, surprise, or piquing curiosity.
• Offer a clear benefit so readers can instantly see what’s in it for them.
• Uses powerful language, strong verbs, vivid imagery, and even a sense of urgency.

Let's look at two examples common in the tech industry and how to elevate them.

Example 1: Headlines for an AI company’s website

Imagine an AI company with a website headline that reads Run any AI model in your cloud or ours . Sure, it’s factually accurate, but it lacks a compelling benefit for the reader. Here are a few potential revisions:

• Unlock the power of AI: Run any model seamlessly and slash development time by 30% . Specificity increases credibility and addresses the desire for fast results.
• Stop cloud woes. Run your AI models anywhere and eliminate costly cloud headaches. Headaches are relatable and costly evokes the fear of lost resources.
• Simplify AI deployment and accelerate your results. This headline speaks to the complexity of deploying AI models, highlighting speed goals.

Example 2: Headlines for an AI consultancy’s website

Imagine an AI consultant whose website headline reads: Artificial intelligence is transforming industries. While true, the statement doesn't entice readers or explain the consultant’s value.

Potential revisions:

• Seize the AI opportunity and its power for breakthrough growth. This headline taps into the reader’s excitement, ambition, and desire to differentiate from the pack.
• Lost in the AI maze? We'll help you chart a clear path to success. T his headline reflects the reader’s feeling of overwhelm and confusion.
• Don't just adapt to the future. Shape it with an AI strategy that delivers lasting results. This headline taps into a visionary leader’s desire to be an innovator, not a follower.

Updating headlines is one of the quickest ways to boost the performance of your content. Look at recent blog posts, emails, and social media posts. Are any of them underperforming? Choose one and brainstorm new variations, trying to inject curiosity, emotion, or benefit.

Here are a few other headline tips.

• Specificity sells. Avoid vague language and zero in on exactly what the reader will gain.
• Use the words you and yours to speak directly to readers.
• Use free resources like CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer to get feedback and suggestions.

Now, go and get those clicks!

10. Using social proof: Adding credibility to enhance persuasion

Social proof is the evidence your prospects need to feel confident that you'll do what you say.

When competing companies each proclaim that they’re the best, brightest, or fastest, people want validation before buying, engaging, or subscribing. Social proof is that validation. It shows that others have taken the leap with positive results, which eases anxieties and makes your offer more compelling.

Social proof includes:

• Testimonials—short, powerful quotes from satisfied clients.
• Success stories—customer stories that detail the transformation you made happen.
• Reviews—star ratings, especially from trusted review platforms like Amazon or G2.
• Client logos—recognizable brands add credibility.
• Social media—shares and positive comments inspiring others to try your services.
• Data and numbers—increase trust, for example: helped 250+ businesses create content .

You can use social proof everywhere. For instance:

• Add a logo wall or an element with rotating testimonials on your website.
• In your sales materials, include links to relevant success stories.
• In emails, weave in short, powerful customer quotes or data points.
• On social media, share customer wins and positive feedback.

If you don’t yet have social proof, start requesting it from happy customers. Be specific about the feedback that’d be most valuable to you, but give your customers the freedom to say what they wish. Authenticity is crucial. Only use genuine social proof and present it in an organic, not exaggerated way.

Putting it all together

As you use the tips in this article series, you'll begin to weave together strong, beautiful reasons ... [+] why prospects should choose you.

The fundamentals of clear writing aside, you can use the five tips in this article to elevate your content from merely informative to truly captivating and persuasive. A conversational tone builds connections with readers. Metaphors and similes help readers quickly understand complex and abstract topics. Emotional appeals make your message resonate more deeply. Attention-grabbing headlines help your audience notice your carefully crafted messages. And the strategic use of social proof shows that you're not just making claims—you deliver results.

Want to make your content even more powerful? In the next installment of this series, we'll dive into mastering engagement and visual appeal. You'll learn how to craft compelling calls to action, make your formatting reader-friendly, tap the power of questions, and use visuals to break up text and boost comprehension.

Follow me here on Forbes or sign up for my newsletter to receive the rest of the tips in this series.

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3 Types of Creative Blocks, and How to Overcome Them Science can help you understand the walls you're running into, when you struggle to start or finish a project.

By Amber Rae • Apr 24, 2024

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I had every intention of writing this article yesterday morning. And then again, last night. And then this morning. But my team needed me, I had a couple of fires to put out, and honestly, I just didn't really feel like doing it.

When I finally sat down to write, I realized what was going on: Procrastination was rearing its head. Or, as I like to call it, "Fear in overalls." Procrastination is a type of fear that has good intentions but lacks consistent follow-through, and it's easy to slip into. It's the part of us that says, "It's all good, I can do this later, I'm not really in the mood, I'm waiting for inspiration to strike."

As a bestselling author of three books, and a writing mentor who's supported thousands, I've learned a thing or two about why we don't start or finish projects — why ideas nudge us for years but rarely see the light of day.

Whether I'm supporting a founder with a track record of success, a New York Times bestselling author, or an aspiring writer who's just picking up the pen, creative blocks plague us all. Through my work, I've identified three types of creative blocks and how to overcome them.

Creative Block #1: Procrastination — "I'll do this later after I do that other thing."

Maybe you're reading this right now to avoid something else that you need or want to be doing. If so, you may be dealing with procrastination. But before you get down on yourself, let's look closer at the real cause. Unlike what many of us learned, procrastination is not a sign that we're lazy, weak, or lacking in motivation. Procrastination, from a psychological perspective, is also a survival function.

When we're stressed, overwhelmed, burnt out, or dealing with any perceived threat — which could be, "I really want this to go well but the outcome is uncertain," or "I want to put myself out there but I'm not sure how it'll be received," — our nervous system moves into a fight/flight/freeze response. In other words: we procrastinate.

Understanding the science of this can help us have compassion for ourselves—and others—and also decide what to do about it.

I learned about "micro-yeses" from my friend Britt Frank, a neuropsychotherapist and the author of The Science of Stuck . A micro-yes is the smallest next step you can take—a step so small, it seems almost ridiculous to call it "a step."

So, if you're wanting to write an article but you're stalling — like I was — the next micro-yes is not to schedule an hour to write. That might spook your nervous system and send you into further delays. In my case, my micro-yeses were:

• Get my tush in the chair.
• Write one bad sentence.
• Write another.

And voila, the brain stopped perceiving threats, my nervous system was more regulated, and I cranked out the article. I was on my way, and micro-yeses will help you get going, too.

Creative Block #2: Perfectionism — "This isn't good enough."

If procrastination is "fear is overalls," perfectionism is, as Elizabeth Gilbert put it, "fear in fancy clothes." Of all the blocks out there, perfectionism—and the pressure to be great right away—is one that will stop a project dead in its tracks before it ever has a chance to flourish.

When I landed my first book deal, my publisher asked me if I could write the book in three months. As crazy as that sounded, my book was titled Choose Wonder Over Worry , so instead of worrying about how unrealistic that deadline sounded, I asked myself: I wonder how I can get this done?

I cleared my calendar, flew across the world for a writing retreat, and then, as I sat down to write, I found myself paralyzed by a voice inside my head that chimed in every ten seconds to tell me, "That's a very bad sentence."

After consulting with a mentor (and nearly losing my mind), I was reminded that there is no such thing as a great first draft. In fact, my goal was to be a "bad writer" and write terrible first drafts, so that I'd get to the stage of having so-so second drafts and better third drafts.

That strategy helped me finish my book—and it's one that's helped many others in my signature writing workshop, On The Page . Revision is essential and will strengthen your work—but first you need to get those "pen miles" down.

Creative Block #3: Imposter Syndrome — " Who am I to call myself a writer? Am I going to get found out?"

If procrastination is "fear in overalls" and perfectionism is, "fear in fancy clothes," then imposter syndrome is "fear in hiding."

Whenever you're putting yourself out there, or trying something new, there will be people who will be more experienced, or knowledgable, or renowned than you. It's a simple fact of life. Whether you are just starting out in your career, or have decades' worth of accolades, there is always a fear that people who have achieved more will say: You don't know what you're talking about, or, who are you to think you can do this?

In fact, sometimes the more successful you are, and the more you've accomplished, the more likely you are to feel imposter syndrome. It's like the old saying attributed to Aristotle: "The more you know, the more you know you don't know." Case in point, I have a client who got a significant book deal on a topic that she's a world-renowned expert on. She's been featured in dozens of publications, she has a thriving business in her field, and her book is a vehicle to make her message more accessible to more people. And yet, on one of our calls, she shared with me: "I hope I can one day call myself a writer."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, I'm not a writer like those other writers," she said. "Maybe if the book's a huge success."

That right there is where imposter syndrome thrives: between internal doubt, and the belief that external accolades will prove we are worthy. And the most brutal part of imposter syndrome is that even if we reach our vision of "ultimate success," it's still not enough.

So what to do about it? The solution to imposter syndrome is two-fold:

• Notice the critical voice inside your head that says, I'm not enough, I'm going to be found out, I don't deserve this, I have to work harder to prove myself — and remember that voice is an old and damaging story that you don't need to buy into anymore. Notice it, remember it's not you, and as uncomfortable as it might feel, choose a more empowering narrative, such as: I'm already enough.
• Celebrate the progress you've already made—including the mistakes. Focus on what you're learning, how you're growing, what you value, and what is meaningful to you. Don't get caught up in what you'll need to "someday" achieve so that you'll finally arrive. You've already arrived.

I know encountering blocks can feel unsettling. But once we name what we're experiencing, we can recognize it more easily, and then respond to it differently. Creative blocks are challenges, yes, but they do have science-backed solutions. Sometimes it starts with lowering our really high personal expectations, rolling up our sleeves, and having a little faith in the process.

Author, speaker and writing mentor

Amber Rae is an international bestselling author, speaker, and writing mentor, best known for her acclaimed works Choose Wonder Over Worry, The Answers Are Within You , and The Feelings Journal . Through her work as a writing mentor, Amber guides creatives and entrepreneurs to turn their mission and message into stories worth sharing. Amber's writings and work have been featured in The New York Times, TODAY, Forbes, and New York Magazine , and she has collaborated with companies such as Kate Spade, Meta, Microsoft and TED. Her signature writing program  On The Page  with Amber Rae helps people break through creative blocks and get writing.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

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Small Business Trends

How to create a business email.

A business email is an incredibly important tool. It helps you keep your personal life separate instead of mixing it all together, and it looks more professional overall. Using business email addresses, you can create a better customer experience for others while also keeping things organized. There are plenty of free business email account options available for you to choose from.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best free business email address options out there and how to get started.

How to Create a Business Email Address

The steps to create a business email address will vary depending on the email client you are using, but the process tends to be pretty straightforward. Here’s how to create a business email address:

• Purchase your domain name and sign up for a hosting provider, or opt for an email service.
• Create your business email address, which can include generic email accounts such as [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also set up your business email inbox with your name if easier.
• Add an email signature, including your name, title, company’s logo, and an alternative form of contract.
• Add your business email address to your website and social media so that customers and clients know how to contact you.

What is a Business Email Address?

A business email address is essentially just that – an email address connected to your business. It generally shares the same domain name as your business, so @yourbusiness.com rather than @gmail.com or @hotmail.com. Using your own domain keeps it consistent for customers and clients to reach you, and it’s easier to identify when browsing your website.

Why You Need a Business Email Address

The importance of a professional email address or a business email account can’t be understated in today’s digital ecosystem. It is important for many reasons, such as:

• Looks professional: A custom domain business email looks more professional and is more likely to attract customers
• Keep things organized: Business email accounts can help streamline your work and ensure that you can keep track of everything in one place.
• Promotes your brand: Every time you send an email from your business email, it gives you more brand recognition.
• Makes you easier to find: Customers find it much easier to look for and contact a professional email versus a personal one.

How to Make a Business Email Professional

There are several ways to make your professional business email address look good and gain customer trust. Let’s look at the top things you should consider.

Top Things to Include

• Custom domain with your business name
• Email client that offers a good hosting plan
• Online storage such as cloud storage
• Short and easy emails such as ‘[email protected]’ or ‘[email protected])
• Email signature with your company name and more details on how to get in touch
• Additional email aliases if needed to stay organized (i.e., separating customer feedback from general emails)

5 Best Platforms to Create Business Email Addresses

When looking for platforms to create business email addresses, there are a few different factors to look at. You’re looking for a provider that offers custom email domains so you can create a domain-based email address. Most providers offer a web hosting account and a custom business email address that goes with it.

Formerly g suite, a Google workspace account is one of the best options for comprehensive email services. You can access other Google apps alongside Gmail, such as Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and more, so there is a lot of value.

Basic plans start at $6 for Google workspace, and there is a variety of hosting plans available as your business grows.

2. Bluehost

Bluehost email is useful if you have a WordPress website or plan to have one. Bluehost is a hosting provider and offers a web hosting package alongside business emails. With a Bluehost account can create business emails with your own domain and tie your mail client with your website to make it easier to manage.

GoDaddy is another web hosting provider for a WordPress website, and they also offer free business email accounts with their hosting package. GoDaddy uses their own workspace and email client or a Microsoft email client. Options for email accounts can vary depending on what kind of hosting is purchased. However, it’s one of the easier solutions since you can create a free business email that is tied to your hosting account.

4. Zoho Mail

Zoho Mail is an email service provider that can be tied to your domain name. Zoho Mail provides a safe and secure email service for businesses, and you can easily tie your business email to an existing domain name for ease. Zoho Mail also comes with productivity tools similar to Google Workspace for added value. Zoho Mail offers a lot of privacy with their email service, and it can be a great option for smaller teams that are looking to scale.

5. Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is one of the best options for a free business email as it is simple and easy to use. It’s an easy email service that you can use to create a free business email. If you’re looking for additional Microsoft products, you can also gain access to those with a paid plan. Microsoft tends to be one of the gold standards for email clients, so it’s always a popular choice for a business email address.

How to Get a Business Email Address for Free

There are quite a few avenues to look at if you’re looking for a free business email address. Many hosting providers tend to have it as a value-add to web hosting, so it’s worth looking at those options for – especially if you have a WordPress site.

Email service providers where you can create a free business email address include:

• GoDaddy (with a domain name or hosting purchase)
• Bluehost (with a custom domain or hosting purchasing)
• Microsoft Outlook

What is the best way to get a professional email address?

There are many platforms available to get a professional email address for your business. For example, you can use platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Outlook, and Zoho Mail to get a business email address for your business using your own domain name to tie it back to your business.

Is Gmail for business free?

Gmail for business has a variety of paid plans available depending on needs. For a business email address and other G suite apps, a basic plan starts at $6 per user. Prices go up to $12 or $18 per user depending on cloud storage needs and other considerations.

Integrating Business Email with Other Business Tools

Integrating a business email with CRM systems, project management tools, and other business software can significantly streamline workflows. This integration enhances efficiency, reduces manual data entry, and ensures that all business communications are centralized and easily accessible.

Maintaining Professionalism in Email Communication

To maintain professionalism in email communication, it’s essential to focus on clear and concise language, maintain a respectful tone, and ensure prompt responses. Regularly updating your email signature with relevant contact information and professional credentials also contributes to a positive and professional image.

Creating a Business Email for Growth and Professionalism

In conclusion, a professional business email address is not just a communication tool but a vital asset for branding and customer trust.

Selecting the right email platform, integrating it effectively with other business tools, and adhering to professional email communication standards can significantly enhance a business’s operational efficiency and professional image.

Having a professional business email address is essential for any business in today’s digital world. It not only looks more professional but also helps in brand promotion and customer trust. With various free and paid options available, businesses can easily create a custom domain-based email address.

Platforms like Gmail, Bluehost, GoDaddy, Zoho Mail, and Microsoft Outlook offer excellent solutions for getting a business email address.

By following simple steps, businesses can set up their email address, add an email signature, and integrate it into their website and social media for easy customer contact.

Whether opting for a free or paid service, a professional business email address is a valuable asset that can enhance communication and credibility with customers and clients.

Image: Depositphotos

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A Room of One's Own- Creative Writing Workshop for Queer Youth

KATHMANDU, APRIL 25

16 aspiring queer writers attended A Room of One's Own - a day-long creative writing workshop organized by United Nations Nepal and Katha Satha today.

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A Room of One's Own is a creative writing primer designed for queer writers who want to write but perhaps don't know where to begin, or who are looking for a supportive community to write with.

This workshop was inspired by and an extension of the writing residency of the same name held in December of 2022 where six writers from all over Nepal wrote together for 10 days and created a DIY zine of twenty-two original works of poetry and prose.

The bi-lingual workshop opened with introductions and shared about the 2022 UNFE residency and the zine. Throughout the workshop, the participants began their writing with memories from childhood tied to a specific space, such as "home" that was intensely familiar to each writer.

"I loved the ambiance of the workshop and the gentle, non-intrusive way that [the facilitators] drew us out. I loved how introspective the workshop was and how it allowed me to look at myself as an inspiration to write rather than giving me generic advice that would have been in any other workshop. This felt personal to me, and it got me to understand why I write, which is useful in the long run." - Eva Kafle, participant of the workshop.

The participants walked through exercises and readings on writing with five senses. They wrote one piece during the first half of the session and the next in the second half using the tool of a metaphor around an object of their choosing.

"I got to learn many technical skills and aspects of writing which I was not familiar with. I also got to express my feelings and share my own stories with the larger community. It was very helpful to put my words out there," Nancy Yadav said.

Another attendee Leena Gurung shared; " I thought the workshop was great in terms of being able to connect with writers. Often writing can feel like a solitary process and lonely. I loved hearing from others and sharing my own work."

All participants wanted the workshop to be longer and hoped for a multi-day program or a residential program. They also expressed that the calm, kind, non-violent, and non-toxic ambience of the workshop was something that they have been needing and was an important part of their open participation today. They look forward to continued community building through more of these kinds of writing workshops.

"I think this was a very well-planned workshop. There wasn't a single moment where I felt disengaged. The most memorable part is the sharing we did at the end because I got to encounter so many different stories. I also really appreciated hearing others' thoughts and interpretations on my pieces-- I've never had that experience before and always had wondered what that would be like."

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