Transform into a Part-Time Solopreneur in 2024 with This Guide
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Chapter 1: Embrace the Solopreneur Journey
Are you ready for a change? If you're looking to become a part-time solopreneur in 2024, now is the perfect time to take action. With just 38 days left in 2023, consider this guide your essential roadmap to achieving your goals.
Reflecting on my own journey from three years ago, I wish I had access to insights that could have guided me. If you ever feel uncertain about your abilities, know that I’ve been in the same boat. Balancing a corporate job with family responsibilities can be challenging, but you're not alone in this journey.
Let's dive right into Step 1: Start Writing Online
Writing online may feel daunting if you're primarily a consumer of content, but it's an incredibly powerful tool. It not only helps establish your public presence and connect with like-minded people, but it also clarifies your thoughts.
Drawing from my background as a former journalist and my experience in marketing and communications, writing is key to shaping your personal brand and attracting an audience. Start by focusing on a single platform—Medium is my personal favorite—and then share your content on other channels like X or LinkedIn.
What's less critical when you're starting out:
- The specific niche you select
- The frequency of your posts
- The exact days and times you publish
What's crucial:
- Actively engage with others
- Respond to comments
- Commit to continuous learning and growth
Bonus tip: Think about launching a newsletter on Substack. Building an email list is vital; every subscriber can represent at least $1 per month in the long run. Be sure to link to your Substack newsletter at the end of your Medium stories and include it in your bio.
Section 1.1: Know Your Audience
Let me share some unexpected developments from my part-time journey, which I pursued in the evenings from 7 PM to 9 PM:
- One-on-one coaching sessions with aspiring writers
- Freelancing opportunities and brand collaborations
- Two successful cohort-based courses on online course creation and writing on Medium
- Digital products like free eBooks and templates on my Gumroad site
- A self-paced course for beginners on Substack and Medium (currently under development)
Interestingly, I decided to step away from freelancing, brand deals, and coaching. I made this choice not because these avenues were unprofitable, but because they conflicted with my ultimate goal of gaining more freedom and time for my family.
Here’s how my journey evolved:
- Daily writing on Medium
- Weekly Substack newsletters (with a brief hiatus during maternity leave)
- Regular tweets about my Medium stories
- Participating in discussions on platforms like Quora and Reddit
- Launching a YouTube channel and a TikTok account to expand my reach
Your niche will emerge at the intersection of what you love and what resonates with your audience. It's not about imitation; it's about sharing your unique perspective and engaging with your readers.
After a few weeks, ask yourself:
- Which topics do you enjoy discussing the most?
- What content does your audience engage with?
- What type of content garners the most interaction?
Step 2: Focus on Long-Term Monetization
While monetization is important, it should be a long-term goal. Building credibility will allow you to create valuable products and services that people are willing to pay for. Starting with an established authority in your niche is crucial; otherwise, you may face challenges with ineffective monetization strategies.
For instance, if you begin writing on Medium and plan to sell a course after just three weeks, you may be disappointed. Enjoy the journey and treat your side project as a passion first.
Initially, I didn’t aim to quit my corporate job; I simply wanted to earn a little extra income doing what I love—writing. My salary as a corporate manager is good, but I always longed to create something of my own.
On Medium, you can start earning right away. I was fortunate to receive three $500 bonuses when I began. After ten months, I earned my first $500 independently, which felt much more rewarding. My advice: Don’t obsess over earnings from Medium. Instead, focus on creating quality content that showcases your expertise.
For Substack, I recommend starting with a free newsletter. However, some writers have successfully implemented paid subscriptions from the start, earning between $300 and $2,500 monthly. Based on the support I’ve received from my 3,000 subscribers, I could potentially earn over $1,300 annually.
On X, you can now earn for your writing if you reach 5 million impressions. While I usually share my stories there for promotion, I’m considering producing original content as well.
As for Gumroad, my free eBooks have attracted some paid contributions, totaling $500 so far. I’ve also explored tipping platforms like Ko-Fi, but my experience has been mixed, yielding around $300.
Step 3: Commit to 100 Days of Consistency
When I began my serious writing journey, I acknowledged that my initial 15 long-form articles might not be my best work. Set a personal goal: commit to 100 days of consistent content creation, aiming to produce around 100 pieces—short or long-form.
Realizing that my early efforts wouldn’t be flawless was liberating. This mindset shift allowed me to focus on the creative process rather than immediate outcomes. The 100-day mark is essential for evaluating whether this path truly suits you.
Being a part-time solopreneur may not be for everyone. If your family or professional responsibilities suffer, it’s crucial to reassess your approach. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and it’s a lesson worth heeding.
Transform Your Life Through Solopreneurship
Embracing solopreneurship has significantly transformed my life, unveiling opportunities I never imagined. Stay committed to the steps outlined above and practice patience. You will likely see positive changes.
Reflecting on my journey from three years ago, I never anticipated the profound impact solopreneurship would have on my life. Remember, it's a journey that requires time and effort, but it's one worth taking.
Your future self will thank you for taking decisive action. If you have any questions or thoughts, I’m eager to hear them!
P.S. New Writers Welcome permits only three promotional links, so trust that my insights are genuine! I’ve published over 1,800 articles on Medium, and additional resources are available in my content library.
P.S.S. I wrote this while nursing my baby, showcasing the realities of balancing work and family!
Join my Substack community of over 3,000 passionate writers and solopreneurs—check out my latest edition. Also, don’t forget to explore my YouTube channel, which focuses on building your personal brand, growing your audience, and monetizing your writing on Medium and Substack.
The first video, "My Ultimate Content Marketing Strategy for Solopreneurs in 2024 [Marketing Without a Team]," offers valuable insights for solopreneurs looking to enhance their content marketing strategies without the need for a large team.
In the second video, "If I Were Starting a Company In 2024, This is What I'd Do [FULL 0-$100M GUIDE]," the speaker shares a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming for significant growth.