9 Insanely Simple Digital Assets for Writers
Tech has made it easier for writers to create simple digital assets.
For instance, some authors make good money selling checklists and done-for-you templates on their blogs or third-party platforms.
The best part is such business ideas don’t require cash to start. You only need basic market research and writing skills. Add patience to that mix, and you’ll be going to the bank smiling.
Today, we will discuss the simple digital assets any writer can create. I’ll also mention entrepreneurs reaping big from the businesses.
Create on-demand checklists
Checklists are God-send. They help us stay more productive.
Ticking items off a checklist makes our brain release dopamine that motivates us to keep ticking more items, i.e., do more work. That’s why many people love using checklists.
That’s an opportunity for you to make money. Create and sell on-demand checklists on your site or platforms like Etsy. For instance, if you run a baby blog, you can design a checklist for parents who need guidance on the following:
- Traveling with a baby
- Daily baby routine care
- Baby body hygiene
- Baby food and nutrition program
Check out how OrganizedbyLMS is making a killing by selling this simple checklist on Etsy.
They have sold over 800 copies of the product. You can also make and sell something similar to your fans.
Tip: Do a quick market research before creating a premium checklist. You will confirm if your audience is interested in your product.
Write short books
Some readers like their books short and sweet. I’m not the only one. Here’s what a book lover on Reddit says:
“As a matter of principle, I agree with all the “quality over quantity” and “If it’s well-written length doesn’t matter” comments. But as a practical matter, I prefer short books. A 500- or 1,000-page book is quite an imposition on a person’s time.
You can earn money selling short books. For example, many people want to start a blog. Yes, they can find free advice online. However, 50% would still be happy to buy a detailed book that explains how to launch a profitable blog.
If you’re a successful blogger, write a 4–5-page e-book on creating and growing a blog. You’ll make sales if you have solid proof of success.
Create courses for these people
Busy professionals also need to grow their current skills and learn new ones. They prefer products they can complete in weeks rather than months.
You can create a side hustle selling short courses to busy people. Here are some excellent course ideas in different niches:
- Productivity: how to own your mornings
- Writing: how to create content while working full-time
- Health and wellness: how to get fit in 1 month
- Career: how to land your dream job without applying online
Austin Belcak is one of the entrepreneurs who creates products for busy people. Check out his course on how to build the skills you need to break into new niches:
Austin sells the course for $197. It only has four modules. You can complete that in a month or less. That’s what busy bees need.
Again, remember to validate your course idea before creating it. Do your research in online forums, affiliate marketing programs, etc. You’ll tell whether your course will sell.
Drop service like a pro
Drop servicing is another profitable business idea for established writers. You’ll operate like a freelancing platform that connects employers with employees for a fee.
Some of your clients will need services you don’t offer. For instance, they can request for:
- Uploading WordPress posts
- Creating graphics
- Social media management
- Data collection, etc.
You can earn money by sub-contracting such jobs to freelancers or agencies. You’ll get your cut after submitting work to your clients and paying your workers.
Do part-time ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is a quick way for writers to make money online. You have writing skills, so you only need clients who will buy it.
You can earn at least $500 ghostwriting on the side. You only need one or two well-paying clients, and you’re good to go. You can get them on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Alternatively, cold pitch companies or send your proposals on job boards like Problogger.
Design easy-to-create swipe files
A swipe file is a collection of writing examples. It can be landing pages, headlines, sales pages, etc. You can make money selling such simple files.
Maybe you have a 5-day email nurture sequence that works like a charm. Convert it into a simple swipe file, then sell it to entrepreneurs who need help creating profitable email campaigns.
Check out how The Designer Dust earns money selling the swipe file below on Etsy.
Business owners interested in getting the most from their email nurture sequences can purchase the product above. They will get inspiration to improve their email sequences.
Build a legion of Quora followers
Writers can now build a simple asset by writing on Quora. The platform introduced a Quora+ monetization program that compensates creators based on their readership level.
Unfortunately, you won’t get rich writing on Quora. But you can make at least $50 monthly if you join the monetization program and answer several questions. That’s enough cash to buy coffee and books or settle your petty bills.
Build an active community
Some writers turned entrepreneurs earn a living running mastermind groups on Facebook, Slack, and Discord. They make money by sharing their expertise on the platforms. That’s doable.
For instance, if you’re a top writer, you can create a paid group where you:
- Share unique money-making tips with your audience
- Help fellow writers get unstuck
- Offer high-level mentorship to new writers
- Allow your subscribers to network with like-minded individuals
You can charge as little as $10/month to keep your audience in the group. However, demand more if your fans will get more value from your platform.
Here’s an example of a simple group that Mushfiq Sarker runs on the side:
He teaches his audience how to grow and flip websites. Anyone can join the group after purchasing any of his courses or paying a one-time cost of $190.
Like Mushfiq, promote your program on your blog, newsletter, or social media. You will generate more leads and make more money from your mastermind group.
Sell Gated advice
Hate selling your writing skills? Or are you tired of working for clients?
Become a writing coach.
If you’re an experienced writer, you can earn money helping beginners and rookie writers:
- Hone their writing skills
- Find high-paying clients
- Improve their writing productivity
- Negotiate higher rates
For example, Ed Gandia, a top-notch freelance writer, runs a coaching program where he helps writers work less while earning more. Here’s the sale page of his coaching program:
Ed helps writers earning $5k/month to double their income. You can create such a coaching program if you’re confident in your writing skills.
Choose the right asset idea today
Every writer deserves to own a low-maintenance digital asset. Pick one or two ideas from the list above and start building.
Creating a simple checklist, book, or swipe file won’t cost you a fortune. You will earn more money if your audience love your products. They will refer their friends and family to shop from you.
Later, you’ll start exploring the other business ideas on my list. That might be the beginning of your journey to achieving financial freedom.
