We all have bills. All of us. We need to eat, as do our children. If you’re lucky, you’re only working one job. More often than not, people are working two jobs to make ends meet. A lot of people take on side hustles to be able to make the bills or just have some extra money they can sock away.
There are plenty of apps and websites to help you on your quest for some extra money. Some people drive; some deliver food. I’ll narrate the occasional audiobook or commercial for someone who needs an honest, convincing voice for their product or company. There is also this treasure trove of information, lore, and anecdotes. People who stop and read a little not only get to take a little break from the day-to-day grind, but they also see the good people who sponsor my site. There is also a story here and there that will tell you about a neat idea, recipe, or product that can make your life easier or fun. Either way, there are lots of things happening here and a combination of these things are helping lots of writers and entrepreneurs at the same time.
Get the Word Out There
How do I let the world know about my wisdom and wit? Today there are lots of ways to let people know what you’re doing. The first way was Twitter, now called “X”. I’ve moved away from that platform. There are other forms of social media out there. Why pay for “X” when you can post to Bluesky, Threads, and/or Mastodon for free?
Indie writers and authors will utilize these channels to let their followers know what is next for their portfolio. Social media offers a way for people to announce what they are working on or what the public can expect in the near future. There are people who will pay to have their posts visible on “X”. I have better things to spend my money on as long as there is free social media.
The same goes for my gig and job search. I have gravitated toward Fiverr. The other sites nickel and dime you. Fiverr allows you to run your business and connect with clients without going through hoops or over hurdles. I’ve met some great clients on Fiverr. Hopefully, I’ll be able to share my latest work soon.
Supporting and Connecting with other Creators
It’s tough out there. People are trying to make and honest buck, and you have people, sites, and apps that try to take advantage of that with fees and subscriptions. I get it. They’re running a business, but as long as I am able to run ads on my work, I’ll put stuff out there for free. More people means more traffic, and that means more hits for the advertisers and their ads.
I also like connecting with other people, creators and otherwise on the social media. Sometimes I’ll find someone from Massachusetts or New England. That usually means an automatic follow. Also, it’s important for me to interact with followers and those who take the time to comment on my posts. These people are reading and opining. The least I can do is see what they have to say and respond with my thoughts on what they have to say.
Should I get big enough, maybe I’ll have a subscription service and people can pay for “exclusive content”. Probably not. I’ll just let people come in and look around. Browse the ads and maybe click on one if there is something you need or want. Either way, take some time to look at a sponsor. It’s a great way to show some support for the people who are supporting the content creators out there. There are some people who are featured on my podcast. Listen to what we have to offer. You might find something for yourself or for a loved one. The point to what I am saying is that you shouldn’t need to pay to have your thoughts seen or heard on social media. Social media was designed to give people a voice, not as a way to hold a voice or opinion hostage.
If you are one of those content creators who is trying to build up momentum for your business or side gig, hang in there. It’s not easy, not that anyone needs to tell you that. Just remember there are options out there that won’t make you pay to have your voice heard or your work seen.
