Can I Still Earn from Writing as a Side Hustle in the AI Era? 😅✍️💸

10 Sep, 2025

Writing as a Side Hustle in the AI Era? 🤷(Mid-2025)

I’ve been wondering if I can still pull off writing as a side income like I used to. So I decided to dive deep into the current state of the writing industry — and here’s what I found at mid‑2025.

1. What Even Counts as “Earning from Writing” Now? 🤔

I used to earn through ghostwriting and copywriting gigs. But in today’s AI-driven landscape, earning from writing has expanded into new formats and income streams — some of which sound like sci‑fi side quests:

Talk about information overload for the last three — it’s like trying to pick a Netflix show when you’re already sleepy. 😴
If you want a more expert-level angle, check out Copywriting: the best side hustle for writers in 2025.

2. Going by the Numbers — Global vs. Local 📊🌍

Global 2025 Freelance Copywriting Rates

(Based on verified industry sources — not your cousin’s Fiverr gig)

• Email copy: $250–$1,000+ per email
• SEO content & blog posts: $50–$1,500+, or $0.10–$1/word
• Landing pages and sales copy: $500–$10,000+
• Hourly rates: $50–$300+ per hour

These are global benchmarks — mostly from U.S., UK, and high-cost-of-living markets.

For a deeper dive into copywriting rates, see Freelance Copywriting Rates: How To Charge More Money (Data + Examples).

Reality Check: Philippines Side Hustle Rates 🇵🇭💻

Here’s the part most “how much copywriters make” articles skip: If you’re in the Philippines and doing this part-time, the starting point is often much lower — especially if you’re coming from a VA background.

• Many VAs (myself included) earn around $3/hour for tasks that include writing emails.
• Entry-level international freelance copywriting gigs might pay $20–$50 per email to start.
• Direct clients (not through agencies) can pay $5–$15/hour for copywriting, with room to grow.
• The big leap happens when you stop charging VA rates and start positioning yourself as a specialist — even if you’re only doing it on the side.

For tips on transitioning from VA to specialist, read April Alen Abion – From $1/article to U.S. publishing copywriter.

3. Real Stories, Real Income 💰📱

Want real proof that copywriting can still pay off in 2025? Here are some verified story compilations worth browsing — all focused on freelance writing and copywriting success:

• The Best Side Hustles Reddit Users Actually Recommend — includes firsthand accounts from r/sidehustle and r/writing, with some writers sharing exact earnings and screenshots.

• 18 Freelance Writing Business Success Stories — real-world case studies with income figures, niches, and how they got started.

• The Complete Guide to Freelance Writing in 2025 — features Sarah Martinez’s $75/hour transformation story from barista to in-demand copywriter.

Conclusion 🎯

Writing can still be a solid side hustle in 2025. The key is knowing where you stand in the market, starting with realistic rates, and using your existing skills to move up the value chain.

But yes, there's more to successful writing than just writing.

Even without a full-time commitment, you can build momentum by focusing on high-value formats, using AI for speed, and pricing based on value rather than volume.

For me, that means blending my VA experience, AI tools, and a little bit of hope into something that could grow — even if it starts small. 🚀

#life #work #writing