I set a goal a few weeks ago of making $10K a month within one year. To clarify, that is one year from October, not September, since I set the goal toward the end of September. But, it’s kind of funny (well, ironic maybe?) that this month was my lowest freelance income month in a while (and by “a while,” I mean three years).
However, I am committed to being open and honest with my readers. In a way, it’s good that I’m basically starting from nothing, as hopefully I can encourage those of you who also don’t have a huge clientele that this can be done.
So, let’s take a look at my freelance income for September.
In September, I made a whopping $845. This was all from freelancing and not from blogging. However, we moved the first week of September and I did request a little bit of time off during that time. We also didn’t receive mail for 12 days (!!!) and two of my checks got lost in translation. One client owes me $300 that normally I would have been paid on and it’s completely not their fault. So, that check has been reissued and is on it’s way. I will count it towards October’s income since that is when I’ll receive the check. Had I gotten that on time, my income would have been $1,145 which is closer to what I’ve been averaging over the past few months.
I’ve sure got a longgg way to go to hit that $10K number, though!
What’s Changing in October
For one, I have a few sponsored posts scheduled. The ones that I can incorporate into something I’m already writing will be featured in one of my regular M, W or F posts. For the ones that are more “review” style, I will feature those on Tuesday or Thursday so you won’t be missing any of my regular content. I don’t mind doing sponsored posts as long as I like the company and believe in the product. It helps support this blog and gets a new company into the eyes of my readers. Everybody wins. However, I do not want sponsored posts to ever replace my normal content.
I’ll also be receiving another Google Adsense payout in October! I finally crossed the $100 threshold again…5 months after doing it the first time!! I really don’t like having ads on my blog, but I’m sure all you blog owners understand that it’s an extremely easy way to make a profit (albeit, a small one). Place the ads and you’re done.
And finally, I’ve added a one new client (so far) to my roster! I also renegotiated my rate with another one. All of this pitching and seeking freelance opportunities has been working. You guys, I haven’t been slacking at all. I was serious when I said I send out three pitches per day! Since my clientele is getting full and I still have a few pitches out there, I plan on cutting back on the pitching for the next few weeks. Seriously though, if I can do this, so you can you!!
That’s it for September! I expect October to be busy work-wise, but I won’t see any payments until November most likely. My guess is that October’s income will stay between $1,000 and $1,500, but I should see an increase in November.
And finally, do you want to get on board with this challenge of making $10K per month in one year?! If so, start your own blog and get pitching!! Shoot me an email too as I would love to help you out!!
How was your September? Did you have an income goal? Did you meet it?!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
atYou are doing so amazing with juggling all that you do – it’s seriously impressive and so inspirational. If you make that much with freelance work while also working a FT job and having two toddlers, it really shows the rest of it that is CAN be done, no matter how much else is going on in your life. Congrats on getting another Adsense payout too – although I don’t like ads on my blog either, it really is a nice way to be compensated for all the hard work and time that goes into blogging 🙂 Nice job on a great September Sarah!!
Christine says
atCongratulations on your September income! I hope you continue to post this information every month. It is so inspirational to beginner bloggers like myself. Best wishes for your continued success!
Sarah Brooks says
atThanks Christine!! It’s only been a year and my blog hasn’t made any significant amount of money, but I can tell it’s headed in the right direction. Plus, the blogging community is amazing. You will love it!!! Welcome! 🙂
Sarah Brooks says
atThanks, Christina!! Appreciate all of your continued support. Right back at ya!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Shirria @ GDTH says
atSarah this is awesome! The past couple of weeks, you have really inspired me to take the leap into freelancing and reach my $1000k/month! Again thank you so much.
Sarah Brooks says
atYay!! I have to say, all of you have been inspiring me too!! Let’s do this 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sarah Noelle says
atWow, Sarah, this is amazing! I would love to do some freelancing but don’t have any idea how to go about it (other than advertising my services on Craigslist, perhaps).
As for blogging, I just started my blog in August, but I’m already getting so much out of it! Definitely not money-wise, that is — just on a personal level. It’s a lot of fun to meet people and hear their stories.
I’ll be back soon for sure! 🙂
Sarah Brooks says
atHi Sarah! I’ve checked out your blog before and it looks great!!! You’ve only had it a month?! It looks very clean and professional 🙂
I actually just finished writing up a post about how blogging changed me life (I’ll publish later this week or next). I’ve only been at this for a year but it has been such a wonderful journey. I’ve made friends, I am a part of an amazing community, and I’ve earned some income. This is by far the best “hobby” I’ve ever had 🙂 Best of luck to you, too!!
Sarah Noelle says
atThanks, that’s really nice of you to say. And I will be looking forward to reading your post about the benefits of blogging!
Chonce says
atCongrats on the income this month Sarah! Seems like you did just fine with juggling moving and work. That’s not easy! I’m excited to participate and follow along with your challenge 🙂
Sarah Brooks says
atYay!!! I’m happy you’re joining in!! Your work is awesome and I have a feeling you’ll be where you want in no time 🙂
Abigail @ipickuppennies says
atThat’s a pretty impressive goal, especially if that’s in additional to a regular job. Good luck on it, but don’t forget to take some down time!
Sarah Brooks says
atThanks, Abigail!! I’ll have to post a schedule of what I do – it’s not as bad as it sounds 😉
diane @smartmoneysimplelife says
atDo you sleep, Sarah? You must be working 24/7 at the moment.
I’m on board with your 10k in 12 months goal. Now to get that first freelance gig! 🙂
Sarah Brooks says
atYay!! You can do it!! 🙂
And yup – I sleep (Surprisingly!) I work fast since my time is limited, but so far have sacrificed zero time with the fam!
Lila says
atI’m really happy for you. I thought freelancing was a pipe dream. How do you get started freelancing without any samples? I tried googling this but there is so much random, confusing advice out there. I just don’t know where to start. I hope that you can help point me in the right direction.
Sarah Brooks says
atHi Lila! I would be happy to help!! First, here is post that might interest you: http://www.becomeafreelancewriter.com/find-freelance-jobs/ I actually created a separate blog just on freelance writing but unfortunately just haven’t had the time to keep up with it. You can browse around that site though for some ideas. I would also recommend figuring out what “niche” you want to write in, and then contacting some of your favorite sites and blogs in that niche. It takes persistence, but eventually you will here back from someone and start getting jobs. Trust me, if freelancing is something you want to do, you DEFINITELY can do it!! You just have to keep applying for jobs daily, keep up with your own blog as your portfolio, and keep making connections with other bloggers. Good things will happen for sure!!
Lila says
atThank you! I bought a domain name, template, and started writing. I’m currently going through your site and reading your articles on freelance writing both on this site and the other one.
Sarah Brooks says
atYay!! That’s awesome!! Feel free to email me with any specific questions. I’m also thinking of writing a guide on 21 prompts to write when you first start a blog. Hmmmm, seems like that could be useful!! I know when I first started I was like, “Ok, now what do I write?!”