Books to Improve Skills for Some Extra Cash
The freelance economy is flourishing because today, anyone with a mobile device and a stable gig can earn some extra cash online. The freelance market is growing exponentially, and there are approximately 1.1 billion freelancers worldwide. Undoubtedly, the competition is also rising, and now more than ever, it's necessary to stand out by developing and improving your skills.
You can find a lot of useful information online that will help you upgrade your skills. But the only downside is that the information is scattered, and you can waste a lot of time searching for the right resources.
Hence, you might find it is a lot more helpful, especially in the beginning, to read books written specifically about the subject or set of skills you want to master. Of course, there's a vast range of literature to choose from. For example, there are books to help you learn how to code, improve your graphic design skills, copywriting skills, and even books on slot machines. So, you can rest assured that you will find the right book that will help you learn anything you want.
Social Media Management
If you already spend a lot of time on social media sites, you probably think you're equipped to work as a social media manager. Although this is somewhat true, as you're already familiar with the platforms, building a following and managing a brand online requires social media marketing skills necessary to thrive.
Fortunately, there are a lot of books that will help you improve your skills. We recommend the End of Marketing by Carlos Gil, Brand Storytelling by Miri Rodriguez, and Social Media Marketing Workbook by Jason McDonald. These books have in common that they emphasize storytelling on social media sites, create unique content, and offer excellent tips for businesses to build a community around their brand.
It's also worth mentioning that every business nowadays is looking to establish its presence online. One good idea is to reach out to business owners in your local community and offer your services, which is another excellent way to make money in your spare time.
Development of Online Courses
Currently, online courses are top-rated, and there are many platforms where students can learn different subjects, while lecturers can publish their courses. But, because online programs are abundant, this also means that there is probably a lecture in the same or similar subject online, like the one that you want to create.
Still, you shouldn't get discouraged because if you already have a certain level of experience in a specific field, you can share your knowledge that cannot be replicated. Also, this is a great option, by the way, to earn a passive income. For example, if you work as an HR manager, you can set up a course to help graduates land their first job. But, while you know how to help your students achieve their goals, you might lack the skills to create and promote your online course successfully.
That's why make sure to take the time and read the 7 Myths and Seven Tricks in Nine Steps by Paul Benson. Next, you might find a lot of valuable information from Essential Elements: Prepare, Design, and Teach Your Online Course by Cynthia McIntyre, Bonnie Elbaum, and Alese Smith. They will help you build an audience, develop an engaging course, and achieve the best results.
Online Tutoring
There are a lot of tutoring opportunities on the internet. You can help students pass their exams on specific subjects like Math, History, Chemistry, Physics, or help international students get higher scores on exams like IELTS and TOEFEL.
Either way, it's safe to say that there are plenty of subjects and online sites where you can sign up and work as a tutor. Also, native English speakers are at an advantage because many students worldwide are looking to improve their language fluency.
But, it’s not enough to be knowledgeable about the subject you want to teach. You also need to be skilled as a tutor. Great tutors can clearly explain difficult concepts, and they adjust the learning materials to the knowledge and learning style of their students.
You can learn more about tutoring online from the following books: How To Be An Online Tutor by Julia Duggleby, Blended Learning and Online Tutoring by Janet MacDonald, and The Emotionally Intelligent Online Tutor by Andrew Youde. They offer in-depth information that will help you tutor adults and younger students and provide you with the foundation for working as a tutor online.
Copywriting
There's a high demand for copywriters nowadays, as everyone from personal growth coaches, influencers to entrepreneurs wants to engage with their audiences effectively. It doesn't matter if they’re going to sell products or improve their website's visibility; the copywriter has an influential role in this day and age. If you already have polished writing skills and a good grasp of grammar, you are one step ahead of working as a copywriter.
You also need to be able to write copy that educates, entertains and inspires the reader to take appropriate action. If you're an absolute beginner, the best way to get better results is to work in a field you're already familiar with. You genuinely want to help entrepreneurs from this industry reach a broad audience.
So, if you want to get into copywriting, make sure to read these books. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman, Everybody Writes by Ann Handley, and The Copywriter's Handbook by Bob Bly. All of them are perfect for beginners, and they offer great insights from the advertising industry, but above all else, you will enhance your wiring skills and learn how to write copy for various online platforms.
Photography Skills
Photos are an indispensable part of every website, and there is an increasing demand for exciting photos that help brands grab the attention of their customers. In case you like taking pictures with your smartphone, and you aren't a professional photographer, there are many sites and businesses where you can sell your photographs and even earn passive income over time.
For example, you can provide photos for brands that want to improve their social media presence or sell stock photos on sites like Adobestock, Shutterstock, and iStock. Plus, there are a lot of bloggers and social media personalities that are looking for photographers.
Otherwise, the following books are beneficial for newbies - Studio Anywhere by Nick Fancher, The Digital Photography Book Volume 2 by Scott Kelby, and Read this if You Want to Take Good Photographs by Henry Carroll.
They offer expert advice that will improve your skills while explaining in more detail the basics of photography. Also, you will find practical tips that will ultimately help you take better photos in different locations.
Final Piece of Advice
In conclusion, there are many resources, both online and offline, which can help you get better at any skill. On the other hand, there are also many opportunities to use those skills and increase your income online. But you also need to make sure that you're learning from a variety of authors and developing a skill set that is valuable to you. On top of reading books on specific subjects, you can also take an online course to enhance your skills further and earn the right credentials.
However, keep in mind that you need to practice what you're studying to get real feedback about your work in addition to learning about specific topics. You can't get better without any constructive criticism.
The best way to prove that you have improved as a photographer or social media manager, for example, is to create a portfolio that demonstrates your accomplishments. You can also use the recommendations and testimonials from your clients to establish your credibility in your industry.
