7 Creative Ways to Make Money with Your Language Skills

by Susan Saurel

Are you reading this? Congratulations! You have language skills. This means that you have already qualified to make some extra cash using this skill. We have something for you that will help you grow your business. And we'll show you how to get started.

If you can speak more than one language, lady luck is on your side today. You can use a variety of freelancing ideas that we are going to discuss in this article. Even if you are an experienced economist or farmer, don't think that this article is meant for people studying languages.

You can always make the most out of the skills you have to progress in life. Today, we are going to discuss seven creative ways to make money with your language skills. But first, let's discuss the best way to learn a new language.

1. Learning a new language

If you can communicate in one language only, this section is for you. Learning a new language is not as difficult as it seems. However, it takes time. Everything worthwhile takes time in life. You can learn any language at the comfort of your home.

All you have to do is watch or listen to tutorials which can be easily found all over the internet today. If you don't like dealing with technological equipment, you can apply for a course at the local university or college near you. Learning a new language with friends and family will improve your learning curve and this will boost your self-esteem.

The best thing about applying for online tutorial classes is gamification of learning. Gamification makes learning fun, exciting and memorable. Gamification revolves around using colored and interactive content which will keep you focused and engaged during the lessons.

Not to forget the apps that contain books and videos that you can access anytime you want to learn a new word or sentence. Learning a new language has been simplified by technology. Remember, the more languages you learn, the easier the process becomes. Now, let's discuss the best ways to make money from the languages you speak.

2. Converse with people

If you've studied language on campus, you must be familiar with the term conversation practice. It revolves around conversing with people on new topics that emerge every day. You can do this with a native speaker or teacher. It's one of the best ways to test and improve what you have learned.

There are several ways that you can use to become a great conversation buddy. They include swapping a language that you are conversant with someone who speaks the language that you would like to learn.

To get paid for conversing, you'll have to showcase your strengths by advertising yourself, understanding your target market which could be business travelers, doctors or students and using your accent if you have one.

Once you start getting clients, creating an online classroom should not be a biggie if you'll be using an online video messenger. Most messaging apps have tons of exciting features which include role-playing, texting, emailing and speaking practice.

You can also consider using leaflet drops, notice boards, and language clubs to converse with other learners.

3. Create resources for learning

Learning a new language does not need to revolve around real-time interaction every single time. New learners need to use textbooks, podcasts, stories, and questions to improve how they learn.

There are many successful bloggers, programmers, and copywriters who are still language teachers. You can find their dual-language books on Amazon and eBay. When creating a learning content, stick to simplicity.

Writing short stories with several basic words and sentences in the new language and some translation beside it will greatly improve how your readers learn the new language. You can sell your resources on your website. You can also consider creating an app if you like coding.

4. Create and post language videos on YouTube

Working or studying abroad can be exciting and daunting at the same time due to the linguistic and cultural differences. Remember, opportunities present themselves during a crisis. When other people are struggling to learn and understand the new language and culture, that's where you come in as a native speaker. You are here to simplify their lives.

Creating and posting YouTube videos and writing blogs is one of the best ways to support people from other countries and continents. You don't have to use complex words to sound like a pro or create a perfect video or post. Embrace simplicity in everything you do.

You can educate your readers on several important topics such as how to lose an accent, grammar essentials, how to deal with everyday situations such as buying tickets and bizarre customs.

YouTube videos and blog posts will fatten your wallet by running ads along with your content linking apps, videos and books.

5. Teach English

According to Essayassistant.org, you can become a great teacher by getting a qualification or some experience in teaching. This can be your side hustle or full-time career. You should consider covering courses that go beyond teaching such as how to pay your taxes, managing your finances or how to become a freelancer.

Teaching English as a foreign language offers several benefits which include traveling and working abroad. This course can be quite expensive and time-consuming. However, these are not good reasons to avoid or postpone taking the course. Plus, it will pay you back the money in a short while.

6. Consider tour guiding

If you enjoy traveling and listening to your voice, then tour guiding is ideal for you. It's one of the best ways to freelance with no certificates and qualifications needed. All you need is a willing heart and desire to start tour guiding.

You can look for tour guides who operate near you and offer to walk around with them as an interpreter. You can do this alone. All you need is a walking route, knowledge of the local language and a few decent jokes to keep your companions happy. You can communicate in plain English if it's the only language you are conversant with. However, a second language can give you an edge and extra cash.

7. Offer travel planning services

As a traveler, there are things that you did during your journey that you are proud of. And you are more than willing to tell others about it. For instance, Derek, a famous blogger, crossed the United States by train with only $231. Today, he offers travel planning services to other avid travelers and readers. It's one of the simplest and easiest ways to make money.

All you need to do is use your traveling and organization skills and create a full package for business travelers or people who want to go on a vacation. This includes doing your research on modes of travel, suggesting the best stops, routes and how to book. You should remember to charge a fee for your services.

You don't need to be fluent in three or four languages to start a travel planning business. However, being conversant can give you an edge over your competitors. By doing this, not only will you help other travelers get ahead but also yourself.

Bonus Tip: Become a translator

Translating is one of the best ways to help travelers understand how things work in their new environment. If there are experienced translators in your area, it might pose a challenge to be paid well due to competition. You can consider translating a book, reaching out to several businesses and translating in reverse. Let's discuss these points.

Translating books

The number of authors and publishers has been growing over the years thanks to the rapid advancement of technology. As a translator, this means that you'll have lots of work to do to help people learning new languages. And more cash filling your wallet.

Start by finding authors on different technological platforms such as Hangouts, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and forums such as Goodreads. You can also increase the number of opportunities knocking on your door by approaching app developers and offering their apps in the language you speak. You can also help students in their school projects and assignments.

Reach out to businesses

Majority of businesses around the world have corporate clients who need a translator to do business. If you have ever lived abroad, you can consider offering training and awareness programs to business. When doing your presentation, watch your jokes to avoid offending people.

Around your home, businesses may need a tourist-friendly translation that will help them communicate with people who speak different languages. Be on the lookout for new job opportunities and print your business cards and flyers early enough. You should also consider face to face networking to get job opportunities. Remember, nothing can replace face to face communication.

Reverse translate

The majority of people around the world translate from English to other languages. However, the reverse also works effectively. Remember charity organizations and businesses that want to tap into the UK and US market will need people who are fluent speakers in their language to blog, vlog and publish in the English language.

Starting your freelance business

Does the thought of making money out of your language skills excite you? All you need to do is create a business plan that shows what you'll be offering and the charges. Don't forget to include the expenses that you'll incur to get the business up and running and your target market.

Next, popularize yourself by creating a website, YouTube channel or a blog. Keeping things professional will help you attract more clients. Don't ignore cold emailing and cold calling.

Since you are not running a charity organization, remember to create a PayPal account to receive your profits quickly and securely.

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