30 Day Blogging action Plan

 

💡 Blogging as a Stream of Income: How to Built a $10,000/Month Side Hustle (By Chat GPT) 

In today’s fast-paced world, having multiple income streams is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. While your full-time job gives you stability, building a blog can give you freedom.

When I first started blogging, I didn’t imagine it could one day make me over $10,000 a month — a side income bigger than most salaries in Singapore. But through strategy, consistency, and monetisation skills, it became one of my most powerful income streams.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your ideas into income through blogging, this is your roadmap.

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🧭 Why Blogging Is Still One of the Best Side Incomes

You might think blogging is outdated — after all, TikTok and YouTube are booming. But blogging has evolved. A blog today isn’t just an online diary; it’s a digital asset that works 24/7 for you.

Here’s why blogging stands out:

1. Low startup cost – Under $150/year for a domain and hosting.

2. High long-term earning potential – Once a post ranks on Google, it earns passive income for years.

3. Scalable – You can turn a single blog into a portfolio of income streams.

4. Leads to other opportunities – Consulting, affiliate sales, brand deals, and even book offers.

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🏗️ Step 1: Choosing the Right Blogging Platform

If you want to earn real income, you must use the right platform. Here are the best options depending on your goals and technical comfort level:

Platform	Ideal For	Cost	Pros	Cons
WordPress.org (self-hosted)	Serious bloggers who want control and monetisation	~$100/year	Full control, SEO-friendly, flexible	Slight learning curve
Medium	Writers who want to publish without setup	Free	No maintenance, easy to use	Limited monetisation
Substack	Writers building a newsletter audience	Free (takes 10% of paid subs)	Built-in subscription model	Limited SEO traffic
Wix / Squarespace	Beginners who want visual sites	$150–200/year	Easy drag-and-drop	Not great for SEO
Blogger (Google)	Hobbyists	Free	Simple setup	Not professional or scalable

💡 Recommendation:
If you want to earn a serious income, go with WordPress.org. Pair it with hosting like SiteGround, Hostinger, or Bluehost. It gives you full control over your content, design, and revenue.

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🎯 Step 2: Pick a Niche That Sells (and Fits You)

The first major mistake most beginners make is writing about everything. Successful blogs have focus.

Here’s how to pick a money-making niche:

1. Combine your interest + market demand + income potential.

   Example formula:
   🧠 You love personal finance → 💬 People search “best savings account Singapore” → 💵 Banks pay affiliate commissions.

2. Niches that perform well in Singapore (2025):

   • Personal Finance & Investing (CPF, REITs, savings)

   • Health & Fitness (local diets, sleep apnea, fasting)

   • Career & Productivity (Singapore jobs, side hustles)

   • Parenting & Education (PSLE, tuition tips, enrichment)

   • Tech & AI Tools (software reviews, gadgets)

   • Vegetarian / Sustainable Living

   • Lifestyle & Travel (Asia itineraries, cafes, hidden spots)

3. Validate your niche:

   • Use Google Trends to check demand.

   • Search Reddit, Quora, or HardwareZone to see if people discuss it.

   • Check competition (if too crowded, find a sub-niche).

Example:

• Too broad: “Health & Fitness”

• Profitable niche: “Intermittent fasting for Singaporeans over 40”

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🧱 Step 3: Build Your Blog the Right Way

You don’t need coding skills to start. Here’s how to set up your site in a weekend:

1. Buy a domain name
   → Example: lewwenwan.com or financialjourney.sg
   Use Namecheap or GoDaddy.

2. Get hosting
   → Use SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger (start at $3–5/month).

3. Install WordPress
   → Most hosting providers offer one-click installation.

4. Choose a theme
   → Recommended free themes: Astra, Kadence, or GeneratePress.

5. Install essential plugins:

   • Yoast SEO (for Google ranking)

   • WP Rocket (for speed)

   • UpdraftPlus (for backups)

   • MonsterInsights (for Google Analytics)

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your blog clean, fast, and mobile-friendly. 80% of your readers will be browsing on their phones.

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✍️ Step 4: Create Content That Ranks and Converts

Once your blog is up, it’s time to fill it with valuable, SEO-optimized content.

1️⃣ Find topics your audience wants

Use these tools:

• Google Autocomplete – Type your topic, see what questions appear.

• AnswerThePublic – Lists what people ask online.

• Ubersuggest / Ahrefs / Semrush – Keyword research.

Example:
Type “side income Singapore” → you’ll get “best side income 2025”, “how to earn passive income in Singapore” — both great blog post titles.

2️⃣ Write problem-solving posts

People don’t care about your day — they care about solving their problems.

Instead of:
❌ “My personal finance journey”
Write:
✅ “How I Save $1,000/Month in Singapore Without Feeling Miserable”

3️⃣ Use structure and SEO

Each post should have:

• A catchy title (include your keyword)

• An engaging intro (hook + value)

• Subheadings (H2, H3) for readability

• Internal links (link to your own posts)

• A call to action (subscribe, comment, or buy)

4️⃣ Maintain consistency

Post 1 article per week for 3–6 months before expecting traction. Google rewards consistency.

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💰 Step 5: Monetising Your Blog

Here’s the fun part — turning your blog traffic into money.
You can combine several income streams for maximum effect.

1️⃣ Google AdSense (Ads)

Once you hit 1,000+ monthly visits, you can place Google ads on your site.

💵 Typical earnings:

• $2–$15 per 1,000 pageviews

• Example: 30,000 monthly views → $200–$400/month

Upgrade later: Use Mediavine (requires 50,000 sessions/month) for 3–5× higher ad rates.

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2️⃣ Affiliate Marketing

This is how most bloggers make real money. You promote products or services and earn a commission for each sale.

Singapore affiliate programs:

• Shopee / Lazada (consumer products)

• Trip.com / Klook (travel)

• Seedly / SingSaver / MoneySmart (financial products)

• Amazon Associates

• Coursera / Skillshare / Udemy (courses)

💵 Example:
Write a post like “Best Credit Cards in Singapore for Cashback” and include affiliate links.
Each approved sign-up earns $50–$150.

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3️⃣ Sponsored Posts / Brand Partnerships

Once you have an audience (even 3,000–5,000 monthly visitors), brands will approach you.

💵 Typical rates:

• $200–$1,000 per sponsored article.

• Higher if you have strong SEO or a niche audience.

Start by pitching brands relevant to your niche — e.g. banks, health brands, or food delivery services.

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4️⃣ Digital Products (E-books, Templates, Courses)

This is where you earn passive income at scale.

Examples:

• E-book: “How to Start a Blog in Singapore” – $19

• Template: Budget Tracker Spreadsheet – $10

• Online Course: “SEO for Beginners” – $99

💵 Even 100 monthly sales of a $10 product = $1,000/month.

Use:

• Gumroad, Payhip, or Podia to host digital products.

• Promote through your email list or social media.

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5️⃣ Email Newsletter

Your blog traffic might fluctuate, but your email list is forever.

• Use ConvertKit or MailerLite.

• Offer a freebie (“Side Income Starter Guide”) to collect subscribers.

• Nurture them with weekly tips.

💵 Later, you can promote affiliate offers or your own products directly through emails.

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6️⃣ Consulting / Coaching

If your blog builds authority, readers will naturally ask for help.

Example:

• A finance blogger can offer “Personal Budget Coaching”.

• A career blogger can offer “Resume & LinkedIn Optimization”.

💵 Charge $100–$300/hour or offer packages.

Even 5 clients per month = $1,000+ extra income.

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🚀 Step 6: Grow Your Traffic

Without readers, even the best blog won’t earn a cent. Here’s how to grow:

1️⃣ SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Learn basic SEO — it’s the best long-term strategy.

• Use keywords naturally.

• Optimize titles, URLs, and meta descriptions.

• Get backlinks (guest posts, directory listings).

2️⃣ Social Media

Promote your posts on:

• LinkedIn (career/finance topics)

• Pinterest (food, lifestyle, decor)

• Instagram / TikTok (short-form summaries)

• Facebook groups (local interest groups)

3️⃣ Collaborate

Guest post on other blogs, exchange backlinks, or appear on podcasts.

4️⃣ Analytics

Use Google Analytics to track what works — and double down on high-performing posts.

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💎 Step 7: Turn Blogging into a Sustainable Income Stream

Consistency is the secret sauce. Most bloggers quit before the 6-month mark. But if you treat it like a business, your growth compounds.

Here’s what a realistic journey looks like:

Stage	Months	Traffic	Income	Focus
Setup	1–3	<1,000/month	$0	Build site, write 10 posts
Growth	4–6	1,000–5,000	$100–$500	SEO + affiliate links
Breakthrough	7–12	10,000–30,000	$1,000–$3,000	Brand deals + newsletter
Scale	12–24	50,000+	$5,000–$10,000	Courses, passive products

By year 2, your blog becomes a real income engine — one that works while you sleep.

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🧭 My Personal Strategy (Lew Wenwan’s Blueprint)

Here’s exactly how I built mine to $10,000/month:

1. Niche: Personal finance and side hustles in Singapore.

2. Content: 2 SEO-optimized posts per week.

3. Traffic sources: Google + Facebook groups.

4. Monetisation: 60% affiliate, 20% ads, 20% digital products.

5. Automation: Email funnels + scheduled content.

6. Outsourcing: After 1 year, I hired freelance writers ($0.10/word) to scale faster.

💬 “The key was consistency — not talent. The first $1 online felt impossible, but the next $1,000 came faster than I imagined.”

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🧠 Final Thoughts: Your Blog Is a Digital Asset

Starting a blog is like planting a tree — it takes time, but once it grows, it gives shade and fruit for life.

You don’t need to quit your job or have perfect English. You need:

• A clear niche.

• Consistent publishing.

• Patience for 6–12 months.

• A monetisation plan.

Once your blog earns your first few hundred dollars, you’ll realize — this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a business that scales beyond you.

Dive into Blogging as stream of income

Introduction: Blogging Isn’t Dead — It’s More Profitable Than Ever

If you’ve ever thought, “Blogging is outdated,” think again.

In 2025, blogs are still one of the most powerful digital assets you can own.
They bring in consistent traffic, build your personal brand, and generate passive income through ads, affiliate links, and digital products.

I’m Lew Wenwan — a blogger and content creator who built multiple online income streams. But my most reliable and consistent income still comes from blogging — over $10,000 a month across ad revenue, affiliates, and digital products.

And here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be a writer, or an influencer, or quit your day job.
You just need a strategy, focus, and consistency.

This post will show you exactly how to build blogging as a stream of income — what platforms to use, what topics to write about, and how to monetize step by step.

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1. Why Blogging Still Works in 2025

Let’s bust a myth right away:
Blogging isn’t just for hobbyists — it’s a legitimate business model.

Here’s why it’s still powerful:

• Search engines still love written content. People type questions into Google every second — and your blog can be the answer.

• Blogs feed every other platform. You can turn blog posts into YouTube scripts, LinkedIn posts, or email newsletters.

• Blogs are digital real estate. Once published, a good article can earn income for years.

Unlike social media, where posts vanish after a day, a well-written blog post continues to bring in traffic for years.

That’s why many top creators (including me) treat their blog as the home base of their business — where all other content leads back.

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2. Choosing the Right Platform to Start Blogging

Let’s talk tools. Your platform determines your flexibility, control, and income potential.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

Platform	Ideal For	Pros	Cons
WordPress.org	Long-term serious blogging	Full control, own domain, AdSense + affiliate + product options	Small learning curve
Medium	Writers who want quick publishing	Built-in audience, clean interface	Harder to monetize directly
Substack	Newsletter-style blogs	Great for email audience	Subscription-based, limited SEO
Wix / Squarespace	Beginners who want easy setup	No coding required	Less SEO control
Blogger (by Google)	Absolute beginners	Free, connects to AdSense	Outdated features

💡 My Recommendation: WordPress.org

If you’re serious about building blogging as a long-term income stream, start with WordPress.org.

You’ll need:

• A domain name (e.g., lewwenwan.com)

• A hosting service (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger)

• A WordPress theme (Astra, GeneratePress, Kadence)

Initial setup cost: around $150/year, which is a small price for owning an online business that can grow into a five-figure monthly income.

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3. How to Find Profitable Blog Ideas (Even If You’re a Beginner)

Here’s where most people get stuck:
“What should I write about?”

The secret?
Don’t start with what you want to write. Start with what people search for.

Step 1: Pick a Profitable Niche

You need a niche that has both interest and income potential.
The 5 evergreen niches that always work are:

1. 💰 Personal Finance & Investing (budgeting, dividend investing, financial freedom)

2. 💼 Career & Business (productivity, entrepreneurship, job skills)

3. 🍎 Health & Wellness (diet, sleep, exercise, mental health)

4. 🌍 Lifestyle & Travel (budget travel, minimalist living, Singapore lifestyle)

5. 🎓 Education & Skills (writing, tech learning, data analytics, AI tools)

Ask yourself:

• Can I write 50 articles on this topic?

• Are there products, services, or courses related to this niche?

• Do I enjoy learning about this topic for the next 3 years?

If yes to all three — you’ve found your niche.

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Step 2: Validate Your Niche with Keyword Research

Now that you have a topic, let’s make sure people are actually searching for it.

Use free tools like:

• Google Search Autocomplete – type your topic and note what Google suggests.

• Ubersuggest or Ahrefs Free Keyword Tool – see search volume and competition.

• AnswerThePublic.com – discover questions people are asking.

Example:
If you’re interested in dividend investing in Singapore, search “best dividend stocks Singapore” or “how to invest in REITs Singapore.”

If these have thousands of searches, you’ve found a goldmine.

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Step 3: Create Content Pillars

Once you have ideas, group them into content pillars.

For example, if your niche is “Financial Independence”:

Pillar	Example Articles
Saving Money	“10 Ways to Save $500/Month in Singapore”
Investing	“How to Start Dividend Investing with $1,000”
Side Hustles	“7 Passive Income Streams for Working Professionals”
Mindset	“Rich Dad, Poor Dad: Lessons for Singaporeans”

These pillars help structure your site and build authority in Google’s eyes.

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4. Creating Blog Content That Actually Ranks and Earns

Step 1: Write for Humans First, SEO Second

Your content should be easy to read, helpful, and conversational — like talking to a friend.

Then, optimize it for SEO by:

• Including your target keyword in the title, first paragraph, and URL

• Using subheadings (H2, H3) to break up text

• Adding internal links to other posts

• Using images with descriptive alt text

Step 2: Follow the “E-E-A-T” Rule

Google rewards content that shows:

• Experience – you’ve actually done what you write about

• Expertise – you know your topic

• Authoritativeness – others trust you (links, mentions)

• Trustworthiness – transparent, honest, accurate

Example: if you’re writing about investing, show screenshots, case studies, and personal experience.

Step 3: Aim for Evergreen Content

Don’t chase viral topics — they fade fast. Focus on “evergreen” content that stays relevant for years:

• “How to Start a Blog in Singapore”

• “Best Budget Apps in 2025”

• “How to Build Passive Income with REITs”

Each of these can rank on Google for a long time — bringing you consistent traffic.

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5. How to Monetize Your Blog — 5 Proven Income Streams

Now let’s talk about the exciting part: turning your blog into money.

Once your blog gets around 1,000–3,000 monthly visitors, you can start monetizing in these ways:

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1️⃣ Google AdSense (Display Ads)

How it works:
Google places ads on your blog, and you earn money whenever someone views or clicks on them.

You can apply after you have around 10–15 quality blog posts.

Income potential:

• 10,000 monthly views → $50–$100

• 100,000 monthly views → $800–$2,000

Later, upgrade to Mediavine or Raptive, which pay much better once you reach 50k+ monthly sessions.

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2️⃣ Affiliate Marketing

How it works:
You recommend products or services in your blog and earn a commission for every sale or signup through your link.

Popular affiliate networks:

• Amazon Associates

• Shopee / Lazada Affiliate Programs

• Booking.com / Agoda

• ShareASale (for digital tools and software)

Example:
If you write “Best High-Yield Savings Accounts in Singapore,” include affiliate links for each bank or financial app.

Income potential:
$500–$5,000/month depending on traffic and niche.

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3️⃣ Digital Products

How it works:
Sell downloadable products like:

• eBooks (“Guide to Dividend Investing”)

• Budget trackers (Excel or Notion)

• Templates or planners

• Online mini-courses

Platforms:

• Gumroad

• Etsy

• Podia

Income potential:
$500–$3,000/month after your audience trusts your expertise.

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4️⃣ Sponsored Posts

How it works:
Brands pay you to write about their product or service.

Example: A fintech company might pay $300–$800 per sponsored article once your site gets traffic and domain authority.

Income potential:
$1,000–$5,000/month (for mid-level blogs).

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5️⃣ Email Marketing & Courses

Once you have steady traffic, build an email list.
You can then promote your own online courses, coaching, or consulting.

Tools:

• ConvertKit or MailerLite for email automation

• Thrive Leads or OptinMonster for signup forms

This turns your blog from a passive ad site into an active business.

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6. Step-by-Step Plan to Build Your Blogging Income

Here’s a realistic roadmap you can follow — even while working a full-time job.

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🗓️ Month 1–2: Foundation

• Choose your niche and blog name

• Buy domain + hosting, install WordPress

• Publish 5 high-quality pillar articles (1,500–2,000 words each)

🗓️ Month 3–6: Build Traffic

• Post weekly (10–20 total articles)

• Optimize for SEO

• Share your blog on Facebook, LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit

• Start an email list

🗓️ Month 6–12: Monetize

• Apply for Google AdSense

• Join affiliate programs

• Create your first digital product

• Grow your email list to 1,000 subscribers

🗓️ Year 2: Scale Up

• Target long-tail keywords for SEO growth

• Reach 50,000 monthly visitors → join Mediavine

• Add a YouTube channel or podcast to repurpose content

• Collaborate with brands for sponsored posts

🗓️ Year 3: Build a System

• Outsource writing or editing

• Build multiple affiliate pages

• Create online courses

• Aim for $5,000–$10,000/month consistent income

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7. The Tools You Need to Run a $10,000/Month Blog

Here’s my personal blogging toolkit — proven to scale income efficiently:

Purpose	Tool	Why It’s Great
Hosting	SiteGround / Hostinger	Fast, reliable, secure
SEO	RankIQ / Ahrefs	Helps find low-competition keywords
Writing	Grammarly / Notion	Write faster, error-free
Design	Canva	Create blog graphics easily
Analytics	Google Analytics + Search Console	Track traffic and rankings
Email Marketing	ConvertKit	Build and automate audience
Monetization	Gumroad / Amazon Associates	Sell products, earn commissions

Investing in good tools saves hundreds of hours in the long run — and helps you earn faster.

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8. Blogging Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned writers fall into these traps. Avoid them early:

1. ❌ Writing without SEO research
   → You’ll waste effort on articles no one searches for.

2. ❌ Giving up too early
   → Most blogs earn little in the first 6 months. Patience is key.

3. ❌ Focusing on too many topics
   → Stick to one niche and build authority.

4. ❌ Ignoring email list building
   → Email subscribers are your most loyal audience.

5. ❌ Not treating your blog like a business
   → Track revenue, reinvest in tools, and set goals.

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9. Example: From $0 to $10,000/Month — A Realistic Growth Path

Here’s what my own income journey looked like:

Year	Monthly Traffic	Income Source	Monthly Income
1	5,000 views	AdSense + small affiliates	$200
2	25,000 views	Affiliates + digital product	$1,500
3	80,000 views	Mediavine ads + eBook	$3,500
4	150,000 views	Courses + sponsors + email	$7,000
5	250,000+ views	Multiple streams combined	$10,000+

It took consistency — not luck.
I spent an hour a day, even while working full-time, building content and learning SEO.

And the best part?
Even if I take a month off, the blog still earns.
That’s true passive income.

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10. The Singapore Angle — Blogging That Fits Our Lifestyle

If you’re based in Singapore or Southeast Asia, you have unique advantages:

• Regional demand: Many English blogs in finance, health, or career niches have little local competition.

• Affiliate opportunities: Shopee, Grab, Agoda, and local fintech companies offer affiliate programs.

• Global audience: Write in English and reach both Asian and international readers.

You can build a blog targeting:

• “Living in Singapore”

• “Side hustles for professionals”

• “Investing in REITs or dividends”

• “Healthy vegetarian eating in Asia”

These topics resonate locally yet appeal globally — a perfect balance.

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11. Why Blogging Is the Best Side Income Stream

Let’s recap why blogging is a smart long-term side hustle — especially if you already have a full-time job:

✅ Low cost to start — under $200/year.
✅ Scalable — one article can earn for years.
✅ Flexible — work on it anytime.
✅ Passive income — ads and affiliates earn while you sleep.
✅ Leverage — blog can lead to speaking, books, or consulting.

It’s not quick money, but it’s steady and compounding money.

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12. The Mindset of a Successful Blogger

Most people fail at blogging because they treat it like a hobby.
Professionals treat it like a digital business.

Here’s how to think like a top 10% blogger:

• Be consistent: One post a week beats ten posts once a year.

• Focus on quality: Depth wins over quantity.

• Track metrics: Traffic, keywords, and conversions.

• Keep learning: SEO, copywriting, monetization.

• Serve your audience: Solve problems, not just write stories.

Remember: every successful blogger you know started with zero views and zero income. The difference was consistency.

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13. Final Thoughts: Build a Blog That Works for You

Your job pays your bills.
Your blog builds your future.

Blogging gives you leverage — you create once, and it keeps working for you.
Start with one post. Then another. Then 50.

In a year, you’ll have a digital portfolio you own — an online business that can earn even while you sleep.

As I always tell my readers:

“A blog is not just a website — it’s your ticket to financial freedom, one word at a time.”

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💬 Quick Summary

Stage	Action	Time Commitment	Goal
Setup	Domain, hosting, WordPress	1 week	Blog ready
Content	1 post/week	1–2 hrs/day	20 posts in 6 months
Monetize	AdSense, affiliates	Month 6–12	First $500–$1,000
Scale	Digital products, courses	Year 2+	$5,000–$10,000/month

Creating streams of income to complement the Salary Income

 

Introduction: Why Your Salary Alone Is Not Enough

Let’s be honest.
Having a good-paying job today — even one that pays $100,000 or more a year — doesn’t guarantee financial freedom.

Inflation eats into your savings, the cost of living in Singapore keeps rising, and job security is never truly guaranteed. One retrenchment or restructuring, and your income stream can dry up overnight.

That’s why more working professionals — especially those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s — are building multiple income streams.

Not just to get rich quickly, but to:

• Build financial stability

• Prepare for early retirement

• Have more freedom and peace of mind

• Eventually work because you want to, not because you have to

In this post, I’ll share 7 practical income streams you can start while keeping your full-time job. These are streams I’ve studied, built, or seen others succeed with. Each one includes:

• What it is

• How it works

• Steps to start

• Ease of doing (Low / Medium / High)

• Estimated income potential

Let’s begin your journey to multiple streams of income.

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1. Dividend Investing — Let Your Money Work While You Sleep

💡 What It Is

Dividend investing means buying shares of companies that regularly pay cash dividends. These could be REITs, blue-chip stocks, or ETFs that distribute part of their profits to shareholders.

Think of it like buying a small piece of businesses that pay you regularly.

💼 How It Works

You invest capital (say $5,000–$10,000), buy dividend-paying stocks such as:

• Singapore REITs: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, Mapletree Industrial Trust

• Blue Chips: DBS, OCBC, Singtel

• Dividend ETFs: Lion-Phillip S-REIT ETF, Nikko AM STI ETF

Then, every quarter or half-year, you receive dividend payouts — typically 4–6% annual yield.

You can reinvest these dividends to accelerate growth, or use them as side income.

🧭 Steps to Start

1. Open a brokerage account (e.g. DBS Vickers, Tiger Brokers, Moomoo).

2. Start with SGX-listed dividend stocks (lower risk, no forex).

3. Track performance using a portfolio tracker like StocksCafe.

4. Reinvest dividends or buy new positions monthly.

⚙️ Ease of Doing: Medium

Requires some study of financials, but once your portfolio is set up, it’s mostly passive.

💸 Income Potential

• Year 1–3: $300–$2,000 per year

• Year 4–10: $5,000–$15,000 per year (if you consistently invest)

🏁 Why It’s Powerful

It’s truly passive — the longer you stay invested, the more you earn through compounding and reinvested dividends.

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2. Blogging & Content Creation — Build a Brand, Earn While You Share

💡 What It Is

Blogging or content creation lets you earn by sharing your knowledge, experience, or passion online.

Topics could include personal finance, health, parenting, food, or career advice — whatever you know deeply or enjoy talking about.

Over time, your blog becomes a digital asset that earns from:

• Google AdSense

• Affiliate marketing

• Sponsored posts

• Digital product sales

💼 How It Works

You create valuable blog posts consistently. As your traffic grows, you can monetize.

For example:

• A blog on “Singapore dividend investing” could earn $500–$2,000/month from ads + affiliate links.

• A “healthy vegetarian lifestyle” blog could promote cookbooks, courses, or meal plans.

🧭 Steps to Start

1. Choose a niche you enjoy (finance, lifestyle, food, etc.).

2. Buy a domain (e.g. www.lewwenwan.com).

3. Set up a WordPress blog (hosting ~$150/year).

4. Publish 2–3 SEO-optimized articles weekly.

5. Join AdSense, Amazon Associates, or affiliate programs.

6. Promote through social media and forums (Reddit, Facebook groups).

⚙️ Ease of Doing: Medium to High

Requires time, writing consistency, and patience — results usually come after 6–12 months.

💸 Income Potential

• First 6 months: $0–$100/month

• After 1–2 years: $500–$2,000/month

• After 3+ years: $5,000+/month (if scaled properly)

🏁 Why It’s Powerful

Once your articles rank on Google, they can generate passive traffic for years — and that means income even while you sleep.

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3. YouTube Channel — Build Influence and Income

💡 What It Is

YouTube is one of the most powerful side hustles. You don’t need to be a celebrity — you just need to provide value, entertainment, or knowledge.

You can create content around your interests — tech reviews, money tips, productivity, or even Singapore lifestyle vlogs.

💼 How It Works

You earn from:

• Ad revenue (Google pays per view)

• Sponsorships

• Affiliate links

• Digital product sales

Even a small channel with 10,000 subscribers can earn $300–$1,000/month with consistent uploads.

🧭 Steps to Start

1. Decide your niche (education, lifestyle, finance, hobbies).

2. Use your phone camera + free software (CapCut, Canva).

3. Post 1–2 videos weekly.

4. Learn YouTube SEO (titles, thumbnails, keywords).

5. Monetize after 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours.

⚙️ Ease of Doing: Medium

Needs consistency and learning video editing. But the rewards are scalable.

💸 Income Potential

• 6–12 months: $100–$500/month

• 2–3 years: $1,000–$5,000/month

• 5+ years: Unlimited (if your content goes viral)

🏁 Why It’s Powerful

Videos continue to earn views for years. You can repurpose videos into blog posts or digital courses — multiplying your income sources.

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4. Print-on-Demand (POD) & E-Commerce

💡 What It Is

Print-on-demand lets you design and sell custom products like T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags without holding inventory.

When a customer orders, your supplier prints and ships it automatically.

Platforms: Etsy, Redbubble, Teespring, Shopee Printify

💼 How It Works

1. Create digital designs (Canva or Fiverr).

2. Upload them to Etsy or Shopee store.

3. Set your selling price (e.g., $25 for a T-shirt).

4. When someone buys, the print partner fulfills the order.

5. You earn the profit margin (usually $5–$10 per sale).

🧭 Steps to Start

1. Create a free Etsy account.

2. Link it with Printify or Printful.

3. Upload 10–20 unique designs (inspirational, funny, local).

4. Promote on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest.

⚙️ Ease of Doing: Medium

Requires some design creativity and product testing, but minimal financial risk.

💸 Income Potential

• First 3–6 months: $50–$300/month

• After 1 year: $500–$2,000/month (if you build brand presence)

🏁 Why It’s Powerful

No inventory, no shipping. Perfect for working professionals with limited time.

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5. Freelancing — Sell Your Skills Online

💡 What It Is

Freelancing lets you use your professional skills (writing, project management, data analysis, design) to earn extra income outside work hours.

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect you to global clients.

💼 How It Works

You create a profile, list your services, and apply for jobs.
For example:

• Writing blog posts ($50–$200 each)

• Project management consultation ($100/hour)

• PowerPoint or Excel work ($30–$100/hour)

🧭 Steps to Start

1. Identify 1–2 skills you’re good at.

2. Create an Upwork or Fiverr account.

3. Offer fixed packages (e.g., “I will write a 1,000-word blog for $60”).

4. Build reviews and ratings.

5. Reinvest earnings into courses or marketing.

⚙️ Ease of Doing: Medium to High

Requires marketing and discipline to manage side clients. But income can scale fast.

💸 Income Potential

• First 3 months: $200–$1,000/month

• After 1 year: $1,000–$5,000/month (depending on demand)

🏁 Why It’s Powerful

You’re monetizing skills you already have. No big capital, just time and focus.

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6. Digital Products — Create Once, Sell Forever

💡 What It Is

Digital products are downloadable files you create once and sell infinitely:

• eBooks

• Templates (budget, CV, Notion)

• Online courses

• Guides or checklists

You can sell via Gumroad, Etsy, or your own website.

💼 How It Works

For example:

• A simple Excel “Budget Planner” template sells for $10.

• Sell 100 copies = $1,000 passive income.

Or:

• A short eBook on “How to Build a Dividend Portfolio in Singapore” priced at $12.

• 500 copies = $6,000 income.

🧭 Steps to Start

1. Pick a problem people need solved.

2. Create a simple product (PDF, Excel, Canva).

3. Sell on Gumroad or Etsy.

4. Promote via blog, YouTube, or social media.

⚙️ Ease of Doing: Low to Medium

Requires initial effort to create, but then it’s mostly passive.

💸 Income Potential

• First 3–6 months: $100–$500/month

• After 1 year: $1,000–$3,000/month (if promoted well)

🏁 Why It’s Powerful

You build assets that keep earning — like a “digital dividend” every month.

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7. Real Estate / REIT Investments — Passive Rental Income

💡 What It Is

Real estate is the oldest and most stable form of passive income. But you don’t need to buy an entire condo — you can invest in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) listed on the SGX.

These companies own income-producing properties — malls, data centers, hospitals — and pay dividends from rental income.

💼 How It Works

You buy REIT shares like Mapletree Logistics Trust or CapitaLand Ascendas REIT.
You earn 4–6% dividend yield annually, plus potential capital gains.

If you have more capital, you can consider small property investments (HDB rental, overseas property, or co-investing platforms).

🧭 Steps to Start

1. Research REITs on SGX.

2. Buy small lots monthly via your broker.

3. Reinvest dividends to grow faster.

4. Track yield and occupancy rates.

⚙️ Ease of Doing: Low to Medium

Requires capital but low time commitment.

💸 Income Potential

• $10,000 invested → $500/year

• $100,000 invested → $5,000–$6,000/year

🏁 Why It’s Powerful

Real estate is tangible and inflation-protected. You earn from both rental income and appreciation.

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Putting It All Together — Building a 7-Stream Income Portfolio

Let’s summarize these streams with their ease and income potential:

#	Income Stream	Ease of Doing	Type	Estimated Monthly Income (after 1–2 years)
1	Dividend Investing	Medium	Passive	$400–$1,000
2	Blogging / Website	Medium–High	Semi-Passive	$500–$2,000
3	YouTube	Medium	Semi-Passive	$500–$3,000
4	Print-on-Demand	Medium	Semi-Passive	$300–$2,000
5	Freelancing	High	Active	$1,000–$5,000
6	Digital Products	Low–Medium	Passive	$300–$2,000
7	Real Estate / REITs	Low–Medium	Passive	$500–$1,000

If you build just three or four of these over the next few years, you could realistically add $2,000–$5,000/month in additional income — enough to achieve financial security or accelerate early retirement.

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How to Build Them Gradually (Without Overwhelm)

Year 1: Build Foundation

• Start Dividend Investing ($500–$1,000/month investment).

• Launch your Blog or YouTube Channel.

• Begin Freelancing 1–2 hours per week.

Year 2: Scale & Systemize

• Add Digital Products to your blog or YouTube channel.

• Expand your Dividend Portfolio.

• Automate blog traffic using SEO and social media.

Year 3: Build Passive Engines

• Create multiple income sources from your blog/YouTube (ads, affiliates, products).

• Start Print-on-Demand or explore small REIT/property investments.

By the third year, you can have at least 4 active streams of income, some of which are fully passive.

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The Mindset Shift: From Worker to Investor-Entrepreneur

Building multiple income streams is not just about making extra money — it’s about shifting how you think about money.

Instead of only working for money, you start making money work for you.

Here’s the mindset change:

Old Thinking	New Thinking
“I need a raise.”	“I need new income streams.”
“I’m tired after work.”	“I’ll spend 1 hour building assets daily.”
“I can’t afford to take risks.”	“I’ll start small and learn fast.”
“I only have one income.”	“I have money coming from 4–5 sources.”

Small daily actions — reading about investing, writing a blog post, designing a template — compound into long-term wealth.

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Tools & Resources to Get Started

Investing

• Brokers: Tiger Brokers, Moomoo, DBS Vickers

• Portfolio Tracker: StocksCafe, Google Sheets

• Books: The Little Book of Dividend Investing, Rich Dad Poor Dad

Blogging & Content

• Platforms: WordPress, Medium, YouTube

• SEO Tools: Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, RankIQ

• Design Tools: Canva, CapCut

Digital Products & Freelancing

• Marketplaces: Gumroad, Etsy, Fiverr, Upwork

• Tools: Notion, Google Docs, Trello

Financial Education

• YouTube channels: Graham Stephan, Ryan Scribner, The Fifth Person (Singapore)

• Podcasts: ChooseFI, Money Smart Asia

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Real-Life Example: How a Singaporean Professional Built 3 Streams

Let’s look at a practical case — someone earning $140,000/year in Singapore.

Year 1:

• Invest $1,000/month in REITs and dividend stocks (earn ~$800/year).

• Start a finance blog — write 2 posts weekly.

• Freelance for small consulting jobs on weekends ($500/month).

Year 2:

• Blog starts earning $300/month from AdSense.

• Dividend income reaches $1,500/year.

• Freelancing income grows to $1,000/month.

Year 3:

• Launch a digital eBook ($12 price, 100 copies sold = $1,200).

• Total additional annual income = ~$20,000/year.

That’s equivalent to a 14% salary raise — without asking your boss.

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Conclusion: Your Salary Is the Seed, Not the Ceiling

Your full-time job is your foundation, not your limitation.
It gives you stability, but the goal is to use that stability to build financial freedom.

Start small. Choose one stream — maybe dividend investing, or blogging, or freelancing — and commit one hour a day.

In 1 year, you’ll have progress.
In 3 years, you’ll have income.
In 5 years, you’ll have freedom.

As Lew Wenwan always says:

“The best time to build multiple income streams was yesterday. The next best time is today.”

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✨ Final Thoughts

You don’t need to quit your job to gain freedom.
You just need to build streams of income — quietly, consistently, and smartly.

Your future self will thank you.