How to Make Money Online as a Historian? 10 Actionable Ideas

As a historian, you possess a wealth of knowledge about past events, cultures, and societal developments. While traditional careers for historians often involve teaching, research, or working in museums, the digital age has provided new and innovative ways for professionals in this field to monetize their expertise. Whether you're interested in sharing your passion for history, providing educational content, or offering specialized services, the internet offers numerous opportunities to make money online as a historian.

In this article, we'll explore 10 actionable ideas for historians looking to turn their expertise into a profitable online venture. From content creation to consulting, there's a wealth of potential for historians to build an online income stream.

Freelance Writing and Blogging

One of the most accessible ways to make money online as a historian is through freelance writing and blogging. Many online platforms, websites, and even history-focused magazines require well-researched articles on a variety of topics. As a historian, you can leverage your research skills to create content that informs and educates a wide audience.

How to Get Started:

• Create a Portfolio: Start by building an online portfolio showcasing your writing. This could be a personal blog, a Medium profile, or a page on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Pitch to Publications: Reach out to history blogs, online journals, and educational websites with article proposals. Platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, and Fiverr can connect you with clients looking for history-related content.
• Start a Blog: If you enjoy writing, you could start your own history blog. Write about topics that interest you, and monetize your blog through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.

Potential Earnings: Freelance writing can vary, but experienced writers can make anywhere from $50 to $200 per article, depending on the complexity and length of the assignment.

Develop and Sell Online Courses

With the growth of online learning platforms, creating and selling your own history courses is an excellent way to monetize your expertise. Whether you specialize in a particular historical period, region, or type of history (such as military, social, or cultural history), there is a significant demand for educational content.

How to Get Started:

• Choose a Niche: Pick a specific topic or historical period that you're passionate about. This could be ancient civilizations, the history of specific wars, or the history of social movements.
• Select a Platform: Use platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare to create and sell your course. These platforms have built-in audiences and tools to help you develop your content.
• Promote Your Course: Leverage your existing social media channels or website to promote your course. Email marketing and paid advertisements can also help boost visibility.

Potential Earnings: Online courses can generate passive income. Depending on your course's popularity, you could earn anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars per month.

Offer Historical Consulting Services

If you have expertise in a specific area of history, offering historical consulting services can be a lucrative option. Many businesses, authors, filmmakers, or media outlets require historical accuracy for their projects, whether it's for a documentary, historical fiction book, or video game.

How to Get Started:

• Create a Professional Website: Set up a website to showcase your expertise, the types of services you offer, and examples of past work.
• Network with Potential Clients: Reach out to authors, filmmakers, game developers, and educational organizations that may require historical advice. You can also join platforms like LinkedIn and research professional groups in your field.
• Offer Specific Services: You can provide consultation on historical accuracy, research, or even help authors with period-specific language or customs.

Potential Earnings: Depending on the complexity and scope of the project, consulting fees can range from $50 to $150 per hour or more.

Create a YouTube Channel

Video content is a powerful medium for engaging an audience, and history enthusiasts are no exception. Starting a YouTube channel dedicated to historical analysis, storytelling, or educational videos can not only allow you to share your passion but also generate income through ads and sponsorships.

How to Get Started:

• Define Your Niche: Choose a specific focus for your channel, such as deep dives into historical events, biographies of historical figures, or educational content about specific periods in history.
• Invest in Equipment: While you don't need expensive equipment to start, having a good microphone, camera, and editing software will help improve the quality of your content.
• Monetize Your Channel: Once you've gained a steady following, you can monetize through Google AdSense, sponsorships, or promoting history-related products.

Potential Earnings: Once your channel reaches a certain threshold of subscribers and views, YouTube ads can generate revenue. For larger channels, this can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per month.

Publish eBooks or Audiobooks

As a historian, you can leverage your knowledge by writing eBooks or audiobooks on historical topics. This could be anything from short guides to more comprehensive works on particular historical events, figures, or phenomena. The rise of self-publishing platforms makes it easier than ever to write, publish, and sell books online.

How to Get Started:

• Choose a Topic: Write about historical events, biographies, or analyses of specific time periods. Ensure that the content is engaging and accessible for a wide audience.
• Self-Publish: Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Audible's ACX allow you to publish your work digitally or as audiobooks with little upfront cost.
• Promote Your Work: Use social media and email marketing to promote your book. You can also look for guest blogging or podcast opportunities to promote your work to a broader audience.

Potential Earnings: Authors can earn royalties ranging from 30% to 70% per sale, depending on the platform. Successful eBooks can generate anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars in passive income.

Sell Historical Merchandise

If you have a creative side and enjoy designing, you can make money by creating and selling historical merchandise. This could include historical-themed apparel, posters, mugs, or educational products. Platforms like Etsy or Redbubble allow you to sell custom designs to a niche audience.

How to Get Started:

• Design Products: Create designs based on historical themes, such as vintage maps, famous quotes from historical figures, or images of iconic historical events.
• Use Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Etsy or Redbubble allow you to upload your designs and sell them on merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, and posters. These platforms handle production and shipping for you.
• Promote Your Store: Use social media, history forums, and relevant online communities to promote your merchandise.

Potential Earnings: Your earnings will vary based on the designs' popularity, but successful shops can earn anywhere from $200 to $2,000 per month or more.

Host Virtual History Tours or Lectures

Many people are fascinated by history and may be willing to pay for a virtual tour or lecture led by an expert. You can host live, online history tours or lectures that showcase historical sites, discuss historical events, or delve into particular subjects in history.

How to Get Started:

• Select a Topic: Focus on specific historical periods, events, or sites that people might be interested in learning more about.
• Choose a Platform: Use video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype to host your tours or lectures.
• Charge for Access: You can charge a fee for access to these events or offer them as part of a subscription model.

Potential Earnings: Depending on the size of your audience, you can charge anywhere from $10 to $50 per participant for each lecture or tour.

Offer History Tutoring Services

If you enjoy teaching and have a deep understanding of historical subjects, tutoring is another great way to make money online. Many students struggle with history and need personalized help, especially in preparing for exams or completing projects.

How to Get Started:

• Set Up a Tutoring Profile : Platforms like Chegg, Wyzant, and Tutor.com allow you to create a tutoring profile and connect with students.
• Set Your Rates: History tutoring rates vary, but you can set your hourly rate based on your expertise and level of experience.
• Promote Your Services: In addition to tutoring platforms, you can use social media or local community groups to advertise your tutoring services.

Potential Earnings: Tutors typically charge $30 to $100 per hour, depending on experience and subject matter expertise.

Create Historical Research Reports or Summaries

Many businesses, journalists, and content creators require historical research or context for their work. You can offer research report writing services where you provide in-depth, fact-checked historical content tailored to clients' needs.

How to Get Started:

• Define Your Services: Offer research and fact-checking services or even create historical summaries and reports for clients in industries like media, education, or entertainment.
• Advertise Your Services: Use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find clients looking for custom historical research.
• Specialize: Consider specializing in niche areas, such as genealogical research or providing historical context for media projects.

Potential Earnings: Depending on the complexity of the research, you could charge between $50 to $150 per report.

Offer Historical Virtual Assistant Services

Many historians have a unique skill set that includes organization, research, and data management. You can offer virtual assistant services to businesses and individuals needing help with historical research or organizing information.

How to Get Started:

• Create an Offer: Focus on research-heavy tasks such as organizing historical data, transcribing documents, or even helping researchers find reliable sources.
• Market Your Services: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to offer your services to clients in need of a historical virtual assistant.
• Network with Researchers: Build connections with historians, authors, or academic institutions who may require virtual assistance with their projects.

Potential Earnings: Virtual assistants typically charge $15 to $50 per hour, depending on the scope and complexity of the tasks.

Conclusion

Making money online as a historian is not only possible but also offers a range of exciting opportunities to share your passion and expertise with the world. Whether you're interested in writing, teaching, consulting, or selling historical products, the internet has created a wealth of platforms and opportunities to turn your historical knowledge into a profitable online career. By following the actionable ideas in this article, historians can successfully monetize their skills and make a meaningful impact online.

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