Did you know there are many ways to monetise your language skills?
If you’re bilingual or a polyglot, you have an incredibly valuable asset you can use to make money and can even use to build a fully sustainable, profitable, and lifelong career, even when you haven’t quite reached fluency.
So, if you’re studying a foreign language, don’t give up! There are endless opportunities to create a liberating income and lifestyle for yourself.
The problem is that it can be a little difficult since there aren’t many specific jobs out there looking for polyglots. Most employees will like the fact you can speak other languages, but they won’t tend to be looking for the ability to speak multiple languages as the core skill, although there are exceptions.
The good news is that with a little creativity, there are plenty of directions you can go, you just need to make sure you’re proactive, enthusiastic, and ready to put yourself out there.
To help you on your way, we are starting a new series of articles entitled ‘How to monetise your language skills’ where we will show you some of the best ways to make money with your language skills.
As the title suggests this blog is all about selling digital study resources.
Let's dive into a personal journey that sparked an idea.
As I was learning Spanish, I stumbled upon a method that not only aided my progress but also illuminated a path to entrepreneurship.
Faced with the common hurdle of mastering verb conjugations, I took matters into my own hands. I crafted a set of worksheets dedicated to drilling conjugations in various tenses, transforming my struggle into a structured learning experience. The worksheets enabled me to internalise the rules and patterns, making the verbs stick.
My passion for music then inspired another creative tool—the 'lyric training' worksheet. I always say, "learn the language you love with the things you love," I merged tunes with teaching. This innovative sheet aimed to sharpen my listening abilities, broaden my vocabulary, and acquaint me with the colloquial and slang expressions woven into the songs I adored.
Before long, I had amassed a collection of worksheets that significantly boosted my language proficiency. Recognizing the potential value they held for others, I decided it was time to bring these resources out of the shadows of my personal files.
Launching an Etsy shop, I offered up my collection to fellow language learners. To my delight, what started as a personal project blossomed into a source of passive income, proving that sharing knowledge could indeed be rewarding.
This journey from learner to creator not only enriched my language skills but also paved the way for a venture that connected with and supported the learning journeys of others.
What Are Some Digital and Printable Worksheets You Can Create?
Creating digital and printable worksheets can be both fun and rewarding, especially when you see the impact they can have on language learners. Here's a guide on how to create various types of educational resources,
1. Vocabulary Lists
Purpose:Â To enhance vocabulary acquisition on specific topics, levels, or situations.
How to Create:
Select a theme or situation (e.g., restaurant vocabulary, travel phrases, medical terminology).
Compile a list of relevant words and phrases, including their translations and a sentence for context.
Organise the list by difficulty level or categorise them (nouns, verbs, adjectives).
Add images or icons next to each word for visual learners.
Include a section for notes or practice sentences.
2. Fill in the Gap Exercises
Purpose:Â To improve understanding of grammar, vocabulary in context, and sentence structure.
How to Create:
Write sentences or paragraphs relevant to the learning level, leaving blanks for key words or phrases.
Provide a word bank for beginners or leave it open-ended for advanced learners.
Include an answer key at the end of the document.
For digital versions, consider making it interactive where learners can type or drag words into the gaps.
3. Multiple Choice Quizzes
Purpose:Â For self-testing on vocabulary, grammar, or comprehension.
How to Create:
Develop questions based on the material covered, with one correct answer and 2-3 distractors.
Quizzes can be themed around specific grammar points, vocabulary sets, or reading comprehension.
Utilize software or apps like Google Forms for digital quizzes that can auto-grade.
Provide feedback or explanations for each answer to aid learning.
4. Language Learning Planner
Purpose:Â To assist learners in setting, planning, and tracking their language learning goals.
How to Create:
Design a template that includes daily, weekly, and monthly goal sections.
Include motivational quotes or language learning tips.
Add tracking sections for vocabulary learned, hours practiced, or language exchange sessions.
Make it visually appealing to encourage regular use.
5. Language Learning Hubs on Notion
Purpose:Â To organize resources, track progress, and centralize language learning activities.
How to Create:
Use Notion to set up a dedicated space for language learning, with different pages for resources, planning, and tracking.
Include links to external resources, embedded videos, or audio clips.
Create templates for daily language practice logs or progress trackers.
Share your hub template with others for use.
6. Grammar Guides
Purpose:Â To explain grammar rules with examples tailored to various proficiency levels.
How to Create:
Select grammar topics and organize them based on difficulty.
Write clear explanations and include example sentences.
Add practice exercises with an answer key for immediate feedback.
For a digital guide, link to online resources or videos for further explanation.
7. Cultural Fact Sheets
Purpose:Â To give learners context and deepen their connection to the language through culture.
How to Create:
Research interesting cultural facts, holidays, customs, and traditions.
Include photos, infographics, or links to songs and videos.
Create a "Did You Know?" section for fun facts.
Make them printable for classroom use or digital for online learners.
8. Themed Conversation Starters
Purpose:Â To facilitate speaking practice in language exchange sessions or study groups.
How to Create:
Compile a list of questions or topics related to specific themes (e.g., hobbies, travel, culture).
Organize them by difficulty level.
Include tips for elaborating answers or steering conversations.
Create a digital booklet or a printable sheet for easy access during conversations.
9. Interactive PDFs for Self-Assessment
Purpose:Â To enable learners to interactively test their knowledge and track progress.
How to Create:
Design PDFs with fillable fields, checkboxes, and drop-down menus for answers.
Include quizzes, self-rating scales for skills, and goal-setting sections.
Utilize tools like Adobe Acrobat or online PDF editors to create interactive elements.
Provide instant feedback sections where learners can check their answers or reflect on learning activities.
By following these guidelines, you can create a wide range of engaging and effective language learning resources that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of language learners. Whether for personal use or to share with the world, these resources can significantly enhance the language learning experience.
Where to Sell Digital Products?
Etsy:Â A popular platform for all kinds of digital creations.
Tes:Â Specifically geared towards educational resources.
Your Own Site:Â Building your brand and direct sales.
Gumroad:Â For creators who want simplicity and flexibility.
Teachers Pay Teachers:Â A large community of educators and learners.
Patreon:Â For offering exclusive content through subscriptions.
How to Promote Your Digital Products?
Social Media:Â Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing visually appealing resources.
YouTube Videos:Â Share tips, language lessons, or previews of your products.
Email Marketing:Â Keep your audience engaged with updates and deals.
SEO:Â Optimise your listings and site content to attract organic traffic.
Top Tips for Success:
Clean Aesthetic Design:Â Make your resources visually appealing and easy to use.
Value for Money:Â Offer bundles or discounts to provide more value.
Solve a Problem:Â Highlight how your product addresses specific learning challenges.
Feedback and Testimonials:Â Use positive reviews to build trust and credibility.
By following these strategies and remaining committed to providing value, your digital study resources can become a significant source of income and satisfaction as you help others on their language learning journey.