I’ve been advising folks for years to drop their fixations and build an online business the boring way:
- Learn sellable skills.
- Use freelancing to gain experience and revenue.
- Transfer what you learned to your hobby projects down the line.
Why do I emphasize this path? Because it succeeds.
Business models like affiliate marketing, dropshipping, and blogging look great on the surface, but are much harder than people think. What usually happens is this: someone jumps in with energy, runs into challenges, realizes they lack crucial skills, gets disillusioned—and gives up.
That’s why freelancing is my first option of recommendation. It’s a simple (if not easy) means of gaining confidence, sharpening skills, and starting to earn money reasonably quickly. All you have to do is perform the work and not get undeterred by rejection.
But once you’ve gained that, here’s my second tip:
Build a brand around your most beloved hobby.
Not because it will make you rich fast. Or even rich, even. But it will create something valuable—a thing that deepens your connection to that which you care most about.
My Story: Breaking Eighty
Over ten years ago, I started a golf blog called Breaking Eighty. I did not have golf connections, never took a golf holiday, and had never played at a private course, let alone set foot on one.
Since then, I’ve played a dozen of the world’s greatest golf courses—sometimes for nothing. I’ve encountered celebrities, made lasting industry friends, and received advance access to top golf equipment. Most importantly, the blog has enriched the game I love more each day.
How did all this transpire?
Simple. I began. It didn’t become viral overnight, but the dividends came soon and continued to expand.
And this is not unique to golf. No matter what your hobby may be—photography, tea, music, backpacking—there’s a way to build a personal brand around it.
These are 10 reasons why every person should have a hobby-based brand:
1. You’ll Get Better at What You Love
My initial hobby site was HDR photography. It forced me to shoot thousands of photos and master editing tools like Lightroom. That ability transferred to my golf content and made my site stand out.
The more I created, the more I had to improve at golf itself. My handicap decreased from 18 to 7. Without the site, that likely would not have happened.
A hobby business dares you to step up.
2. You’ll Have Access Others Don’t
Not long after publishing Breaking Eighty, we got media accreditation to a high-level PGA Tour event. My community manager was able to go to the tournament “inside the ropes”—a luxury few enjoy.
Russ Smith, who started a tea company, received invitations to tea farms all across China—his dream.
Your site is your ticket to adventures that were out of reach.
3. You Will Attract Similar People
Starting a hobby website is like putting a beacon out there. Similar people will find you. Mentors, partners, or fellow fans—blogging makes them easily accessible.
I have encountered hundreds of great people just because I put my ideas out there.
4. It Can Turn Into a Business
Developing a hobby brand isn’t the quickest method for earning money—but it can be a serious business.
Breaking Eighty currently generates revenue with affiliate marketing, consulting, and a paid membership site. But in the first two years, I did not concern myself with money. I cared about building the golf site that I would like to read. That mindset generated trust—and ultimately, profit.
5. You Can Deduct Your Costs
Once you’ve got your hobby brand as a business, you can start writing off expenses. New gear, travel, tools—anything can become part of the business.
6. Businesses Will Send You Free Stuff
Because your audience is still growing, brands will notice.
I started reviewing golf gear I already owned. Eventually, companies began sending me gear to review—such as a $500 golf driver that was shipped to my front door free of charge.
You can create content you’re passionate about while saving money and gaining cool perks.
7. You’ll Build Industry Recognition
I’ve played some of the most exclusive golf courses in the country because people found my blog and invited me.
At breakfast one day, a restaurant manager said, “Hey! Breaking Eighty!” It still surprises me how often that happens—and the doors it opens.
8. You’re Building a Sellable Asset
I didn’t create my blog to sell it. But I have had offers—and that’s a wonderful feeling.
A hobby brand is an investment for the long haul. Whether you retain it or sell it, the value grows the more you create.
9. You’ll Acquire In-Demand Digital Skills
Building a hobby brand educates you in actual, salable skills—writing, SEO, content creation, email marketing, community building, and more.
Even if the site never becomes a full-time endeavor, it’s an amazing learning environment that makes you more valuable in today’s digital economy.
10. You’ll Have More Fun
At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
My love for golf is richer and more rewarding now because of the blog. What was once a hobby now has purpose and structure. And trying out a new club by playing a round of golf? That’s a business task I’ll do any day.
Final Thoughts
Need to make money fast? Freelance.
But if you want to do something that puts real happiness in your life and opens doors you never knew were there? Create a brand around what you love.
Write. Share your story. Start to develop your voice and your presence online.
I’m not special—I just started. And so can you.
Sean Ogle
Location Rebel founder, by which I help people create online businesses that give them the freedom to live life on their terms. If not at home in Portland or traveling elsewhere in the world, I’m probably sneaking onto a golf course where I don’t belong.
