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Poetry Commissions

💰 £10-£30/poem ⏱ Ongoing 📊 Intermediate

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What is it?

Poetry commissions involve creating personalised poems for friends, family, or community members in exchange for donations. This fundraising idea suits teens with a flair for writing and offers a creative way to engage supporters while raising money for trips and expeditions.

Why does it work?

People love receiving unique, heartfelt gifts like custom poems, which feel personal and special. Offering a creative service taps into emotional connections, encouraging supporters to contribute generously. Plus, sharing your work online helps attract a wider audience eager to support your cause.

What you'll need

  • A portfolio of sample poems
  • A social media account or local noticeboard access
  • Basic stationery (notebooks, pens) or digital tools for writing
  • A payment method (e.g., PayPal, bank transfer, cash handling)
  • Clear pricing list for poem lengths and types

Step-by-step plan

1
Develop a small portfolio of poems showcasing different styles (e.g., rhyming, free verse, humorous) so potential customers can see your skills.
2
Decide on your pricing structure—commonly £10-£30 depending on poem length and complexity. Be clear about what each price includes.
3
Create a simple flyer or social media post explaining what you offer, including examples, prices, and how people can commission a poem.
4
Promote your service through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, and ask friends and family to share your posts.
5
Set up a straightforward ordering process: gather details about the recipient and occasion, confirm payment method, and agree on delivery timeframe.
6
Write each poem carefully, tailoring it to the customer’s requests and ensuring it’s polished before delivery (digital or hand-written).
7
Deliver the poem as agreed, then ask for feedback and permission to share the poem (if appropriate) to attract more commissions.

How to advertise it

  • Post samples and commission details on Instagram and TikTok using relevant hashtags (#PoetryCommission, #Fundraiser, #SupportLocalTalent).
  • Share your service in local community Facebook groups and school forums.
  • Distribute printed flyers at community centres, libraries, and local shops with permission.
  • Ask teachers and youth leaders to mention your commissions in newsletters or group chats.
  • Offer a discount or bonus poem for referrals to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £10 and £30 per poem, depending on the length and effort required. With consistent promotion and repeat customers, earning £200-£500 over a few months is achievable.

Top tips

✅ Keep your poems personalised and meaningful—this builds repeat customers and good reviews.
✅ Be prompt with communication and delivery to build trust and encourage referrals.
✅ Use social media stories and reels to show your writing process and engage your audience.
✅ Set clear boundaries on turnaround times to manage your workload effectively.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Failing to clarify pricing and delivery details upfront, causing confusion or delayed payments.
⚠️ Overcommitting and struggling to meet deadlines, which can harm your reputation.
⚠️ Neglecting to promote your work beyond immediate friends and family, limiting your reach.