Writers are discovering a whole new world of writing on the web. Many sites now pay for written content, usually via a commission structure based on either page views or click advertising.
Here is an overview of five of the most exciting and rewarding sites to write for.
Writing for Suite101
Suite101 writers contribute professional articles on varying topics. Writers earn money on Suite101 via commission earned from click advertising. If readers click on the adverts placed within an article and buy products, Suite101 pay the writer a percentage of their revenue.
Writers must apply to Suite101 by completing a resume form and submitting two sample articles. There is the potential to become a Feature Writer and regular competitions. Payment is in US dollars.
Writing for Squidoo
For writers looking for something more creative than simply writing an article, Squidoo is the perfect site. Those who write for them are called “lensmasters” and the aim is to create an entire page on a topic, called a “lens”, which can contain pictures, links and various widgets. Writers earn money in three ways:
- A basic shared revenue based on how highly ranked their lenses are
- Commission earnings from Squidoo’s Amazon, eBay, Café Press and Zazzle widgets
- Commission earnings from any affiliate schemes writers join independently, such as Commission Junction or Art.com.
Anyone can join the site and payment is in US dollars.
Writing for Associated Content
Associated Content publishes articles on a variety of topics. Those who write for them are called Content Producers, and although anyone can sign up, articles always go through an approval process before they go live.
Unlike most other writing sites, AC pays writers according to page views rather than click advertising. The starting wage is $1.50 per 1000 page views. The more successful writers are on AC, the higher their “clout” status rises, which can bring them up to $2 per 1000 page views.
Writing for Helium
Helium works differently from many other websites, as the titles for articles already exist. Anyone signing up to the site can submit an article to a particular title, and then other Helium members vote for the best one.
This competitive style of web writing earns writers money via click advertising, but the amount writers earn depends largely on how highly rated they are. In order to maintain a high rating on Helium writers must regularly submit articles and also rate a large number of other articles on the site. Payment is in US dollars.
Writing for About.com
As with Suite101, writers need to apply to write for About.com. This site has the highest guaranteed earning potential but also requires the largest amount of input, suggesting around 20 hours per week.
Successful applicants are called “Guides”. These writers are responsible for creating an entire network of pages on a particular topic, writing everything from the beginner’s basics to more advanced information.
Potential writers for available topics are enrolled on a two-part training program that involves writing content and designing the pages, from which a successful Guide is chosen. There is a minimum earning of $675 per month; with the potential to earn even more.
Other Ways to Write Online for Money
Other sites that writers can earn money from include:
- eHow.com – “how-to” articles
- HubPages.com – topic hubs
- Slicethepie.com – music reviews
- ReviewStream.com – product reviews
The key to success is to write regular, well-written content about what you know. Writing for paying websites is not a get-rich-quick scheme; but with plenty of patience and a growing portfolio of quality articles, you can expect to earn a fair amount if you are willing to work hard enough.
Louise Heyden - Louise Heyden is a writer, artist, work at home mum, sound technician and former school Library Manager.
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