Today, we have thousands of online publications, from small blogs, online magazines, news sites, covering any niche and topic you can imagine virtually. Each of those online publications needs fresh content. Hence, online paper writers’ demand increased more than ever, and landing an online job became as simple as reaching out via email.
In today’s post, I am going to discuss how to make money writing online (inspired by the steps I personally followed three years before). Whatever stage you are at in your writing career, you should be able to include at least one of the following impeccable ways to turn your wordy skills into well-deserved cash.
Without any further ado, let’s straight away get into the deets. Shall we?
Incredible Ways To Make Money Writing Online In The Modern Era
When I initially started writing online, I had no idea of the ways to earn money by utilizing my writing skills. Eventually, I learned, it is only when you commit to consistency and play to your strengths, writing can open multiple avenues to personal growth, discoveries, and breakthroughs.
Here are certain crucial tips to get you started. I have implemented many of these money-making ideas, so I can completely assure you they work-
1) Get Started With A Blog
Every writer needs a blog. It’s one of the remarkable places for you to develop both your style and your readers.
Setting up your own blog is a long-term strategy. It’s completely okay if you don’t make money writing articles instantly. Know that writing itself won’t bring income unless you monetized the website with affiliate marketing and sponsored posts. On the flip side, once the blog starts featuring enough materials, it will keep generating money without putting much effort on your part.
Remember to choose a reputable blogging platform like WordPress.org, Tumblr, or Wix to make a good start. Pick a profitable niche, choose a catchy domain name that people can remember easily, and then start creating content.
Now, how much can you earn? Reputed travel bloggers like Matt Kepnes earn around $75,000 per year ,and Johnny Ward earns up to $25,000 per month. However, beginner writers can also start generating income of $1000-$1500 per month around a year.
2) Pitch A Guest Post
I am sure you have got a few favorite guest blogs on your daily must-read list. Why not pitch those guys a guest post?
The Internet is filled with people who need to publish a variety of guest posts on different niches in their industry. Some require traffic, some need more exposure in their niche, and others may require guest blog writers for branding purposes. Irrespective of the reasons, they are always happy to pay for it.
You can check out Bamidele Onibalusi’s 110 Websites That Pay You To Contribute An Article Instantly, Toms’ Paid to Blog Job Ideas ,or Sophie Lizard’s The Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs.
Be well-versed with the blog and its posting guidelines. Then, feel free to make your guest post pitch. If all works out well, you will have a byline on a website, a clip for the portfolio, and money in your pocket. It’s a win-win!
3) Join The Freelance Marketplace
I feel one of the quickest and easiest ways to get started is to join some of the remarkable freelance writing platforms.
Here are some of the popular options that you can start with right away-
Though the competition is incredibly tough on most of these platforms, joining them can be the first step to land your first writing gig.
4) Enter Writing Competitions To Win Cash Prizes
I know it must seem pretty challenging to enter writing competitions, but someone’s got to win. Why can’t be that you?
It will look outstanding on your resume if you say that you won a writing competition or award, or that were highly commended. Additionally, it would also be an amazing boost to your bank balance if you receive a monetary prize.
You can check out certain unique writing contests that exist out there! What more, you could even win 85 goats or a horse farm! All you need to do is research on the current writing contests and find out if there are any prizes you think you can win,
5) Write Brilliant Online Articles
Do you know What Culture happens to pay £30 for a published list? Cracked.com pays for articles of humor. Wow! Women On Writing pay for pieces related to writing and publishing. Well, these are just three! Whether you are writing for Buzzfeed, Vice, or TechRadar, make sure to check out the guidelines on the websites before submitting an article.
Keep in mind that although not all the top-tier sites are paying markets, getting your content out there will do wonders for your profile.
6) Indulge In Writing Fan Faction
Have you ever imagined writing licensed fan fiction about television shows like Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Pretty Little Liars, or The Vampire Diaries and getting paid? Amazon Kindle Worlds offers this brilliant opportunity to you.
Just write 10,000+ words about your favorite characters, and Amazon.com will pay you 35 percent on your sales. And yes, beginners are also welcome!
7) Reach Out
Now, you don’t need to always write and publish your blog to make money online. Instead, I will suggest reaching out to your favorite publication or website. Provide an exemplary article headline that you think could create a difference and add value to the targeted readership.
Some of them will offer to pay for your contribution, while others may not. It’s completely fine to pursue these publications to develop a stellar reputation. You can use it to persuade others to trust you in the future.
Here’s a quick tip. When I struggled to make my name as a writer, I used to keep track of certain publishing houses or websites facing trouble with business tasks like email management or replying to blog comments. I used to shoot over friendly and professional mail to highlight these issues and offer a solution. You can do the same too. Let them know that you are available and skilled to assist them.
8) Use The Social Media To Promote Your Writing
Social media networks can contribute greatly in bringing you closer to the clients who want and are in need of your exemplary writing skills. I believe LinkedIn to be one such profile that you shouldn’t have just sitting there. Always keep an eye on the jobs section and sign up for email alerts for jobs that match your writing criteria. Make sure to reach out to those who recently viewed your profile and suggest ways to help each other.
Instagram should never be exclusive to posting quirky pictures of an upcoming café and Paris weekend. Expand your network to connect with other writers. Incorporate contact details on your pages so that you can be easily contacted.
9) Write Book Reviews
If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who love to read books and whose favorite section of the Sunday paper is the book reviews, then my bet is that you would love to get paid to write book reviews too.
There exist an abundance of companies that are willing to pay well-detailed and accurately structured book reviews. Online Book Club is such a company that pays writers per review. Similarly, at Upwork, you will also find countless online writing jobs of different genres, with the inclusion of job of book reviews that are paid as independent contractors.
10) Self- Publish A Book
There are numerous self-publishing services and companies that can help with your arduous process of publishing books. But, you can do it yourself with Amazon through their Kindle platform. This platform essentially enables your book to appear in the Kindle Store with 24-hour access to people all around the world.
It’s completely free, publishing takes less than 5 minutes, and you can make vital changes to your book at any time after it goes live. The most remarkable part is that you can earn up to 70% of royalty on sales.
Final Note
Pause and ask yourself, “Am I ruining my writing dream by refusing to get real about the ‘how’? Am I truly serious about writing for a living or having an ideal fantasy that will cheer me up when the regular 9-5 grind gets monotonous?”
If you are serious, pick any exemplary ways listed above that seems the closest to you. Remember, we all started our journey as beginners- but the more you write, the faster you will level up and become a pro.
How did you make your money as an online paper writer? Let us know in the comment section below.
