Your Guide on How to Make Money Writing Online

Every website needs content but many business owners don't have the time to create it. These same business owners will turn to the internet to find writers and content they can use. From these same writers point of view, there are a lot of common misconceptions about how they can earn a decent income online.

There is a constant need for fresh content, but many writers have been soured by business owners that don't want to pay what it is worth:

Writing for online markets seems to have gotten a bad reputation. I blame the rise of “content mills” that pay writers a pittance (think $5 or $10 for a feature-length piece). A lot of writers now seem to think that writing for the Web means writing for peanuts, but that generalization is untrue.

Yes, there are no shortage of sites that want cheap, outsourced, keyword heavy, low quality writing. But there are plenty of others that want the opposite:

Tap online resources. Start with sites that offer free access to listings of online writing opportunities.

As a general rule, as you sift through job listings in search of the most promising paychecks, streamline
your search by avoiding those that make no mention of money, or ask writers to submit new work on spec in order to be considered (after all, time is money).

Look for posts that specify some level of experience and include a reasonable pay rate.

Below are a few tips you should follow to ensure you will earn top dollar for your high quality content:

• Write tight.

• Use subheads, bullets and numbered lists.

• Make your lead as compelling as possible.

• Be mindful of the publication’s style.

• Include links to relevant articles or resources.

• Know a bit about SEO.

• Expect tight deadlines.

• Track your clips.

• Be ready with your next pitch.