As a writer, you dream of earning a living from your craft. While publishing a bestselling novel or landing a staff position at a prestigious magazine would be ideal, those goals can take years of dedication and struggle to achieve.
In the meantime, you still need to pay the bills. The good news is that the Internet has opened up a wealth of opportunities for writers to generate income. From blogging to freelancing to self-publishing ebooks, writers today have more paths than ever to get paid for their work.
How to Make Money Writing
If you love to write, you can start earning money as a writer much sooner than you might expect. This article will explore 10 Ways to Get Paid Writing Online. With determination and consistency, you can turn your writing passion into a profitable career.
1. Start Freelance Writing on Popular Content Sites
As a freelance writer, you can make money writing by contributing articles and blog posts to popular content sites. These sites include Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, where businesses hire freelancers for short-term writing projects.
To get started, create profiles on these sites showcasing your background, experience, and writing samples. Search the available jobs and submit proposals for projects that match your skills.
Once you land an assignment, conduct thorough research write a blog, and earn money for the client to review. Be open to feedback and make any asked-for revisions. Submit the final approved draft to get paid, typically a flat rate per word or article. The more you write for clients, the more you can increase your rates over time as you build your reputation and expertise.
Besides job sites, you can pitch stories or submit specific articles to online publications like The Penny Hoarder, The Write Life, and ProBlogger. Most pay $0.05 to $0.25 per word. Study submission guidelines and recent articles to determine if your idea will be a good fit. With time and practice, you can become a regular contributor.
Using your writing skills to earn money online as a freelancer takes dedication and hard work. However, the flexibility and freedom of freelancing from home attract many to this career path. While the pay may start low, experienced freelance writers have the potential to make $50,000 a year or more.
The key is consistently delivering high-quality, well-researched content that provides value to clients and readers. With dedication, you can build a successful freelance writing business and get paid to write on your schedule.
2. Become a Copywriter for Businesses
To become a copywriter, you need to develop several key skills. As a copywriter, your role is to create persuasive content for businesses to help sell products or services. This could include website content, email newsletters, social media posts, or print materials like brochures.
Develop Excellent Writing Skills
To be an effective copywriter, you must have strong writing abilities, especially in marketing and advertising. Study the basics of copywriting, including how to write compelling headlines and call-to-action statements.
Practice different styles of writing, from short social media posts to long-form sales letters. Continuously work to improve your writing by reading, taking additional courses, and practicing.
Gain Knowledge of Marketing and Sales
Copywriters need to understand marketing and sales strategies to create content that converts readers into customers. Study persuasion techniques, buyer behavior, and strategies for capturing audience attention.
Stay up-to-date with trends in digital marketing, social media marketing, and content marketing. The more you know about how to sell to and engage different audiences, the better copywriter you will be.
Build Your Portfolio
As a copywriter, your portfolio showcases your abilities to potential clients. Start building your portfolio by writing sample sales and marketing content for businesses that interest you.
You might offer to write some initial content for free in exchange for adding it to your portfolio. Look for freelance jobs on websites like Upwork to gain experience and build your portfolio with live work.
Find Copywriting Jobs
Once you have the necessary skills and an impressive portfolio, look for copywriting jobs. Many businesses hire freelance or in-house copywriters. Search online job sites, check with marketing agencies, and network to find new opportunities.
You can also promote your copywriting services on your website and social media profiles to attract clients. With experience, you can charge higher rates, work with bigger companies, and take on more responsibility.
Copywriting can be a rewarding career. By honing your writing skills, gaining marketing knowledge, building a strong portfolio, and continuously improving, you can become a successful freelance copywriter or land an in-house role at a company you admire. The key is to keep practicing your craft and never stop learning.
3. Write for Magazines and Newspapers
Writing for magazines and newspapers is a time-honored way for freelance writers to earn income. Many publications hire freelance writers and pay competitive rates for quality content. To break into this market:
Research publications that match your interests and expertise. Focus on magazines, newspapers, trade journals, and websites in your niche. Study submission guidelines to ensure your pitch and work align with their style and content needs.
Build your portfolio by writing on topics that interest you. Share samples of your work on a professional website to demonstrate your abilities to editors and increase your credibility.
Create a list of publications you want to write for and study recent issues to determine appropriate sections or columns to pitch. Note the types of articles, word counts, and writing styles used. This helps ensure your submissions match their typical content.
Develop a pitch for an article idea targeted for a specific section in one of the publications. The pitch should include:
- A strong headline and opening paragraph to grab interest.
- A brief outline of the key points and flow of the proposed article.
- Your relevant experience and expertise.
- A suggested word count and any visuals, stats, quotes, or anecdotes to include.
- A closing paragraph restating why this article would interest their readers.
Pitch one publication at a time, allowing 4 to 6 weeks for a response before following up. Accept assignments and work with editors to refine and improve your writing. Building strong relationships with editors can lead to future opportunities.
With experience, you can negotiate higher pay and pitch more ambitious or investigative pieces. While the competition is steep, developing a reputation for submitting polished, interesting work on deadlines can lead to steady freelancing income over the long run. Persistence and consistently high quality are key.
4. Self-Publish Your Ebooks
Self-publishing ebooks is an accessible way to generate income from your writing. To get started, you’ll need to write an ebook, design an eye-catching cover, and publish your work on major ebook platforms like Amazon, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Barnes & Noble Press, Kobo Writing Life, and Draft2Digital.
First, determine your ebook’s subject and outline the content. Aim for a targeted yet broad appeal. Nonfiction topics like self-help, how-to guides, and personal finance tend to sell well.
Once you have an outline, start writing. Shoot for around 10,000 to 50,000 words for a typical ebook. Use clear section headings and lists to make your content easy to navigate.
Next, design an attractive cover that conveys your ebook’s topic and tone. You can hire a designer on a freelance platform or use a free tool like Canva. Make sure the cover looks professional and matches your chosen ebook distributor’s specifications.
Then, set up accounts with ebook publishers like KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, and Kobo Writing Life. These platforms allow you to upload your ebook file and cover, set a price, and distribute your work to major ebook retailers. You’ll earn royalties of up to 70% for each ebook sold. Use compelling book descriptions and categories to help readers find your ebook.
To generate visibility and increase sales, consider offering promotional pricing, securing reviews, building an email list, and maintaining an active social media presence. You can also explore additional distribution channels like Scribd, Google Play Books, and Draft2Digital.
Self-publishing ebooks provide writers like yourself with the opportunity to build their audience and earn a passive income from their work. With some persistence and marketing, you can establish yourself as an authority in your niche and even turn ebook writing into a full-time career. Keep writing, stay engaged with your readers, and don’t be afraid to try different subjects, styles, and distribution strategies. The potential is limitless!
5. Create a Blog Focused on Making Money Online
Creating a blog focused on making money online or how to make income online is an excellent way to generate income through writing. A blog allows you to build an audience, establish expertise, and open up various monetization opportunities.
Choose a Niche Topic
Select a niche topic related to making money online that you have experience or interest in, such as affiliate marketing, freelancing, online surveys, or selling digital products. Focusing your blog on a specific niche will make it easier to rank in search engines and gain a loyal following. Do some keyword research to find topics and terms people are searching for.
Publish High-Quality Content
Create posts that provide real value to your readers. Publish tutorials, how-to guides, product reviews, case studies, or interviews with industry experts. Aim for at least 2-3 posts per week to keep your blog active. Optimize your content for search engines by including keywords in your title, headings, and throughout the post.
Build an Email List
An email list allows you to stay in touch with your readers and promote offers or products. Offer a lead magnet like an ebook or video course in exchange for subscribers joining your list. Send regular emails with your latest blog posts, resources, and promotions.
Monetize Your Blog
Once you have built up your blog and email list, you can monetize through ads, affiliate links, online courses, ebooks, sponsored posts, or coaching services. Choose methods that match your niche and audience. For example, a blog about freelancing could promote relevant freelancing platforms as an affiliate. An email marketing blog could sell video courses on building effective email campaigns.
With consistent effort and high-quality content, a niche blog can become a successful source of income. Staying active in your industry’s community by guest posting on other blogs or participating in forums and groups will help raise your visibility and credibility, fueling your blog’s growth.
While results will take time, with an engaged audience and effective monetization strategies, you can make money writing fast through sharing your knowledge and expertise.
6. Launch an Online Course or Membership Site
To launch an online course or membership site, you’ll need to establish yourself as an expert in your niche. Build your authority by consistently creating and sharing high-quality content on your website and social media. Offer tips, how-to guides, case studies, and other helpful resources for your target audience.
Once you’ve established expertise and built an email list of engaged subscribers, you can create an online course to teach people valuable skills in a comprehensive, step-by-step manner. Outline the course curriculum into logical modules and lessons.
Film instructional videos to demonstrate key concepts and walk students through exercises. Provide downloadable materials like workbooks, worksheets, and cheat sheets.
You may also want to consider a membership site, where people pay a monthly or annual fee to access a central hub of resources, training, and a community. A membership site allows you to go deeper into topics and build ongoing relationships with members. You can drip-feed new content on a consistent schedule to keep people engaged.
To set up your online course or membership site:
- Choose a niche topic and outline the content. Focus on a specific skill or area of expertise. Map out modules, lessons, resources, community features, and more.
- Build a sales page to promote your offering. Explain the benefits and features, topics covered, who the course/membership is for, and why people should sign up. Share testimonials from beta users or students if possible.
- Decide on a pricing model. You may charge an upfront fee for a course, a monthly/annual subscription for a membership, or offer a free introductory trial period. Compare prices of similar offerings to determine a competitive yet profitable price point.
- Select a platform to host your course or membership site. Options like Teachable, Thinkific, and Mighty Networks offer tools to create and sell online courses and build community. They handle payment processing, content delivery, and more. Some charge flat monthly fees, while others take a percentage of your sales.
- Market your online course or membership site. Promote to your email list and on social media. Run a pre-launch campaign to build buzz. Offer promotional launch discounts and coupons to drive initial signups. Provide valuable free resources and content to bring in new potential members and students.
- Continue improving and updating your offering. Add new content and resources on a regular basis. Get feedback from members and make adjustments as needed to provide the best experience. An online course or membership site is an ongoing endeavor that requires maintenance to remain valuable.
7. Become an Influencer on Social Media
To become an influencer on social media, you must build an engaged following and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. As an influencer, you can make money fast through brand sponsorships, product promotions, and affiliate marketing. However, gaining influence takes time and consistency.
Focus on one or two social networks to build your following. For writers, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are good options. On each platform, post high-quality content regularly, such as blog posts, videos, images, or podcasts. Engage with your followers by replying to their comments and messages. Run contests and giveaways to increase engagement.
Build your credibility by sharing your expertise and experiences. Post educational content like how-to guides, listicles, and behind-the-scenes details about your writing process. Promote your published work and any media mentions. Over time, as you gain more followers and engagement, you will be seen as an authority in your field.
Once you have established a loyal following, how to make fast money from your influence. Many brands will sponsor influencer posts or pay for product promotions. You can earn commission through affiliate links to recommended products.
Some influencers charge for shoutouts, guest posts, or access to an engaged audience. The key is finding brand partnerships and monetization methods that match your niche and audience.
Becoming a successful influencer is challenging and time-consuming but can be very rewarding. Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content, engage authentically with your followers, build credibility in your industry, and look for ways to partner with brands that resonate with your audience. With consistency and patience, you can gain influence and turn your social following into a source of income.
8. Get Paid to Be an Online Tutor
One of the most rewarding ways to make money writing online is by tutoring students remotely as an online tutor. As an online tutor, you can work from anywhere with an Internet connection, set your hours, and get paid to help students learn.
To get started as an online tutor, you will first need to determine which subjects you want to tutor, based on your areas of expertise. Many of the top subjects for online tutoring include English, writing, math, science, foreign languages, and test prep.
Once you have selected your subjects, you will need to choose an online tutoring platform to find students. Major platforms like Chegg, take lessons, and Wyzant allow tutors to create profiles, set their rates, and get matched with students looking for help in their areas of expertise.
As an online tutor, you will work with students virtually using services like Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts. During online tutoring sessions, you will explain concepts, review course materials, give homework help, and teach useful studying strategies tailored to the student’s needs. The key to being an effective online tutor is having a mastery of the subject, strong communication skills, and the ability to build rapport and motivate students remotely.
Earning potential as an online tutor varies depending on factors like your experience, qualifications, subjects tutored, and the tutoring platform you choose. According to Glassdoor, the average pay for an online tutor in the U.S. is $25 per hour.
The highest-paying subjects are typically STEM topics like physics, chemistry, and higher-level math. With experience, top online tutors can make $40 per hour or more.
If you have a passion for teaching and helping students learn online tutoring can be an extremely rewarding job. By using your experience and skills, you can positively affect the lives of students around the world. Online tutoring gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere while earning a good income doing meaningful work.
9. Get Paid to Write on Medium
Medium is a popular blogging platform where writers can get paid for their work. To make money writing on Medium, you need to join the Medium Partner Program. Once you’re accepted, you can enable payment for your stories. Readers can then choose to pay a small amount, like $3 to $5, to unlock and read your content.
When you join the Partner Program, 50% of the revenue from your paid stories goes to you, the writer. The key to making decent money on Medium is building up your readership and publishing high-quality content consistently. Some tips to maximize your earnings:
Focus on valuable, in-depth content. Write stories and essays that provide real value to readers. Listicles and short posts likely won’t generate much revenue.
Build your audience. Promote your writing on social media platforms to increase views and readership. Engage with commenters and followers. Loyal readers will be more likely to pay to unlock your content.
Publish regularly. Aim for at least 2 to 3 stories each month to keep readers engaged and coming back to your profile. Staying active and consistent will make you more money in the long run.
Choose an attractive payment. Test different price points to see what your audience is willing to pay. You may find that $3 to $5 is a sweet spot for most readers. Don’t make your content too expensive or people won’t unlock it.
Medium’s Partner Program can be a great way for writers to generate income from their work. While it may take time to build up your readership and consistently publish high-quality paid stories, many writers find the potential earnings worthwhile.
If you love to write and want to how to make an income online, becoming a Medium Partner is an opportunity worth exploring.
10. Blog and Make Money Through Affiliate Marketing
To make money writing from blogging, you can incorporate affiliate marketing. This involves promoting products and services from other companies in return for a commission. When your readers click on the affiliate links in your posts and make a purchase, you earn a percentage of the sale.
Choose Relevant Products and Services
Focus on promoting items that would genuinely interest your readers and provide value to them. For the best results, select products and services that align with the theme and subject of your blog.
If you blog about travel, for example, consider affiliate partnerships with companies like hotels.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor. For a food blog, explore options with kitchen supply stores or gourmet food sellers.
Research Affiliate Programs
Many large companies offer affiliate or partner programs that allow you to earn commissions to promote their products. Explore the programs of brands you already use and love. Compare commission rates and payout options to find partners that fit your needs.
Some programs pay higher rates for new customer referrals versus repeat customers. Look for programs that track sales for at least 30 to 90 days so you earn credit for all qualifying purchases.
Promote Strategically
Don’t overwhelm your readers with constant sales pitches. Mention affiliate products and services in posts when they make sense and provide real value. For example, in a post about meal prepping, you might recommend useful kitchen tools and link to the affiliate program. Use your affiliate links when replying to reader comments and questions,
Track Your Links
Most affiliate programs provide tracking links or IDs you can use to track the performance of your links. Check regularly to see which links are generating the most clicks and conversions. This can help you focus your efforts on the most profitable partnerships and tweak or remove any underperforming links.
With an engaged readership and well-chosen affiliate partners, blog-based affiliate marketing can become an important revenue stream. By promoting truly helpful products and services to your readers at the right times, you’ll build trust in your recommendations and increase your affiliate earnings over the long run.
Conclusion
if you follow these 10 steps and commit to consistent effort, you absolutely can make money writing online. It will take time to build up your skills and portfolio, identify your niche, find clients, or build your audience, and learn how to leverage various platforms.
However, with hard work and persistence, you will start to gain momentum and see your income increase over time. Making money writing online offers flexibility and freedom. It allows you to tap into your creativity, share your knowledge or passions, and gain valuable experience.
While the competition is real, the opportunities are abundant if you are willing to put in the effort required to develop your writing and connect with the right people or communities. With an entrepreneurial spirit, you can turn writing from a hobby into a lucrative career. The possibilities are endless if you simply start writing.