The increase in demand for online content has spawned a significant business for those who enjoy writing. Amateur and professional writers alike can earn money online through a variety of legitimate websites that pay people for their content. However, with so many people trying to take advantage of creating content for the web, it can be difficult to find out which sites are legitimate. This resource breaks down five of the best sites for which to write on the web, including the pros and cons to each, as well as their payment structure and application process.
Writing for Demand Studio
Undoubtedly one of the largest content producers on the web, Demand Studios is one of the most popular places for web writers to earn quick cash. Owned by the larger Demand Media conglomerate, articles written for Demand Studios end up on a variety of websites, including Livestrong.com, and Answerbag.com. In addition to working as a writer, Demand Studios offers copyeditor and video positions for qualified applicants, as well.
There are two ways that writers earn money writing content for Demand Studios: flat rate articles and revenue-share articles. When choosing to write flat-rate articles, the writer can choose a pre-determined title and complete the article in accordance with the Demand Studios style guide applicable to the type of article chosen. The flat rate at the time of this publication is between $3 and $15, depending on the length, topic, website, and type of article.
Revenue share articles typically appear on eHow.com, another one of the websites owned by Demand Media. For these articles, the writer earns money over time, based on an undisclosed percentage of the revenue earned on each article submitted.
To be accepted into the writers program at Demand Media, writers must submit an application, complete with a resume and a writing sample. Because Demand Media pays writers twice per week via PayPal, writers in the compensation program must be at least 18 years of age. All of the articles are reviewed by an editor prior to publishing, but writers do not own the right to the work. Once it has been submitted it is solely the property of Demand Media.
Writing Online for Associated Content
Associated Content was acquired by Yahoo! in 2010. Unlike other sites, which require a writing sample, anyone can sign up to write for Associated Content, as long as they live in the United States. To be eligible to write for Associated Content, one needs only to complete and brief sign-up form.
Writers are compensated in several ways at Associated Content. The first is through performance pay, which means that writers earn money based on how many times a specific article is viewed. The rate at the time of publishing is $1.50 for every one thousand times an article is viewed. Writers can also earn an upfront payment for certain titles,at anywhere from $2 to $15. Lastly, writers can also choose to write an article from the list of selections that appears in the Associated Content Assignment Desk.
Over the long-term, writers can earn small raises to these current fees, or apply to be a featured contributor. Featured Contributor assignments generally pay more than the regular contributions from writing.
Writing for Seed.com at AOL
Seed.com is the website that assigns, buys, and distributes all of the content throughout the different websites within the AOL properties. Unlike other sites, where each article is only written and selected once, Seed accepts as many articles from the selection as possible. Then, the Seed team chooses which articles will then be purchased. As such, writing for Seed can be either lucrative, or not worth the time.
Because of the competition to get articles purchased can be significant, once an article is accepted, the fee paid tends to be much higher than other sites, sometimes several hundreds of dollars. Seed pays writers once per week, on Thursdays, via PayPal or electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Earn Money Online Writing for Suite101
Suite101.com is a Canadian website that publishes approximately 500 articles to the web each and every day. Instead of offering writers many forms of assignments, Suite101 writers earn a flat revenue share. This means that the writer earns a percentage of the advertising revenue on each article they write. Writers earn an additional 10 percent of the revenue share. Once established, writers can also apply to be a Featured Writer, which also comes with an additional share of the overall revenue.
Each article at Suite101 is reviewed by a section editor, and may be flagged for resubmission if it does not meet editorial standards. Payment is made monthly via PayPal only, at the start the month. The site also features an active writer’s forum section.
Writing for The Free Resource
The Free Resource is a site that aims to lead readers to the most credible and respected sources on the web, all compiled in one easy place. Writers, teachers, and industry professionals are invited to apply for writing positions at The Free Resource. Writers can choose to write for any topic of their choice, but must be able to provide at least three credible resources of value to their readers, whether or not the writer is considered an expert in the subject matter.
The Free Resource pays its writers via a revenue-share model, wherein the writer earns 50% of the advertising share, one of the highest rates available online. Payments are made once per month via PayPal only, and all articles are reviewed by the editorial staff prior to publication.
Related Resources
- Top Content Creation Agencies and Firms in the US and UK
With the recent update to Google (Panda Update) content creation has come under fire due to content ... - Find Content Creation Ideas by Using Oprah.com, DoctorOz.com, & Talk Shows
What I am about to explain is a very unconventional, yet advanced way to generate content ideas. It ... - What Is Content Marketing and Content Strategy?
What Is Content Marketing? Content marketing means different things to different online marketers. I...
