Most people love getting paid for doing what they love. But how can you get paid for writing? Where do you start? How much do you need to actually be able to live on? We asked some expert writers for their views. They said that while it’s not impossible to be paid for writing, it’s certainly not easy. You need to be realistic about your chances of making money from writing and be prepared to settle for less than you’re worth.
Be A Freelancer
One of the best places to look for freelance writing jobs is through companies’ websites. These websites often have handy links at the bottom of their sites, offering freelance writing work. Many of these companies have big name brands and offer lots of opportunities for writers. While it is possible to get paid for articles you write for free, as a freelancer you can negotiate pay rates that are much higher. Being a freelancer also gives you the flexibility to choose your own clients and to work when you want to work. You are not bound to the daily schedules of large corporations.
Start A Blog
One of the things that can put you ahead of the competition is a well-written blog. Companies like Google know that people trust online reviews more than anything else. If you can convince a potential customer that you’re a reliable and honest source of information, you’ll be able to land a few hundred or a few thousand dollars in ad revenue each month. You don’t need to have a large audience to make money writing blogs. In fact, it’s better if you have a small but growing audience. You can use your blog to build credibility and gain more customers in the long run.
There are many different ways to make money from a blog. For instance, you can sell and display ads on your site. You can also become a social media influencer and earn money from companies’ sponsorships. You can ask your readers for help – the list of possible ways to make money from a blog is endless.
The best tip for new writers looking for ways to make money from a blog is to research blogs that are making money and try to emulate their style. Money is no object to us when it comes to writing and publishing. We want to write the best possible articles and see them featured on places like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. When we get paid, we immediately decide to invest some of our earnings in more articles or a book.
Become A Subscriber
You can put yourself ahead of the competition by getting a subscription to a news publication. The first year that the New York Times became a daily publication, their editor told the world that they were making almost half of their revenue from subscription fees. People are loyal to the New York Times and want to support their publication financially. You can do the same by becoming a subscriber to a newspaper or a magazine. You’ll receive a piece of content periodically and it’ll keep you subscribed.
The downside to this strategy is that you’ll need to find a way to get the news without having to pay for it. Fortunately, the internet makes this easier than you’d think. You can use a tip jar or a donation button to fund your journalism. Better yet, you can use your own website to become a news reporter and earn money from advertising. All of these options are much easier and more convenient than getting a traditional job as a journalist.
Consultant
Another great way to make money from writing is to become a consultant. You’ll be an expert in your field and companies will come to you with problems. They’ll tell you what they need and you’ll be able to sell them a custom solution. If you want to get paid, this is one of the best ways to do it. You can use your knowledge to help businesses succeed and make a good chunk of change.
The downside is that you’ll need to find a way to make yourself available to business—perhaps through a consulting company—to be able to do this. Plus, you’ll need to be able to bill your time effectively. If this is something that interests you, do some research and see if there are any openings at reputable consulting firms. If not, you might want to consider joining a professional association or society as a way to get in touch with potential clients.
Commission-Based
A last, but not least, way to make money from writing is to take a commission-based approach. This is particularly handy for newer writers or those who want to make extra money on the side. Instead of getting paid per project, as you would with a consulting role, you get paid per piece. The amount of money you get paid varies, but it’s typically about $500 to $1,000 per month. This could be a great way to make a little cash on the side, especially if you have a significant amount of content that you can monetize.
The downside to this is that you’ll need to have established contact with a network of publishers. If you want to get paid, put in the work and build your network. Otherwise, you’re just playing online poker with no set limits.
As you can see, there are many ways to make money from writing. If you want to be paid, keep your eyes open for freelance writing opportunities and determine how you can make the most of this gig. Your efforts will be worth it in the end when you can look back on your accomplishments and feel confident that you made the right choice.