Whether you’re an experienced copywriter or you’re just starting out, writing for money is an option that appeals to many people. A wide range of industries, from journalism to editing, publication, and social media marketing, could potentially use your services.
Paying for content is nothing new. Traditional media and print publications have long used freelancers to generate articles, editors to polish them into shape, and graphic designers to bring them to life with visuals. The internet has only expanded the opportunities for writers to be paid for their services.
Whether you prefer to write for brands and businesses or you’d like to pitch ideas for projects to publishers, there are dozens of ways to get paid for your content now.
Here we’re going to run down the various ways you can make money online from a writing perspective, including how to get paid for blog articles, how to get paid for a book, and how to become a full-time freelancer.
The Good Life
For those keen to escape the rat race and enjoy a life of luxury, becoming a full-time freelance copywriter could be the answer. According to the Global Freelancing Jobs Report, as of 2018 there were 743,500 job opportunities available worldwide for writers, translators, and content creators.
While the demand seems high, the supply is still relatively low. According to the data analyzed by the report, there were only 2.7 million content creators and writers available for freelance work. In a similar vein, the United Kingdom’s Institute of Creative Technologies states that only 10% of the country’s creative workforce was available for freelance work as of April 2018.
Being a full-time freelance copywriter is undoubtedly a good life. You get to write about things you’re passionate about, you get to set your own hours, and you get to be your own boss. But you also have to be responsible for your own income, taxes, and payroll. It’s a big commitment and not for the faint-hearted.
The Rise of Consulting
In today’s digital world, being a full-time freelance copywriter just isn’t viable for everyone. The rise of online marketplaces like Upwork and CareerBuilders, which connect contractors with clients, has created a new opportunity for writers.
According to a report by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) in partnership with the International Advertising Federation (AAF), as of August 2018 39% of U.S. respondents said they were either very likely (28%) or likely (11%) to get a job in marketing or advertising with their current skill set. That’s up from 23% in 2016 and 17% in 2014.
The global market for brand communications jobs is expected to grow by 12% year from 2017 to 2025, according to the AAF.
If you’re looking to create content to help businesses grow, but you don’t want to commit to a full-time position, becoming a brand advisor or marketing strategist could be a suitable next step. Advisory work can be done remotely and builds on your existing content experience. As a brand strategist, you get to craft marketing campaigns and plans for clients while also exploring new ways to grow your own brand. This is a perfect job for someone who loves to write and wants to explore the many ways they can contribute to a business’ success.
The Side Hustle
If you think being a full-time freelancer isn’t for you because you want to have a stable job, you could always consider doing some freelance writing on the side. As of April 2018, nearly one in five American adults (18.9%) was reported to be working remotely as a freelancer or contractor. That’s up from 16.2% in 2016 and 13.7% in 2014. In a similar vein, the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics state that one in ten people in the country (9.3%) is currently employed in some capacity outside of their regular job. That figure has increased by nearly five percent since 2016.
It’s a great way to get some extra cash while also contributing to your local community. You might choose to write for a business that offers in-house writing services or you might choose to take on projects for individual businesses or brands. You could even start your own small business and become your own boss while also working remotely.
Whatever path you choose, freelance writing is a great way to make some extra cash.
Get Paid to Take Surveys
Many brands and businesses will pay you to take surveys that reveal information about your audience and how they use (or don’t use) their products. Survey companies like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks will pay you to share your opinion on products you’ve never tried or heard of. All you have to do is sign up to take a survey, make a few honest answers, and then get paid small amounts of cash via PayPal or a gift card.
As a writer, you already have an analytical mind and a steady hand. Why not put them to use for money instead of wasting precious time on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube?
Get Paid to Test New Products
A number of brands and businesses will pay you to test out new products and determine whether or not they’re worth using. As a writer, you are in the perfect place to contribute to the many article, blog posts, and/or white papers that help businesses figure out what works and what doesn’t work. You get to investigate new products, discover their pros and cons, and get to share your findings in a professional manner.
One of the most well-known consumer survey firms, YouGov, frequently hires professional academic writers to conduct quantitative research on behalf of the company. Depending on the nature of the project, you could get paid up to £250 per day for your time. In return, you get to enjoy a stable future as a freelance writer.
A similar project that brings in regular paying clients is hunch, which connects businesses with subject matter experts to get advice on their marketing, product, or HR strategies. Professionals there get to pick their own hours and have a stable, long-term income.
The Many Ways to Get Paid
There are so many ways you can get paid for your writing skills. From doing sponsored content for brands to getting paid to take online surveys, being a freelance writer is a great option for those who want to make money online. Even if you currently have a steady job, you can always explore the freelance writing world and see what opportunities arise. Thanks to the digital nomad lifestyle, the world is your oyster!