Monday 1 June 2015

Make money writing online: Tips and resources


So you have a knack for writing and now you’d like to get paid? While web-based publications were once considered a passing fad, it is clear that they are here to stay. This content boom also includes print publications that publish additional material online. Further, consider this: Every business with a website needs copy. Most need an abundance of it. According to Brian A. Klems of Writer’s Digest, “countless corporations, nonprofits and even small companies are turning to web-savvy writers as they look to appeal to consumers through blog posts, articles and other content supplementing their products and services.”

Here are some tips to tap into these lucrative and expanding markets.

First, sign up with sites that offer free access to listings of online writing opportunities. Some examples include Elance.com, GorkanaJobs.com, Upwork.com, Mediabistro.com, JournalismJobs.com, Online-Writing-Jobs.com and FreelanceWritingGigs.com.

Invest in subscriptions to more specialized sites designed for freelancers seeking work. Many newer writers feel scared when they see the access fees. However, the return on your investment can become fruitful very quickly. FreelanceSuccess.com is one of the best. This weekly newsletter costs $99 and provides a market guide and access to an online community of subscribers for networking. FreelanceSwitch.com charges a $7 per month fee. It offers job postings for online writers as well as web developers and designers. Writers-Editors.com offers free content, but you can also receive its monthly newsletter full of paying markets, many of which are web-based, for an annual fee of $29.

Network online. Try a combination of market searches that include reading the forums of writer networking groups. I run a group called “Support for Authors” on Facebook with Nampa-based Aspen Morrow of Pottenger Press. Such platforms offer firsthand insight from fellow writers who are well-known and respected in the field. They also offer the valuable path to editor and writer referrals. Getting a foot in the door in this fashion can put your name above the others.

Connect in person. Attend industry events in their specialties to make more personal connections. For example, Bri Clark hosts mastermind writing and publishing workshops in Meridian. Her House of Belle Press is accepting manuscripts. Face-to-face contact pays off because when someone has an opening, you’ll be more likely to hear about it early on instead of being one of many faceless writers who later responds to a posting.

Be a ghostwriter. There are authors, business owners, entertainers and tons of others who want to tweet on Twitter, write blogs and be seen everywhere. Fortunately (for you), they don’t have the time. A lot of money is spent each year on social ghosting.

Blog. This has recently become one of the popular alternatives of individuals who desire to earn money on the Internet. Blogging has become so common that eight out of every 10 people who use the Internet regularly have a blog. There are several ways to monetize a blog. Google Ad Sense and other advertising services, local advertisements and affiliate marketing are just a few.

Among affiliate marketing programs, Amazon is my favorite. Writers can choose from over a million products to advertise to your customers. They have simple linking tools for operations of all sizes to help monetize your sites.
I have posted several articles on HubPages. They share advertising revenue for high-quality, user-generated content. The interface allows members to create individual pages on specific topics.
Finally, for a great example of someone who has integrated her life, work and publications into modern media platforms, do a web search for Dr. Mary Pritchard, Boise State University. Dr. Pritchard is a professor of psychology. This awesome writer reflects the best practices for getting out a great message and really reaching a market.

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