Having been an online content producer for some time now, I’ve found myself lucky to stumble across what I consider some of the better sites for online writers. In most instances, before you begin work with an online content site, it’s a good idea to conduct your due diligence. Read some reviews by those who have used the site, look for reports of problems with payments or service, and consider testing the site with an article or two before committing any real work to it. Here are a few of the sites that I’ve had contact with and some of what I’ve learned and liked about each site.
1. Associated Content – If you are a talented SEO (Search Engine Optimized) content producer, Associated Content can bring in some decent paydays. While their upfront payments aren’t exactly enticing, often ranging in the $2-$5 range, if you know how to produce good SEO material, you can make additional income based upon page views. This means that while a three-dollar article might not seem worth the effort at first, if the topic and keyword density are good, you could supplement that amount each month, making much more money in page views than the article ever paid upfront.
2. Helium – I was a web content virgin when I started working with Helium.com. A friend recommended it as a good site to make a little cash and get some writing experience. From page view residuals, to contests and writing articles for publishers, Helium offers a variety of ways to make money. While you can pick up some decent money by writing articles for publishers, be aware that you are in direct competition with those who are writing to the same topic, so your work will need to be on topic and well written. The downside to this is that if your article is not selected to be purchased by the publisher, there is little reward, as your article will then be banished to the page view vault were it will sit, possibly making you a dollar or two throughout the course of the year if you are lucky. Your material will also be ranked by peers on the site, something that must be done by Helium members to maintain their ability to receive page view payments. Overall, Helium is a great site, but it can be a lot of work with little return if you aren’t chosen by the publishing gods.
3. Textbroker – Textbroker.com was a lucky find I stumbled upon one day while reading an article about how to make money on the Internet. There is an application process by which your writing will be ranked to determine your skill level, as well as what type of articles you will be eligible to write (thereby determining how much you will be paid per word). The great thing about Textbroker is that you can write to a wide number of topics at various skill levels. While working, if you encounter a publisher who really likes your writing style, they can choose to send you orders directly.
4. ContentCurrent – With ContentCurrent.com, you have the ability to select either article writing jobs, forum posting jobs or both, which can offer some nice variety in your work. There is an application process for both types of work (article and forum posts) to ensure your work is of acceptable quality.
5. Bukisa – While you likely won’t get rich on Bukisa.com, it is good for a couple extra bucks a month if you’re willing to take the time to post your articles there. While it doesn’t seem to carry the readership of some of the larger sites like Associated Content or Helium, it is a viable option for writers looking to get established on the web and dip their toe in the online content production waters. There are no upfront payments for content, just page view residuals.
6. WriterAccess – With WriterAccess.com, you can create a profile including writing samples, a resume, and other pertinent information regarding your writing background. The site will ask for information regarding your writing experience as well as a writing sample in the application process. If you are accepted as a writer, WriterAccess offers the ability to apply for projects on their job board. While there are often a limited number of jobs to choose from, there can be some good money to be made if you are selected for a particular job.
Kris is a freelance worker who writes about managing personal finances for an Australian comparison website offering the best credit cards including a range of products with the cheapest credit card balance transfer available down under. Read more of his writing on their blog, The Credit Letter, or subscribe to their RSS feed.
