Are you ready to dive into the world of freelance writing and start earning money as a beginner? Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just getting started, these five fantastic writing platforms offer incredible opportunities to earn money through your words. I’ll break them down into two categories: platforms that pay by audience views and job board-style platforms where clients directly hire you. Plus, I’ll share my personal experiences and earnings on each one. Let’s get started!
Platforms That Pay by Audience Views
1. Medium
First up is Medium.com, a favorite for many writers. Medium works like a combination of Twitter and WordPress, where every time you post, you have the potential to get paid. Here’s how it works: Medium has a large, engaged audience, and when paying Medium members read your articles, you earn a portion of their membership fee. It’s a direct connection between writers and readers, with no ads getting in the way.
- Pros:
- Large built-in audience
- Easy to start: just sign up and write
- Potential for high earnings with popular content
- Cons:
- Need 100 followers to start earning
- Limited to countries supported by Stripe for payouts
I’ve personally earned over $50,000 on Medium, and I’m potentially nearing $100,000! On average, you can earn about 2 cents per view, or $20 per 1,000 views. To get started, simply sign up, create a profile, and start writing. To start getting paid, you’ll need 100 followers, but engaging with the community and posting regularly can help you reach that goal faster.
2. Simily
Next is Simily, a platform geared towards creative writers. If you enjoy writing fiction, short stories, or creative non-fiction, this is the place for you. Simily pays 2 cents per view, similar to Medium, but it focuses on creative writing. The best part? There’s no follower threshold – you can start earning right away!
- Pros:
- Great for creative writing
- No follower threshold to start earning
- Cons:
- Unclear story promotion system
- $10 minimum payout
Simily is perfect if you have a creative itch to scratch. It’s easy to start – just join, create a profile, and publish your first post. While the story promotion system may be a bit unclear, it’s a great platform to test out your creative ideas.
3. Vocal
Third on the list is Vocal, a platform that blends the features of Simily and Medium with a focus on creative writing. Vocal pays about $6 per 1,000 views if you’re part of their Vocal+ program, which costs $10 a month. They also host exciting writing challenges with big cash prizes – up to $20,000!
- Pros:
- Easy for beginners
- Writing challenges with big prizes
- Get paid for non-member views
- Cons:
- Lower pay rate compared to Medium and Simily
- Vocal+ subscription required for higher earnings
Vocal is a good mix of creative freedom and earning potential. You get paid for all views, not just member views, but the payout is a bit lower. The writing challenges can be a fun way to earn big if you love a good contest!
Job Board-Style Platforms
4. Scripted
Switching gears to job board-style platforms, first up is Scripted. Once accepted, you gain access to a variety of client-uploaded jobs. The acceptance rate is about 5%, but once you’re in, you can start earning through smart match job invites, regular job invites, and a job board where you can propose your rates.
- Pros:
- Fair pay rates
- Various ways to earn
- Good client relationships
- Cons:
- Competitive acceptance process
- Some upfront work required for proposals
Scripted offers fair pay, with a minimum rate of 7 cents per word. While it’s a bit competitive to get in, the variety of job opportunities available once accepted makes it worth the effort. Just be sure to respond quickly to job invites!
5. Textbroker
Lastly, there’s Textbroker. It’s very beginner-friendly, but the pay can be quite low. After applying, you’ll receive a star rating that determines the types of jobs you can take. It’s a great way to get started and build experience, but not ideal for long-term reliance.
- Pros:
- Easy entry-level platform
- No need for a large portfolio
- Quick way to start earning
- Cons:
- Low pay rates
- Janky website and confusing application process
Textbroker is straightforward – apply, get rated, and start taking jobs. It’s great for getting your foot in the door, but you’ll want to move on to higher-paying opportunities once you’ve built some experience.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – five writing platforms that pay beginners! Each has its pros and cons, but they all offer great ways to start earning money through writing. I recommend trying all five to see which one works best for you. It’s all about finding the right fit for your style and goals.
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