make money by writing essays online

29 easy ways to make money writing online in 2023

Good news: there are a LOT of different options when it comes to paid online writing. No matter your interests or areas of expertise, if you’re ready to bring in some extra cash, opportunities are waiting for you.

Whether you want to write an occasional article for extra spending money or dedicate your free time to running a blog so you can one day quit your day job and become a freelance writer for hire , we’ll show you 30 easy ways to make money writing online in 2023 and everything you need to know to get paid for your writing skills.

1. Start a blog

Blogging is a tried-and-true method for writers to make money online. You may be wondering if it’s still possible for new bloggers to make money with all the established blogs already online, and the answer is YES.

Blogging requires dedication and consistency, and it will also take some time for your blog to gain momentum before you see much income, but it is absolutely possible.

The first step to starting a blog is picking your niche. This is the topic you’ll write about. It’s good to get specific here; there are many blogs on the internet, so if you can provide a unique perspective, your readers are more likely to stick around.

Next, you’ll need to pick your domain, design your blog, and get it all set up. There are a ton of great resources out there to help you with this (just remember you get what you pay for: while there are free blog hosting sites and free templates, top bloggers agree that you’ll need to spend a little money upfront if you want to make money writing in the long run).

Once you’ve got your blog established, remember to post regularly, promote your posts on social media, and engage with your readers. No blog has ever been an overnight success, but you can make good money from blogging with a little time and consistency.

2. Create blog posts (for others)

If you’re not quite ready to start your own blog, you can always dip your toes in the water by guest blogging. Many bloggers hire other bloggers to create content, and a lot of companies will hire freelance writers to contribute to the blog section of their website.

If you decide to go this route, make sure to do your research beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the blog you’re writing for, so you can match the tone and blend in with the existing content.

Bloggers who publish daily get 57% better results than those who publish multiple times per week. - Semrush

3. Establish a niche website

If you have an interest or expertise in a particular niche, you can start a website dedicated to it. This gives you all the creative control of running your own blog without the pressure of regular posting. (Although you will need to update your website regularly to keep it fresh and make sure it reaches full potential.)

4. Self-Publish a book

There are self-publishing options for every type of book, from short instructional guides to romance novels to nonfiction tomes. If you’ve written a book and you’re unsure what your next step should be, why not consider self-publishing?

Publishing your own book is an incredibly rewarding experience, as you have control over every step of the process. This can be a double-edged sword, however. After starting down the path to self-publication, many authors realize that while they love writing, they don’t love obsessing over font and margin options or negotiating with cover artists.

And even if you use a free service, such as Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing , you’ll need to spend money on editing, cover design, marketing, and advertising.

The hope is that you would make that money back from your book sales, but there are no guarantees. But if you play your cards right, it’s possible to turn a profit from your self-published book.

5. Create affiliate content

Ever notice how almost every food blogger includes Amazon links to their favorite ingredients and cookware? Or maybe you found an article on Pinterest listing an outdoor enthusiast’s essential camping gear.

These are both examples of affiliate content, where you (the affiliate) partner with a company to drive traffic to their website and earn commissions on any resulting sales. Affiliate marketing content is an excellent way to generate passive income on your blog or website.

It takes a little strategizing, but once you develop a plan and implement your affiliate content, you can make money while you sleep .

6. Write scripts for video creators

If you understand scriptwriting’s technicalities, you can bring in money by partnering with a video creator. It’s pretty common for video creators to have great screen presence—but not-so-great writing skills, so there are plenty of gigs to be had in this field.

Video content is exploding in popularity, so now is a great time to get your foot in the door and add some script-writing experience to your resume. These gigs are often posted on job boards , and you can also take the initiative and reach out to some content creators whose work you enjoy to see if they could use a hand with scriptwriting.

"60% of businesses use video as a marketing tool." - Biteable

7. Write show notes for podcasts

Show notes are a written online resource for podcast listeners that accompany each episode of a podcast. Every podcast approaches show notes a little differently, but typically, they are brief, easy-to-scan episode summaries that often include additional relevant resources. You can find work writing show notes on job boards, or send cold pitches out to podcasters you would like to work with as a freelance writer.

8. Create written content for social media

Large companies typically have a marketer (or a team of them) dedicated to keeping their social media running smoothly. But smaller businesses often can’t hire a full-time employee to manage their social media presence. Freelancers are the ideal solution, and are a win-win for everyone.

Think about your favorite local ice cream parlor, gift shop, or espresso stand, and do a little digging into their social media presence. If you notice that they haven’t posted anything in months or that they struggle with creating high-quality, engaging content, then you just found an excellent opportunity to pitch your writing services.

There’s no need to bash them or focus too much on their social media mistakes , but you can start a polite and friendly conversation where you mention that you noticed room for improvement. Try to emphasize what they stand to gain from working with you and how much potential you see in their social media presence.

Before you pitch your social media writing services, make sure you do your research on fair pricing and know which services you want to offer at what rates. If a business owner shows interest in working with you, the last thing you want to do is keep them waiting while you iron out details you could already have had in place.

9. Produce content for local businesses

While you’re talking to small, local business owners about their social media content, don’t forget the other services you can provide as well.

Maybe a local business could use your help with the occasional blog post, copy for their website, or informational materials like brochures and pamphlets. If you need a list of local businesses, consider joining your local chamber of commerce. Their events can be an effective way to network with other local business owners.

10. Submit magazine articles

Do you have a juicy story from your personal life that your friends love hearing over and over again, or a political perspective that incites the “mind-blown” emoji from every person you share it with? Write it down and turn it into a magazine article to make money.

The magazine industry may not be as prominent as it once was, but it is still going strong , and plenty of freelance writers are getting paid to write magazine articles. Some magazines pay upwards of $500 per article.

Do a little research to find the magazines that would be the best fit for your article, and make sure they haven’t published anything too similar in the recent past.

This is also a good time to find the magazine’s submission guidelines—make sure you follow their instructions carefully, so you have a better chance of getting accepted.

11. Create an information product

If you’re an expert at something, you can monetize that knowledge by creating and selling informational products. This can be an ebook, a video, a short PDF, or any electronic format sharing your insights. Don’t be afraid to get creative here!

Online information products are an excellent way to generate revenue because there are little to no overhead costs involved. You don’t need to worry about packing and shipping a physical product, nor do you need to be involved in the transactions once you handle the initial logistics of making your product available.

The most important thing is to make sure you’re providing a high-quality product with valuable tips and tricks that your customers won’t be able to find elsewhere. If your customers love what they learn from you, they’re much more likely to pay for other products you offer and recommend your business to their friends.

12. Ghostwrite online content

Want to know a secret?

When you see a byline on an online article or blog post, there’s a pretty good chance that the named author didn’t actually write that content. Ghostwriting is not just for celebrity autobiographies; a lot of blogs and websites hire ghostwriters, too.

If you’re okay with taking home the paycheck but not seeing your name on the byline, seek out ghostwriting gigs. These jobs often command rates of 30% to 50% more than bylined work because they aren’t pieces you can add to your portfolio or claim responsibility for.

13. Write video game guidebooks

Streaming your gameplay isn’t the only way for gamers to make money online. If you know a video game inside and out, consider writing a guidebook for it and selling it as a PDF.

If you don’t want to handle the logistics of selling your own product, you can always write freelance articles and guides for video game websites and magazines.

"In 2019, the gaming industry has generated total revenue of $151.9 billion." - Review42

14. Create destination guides

Whether you love to travel or are the go-to person for the best spots to visit in your hometown, you can turn your knowledge into a profitable destination guide. This can be an extensive information product that you sell on your blog or website, or you can pitch it to a travel magazine or blog accepting these types of publications.

15. Write poetry

Poetry may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about making money writing online, but it’s possible to turn a profit off of your poems. There are several places you can submit your poetry online for publication, and if your piece is selected, you’ll get a paycheck on top of bragging rights. Here are some of the top-paying online poetry publishers:

• The Sun Magazine : Pays $100-$250
• Poetry Foundation : Pays $300+
• Boulevard Magazine : Pays $50-$250
• Crazyhorse : Pays $20-$200
• EPOCH : Pays a minimum of $50 per poem

16. Transcribe documents

Transcribing is flexible work that can pay very well once you have some quality pieces in your portfolio. High-paying transcription jobs often require experience, special equipment, and specialized medical or legal knowledge.

But don’t let that discourage you if you think you’d enjoy the work. You can quickly get your foot in the door by taking on a few simple, lower-paying gigs. Check out these reputable transcribing sites to learn more:

• TranscribeMe

17. Write personal essays

If you have interesting life stories, the world wants to hear them. Lots of websites pay you for the right to publish your personal essays. Further below, you’ll find some publications to pitch.

You could also turn your essays into a blog or website, although you should be very strategic if you decide to go this route; blogs dedicated to niches tend to perform exceptionally well, while personal perspective blogs do not.

18. Create greeting card sayings

Someone has to write the sayings and poems on greeting cards. Frequently, that someone is a freelance writer. If you think you have what it takes to create a best-selling greeting card, these companies that pay for greeting card verse submissions:

• Oatmeal Studios
• Blue Mountain Arts

19. Write product descriptions

Some companies pay quite well to ensure that the product descriptions on their websites are clear and informative. Look for these gigs on job boards or pitch the company yourself. There are even websites you can join, such as Crowd Content , that pay you to write product descriptions for their clients. You can also find possible clients for this on sites like Upwork .

20. Start copywriting

Copywriting can refer to any writing that is specifically used for promotion and marketing. This can include content on websites, video scripts, blog posts, emails—you name it.

Businesses use copy to promote a product or service and drive the reader to action. Some companies hire freelance copywriters, some hire copywriters from marketing agencies that work with multiple companies, and some have staff copywriters. You can find copywriting work on job boards of all kinds, including Indeed and Zip Recruiter.

21. Create email sequences

An email sequence is a series of automated emails sent from a business to its clients at different sales cycle stages. Companies also send out email sequences when someone takes a specific action (or lack of action), such as clicking a link in an email or leaving an e-commerce site with items still in the shopping cart.

If you have a strong understanding of email marketing tactics, you can work with any company to create or improve their email sequences. Since more companies are getting into email marketing , there is plenty of opportunities to make money writing here.

Nearly 90% of marketers use email marketing to distribute content organically. - Content Marketing Institute

22. Write technical manuals

Technical writing is a lucrative field because it requires extensive knowledge of the industry you’re writing for. Technical writers need to know how to take complex information and break it down into simple, easy-to-understand messages.

23. Post on a revenue sharing site

Revenue sharing sites host your content and give you a percentage of the ad revenue generated from the page in exchange. This can be a great way to gain experience writing online , since you don’t have to worry about setting up your own website or driving traffic—although you should do everything you can to market your work and encourage people to read your work on revenue sharing sites.

Here are some examples of revenue sharing sites where you can get paid to write articles:

24. Enter a writing contest

Keep an eye out for writing contests, and throw your hat in the ring when you can. This one is a bit of a gamble because only the winners get paid, but it could well be worthwhile.

Some contests pay their winners surprisingly well, and winning can also be a great way to gain exposure as a writer. So if you have the time, why not give it a shot?

Here are a few reputable contests to get you started:

• Reedsy lists over 100 writing contests
• Biopage’s Storytelling Contest pays $100 to $300 for winning short stories.

25. Write resumes

If you have a knack for creating effective resumes, you can find freelance work writing resumes for job hunters. Check job boards for resume writing gigs, and spread the word through social media that you are accepting clients for resume makeovers.

As a similar way to get paid to write, you can also specialize in LinkedIn profiles. Many professionals are willing to pay for an optimized profile that can help them land work.

26. Write and sell songs

Do you love writing music? You can sell your songwriting services online with the help of these websites:

• Nashville Songwriters Association

27. Review books

Calling all readers! Did you know you can get paid to review books? If you can read quickly and write engaging, objective reviews, this could be an excellent way to earn some extra money.

Here are some companies that accept applications for book reviewers:

• Reedsy Discovery
• Online Book Club

28. Do SEO writing

SEO writers are some of the best-paid freelance writers because they provide the most value to their clients. These specialized writers know plenty of SEO tips, including researching keywords and integrating them into websites to make them rank higher in search results.

Semrush lists seven SEO Certification courses that you can take if you want to learn more about SEO, some of which are free.

29. Write sponsored content

If you have a blog, writing sponsored content is a no-brainer. Simply put, sponsored content is anything that a company pays you to write and publish on your blog.

There are tons of options for companies you can work with, and some creative ways to write sponsored content that doesn’t feel like advertising. Check out these trusted sponsored post networks you can join to find paid blogging opportunities:

• Blog Meets Brand

How can you find paid writing opportunities online?

There are several ways to find legitimate opportunities to make money writing online. The links provided in the above examples are an excellent start, and we have even more ideas for you below.

Cold pitching companies you want to work for

As a freelance writer, one of the most critical skills for you to develop is learning how to cold pitch your services. This is where you send unsolicited emails to companies or individuals to offer your writing services.

Since the people you’re approaching didn’t ask for your help, it’s normal to get many nos. But there’s also a chance that the business does need your services, and you’ll never know unless you ask.

Searching online job boards

Online job boards are a great resource for finding any work, freelance writing gigs included. Here are a few of our favorite reputable job boards. You’ll find some free ones and others that you’ll need to pay to access:

• Freelancing Females
• Freelance Writers Den
• Blogging Pro

Pitching bloggers who accept guest posts

When you’re looking at blogs, take note of the ones that include guest blogging articles. Use your cold pitching skills and email the author to offer your guest writing services.

Bloggers are typically very busy people, and they’re often grateful for the opportunity to outsource some of their work. Not all bloggers can afford to pay their guest bloggers, so it’s up to you if you want to accept free work or not.

Sometimes the new connection and link to a published article that you can add to your portfolio are worth it, but only you can decide.

Searching on social media

It’s becoming more common for companies to turn to social media to find writers to hire. The next time you’re scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, take a moment to check out these hashtags:

• #needwriters
• #hiringwriters
• #writerswanted
• #writersneeded
• #bloggerswanted

Then read through the listings and see what catches your interest. You can often find opportunities in a variety of niches this way.

Submitting queries to publications

If there’s a magazine or website you love, check and see if they accept submissions from freelance writers. See further below for tips on finding a publication to pitch.

Networking with other freelance writers

Keeping in touch with your writer acquaintances is always a good idea. Don’t be afraid to mention that you’re always looking for new writing jobs—the next time they get an offer that they’re too busy for, they may just pass your name along.

You can connect with other writers on social media or at in-person events. Work on keeping your working relationship positive, and you never know when you’ll see a referral coming your way.

Pro tip:Search for freelance writer groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social platforms.

Posting on social media

If you don’t already have social media accounts strictly dedicated to your writing business, don’t waste any time in getting them established. Social media is a fantastic resource to find paid writing opportunities; the occasional post announcing that you’re accepting new clients can do wonders for your business. Don’t forget to encourage your followers to share your posts. Someone in your network may know someone who is searching for a writer.

Creating a website to share your services

Setting up a website to help advertise your writing services is a great way to appear more professional to prospective clients. You can share a link to your website whenever you apply for a gig or cold pitch your services.

Here are some essential elements to include:

• Your resume
• A professional photo of yourself
• Links to any published writings of your own
• Sample articles
• A list of services you provide
• Testimonials from past clients
• Your contact information or even a contact form so potential clients can email you directly from your site

Searching on Craigslist in major cities

Craigslist often has paid writing opportunities, so don’t overlook this resource. Remember to search other locations outside of your own city, too. Check the listings for major metropolitan areas, where people post the majority of jobs. Here are five cities you should check regularly:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

Another tip to help you find assignments on this website - writing jobs on Craigslist are sometimes posted under “Gigs” and sometimes under “Jobs,” so be sure to check both sections.

Asking past freelance writing clients if they have more work for you

As mentioned earlier, networking is essential. Keeping in touch with your past clients is equally important. There’s no need to hound them, but don’t be afraid to check in periodically and see if there’s anything else they need help with.

Where can you submit your writing online for money?

When deciding where to submit your writing, you want to make sure that the publication will pay its authors and that it fits well with your preferred writing style. Here are a few possibilities for you to check out, organized by niche.

If you prefer writing personal essays, you’re in luck. Here are five sites that might pay you for your essays:

The Bold Italic

Can you write a personal essay about the spirit of San Francisco that will make readers laugh or cry? If yes, submit it to The Bold Italic . The editors will review it and make a decision. If it’s published, you’ll get $50.

Buzzfeed Reader

If you want your personal essay to be read by the masses, you’ve got to pitch the editors over at Buzzfeed Reader . It pays competitive rates for essays about nearly any fresh idea.

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco pays for dynamic personal essays written by blind or visually impaired writers. It will occasionally publish pieces written by writers outside of this category. The editors enjoy working collaboratively with you on the piece, and pay $100 upon publication.

If you can write a unique personal essay with a strong voice, the editors at Dame want you to send a pitch. A published essay will earn you about $150, though you’ll finalize payment details throughout the submission process.

Business, career, and finance

The penny hoarder.

This popular website is a great place to pitch if you have a laid-back writing style and unique tips about earning or saving money. The Penny Hoarder gives detailed pitch directions and provides a form you can fill out, making the whole process as simple as possible. If your pitch is accepted, an editor will discuss payment with you at that time.

Doctor of Credit

Do you have a strong understanding of consumer credit law? Have you found a unique credit card from a small issuer? Doctor of Credit is a great blog that may publish a guest post if you have niche financial knowledge to share. They pay $50 per post.

Income Diary

This website is all about making money online, from blog design to content creation to entrepreneurship and a success mindset. Income Diary pays up to $200 for an article on these topics.

Freelance Mom

If you know how to balance being your own boss and being an awesome mom, Freelance Mom wants to hear from you. You can earn between $75 and $100 on articles between 900 to 1,500 words.

Family and parenting

Pregnant chicken.

This fun and informative website features pregnancy tips and stories about pregnancy, childbirth, and being a new parent. Pregnant Chicken pays $100 per post.

Zift publishes articles relating to parenting in a technology-driven world. If you have an evergreen, original article about managing kids and screen time, you could earn $100 for it.

Your Teen Media

If you’ve raised teenagers and seen it all, you can get paid to write by Teen Media , a trusted editorial source for readers seeking information about raising teenagers. Payment rates are not listed on their websites, but you can discuss this with the editor if your pitch gets accepted.

Go World Travel

This is a great place to pitch if you’re a new writer. Go World Travel publishes contributions from first-time writers and experts alike. If you can tell a captivating, descriptive story about your travels, you can earn $30 to $40 per article.

Matador Network

You’ll need to set up a profile with Matador Network to respond to their calls for submissions. Once you do, you can earn $40 or more for short commissioned travel articles.

GoNOMAD is a resource for “honest, accurate, well-written and detailed articles and destination guides that speak to an educated, curious, and well-traveled audience.” They pay $25 for stories between 1700 to 2200 words long.

Extra Crispy

Extra Crispy is all about breakfast, and they are looking for opinion pieces, stories, essays, recipes, etc. This is the perfect place to pitch if the most important meal of the day also happens to be your favorite. It doesn’t list payment terms on its website, so you’ll need to work that out with the editor if your pitch is accepted.

Taste of Home

This family-favorite publication publishes recipes from home cooks. You can sign into their website to see what types of recipes they are currently looking for. Taste of Home discusses payment rates upon acceptance.

If you have a unique perspective on food culture, try pitching Eater . They cover a wide range of food-related topics, so take a look and see if you can come up with an idea they might love! Payment terms are not listed on their website.

Digital Ocean

DigitalOcean is looking for talented authors to create technical tutorials and articles about software development. In addition to a personal payout (typically $300), you’ll also get to select a tech-focused charity to receive a donation from DigitalOcean.

If you can create original content to add to Linode’s library of technical guides and tutorials, you can earn $300. They currently are focusing on adding articles about Kubernetes, Linux essentials, and databases, so if you send a pitch about one of those topics, you’re more likely to be accepted.

Do you consider yourself a WordPress expert? If yes, consider pitching WPHUB . Depending on your article’s topic and length, they pay between $10 to $200 for content about web design trends, exploring useful plugins for developers, coding best practices, and other WordPress-related topics.

How to send a pitch for an online writing gig

Whether you're trying to send a submission to a specific blog or applying for a gig you found on a job board, you’ll need to send a pitch if you want to get paid to write.

If you’re wondering what a pitch is, it’s a written correspondence in which you explain to an editor or publisher an idea you have for an article, blog post, story, etc., and ask them to consider hiring you to execute your idea.

While you want your pitch to have your voice and not sound like you copied and pasted it, there are a few essential pieces to include. Here’s what every pitch needs:

• The editor’s name. Addressing your pitch to the right person will show that you did your homework. On this note, also make sure you send it to the correct email address.
• Details about your idea. No need to send the entire finished piece (unless it’s asked for). However, you need to make it clear what your story is about and why you’re the best person for the job.
• A brief bio. The editor doesn’t have time to read your life story, but you should introduce them to you and share any relevant experience you may have.
• A link to your portfolio. This gives the editor the chance to get a feel for your writing abilities and style. If you write in a wide range of styles, it’s a good idea to only link to the ones that best match the publication you’re pitching to.

It’s natural to feel a little nervous when submitting a pitch, especially for new writers. Whatever you do, don’t let your fear of rejection or imposter syndrome stop you from sending a pitch. Manage your expectations, and know going into it that you will receive a lot more nos than yeses.

That’s true for even the most talented writers, though, so don’t take it personally. Keep at it, and eventually, your pitch will reach the person who’s ready to work with you.

5 tips for successful pitching as a freelance writer

To improve your acceptance rate, here are five tips to help you send a better pitch:

1. Follow directions

If you are replying to a job listing or submitting to an established publication, make sure you carefully follow any guidelines they provide. If the publisher thinks that you can’t follow simple instructions such as giving your email the proper subject line or saving your resume in the specified format, they probably won’t be very eager to work with you.

2. Pitch for topics you’re comfortable writing about

When you’re first getting started, It’s tempting to pitch for any and all gigs you can find. But it’s highly encouraged that you pitch selectively.

You don’t need to stick to just one niche, but if you pitch topics you’re genuinely excited about, your passion and expertise will show, it’ll take you less time, and your finished work will be stronger.

3. Send a great idea

If you’re pitching an idea you came up with for a magazine article or a guest blog post, take some time to research the existing content and see what’s missing, so you don’t suggest topics they’ve already published.

Try to come up with a unique angle or provide a different perspective. That way, you send a great idea instead of a topic the site has already covered.

4. Explain why it’s a great fit

Make it clear to the publisher that you’re familiar with the publication and that you know what they’re looking for. Don’t make it about you; emphasize what they and their readers stand to gain from a partnership with you.

Do your research beforehand and know who their target audience is, what types of content they typically publish, the tone they usually write in, etc. The more you understand their style, the more you can blend in and convince them that it’s a natural partnership.

5. Keep it short

Editors are busy and don’t have time to read a novel in their inbox. Your pitch is the perfect place to show that not only are you a great writer, but you have an excellent understanding of clear and concise communication. Stick to the point, and don’t run off on unrelated rabbit trails.

How to get paid to write online

When you write content online, you’re typically considered a contract writer instead of an employee. This means you’ll need to send an invoice if you want to get paid.

An invoice is a simple document that sums up the work you did for your client, so they can see what they owe you. Basically, it’s a bill for services rendered.

It’s essential to make your invoice look professional. If you have branding elements or a logo, you’ll want to include those.

Your freelance writing invoice should include the following elements:

• The word “Invoice” at the top. You want to make it clear to your client that this is an official billing document so that they’re more likely to pay you promptly.
• Date you sent the invoice.
• Your client’s name.
• Your contact information.
• An itemized list of services provided, with short, clear descriptions of each, and individual rates for each service.
• Dates services were provided.
• Payment rate.
• Total amount due.
• Any payment terms previously agreed upon.
• A unique invoice ID number for your records.

There are invoice templates available online that can help you quickly set up invoices to send to your clients. The downside to using templates is that you can't easily track the payment status of all the different invoices you've sent to your clients.

Wave's invoicing software lets you do everything above (and more!) for free, no strings attached. You can create unlimited invoices with your logo and keep tabs on whether clients have seen your invoices. There are also options to set up recurring invoices for regular clients, which can save you a lot of time and headaches. If you turn on the payments option, there’s a small per-transaction fee when a client makes a payment.

Wave Money , a new service we’re launching, lets you deposit client payments and manage funds in an FDIC-insured account. We’re transforming the business banking industry with small business owners in mind. It’s the perfect online business banking option for freelance writers and other entrepreneurs.

How to create a portfolio to help you make money writing online

Having a solid portfolio is a crucial tool for any writer. Follow the below tips to make your portfolio as strong as possible.

Keep your portfolio up-to-date with your best new work

It doesn’t matter how much amazing content you created three, five, or ten years ago. Your potential clients want to see that you have recent publications under your belt.

Don’t include everything

Think of your portfolio as your highlights reel. Only include the writing you’re most proud of and that aligns with the type of work you hope to get more of. There’s no need to have articles from your stint as a sports reporter if you’re trying to break into beauty blogging.

Break it into categories

If you do more than one type of writing, keep your portfolio well organized so that your potential clients can easily find the work that is most similar to what they want to hire you for.

Host it in an effective location

Your personal business website is the best place to keep your portfolio. However, if you don’t have a website yet, you can always use a portfolio-hosting website such as Contently or ClearVoice .

7 Red flags to watch for with online writing jobs

While you can legitimately get paid to write, there are scams out there. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid getting scammed, so keep an eye out for these red flags.

• Anything that sounds too good to be true.
• Any online gig requiring you to send money before you make money (except for some legitimate publications that charge a nominal submission fee).
• A potential client asking for too much personal information.
• Job postings that list unprofessional email addresses that look like a jumbled mess of letters and numbers.
• Vague job descriptions.
• Meager pay for the amount of work. (And on the other end, payment that seems way too high for the demands of the job.)
• A company requesting that you do trial work for free to evaluate or sample your services.

While these red flags don’t necessarily mean you’ve stumbled upon a freelance writing scam, seeing one does mean you need to proceed with caution. You don’t want to get your identity stolen or complete work you never get paid for.

Time to take action

Now that you’ve learned about the best options available for you to get paid to write online, it’s time to get out there and give it a shot. Remember, there’s nothing you can gain from doubting yourself, so show a little faith, pick a path to get started with, and begin to make some money. With the right attitude and enough determination, anyone can make a living writing online.

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Writing Essays for Money: A Guide for Aspiring Freelance Writers

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Are you looking to make money from your writing skills? One of the most popular—and increasingly in-demand—ways to do so is by writing essays for money. With online writing services on the rise and more students and professionals turning to them for help with their work, there has never been a better time to become a freelance essay writer. But before you jump into this career path, it’s important to understand what it entails—including the challenges and ethical considerations. 

The Essay Writing Market: An Overview 

The essay writing market is a unique and ever-growing sector. As students, professors, and professionals alike become increasingly aware of the range of online services, so does the demand for these services.

In this section, we’ll look at the different types of online writing services, discuss the demand for academic writing services, outline the demographics of people who use these services, and explain the factors that drive the demand for essay writing services. 

Types of Writing Services Available Online 

There are many different varieties of online essay-writing services available today. These include custom essay writing services (where a customer can provide specific instructions and have a paper written specifically to their needs), editing/proofreading services (for those who need help with formatting or spelling/grammatical errors in an existing document), research paper writing services (which provide essays based on individual research topics), copywriting or rewriting services (where customers can submit existing documents which will then be rewritten for them), and resume/CV writing service (which provide job seekers with tailored resumes or CVs). 

Demand for Academic Writing Services 

The demand for academic writing has grown considerably over the past decade as students have become more aware of the availability of such services. This is especially true among college students seeking assistance with their coursework.

In addition to students, there is also growing demand from professionals looking to outsource their written assignments due to lack of time or expertise. As a result, this market has seen exponential growth over recent years. 

Demographics of People Who Use These Services 

The demographic makeup of those using essay writing services is quite varied. On one hand, you have college and university students who turn to these companies when they need help with their coursework; on the other hand, there are also professionals from all walks of life who are looking to outsource their written assignments due to a lack of time or expertise.

Most customers tend to be from countries where English is not their first language; however, there has been an increasing number of US-based customers over recent years. 

Factors that Drive Demand for Essay Writing Services 

One major factor driving demand for these types of essay-writing services is convenience – customers can easily find what they need without having to do all the work themselves.

Additionally, many customers feel more comfortable entrusting their assignment with a company than tackling it alone due to a lack of knowledge or experience in certain subject areas. Finally, affordability plays an important role in this market – customers want quality work but at affordable prices, which many companies are able to offer them through competitive pricing models and discounts. 

With so many different types available, ranging from custom essay writing to resume/CV service providers, it’s easy to see why this industry continues to expand each year as more people realize just how convenient it can be when they need help with written assignments!

Writing Essays for Money: A Path to Both Flexibility and Financial Security 

Are you looking for a way to make money that provides you with both flexibility and financial security? Writing essays for money may be the perfect job opportunity for you. This blog post will explore the pros of writing essays for money and how it can help you reach your career goals. 

Flexibility in Work Schedule 

One of the biggest advantages of writing essays for money is that it allows you to work when and where it’s convenient. Since you’re working remotely, there’s no need to worry about commuting or taking time off from a traditional job.

You can write essays whenever it suits your schedule, whether early in the morning, late at night, or even on weekends. Plus, being able to work from anywhere means that you don’t have to be tied down to one location; if you want to take a vacation or travel for any other reason, all you have to do is pack up your laptop and go! 

Ability to Earn a High Income 

Another great advantage of writing essays for money is that it allows you to earn a very good income. Depending on how much experience and expertise you bring to the table and how much demand there is in your chosen field, you can significantly increase your earning potential.

Plus, since most projects are paid per word or page written (or sometimes both), it is easy to track your income and ensure that you’re getting paid what you deserve. 

Opportunities for Professional Growth 

Finally, writing essays for money can also provide great professional growth opportunities. As an essay writer, you will be expanding your knowledge base through research and practice and working with new clients from various backgrounds who might have different perspectives on certain topics.

You’ll also get exposure to different writing styles, which can help improve the quality of your own work over time. And if the client has requested revisions on their project, this is another chance for you to hone your skills while still getting paid!  

By taking advantage of this unique job opportunity now, you will be able to open up new doors professionally and financially secure yourself in the process. Thanks so much for reading!

Making Money Writing Essays: The Pros and Cons 

Making money by writing essays sounds like a great way to earn an income. It can be an enjoyable, flexible job with the potential for a good return on your investment. But is it really worth it? Let’s look at the pros and cons of writing essays for money so that you can decide whether this type of work is right for you. 

Unclear Ethical Considerations 

When you write essays for money, you must consider whether this type of work is ethically sound. It can be difficult to decide whether or not you are doing something wrong by helping someone else cheat their way through school.

At the same time, some argue that if students are willing to pay for essays, why should they be prevented from doing so? Ultimately, it’s up to each writer to decide if they are comfortable writing essays for money. 

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty 

One of the most serious issues associated with writing essays for money is the potential for plagiarism and academic dishonesty. When students turn in work that isn’t their own, they lie about their capabilities and cheat themselves out of learning experiences.

This can lead to serious consequences such as expulsion or loss of scholarship opportunities. As a writer, it’s important to ensure that all papers are written from scratch to avoid potential plagiarism or dishonesty problems. 

Pressure To Meet Tight Deadlines & Produce High-Quality Work 

Another drawback of writing essays for money is the pressure writers face when it comes to meeting tight deadlines and producing high-quality work on short notice. While some writers may thrive under such intense conditions, others may find them overwhelming and stressful.

If deadlines and high-pressure situations aren’t something you feel you can handle consistently, then this type of work may not be right for you. 

Possibility Of Dealing With Difficult Clients

Although there are many benefits associated with working as an essay writer, there is also the possibility that some clients may be difficult or unresponsive when it comes time to pay up or provide feedback on a project.

In these cases, it pays to take proactive measures such as setting clear expectations upfront to avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, having a strong contract in place can help protect both parties in case something goes wrong during the course of a project.                  

Ultimately, only you can decide if this type of work suits your lifestyle; however, understanding both sides will help inform your decision-making process before committing one way or another!

How to Write Essays for Money with Confidence 

Writing essays for money can be a rewarding and lucrative way to make a living. When you take on the challenge of writing essays for money, you take on the responsibility of delivering quality work that will satisfy your client’s needs. You should keep certain best practices in mind to ensure success in this endeavor. Let’s explore four key areas for success in writing essays for money. 

Ethical Considerations and Avoiding Plagiarism 

As a writer being paid to write essays, you must understand how important ethics are in any professional venture. As a paid writer, your job is to write words and create original ideas and content that reflects your client’s unique perspective.

You must avoid plagiarizing other people’s work at all costs, even if it means taking extra time or research to gather the information needed to complete an essay assignment. Not only is plagiarism illegal and unethical, but it can also ruin your reputation as a writer if discovered by your clients! 

Time Management and Staying Organized 

Time management skills are essential when writing essays for money because oftentimes, deadlines must be met quickly and efficiently.

That said, good time management skills should never come at the expense of quality work. So you must have systems that help you stay organized and plan ahead for any potential roadblocks or problems you may face while completing projects on time.

One great way to do this is by creating lists of tasks that need completing and breaking them down into smaller chunks so they can be completed quickly without sacrificing quality or accuracy. 

Maintaining Quality While Meeting Tight Deadlines 

When writing essays for money, meeting tight deadlines while still creating quality work can seem daunting; however, there are ways around this problem!

By researching topics thoroughly before beginning an essay assignment – such as gathering facts, relevant quotes, or statistics –you will save time during the actual writing process since much of the material will already be gathered beforehand.

Additionally, having someone else proofread your work before submitting it can also help catch errors or typos before they become issues with your client! Lastly, always make sure to double-check all sources cited within the essay against the original source material (if available), so accuracy remains paramount throughout the entire project from start to finish.  

Building a Positive Relationship With Clients 

Writing essays for money requires more than technical know-how; it also requires maintaining positive relationships with clients over time so they can trust your abilities as a reliable writer who consistently produces high-quality work.

To build strong working relationships with clients over time, stay communicative throughout each project—from initial contact through completion—and provide regular updates whenever necessary so everyone stays on track toward meeting deadlines without sacrificing the quality of output in the process.

Additionally, having open lines of communication allows both parties involved in an essay assignment to discuss any revisions or changes needed before submitting final drafts, which helps ensure total satisfaction with each project! 

Where to Write Essays to Make Money

Writing essays for money is a great way to make extra income. Many websites offer freelance writing services where you can write essays and other types of content for clients who need them. You can also find opportunities to write essays for money on job boards and freelance marketplaces. Before taking on any project, it is important to research the client and make sure they are legitimate.

Are you looking for places to sell essays?

Here are 10 great options:

• Fiverr : Fiverr is a great platform for freelancers to offer their services, including essay writing.
• Upwork : Upwork is another popular freelance platform where you can find clients who need essays written.
• Guru : Guru is a freelance marketplace that connects businesses with professionals, including those who write essays.
• Freelancer : Freelancer is an online job board that allows freelancers to bid on jobs, including essay writing projects.
• PeoplePerHour : PeoplePerHour is a website where freelancers can find work, including essay writing jobs.
• iWriter : iWriter is a content creation platform that allows writers to create and sell essays online.
• Textbroker : Textbroker is an online marketplace for writers to create and sell content, including essays and other academic papers
• EssayShark : EssayShark is an online platform where students can get help with their essays from professional writers
• StudySolver : StudySolver offers students the opportunity to get help with their essays from experienced writers
• WritersDepartment : WritersDepartment provides freelance writers with the opportunity to write and sell essays online

Finding legitimate freelance essay writing jobs can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of websites that offer opportunities for writers to find work and make money.

The future of the market for online writing services is looking bright. With more businesses and individuals turning to the internet for their content needs, the demand for quality writers will only increase. As technology continues to advance, so will the opportunities available to freelance writers willing to put in the time and effort necessary to create high-quality essays for money.

Therefore, if you want to make some extra cash with your writing skills, consider joining the growing market of freelance essay writers who are seeing success and making money through their work!

What Does It Mean To Take Inspired Action?

Is writing for a living possible exploring the reality.

When it comes to writing, Willow Tenny is a true pro. She has a wealth of experience in SEO copywriting and creative writing, and she knows exactly what it takes to produce quality content. On her blog, Willow Writes, Willow shares top writing strategies with both beginners and experienced writers.

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8 Online Writing Sites That Pay You This (2024)

Brett Helling is the founder of Gigworker.com. He has been a rideshare driver since early 2012, having completed hundreds of trips for companies including Uber, Lyft, and Postmates.

Since that time, he has expanded his knowledge into the Gigworker site, as well as writing the book Gigworker: Independent Work and the State of the Gig Economy Paperback,  now available on Amazon .

Are you looking for ways to earn money with your writing skills but don’t have the experience? You’re not alone!

The onset of COVID-19 brought freelance writing gigs to the forefront of remote employment opportunities. Research reveals over 70 million Americans did freelance work  in 2022.

Of that number, 82% are freelance writers. That’s around 54 million people in the U.S. alone! Now you’d think that’s too much competition for beginners to handle, but the truth is the opposite.

Finding online writing sites that pay money doesn’t have to be taxing, and most are open to beginners!

This article introduces you to 9 freelance writing sites with extensive job postings fit for your skill level.

• Best Online Writing Sites [At A Glance]
• What are Online Freelance Writing Sites?
• Why Are Freelance Writing Sites Important?
• Do I Need an Online Writing Site to Build a Freelance Writing Career?
• What is the Best Online Freelance Writing Site?
• What is the Best Free Online Writing Site?
• 1. Trust Rating
• 2. Pay Range
• 3. Job Listings
• 4. Application Process
• 5. Online Courses or Blogs
• 1. Upwork: Our Pick
• 2. Blogging Pro: Runner-Up
• 3. Fiverr: Also Great
• 4. Contently – Best for Experienced Writers
• 5. Writers Work – Best Pooled Writing Jobs
• 6. iWriter – Best for Tiered Writing Gigs
• 7. WriterAccess – Best for Long-term Writing Job
• 8. ProBlogger – Best for Blog Writing
• Other Online Gigs to Check Out
• Do Online Writing Jobs Pay Well?
• What is the Best Writing Niche?
• Wrapping Up

The internet has many opportunities for freelance writers, but only a few stand out for bringing in real profit and helping you become a successful freelance writer.

Here are our top picks for 2023:

• Upwork :  Our Pick
• Blogging Pro :  Runner-Up
• Fiverr :  Also Great
• Contently :  Best for Experienced Writers
• Writers Work :  Best Pooled Writing Jobs
• iWriter :  Best for Tiered Writing Gigs
• WriterAccess :  Best for Long-term Writing Jobs
• ProBlogger :  Best for Blog Writing

An Overview of Online Freelance Writing

There is no official date when freelance writing started because freelance writers have been around even before digital platforms were created.

But it’s safe to consider the early 2000s as the dawn of the online freelance writing job trend. Notable sites like  ProBlogger shares their small-scale origins , which have become a huge success over time.

Freelance writing sites are the one-stop shop for businesses and startups seeking writing services. They’re central hubs for hiring writers and finding job boards with quality writing gigs.

Some more intuitive websites have features that allow clients to match their writing jobs with the ideal candidate. This results in a mutually beneficial arrangement that guarantees satisfaction for both the business and the content writers.

A freelance writing website reduces the need for companies to shoulder all the legwork involved in hiring talents. They don’t need complex contracts to engage experienced freelance writers.

On the writer’s side, accessing these freelance platforms streamlines the job search process and helps boost their writing portfolio.

You can have multiple freelance writing jobs in a few months, which allows you to gather referrals and recommendations from happy clients.

Freelance writing sites aren’t required to build a writing career, but they help speed up the process.

Taking on multiple writing jobs within this active community builds up your reputation, skill, and network — factors that help you stand out from the competition.

The Best Online Writing Sites at a Glance

We’ve rounded up our best picks for freelance writing websites and come up with two all-rounders.

With approximately 5 million clients using the platform, Upwork is our best pick for starters looking to understand how freelance writing works.

Its ‘Writing & Translation’ job board category boasts 146k+ active contracts, with clients giving an average 4.8 -star rating to writing professionals.

This includes a range of talents like proofreaders, content writers, translators, ghostwriters, and more.

Blogging Pro is our top choice for niche-focused freelance writing gigs.

It’s a job board that prospective freelancers can use for free, minus the need to create an account.

One of the things we like about this portal is its straightforward application process that details everything you need to know about a job with just a click.

Clients of this site must pay their writers a minimum of $15 per project, eliminating the risk of getting scammed.

Features to Look for In an Online Writing Website

Freelance writing opportunities have attracted many full-time professionals, so the competition is high.

This can result in some people, especially those with no experience, agreeing to jobs that don’t honor their contracts.

To  avoid falling into freelance scams , you must be critical in assessing whether or not the portal you’re signing up for is legit.

Here are features to look for before taking on online writing jobs:

Be wary of freelance websites with a Google review star rating of less than 3. While online ratings are ultimately subjective, they reflect the user experience that professionals and clients have for the platform.

You also want to check review sites like TechRadar or online forums like Reddit and Quora to see what other users think of freelance writing websites.

Online freelance writing jobs vary in pay range, and it’s primarily driven by the fact that clients have their specific project budgets. Some portals require businesses to offer a specific job price range, while others leave it to the client.

The best freelance writing sites have extensive job boards. This allows them to attract clients from all sectors and freelancers of different skill sets.

Check the requirements for signing up with a portal and see if you fit their eligibility. You’re better off starting small and building your portfolio rather than trying to break the big game without a solid portfolio to back it up.

The freelance writing industry is saturated with talent. And while there is a global demand to match that up, beefing up your skill set is necessary to ace the competition.

Check for platforms with built-in writing tools or knowledge bases. Do they have a blog you can subscribe to stay current with the freelance writing landscape?

Best Online Writing Sites: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Here are our top 3 freelance writing sites, handpicked for their combined reach, user reviews, and job opportunities.

1. Upwork : Our Pick

Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses or startups with individual professionals. It hosts a variety of industries that include writing.

It’s a marketplace where the main currency is your skill. Housing over 12 million freelancers as of 2023, Upwork’s an attractive platform to boost your professional network too!

Key Features of Upwork

Below are features that make Upwork a powerhouse in freelancing:

• Global Network:  Upwork is available in over 180 countries, making connecting with global clients easier.
• All-In Mediation:  Upwork handles all the contracts, billing, and invoicing processes. This helps you focus on your craft instead of tracking all admin-related requirements before getting paid.
• Robust Writing Job Board:  Upwork has 80 writing-related categories under its filter, giving you more options to check if your first few don’t work.
• Upwork Connects:  A “Connect” serves as your internal currency and allows you to send client proposals or applications. Upwork’s free plan grants you 10 connects per month, while its Freelance Plus gives you up to 80 connects.
• Top Rated Badge:  This one’s given to Upwork’s top freelancers who have built a strong reputation on the platform and consistently get positive feedback from clients. Acquiring this badge gives you access to Upwork’s exclusive features like premium support and in-house talent scout assistance.

Pros of Upwork

• Hassle-free Onboarding:  All you need is an email address to start creating an account for free. No need for samples and exams to start searching for writing jobs.
• Seamless Portal Interface:  Upwork has intuitive navigation that helps you sift through job listings without getting lost.
• Location Flexibility:  Compared to some platforms that require you to be within the state or city near your client, Upwork supports fully remote jobs.

Cons of Upwork

• High Competition:  Landing the first gig remains challenging for any new freelance writer. Clients looking for content writing services often look for a solid portfolio before hiring their freelancer.
• Commission Fee:  Upwork takes 20% of the first $500 you bill to your clients. This can be too hefty, especially for starters with minimal projects.
• Dispute Resolution:  Users report difficulty connecting with Upwork’s resolution team to settle payment disputes.

Upwork Income

Content writing jobs on Upwork have an average pay of $15 to $40 an hour. Some companies who want a long-term arrangement with writers pay a flat fee of $800 a month.

Final Verdict

Upwork is a great job search engine that offers freelance writing jobs globally. It can take a while to build a solid reputation and attract regular clients, but it is nonetheless the most robust platform for writing gigs that pay.

2. Blogging Pro : Runner-Up

Blogging Pro is an easy-to-navigate job site for professional writers looking for trusted clients. Unlike most platforms that require you to create user profiles, Blogging Pro gives you total control over when and to who you want to apply.

Key Features of Blogging Pro

Here are the top features why we recommend Blogging Pro:

• Multiple Job Setup:  Most job listings in this platform are remote, though a few require onsite arrangements. They also offer freelance, contract, or part-time setups.
• Writing Tips & Tutorials:  Blogging Pro has quick links to articles that help you enhance your freelance work quality. Access is free with no sign-up requirement.
• In-demand Writing Categories:  The platform only advertises writing jobs such as content writing, journalism, and copywriting. This saves you time from having to sort through vast, non-writing jobs.
• Direct Apply:  Once you select a writing gig, you’ll get a comprehensive list of responsibilities and requirements and a snippet of the client’s background. Hitting ‘Apply for job’ leads you to the client’s website to complete the application.
• Fast Response Time:  Blogging Pro requires clients to respond to applications within 24 to 48 hours. This guarantees you’ll get a response whether you make it or not.

Pros of Blogging Pro

• Free to Use:  You don’t pay anything with Blogging Pro. No add-on costs, hidden fees, or cutbacks for commissions.
• Transparent Pricing:  Most jobs in this portal provide their exact pay range. If not, their websites will, which you can access when you apply.
• Reliable Clients:  Blogging Pro’s client list is a combination of established companies and startups with either brick-and-mortar stores or a legitimate online presence.

Cons of Blogging Pro

• Minimal Job Updates:  Unlike bigger portals with daily job streams, Blogging Pro only updates when clients choose to advertise on their platform. They do an average of weekly updates with fewer than 20 new jobs.
• Requires Experience:  While all positions are open to beginners, many clients indicate specific writing experience in their eligibility requirements. This can be tough to break for anyone with no portfolio to show.
• Inconsistent Income:  Blogging Pro doesn’t set any price range guideline for clients apart from the minimum $15 requirement. It’s up to you to determine if the company’s offering a competitive price for the writing service required.

Blogging Pro Income

Blogging Pro guarantees a minimum of $15 hourly pay for writers as part of its initial agreement with clients. Some jobs, like social media writers, can pay up to $300 per project.

Blogging Pro is an excellent choice for finding freelance writing jobs covering different niches.

Its direct link to clients gives you full control of the application process and an overview of the job budget, so you won’t have to do the guesswork in finding out how much you’ll earn.

Still, it doesn’t offer many jobs, and you’ll often need to showcase proof of writing experience to land a gig.

3. Fiverr : Also Great

Fiverr is the perfect platform for individuals who prefer working with other individuals instead of a large-scale company.

This website is an ideal entry-level choice since you won’t have to bid or negotiate for jobs.

You’ll also have access to a potential client or buyer’s requests, including instructions and files to assist you in delivering their expected result.

Key Features of Fiverr

Let’s look into the features we like best about Fiverr and see if it fits your ideal freelance writing website:

• Worldwide Reach:  Fiverr is available in 190 countries, with 42% of its users based in the U.S. It also houses clients from Canada, India, and the U.K.
• Seller Levels:  You can climb up the levels if you constantly deliver quality tasks on time.
• Pro-verified Feature:  If you have the background and experience of a trusted writer, then Fiverr might approve you as part of their ‘Pro Services’ feature. You can charge higher and increase the potential of attracting high-paying clients.
• Extensive Filter Customization:  Fiverr wants an ideal match for their clients, so their filters are extensive. You can consider this feature when setting up your profile, delivery timelines, price range, and writing style.
• E-learning Products:  If you’re looking to enhance your skills, try enrolling in Fiverr’s business and technical courses led by niche experts.

Pros of Fiverr

• Admin-free Experience:  The platform handles the admin side of things like producing invoices, promotions, transaction recording, etc.
• Option for Early Payout:  While only available to select sellers, the feature is an advantage. It’s an advantage if you need cash immediately instead of waiting for the typical 14-day clearing period.
• Opportunities to Broaden Skills:  Fiverr’s writing jobs range from simple content writing to more challenging gigs like technical writeups. You’ll encounter task requests you haven’t tried before that can be a great learning opportunity.

Cons of Fiverr

• Low-paying Gigs:  While you can charge your services for up to $995 per project, only top-rated and long-time freelancers enjoy that profit. Most starters will have to settle for the low price of $5.
• Issues with Scams:  There are reports of freelancers not getting paid by clients claiming they have yet to receive their orders. It can be difficult to dispute this unless you have complete and detailed communications with the client.
• Commission Fee:  Fiverr takes 20% off your earning regardless of your seller level or service cost. If you earn $5, you’ll only receive $4 as your take-home pay.

Fiverr Income

Your Fiverr income depends on the number of services you deliver. You can price it from $5 per project up to $995.

Fiverr’s a great place for freelancers who want to start small, minus all the hassle of promoting their services. By setting up an account, your profile’s automatically pooled under your chosen gig category.

It’s entry-level at best, which might not be the best option for advanced writers with considerable writing experience.

Notable Mentions: Other Writing Sites To Check Out

If you’re looking for alternative options other than our top 3 picks, you can try out these freelance writing sites:

4. Contently  – Best for Experienced Writers

Contently is for expert freelance writers looking at landing a gig with big companies. Some of their clients include Coca-Cola, Dell, Walmart, and Google.

Unlike the other platforms on our list, you don’t apply for a writing job to be a part of their team. Their in-house talent scouts choose writers from all around the web and invite them for an interview.

That being said, having a  solid creative platform  that showcases your diverse writing portfolio is an essential factor to be considered for any of their gigs.

Why is Contently a Great Option?

Landing a gig at Contently is a surefire way to skyrocket your freelance career. You can add your experience with them to your portfolio along with the brands or companies you worked with.

Best of all, you can  negotiate your rate . If you think they’re offering lower than your regular rate, you can demand higher pay.

Drawbacks to Contently

Its obvious drawback comes from the fact that it isn’t for beginners. Contently only contacts specialists with years of experience whose consistent portfolio speaks for their work quality.

Contently Income

Contently has a proprietary rate sheet that dictates the price range options for their projects. While we can’t divulge the specifics, online writers share earnings between $300 and $1,200 per piece.

5. Writers Work  – Best Pooled Writing Jobs

Writers Work is a paid freelance writing platform that offers real-time data on writing gigs worldwide. They offer a lifetime subscription of $47 or a monthly option of $15.

It’s an excellent platform allowing you to do all your writing tasks in it. It has a built-in text editor and work tracker feature to help you organize your workload and set writing goals.

Writers Work also has one of the most diverse types of writing requests, such as  writing stories for magazines or even fishing equipment reviews.

Why is Writers Work a Great Option?

One thing that Writers Work does well is its writing-only job board. You won’t find other popular gigs like graphic design or video production in its pool.

It’s a great platform for getting a constant stream of gigs you can easily filter by categories like finance, tech, and entertainment.

Drawbacks to Writers Work

There’s high competition in this platform, which may deter freelancers who are looking at quick payments. While there are varied writing options, landing those high-paying gigs requires skill and experience.

Writers Work Income

Writers get paid between $20 to $65 an hour. Other projects offer a fixed rate of $100 per project.

6. iWriter  – Best for Tiered Writing Gigs

iWriter is an excellent platform that offers opportunities for writers to upgrade their skills and earning potential while writing more.

The platform offers four writing levels – Standard, Premium, Elite, and Elite Plus. Accessing higher levels mean higher-paying gigs.

We found iWriter to have a diverse niche in terms of topics and ideas , with clients providing specific writing instructions, including required keywords and formatting.

Why is iWriter a Great Option?

It’s easy to join iWriter as a freelancer. You’ll only need to pass two 200-word writing tests to complete the registration. Once done, you can start using the platform to find gigs.

Happy clients also have the option to give you tips for a job well done, helping you increase your income. You also have the opportunity to get paid weekly or biweekly, with a minimum of $20 in earnings.

Drawbacks to iWriter

A significant drawback of iWriter is its steep commission. The platform takes 35% of your total earnings, which is higher than other platforms in our list charge.

Rising through the ranks may also be challenging for new writers as you must deliver 30 articles with a minimum of a 4-star rating before leveling up a step.

iWriter income

Depending on your writing tier, you can earn between $1.25 to $260 in iWriter. There’s a fixed price assigned to word counts across the board, which varies in level.

7. WriterAccess  – Best for Long-term Writing Job

WriterAccess is home to over 40,000 brands, all looking for quality writers. Many freelancers who start working with the platform often receive repeat orders from companies, agencies, and small businesses they’ve worked with.

This platform’s an excellent starting point for skilled writers looking for a freelance job with the potential for long-term employment.

Why is WriterAccess a Great Option?

WriterAccess is excellent for  building a freelance writing career  with reliable clients. You can get hired for all sorts of jobs, from writing blogs to writing short stories .

The platform screens all interested writers. If you pass, you’re automatically given a star rating, unlocking jobs within that level. The higher the rating, the bigger the pay.

Drawbacks to WriterAccess

While joining WriterAccess is free, getting approved can be a challenge. You must provide at least two public web pages as sample works on top of your general and industry experience.

WriterAccess income

All writers are paid 70% of what the client pays for each project.

8. ProBlogger  – Best for Blog Writing

ProBlogger is a must-try platform if you’re into SEO writing and blogging. Most of its job postings are from website owners who want to outsource the writing part of their content marketing strategy.

This platform is ideal if you enjoy writing across different topics and are fine communicating directly with the client or managing your workload.

Why is ProBlogger a Great Option?

ProBlogger is great because of its real-time job listings and quality clients who pay well for your services. Joining the platform is easy, and you don’t have to pay anything.

All you need is to register to create your online resume. From here, you can bookmark jobs and create job alerts to get up to speed with the most recent job ads.

Drawbacks to ProBlogger

ProBlogger’s quality clientele attracts the most talents, so expect tough competition. The fact that these clients pay $80 to post their job ads on the platform means they’re willing to pay, but they can also be picky in hiring freelance writers.

ProBlogger income

Writers earn from $25 to $200 per piece, depending on the complexity and research work required. In-house or full-time bloggers earn between $45,000 to $90,000 annually.

Is online writing too tough for starters? Here are alternative options to earn money online.

• High-paying Surveys :  Do you like answering surveys or giving quality feedback for products and services? This article introduces you to online surveys that pay well.
• How to Get Paid Playing Video Games :  Bring your gaming experience to a new level and get paid! Know websites and apps that pay money, gift cards, and other rewards.
• Get Paid to Text :  This is perfect for anyone who wants easy side hustles you can do any time, anywhere, even while on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

ZipRecruiter reports an average $38 hourly rate for online writers, a decent figure for remote work. The total compensation, however, will depend on other factors like the number of hours you write, the employer, and fees taken out of your earnings.

The popularity of writing niche fluctuates, but top picks this 2023 include digital marketing, cryptocurrency, e-commerce, healthcare, and personal finance.

The freelance writing business is booming, and bagging a gig that pays well is possible if you know where to look.

Upwork is our top pick for the sheer volume of writing opportunities. Its thousands of jobs and multiple subcategories remain unbeatable, even with competitors like Fiverr.

Blogging Pro is also a favorite if you’re looking for niche-focused writing with clients that pay well.

Overall, checking out the online writing platforms we’ve listed opens you to opportunities to earn money by writing, even with little experience.

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29 Great Ways to Make Money Writing Online in 2024

• Updated: 04/30/24
• Comments: 0

We partner with bada$$ companies that offer products that help our readers achieve their goals! If you purchase through our partner links, we get paid for the referral at no additional cost to you! Read our disclosure for more info.

Are you looking for a way to get paid to write? Do you want to make money by writing articles, blog posts, stories, or maybe something else entirely?

There are so many different ways to make money from writing, depending on your skill set and desires.

Whether you want to write for magazines, blogs, or other outlets, you can get paid to write from the comfort of your own home.

It’s often a very flexible job with flexible rates and hours.

Writing can be a great side business to start or even a full-time gig, depending on what you’re looking for.

With the right approach and some tips from this guide on how to make money writing, you’ll be able to turn your passion into a lucrative career!

We’ll cover everything from finding clients to understanding different payment methods, and more.

What Skills Do You Need to Get Paid to Write?

The good news is that you don’t need much at all to start a writing career – just a few basics.

• Writing Skills: Of course, you should have some experience with writing. But the cool thing is that you can be a self-taught writer. You don’t need any special credentials or qualifications to get started.
• Grammar Skills: Of course, you’ll need to have a good understanding of grammar and punctuation. Your work shouldn’t need any additional proofreading.
• Research Skills: Being able to research topics quickly and accurately is essential for any kind of writing job. You may be required to cite your sources.
• Time Management Skills: As with any job, managing your time well will help ensure that you meet deadlines and keep clients happy.
• Marketing Skills: Promoting yourself as a writer is key in order to get new clients and maintain existing ones. You don’t have to be an expert in marketing but it helps! It also helps to have marketing experience to include in your writing to help your clients reach their audiences better.
• Communication Skills: This is important to communicate submission deadlines and negotiate your rates.

29 Ways to Get Paid to Write Online

Making money online is the ultimate dream for many people and why wouldn’t it be? Work when you want and often for how much you want.

The world of writing can open up your career to so many different opportunities.

Let’s explore those opportunities in more depth below.

1. Blogging

Why rely on others to pay you money for writing when you can be your own boss? One of the best ways to make money writing is to start blogging .

There are a lot of ways to monetize blog content , including affiliate programs , sponsored posts, display ads, or selling your own products and services.

It takes time and effort to build an audience for your blog but it can be a much more rewarding way to get paid for writing.

Once your own blog becomes successful, you can also accept guest posts from other writers to help you save time and focus on other areas of your business.

It’s also very common for many bloggers to also have freelance writing gigs on the side while they are working on building their blogging business.

2. Freelance Writing

If you don’t have the time or desire to maintain a blog, freelance writing may be a better option for you. Freelance writers are hired by individuals, companies, websites, and publications to produce content on their behalf.

You’ll need to market yourself in order to land jobs as a freelance writer but once you do, you can start making money from home while writing about topics that interest you.

Plus, there are so many options for where to find freelance work — from job boards to social media groups—so it’s easy to find gigs that fit your skillset.

There are freelance writing opportunities in almost every area that we will discuss on this list.

3. Content Writing

A lot of companies, websites, and publications hire content writers to produce blog posts for them.

As a content writer, you are responsible for researching topics, creating engaging content, and optimizing it for SEO.

This is an excellent way to get paid to write because you can find jobs in almost any industry.

Consider your writing niche and whether you want to be known for one particular niche or a variety of niches.

It’s also helpful to have experience with content marketing.

Many companies also offer regular updates so you won’t have to worry about finding new work once the first assignment is complete.

This type of online writing can be either a freelance or a full-time writing career, depending on the needs of the client.

4. Copywriting

Copywriters write persuasive messages that aim to convince readers into taking action (e.g., making a purchase).

They typically specialize in marketing copy for sales pages, emails, and more.

Copywriters need strong research skills, creativity, and an understanding of consumer psychology in order to craft effective copy that will resonate with their target audience.

Because copywriting is a more specialized form of writing, you can often get paid more in this industry.

5. SEO Writing

Search engine optimization (SEO) is key if you want people to find your content online.

SEO writers write articles that follow SEO best practices to ensure their content can easily found by search engines like Google or Bing.

In order to be an SEO writer, you should have an understanding of how blogs use SEO to drive traffic.

SEO writers typically get paid more than other types of writers because it’s considered a specialized skill.

If you’re familiar with keyword research and SEO, this is a great way to get paid to write.

Related: 17 Best SEO Content Writing Services

6. Technical Writing

Technical writers create documents such as instructions, manuals, and tutorials for products or services.

You need to be able to explain complex information in an accessible, concise way.

It can be a lucrative and stable career since it often requires long-term contracts with clients. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding new work as often as freelance writers do.

That said, technical writers must have strong writing skills as well as an understanding of the subject matter they’re writing about.

7. eBook Writing

Writing eBooks is another popular way to make money from writing online. You’ll need to come up with a unique concept and construct compelling sales copy in order to attract readers — but if done right, it can be a great source of income.

The best eBooks are usually around 20,000 words and will cost you anywhere from $2-$10 per eBook.

Plus, once your book is published, it’ll be available for sale indefinitely — so you can continue to make money even after the initial launch!

8. Ghostwriting

Ghostwriters write content for other people without taking credit for it.

This type of writing requires discretion as you will often be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before your start the project.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for regular work, but just keep in mind that you won’t get any recognition or public acknowledgement for your efforts.

Ghostwriting is usually done for celebrities or high-profile clients who want to write books but don’t have the time or expertise to do so themselves.

The ghostwriter does all the work and then hands over the finished product to the client.

9. Proofreader or Editor

If you’re an experienced writer or editor, you may be able to make money by proofreading or editing documents for other people.

You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and the ability to catch any errors that may have been missed.

Proofreading is usually paid on a per-hour basis but it’s also possible to negotiate flat rate fees with clients as well.

Plus, if you become known as a reliable and accurate proofreader, you can start charging more for your services over time.

10. Essay Writing

If you have a background in academia or research, you may be able to get paid to write essays.

There are websites that provide essay-writing services to others that hire talented writers.

They usually charge per word or page so it’s important to be aware of how much you’ll get paid before committing to any project.

You’ll need some research skills as well as the ability to create an engaging story in order to succeed in this area — but if you have both, it can be a great way to make money online.

11. Resume Writing

If you have an eye for detail and a knack for distilling complex information into easily digestible chunks, resume writing may be the perfect job for you.

People often hire resume writers to help them create compelling resumes that will help them stand out among other applicants.

Resume writers typically charge by the project rather than hourly so it’s important to price your services accordingly.

Plus, once you establish yourself as a reliable service provider, you can start charging more over time.

12. Journalism

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a professional journalist, there are plenty of opportunities available.

Journalists write news stories for magazines, newspapers, and websites.

You’ll need to have strong research skills and the ability to write compelling stories in an engaging way.

Many publications also require their journalists to have some experience with photography or video production.

Journalism can be a rewarding career — but it’s important to understand that writing for a living can be quite demanding at times.

13. Social Media Copywriting

Social media copywriting involves writing copy for social media posts.

Bloggers and other online publications pay writers to write social media copy for ads and organic posts.

This type of writing requires a unique blend of creativity, knowledge of the platform used, and an understanding of how to craft compelling messages that engage the target audience.

You should have at least a basic understanding of copywriting and know how to produce high-quality copy that resonates with the client’s audience.

14. Sales Page Copywriting

Sales page copywriting is one of the most lucrative areas of copywriting.

This type of writing requires you to craft persuasive sales messages that will entice potential customers to purchase a product or service.

You’ll need to understand how to structure an effective sales page and create copy that engages readers and convinces them to take action.

Sales page copywriters are often paid well for their services — but they also have a significant responsibility in terms of helping businesses meet their revenue goals.

So make sure you have the necessary skills before taking on this type of work!

This is a great job for a freelance writer because people don’t necessarily need sales page work on an ongoing basis.

15. Email Marketing Copywriting

As a copywriter that focuses on emails, you generally need to write emails and newsletters that build relationships with customers and keep them engaged.

Because email marketing is also often geared towards sales, you generally also should have experience with persuasive writing that drives conversions.

You should be familiar with email marketing best practices such as using personalization, segmentation, automated workflows, and A/B testing.

These skills will help you create content that resonates with your audience and drives desired action.

16. Grant Writing

Grant writing involves researching and applying for grants from governments, foundations, corporations, trusts, and other organizations.

As a grant writer, you’ll need to be able to research and identify potential funding sources, write compelling applications that demonstrate a clear need for the requested funds, and develop a thorough budget outlining how the money will be used.

Grant writing is an important part of many businesses — but it can also be very lucrative if you’re successful in securing grants for your clients.

Plus, once you become established as a reliable grant writer, you can start charging more for your services over time.

17. Teach Others to Write

If you have a lot of experience in professional writing, you may be able to make money by teaching others how to write.

You could set up courses on Skillshare , Udemy , other online learning platforms and help people learn the basics of copywriting, blogging, SEO, and more.

You’ll need to do some research into your target audience before creating any course content — but once you get started, it can be a great way to make money while helping others become better writers!

18. White Papers

White papers are in-depth research documents that provide detailed information about a specific topic.

They are often used as promotional materials by companies and organizations to inform potential customers and attract new business.

As a white paper writer, your job will be to write compelling content that is both informative and persuasive — so you’ll need excellent writing skills as well as some knowledge of the industry or topic you’re writing about.

It’s not an easy task but it can be very rewarding if done correctly — both in terms of money and recognition!

19. Start a YouTube Channel About Writing

Another great way to write for money is to create a YouTube channel to teach others how to do what you do!

You could create videos about copywriting, blogging, SEO, and other topics related to writing and then monetize your channel with ads.

You’ll need to have an engaging personality as well as the ability to produce high-quality content in order to draw in viewers — but if you put in the effort, it can be a great source of income.

So if you’re passionate about writing and want to share your knowledge with others, why not give it a try?

20. Short Stories

Writing short stories can be a great way to flex your creative muscles and make some money in the process.

You can submit your stories to literary journals and magazines, or even self-publish them on platforms like Amazon Kindle.

It takes an immense amount of work to create a compelling short story, but if you have the skills it can be a great way to make some extra income while doing something you love.

And who knows — maybe one day you’ll become the next JK Rowling!

21. Podcast Show Notes

If you’re an experienced writer who enjoys listening to podcasts, you may be able to make money as a podcast show notes writer.

This involves writing up summaries of the content discussed in each episode of a podcast and posting them on the show’s website or blog.

Most podcasters require this type of service and it’s a great way to network and build relationships in your industry.

You’ll need excellent summarizing skills as well as the ability to write concisely and accurately — but if you have both, this can be a great way to make some extra money from home.

22. Fiction Writing

For those who prefer longer works of fiction, writing novels can be a great way to make money from your writing.

You can self-publish your book or try to find an agent and traditional publisher — but either way, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication in order to get your novel out there.

If you have the willingness and ability to put in the time and effort required, though, it’s a great way to create something that will last forever!

So if you’re passionate about storytelling and believe that you have what it takes, why not try your skills as a fiction writer?

23. Transcribe Audio Files

Another great way to earn money for writing is by transcribing audio files.

Transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and type out what is said in the form of a written document.

You can find transcription jobs on freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr, or you can reach out directly to podcasts and other audio-related services that are looking for transcribers. Transcribing audio files may not be as glamorous as other typing jobs , but it’s a great way to put your writing skills to use while making some extra cash!

24. YouTube Scripts

If you have a knack for writing engaging scripts, you may be able to get paid to write YouTube scripts.

Many YouTubers hire writers to create scripts for their videos that include the words they will say on camera and any other text they need to appear on the screen.

You’ll need to have an understanding of video production as well as some experience with scripting — but if you do, this can be a great way to get paid for writing while helping others get their messages across!

25. Copywriting Consultant

If you’re an experienced writer with a strong understanding of copywriting principles, you may want to consider becoming a copywriting consultant.

Copywriting consultants provide advice and guidance to clients who are looking for help improving their copywriting.

You’ll need to have a thorough understanding of marketing principles, web design trends, and SEO techniques in order to be successful in this role.

Plus, you’ll need strong communication skills in order to effectively consult with clients and provide them with useful feedback.

It can be an incredibly rewarding job — but it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come along with it.

26. Writing Contests

Writing contests are a great way for experienced writers to showcase their skills and make some money at the same time.

You can find writing contests in various genres such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, personal essays, and more — and you can often win cash prizes that can range from $50-$1000 or more.

By participating in these types of contests, you can also gain recognition from other writers who may be able to help open doors for new opportunities down the line.

A writing contest a great way to get your writing out there while also earning some extra cash — so be sure to keep an eye out for any upcoming writing competitions you may be interested in entering!

27. Product Review Writer

If you have an interest in technology or other consumer products, you may be able to make money writing product reviews.

Product review writers are responsible for researching and testing products, then writing detailed reviews of them that can help inform potential customers about the pros and cons of various models.

When writing reviews, you should have knowledge and experience with the products you’re reviewing.

This type of writing may be better as a side hustle because you may find it hard to earn enough income to do this full-time.

28. Paid Writing Internships

If you’re just getting started in the world of writing, a paid internship can be a great way to gain valuable experience and make some money at the same time.

Many companies, organizations, media outlets, and other businesses offer internships for writers who are interested in learning more about the industry.

These internships usually involve working closely with experienced writers and editors on various projects — so it’s a great opportunity to learn from the best!

Plus, many internships are paid — so you can also make some cash while gaining valuable experience.

29. Press Releases

Writing press releases is another great way to get paid for writing if you have a background in marketing.

Press releases are statements sent out to news outlets in an attempt to draw attention to a certain event, product, or business.

A good press release should be concise, clear, and informative — so you’ll need excellent writing abilities as well as some knowledge of how the media works in order to craft effective press releases that get noticed.

10 Best Websites to Find Writing Jobs

Now that you know the many ways you can write for money, let’s look at some of the best places to find writing jobs.

Many of the following websites have job boards that will help you find work as a freelance writer or part-time or full-time positions with companies.

You’ll also find many remote work opportunities with the job boards below.

• Upwork – Upwork is a great resource for finding freelance writing jobs of all kinds. You can find one-time projects, long-term contracts, and even full-time positions.
• Freelancer.com – Freelancer.com is another popular job board for finding freelance writing gigs, website designers, and other remote work.
• Fl exJobs – FlexJobs is a great site with for finding legitimate remote writing jobs with job boards in every industry you can think of.
• ProBlogger Job Board – ProBlogger is a great place to find freelance writing opportunities with a job board related to blogging and content creation.
• Guru – Guru is a platform designed specifically for connecting freelancers with remote job opportunities in a variety of industries, including writing.
• Indeed – Indeed is an online job board with millions of listings from all over the world. You can find a variety of writing jobs in different industries and locations.
• LinkedIn – LinkedIn is a great place to network with potential clients and search for freelance writing opportunities on their online job boards.
• Fiverr – Fiverr is a popular platform for finding one-time writing gigs and short-term projects.
• PeoplePerHour – PeoplePerHour is an online job board for finding short-term and long-term freelance writing gigs.
• WriterAccess – WriterAccess is a great platform for finding freelance writing jobs with companies that need content written on a regular basis.

How to Get Started Writing for Money

Let’s talk about some steps to consider when you’re getting started.

1. Explore Opportunities

The first thing you need to do if you want to get paid for your writing is to figure out what kind of writing you’d like to do.

The purpose of this article is to help you understand what opportunities exist, so take another look at the list above and do some additional research into any opportunities that interest you.

Explore some of the job boards to get a better idea of how much individual gigs pay and what is expected of you for each type of work.

2. Develop Your Writing Style and Process

Developing a consistent writing process is key when it comes to becoming a successful freelance writer.

Having a clear plan for how you create your content will help you stay organized and keep track of deadlines.

It’s also important to know your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your time on what works best for you, whether it’s planning, researching, or writing itself.

Having a routine that works for you and sticking to it will help increase your productivity and efficiency as a writer.

Remember that every writing niche is different. Do some research into whatever niche(s) you choose to get ideas of what successful writing looks like.

3. Create a High-Quality Portfolio

Creating a portfolio of your work is essential if you want to make money online with writing.

The best place to showcase your portfolio is on your own website or blog.

High-quality examples of your work are always helpful because they provide potential clients with an idea of what you can do for them.

Make sure to include samples from different topics and genres, as this will show potential clients that you’re capable of writing on a variety of subjects.

4. Network with Other Writers

Building relationships with other writers is a great way to increase your chances of finding more and better writing opportunities.

You can network with other writers in person or online through social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn.

You can also join online writer communities such as the Writer’s Guild or Freelance Writers Network.

There are also a lot of Facebook groups specifically for freelance writers that are great places to find leads as well as tips and advice from experienced professionals.

Networking with other writers is one of the best ways to learn more about the industry, find new opportunities, and get your work seen by more people.

5. Negotiate and Know Your Worth

When you’re looking to get paid to write, you want to make sure that you know your worth and negotiate for it.

This may be a little harder when you start writing because you may lack the experience or the credentials to charge premium rates.

It may make sense to start out with competitive rates and work your way up.

If you’re a professional writer and know that your work is worth a premium rate, never be afraid to ask for it or negotiate better terms.

It’s important that you value your own work and stand firm on what you think it’s worth.

6. Have a Contract in Place

Before you start any writing gig, it’s important to have a contract in place.

A good freelance contract will include the payment terms, communication expectations, submission guidelines, and other elements of the job.

You should have some kind of contract even if you’re not freelancing, but companies will often write this for you if you’re looking into a regular part-time or full-time position.

If you’re a freelancer, it may be up to you to create the contract.

Understanding the legalities behind the writing job is essential if you want to stay safe and avoid any potential issues down the road.

7. Consider Starting as a Freelancer

If you’re just starting out as a writer, it may be best to start as a freelancer.

This way, you can explore different types of writing and get experience without the commitments that come with a full-time position.

Freelance writing also gives you the flexibility to work on your own schedule and establish yourself as an expert in whatever topic or genre interests you the most.

Overall, freelance writing is one of the best ways to get started making money online through your writing.

7. Promote Your Services

Once you have some writing samples, it’s time to start promoting your writing services online.

The best way to do this is by creating a website where potential clients can view your portfolio of writing samples, read testimonials from previous clients, and contact you directly for freelance work.

You should also create social media accounts for your writing business and start building an online following by sharing useful content related to the topics you write about.

Having a presence on multiple platforms makes it easier for potential clients to find you online.

If you’re interested in longer-form writing, pitching stories to magazines is a great way to make money. Magazines are always looking for new content, so approach them with an interesting idea that you think they’d be interested in.

5 Tips on How to Make Money Writing Online

Whether you’re a freelance writer or someone looking for a full-time gig, these tips are going to be really important before you start writing or promoting your writing services.

1. Use AI Writing Tools

AI writing tools are an absolute must in the world of writing. What many people don’t understand is that they aren’t a complete replacement for professional writing.

The best way to use AI with your writing is a supplemental tool to help you generate ideas and improve your writing speed.

You will still need to add your own unique writing style and personal stories to your content to set it aside from the rest.

Jasper is our favorite AI tool for writing and what we use in our own business.

2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

In the world of writing, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to write as much content for as many people as possible.

While this may seem like a good idea in theory, it could actually be damaging your reputation and hurting your income potential.

Instead of focusing on churning out massive amounts of content, focus on creating high-quality pieces that will impress clients and help you build a name for yourself as a professional writer.

High-quality work is more likely to be seen by more people, which can lead to better rates and increase your chances of landing bigger projects.

You’ll also find that clients are willing to pay more for top-notch work because they value quality over quantity.

This will also help you build better relationships and get repeat clients.

3. Stay Informed on Industry Trends

It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the writing industry, as this can help you determine what type of content is popular and what opportunities that are available.

Reading industry publications and newsletters, attending writing conferences, joining webinars, or taking online courses will give you insight into what’s trending in the field.

Knowing what types of topics and content formats are popular right now can also help you come up with ideas for articles, blog posts, and other pieces that clients may be interested in.

5. Invest in Learning SEO and Marketing

As a content writer, you can usually earn a lot more with a background in SEO and/or marketing.

This will make your skills more valuable and marketable and help you land more gigs with better rates.

You can use SEO tools like Surfer SEO to optimize your content so it can be seen by more people, as well as how to create compelling copy that will drive conversions.

Investing in courses about digital marketing and SEO is a great way to learn the basics of these topics and start applying them to your work.

Google is always updating its algorithms, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in SEO.

5. Offer Additional Services

One way to stand out from others is by offering additional services such as editing, proofreading, SEO, or content strategy advice.

This can help you make more money as a writer and give clients another reason to hire you.

Adding extra services like this also shows clients that you’re an expert in the field and have a lot of experience.

It can be a great way to boost your income without having to take on more writing clients.

FAQs About How to Make Money Writing

There are many ways to make money writing. You can do freelance work, write for blogs or magazines, create content for websites and companies, write books, and even teach writing classes. Depending on the project, you can get paid per word or per hour. With a bit of research and dedication, anyone can start making money through writing!

Yes, it’s entirely possible to make up to $1000 a month or more with freelance writing. There are plenty of ways you can get paid for writing. You could look for remote jobs on job boards, write articles and content for websites, or start your own blog and use it as a platform to find clients. You’ll need to create a portfolio of your work and promote yourself as much as possible to gain more clients and increase your earnings. With the right skill set and dedication, you can make money writing in no time!

If you’re looking to make some money from your writing skills, there are lots of different ways to write for money. From blogging and content creation to freelance gigs and even full-time jobs – there’s no shortage of options when it comes to getting paid for writing. To get started, check out websites like Upwork , Fiverr , and Freelancer – they all offer opportunities to connect with businesses that are looking for writers to help create content.

Absolutely! Writing can be a great career option if you have the creative flair for it. Freelance writing, copywriting, and blogging are just some of the ways you can get paid to write online. You can also find traditional jobs that require writing skills in fields like journalism, marketing, and public relations. So don’t worry – there’s plenty of opportunity to earn a living from writing.

Writing is a profession like any other, and with the right skills and determination, anyone can get paid to write. In fact, while you need to have sufficient grammar skills, writing is also often a self-taught skill. From content marketers to copywriters, from freelance bloggers to ghostwriters – there are a wide variety of writing gigs that pay well if you’re willing to put in the hard work. Plus, the work is often remote and very flexible.

Yes, it is possible to make a six-figure salary as a writer. You’ll need to have the right combination of skills, connections, and determination to achieve this kind of success. You may also want to specialize in an area such as copywriting, content marketing, or SEO writing so you can charge higher rates. Having repeat clients can help you achieve this goal so that you don’t have to search for new work on a month-to-month basis.

Key Takeaways for How to Make Money Writing

No matter which type of online writing job you’re considering, there are plenty of ways to get paid to write from the comfort of your own home.

Whether it’s blogging, copywriting, SEO writing, or something else entirely, you’ll find that there are plenty of opportunities out there for you to earn a living writing.

One of the best ways for new writers to get started is to try freelancing to get some experience and build up a portfolio of samples.

As an experienced writer, you can easily earn a full-time income online.

Check job boards regularly for openings and network whenever possible.

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• Write for Money: 80+ Websites that Pay Freelance Writers $50+

Write for money: 80+ websites that pay freelance writers $50+

What’s included in this write for money roundup (and what’s not included), business, career and finance, family and parenting, lifestyle and general interest, travel and food, tips for successful pitching, need help learning how to pitch a paying guest post.

Tired of earning pennies (or peanuts or whichever cliche for crappy pay you prefer) and ready to learn how to write for money online for real?

We’re tired of it, too. That’s why Make a Living Writing pays for posts, and why our rates start at $150 depending on the type of article we commission (but please note we are not currently open to submission). And it’s why we update our list of sites that pay on a regular basis.

Below is an updated version of the Make a Living Writing list of websites that pay at least $50 per post.

Rather than updating our Monster List of 161 Markets for Freelance Writers , we decided to release an updated and comprehensive list with newer markets and made our bottom line $50 for posts. That’s our minimum for this post. If you want to explore sites that pay $30-$50, check out these 21 niche markets .

In some cases, these sites keep it on the down low exactly what they pay. We’re including markets where freelance writers in our network report they pay more than $50, in order to bring you the widest variety of paying markets possible.

We also removed sites that are not currently accepting pitches, which knocked a good portion of the writing-focused sites off. Sites where you only have a shot at earning $50 writing on spec, or based on traffic or ad clicks, are NOT included. This is a list of markets offering guaranteed pay only!

The list runs the gamut of topics, from parenting and knitting to business and writing, so there should be something here for everyone, no matter what type of writing job you’re looking for.

And don’t forget, if you’re ready to supercharge your freelance writing career, the Freelance Writers Den has over 300 hours of on-demand bootcamp trainings you can access 24/7 plus an exclusive community of 1,500+ members sharing valuable advice day in and day out. There’s also a direct referral program with new opportunities to make money writing posted regularly. Get on the waiting list now so you can take your career to the next level.

As always, we appreciate any corrections or additions. Here’s the list.

• B. Michelle Pippin pays $50-$150 for business-related articles
• Coaches Training Blog is looking for articles about coaching—business, life, career, and other kinds. Pay based on assignment
• Copyhackers pays $300-$1,000 for articles about copywriting, branding, running a business, and more. Read the submission guidelines carefully to pitch
• CEO Hangout  will pay $50 if you pre-arrange it with the editor—send a pitch and negotiate payment before writing the article. They run posts about the CEO lifestyle, success stories, interviews, and other reported features of interest to business leaders
• HerMoney pays $150 for articles about women and money. They list a blackhole editorial@ email address, so take time to research which editor is best-suited for your topic. Start with Kathryn Tuggle , chief content officer
• Doctor of Credit pays $50 for personal finance articles that focus specifically on credit
• eCommerce Insiders pays $75-$150 for articles about online retailing
• FreelanceMom pays $75-$100 for posts about running a business as a busy parent
• FreshBooks (yup, that same freelancer invoicing site we recommend) pays $200 a post and up. They’ve removed their contributors page since we first published this article, but they still reportedly accept pitches from time to time for their blog
• Acorns has an online pub called Grow Magazine that pays $50+ for finance writing geared toward millennials. They don’t have guidelines posted, but they told me to submit to [email protected] with the word STORY in your subject line. We don’t normally recommend those generic emails, but because the pub is still new, it might not be a huge black hole yet
• IncomeDiary pays $150-$300 for articles about making money online, including SEO, affiliate sales, and traffic generation
• Mirasee  pays $200 for 1,000- to 2,000-word posts on marketing, business productivity, and growth topics. NOTE: Mirasee publishes guest articles by invitation only
• Modern Farmer reportedly pays around $350 for articles
• Priceonomics pays $250-$1,000 for articles on data and economics. The catch? Articles must be submitted on spec. They occasionally post requests for articles on specific topics , which might get you closer to that big paycheck
• RankPay pays $50 for articles about SEO, content marketing, and social media
• LiisBeth is all about feminist entrepreneurs. Study the guidelines, read past articles, and look at the About page and LiisBeth manifesto to get a feel for the audience. Pay depends on assignment
• Smart Blogger regularly invites writers to craft posts on content marketing and freelancing through its job board. Assignments typically pay $150 to $350. BONUS: Even when there aren’t current assignments available to write for Smart Blogger’s blog, the job board offers numerous paid writing opportunities from other sites
• Aish accepts first-person accounts on the positive influence of Orthodox Jewish beliefs on everyday life—and they reportedly pay $200 on publication. Know the frum life to succeed here, and email [email protected]
• Hearst owns more than 200 magazines worldwide and many of them accept pitches and pay writers a minimum of $100. You can write for money about a wide variety of topics, but in order to pitch you must track down the individual magazine editors and review their calls for pitches
• Dame reportedly pays $350-$750 for essays. They do accept reported features and other article types, and pay rates may vary for those
• Brain Child Magazine publishes long-form essays on a wide range of topics. Pay is reported as $300 for 1,500 to 4,500-word essays
• The Establishment pays $125 and up for reported stories and essays
• Eureka Street is an Australian site that pays $200 for analysis or commentary on politics, religion, popular culture or current events in Australia and the world. They also pay $50 for poetry (check out our full guide to poetry jobs ), which seems to be a rarity these days
• Guideposts reportedly pays $250 for Christian faith-based essays
• LightHouse pays $100 for uplifting essays by blind or visually-impaired writers
• Narratively reportedly pays $200-300 for 2,000- to 2,500-word essays on specific topics. Check their guidelines for a list of current needs
• The New York Times Modern Love column reportedly pays as much as $300 for essays on any topic that could be classified as modern love
• Skirt reportedly pays $200 for 300- to 800-word essays about women’s issues
• The Bold Italic might be a great fit if you’re from San Francisco or have a connection to the city. Past essay topics have included the gig economy, online dating, mental illness, and more. Pay is $50 per essay
• Vox reportedly pays in the $400 range for personal essays of about 1,500 words. Pitch  marina.bolotnikova @vox.com
• Buzzfeed has an estimated 168 million unique visitors every month, and they publish a wide variety of topics to keep those visitors entertained and informed. Pay is reported to be between $0.13 and $0.27 per word

• Just Parents is a UK-based site that focuses on pregnancy and parenting. They reportedly pay $60 per post
• Parent.co posts non-snarky articles about parenting and family issues. Pay reportedly starts at $50
• Fatherly is looking for parenting advice and funny experiences with kids from a dad’s perspective. Pay based on assignment
• Well Family  (the New York Times’ parenting blog) pays $100. Pitch the editor

36. The Anxiety Foundation  pays $50 for mental health articles

37. The Atlantic’s  online health section reportedly pays $200

38. PsychCentral covers mental health. They don’t list a pay rate on their site, and they didn’t respond to our query about pay, but a reader on last year’s list reported they are a paying market. TIP: The website says they don’t pay, but exceptions are made if you discuss payment BEFORE submitting

39. BBC Britain doesn’t publish their pay rate, but I’ve seen reports of $350-$1,000 for various BBC sites. Pitch stories with a British slant for an international audience

40. Bitch Magazine’s website pays for pop culture features. Pay is variable, so negotiate to get your desired rate

41. BookBrowse pays for book reviews! Writers accepted into their stable of reviewers will earn a reported $50 for a 600-word review

42. Adoptive Family accepts pitches on all aspects of the adoption process. Pay based on assignment

43. The Daily Beast reportedly pays $250 and up. Their submission guidelines have a black-hole editorial@ email address, so you’ll want to do a little digging to find the right person to pitch

44. Backpacker is all about wilderness hiking. Pay based on assignment

45. getAbstract reportedly pays $300 for longer (2,000-4,000 word) book summaries

46. Gothamist pays $50-$150 for reported pieces about New York when the publication is open for submissions

47. Backstage is a resource for performing artists. Pay is reported at $0.14/word – pitch Briana Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief, on LinkedIn

48. The International Wine Accessories blog pays $20 and up for articles

49. The Conversation doesn’t publish their rates, but it’s reported by our community that they pay well

50. Knitty  raised their rates to $300 for articles about knitting and knitting patterns. They also have a sister site— Knittyspin —for knitters who like to use handspun yarn

51. Lifezette reportedly pays $100-$200 for articles on parenting, politics, faith, health, and pop culture. Contact the appropriate editor with your idea. NOTE: Lifezette has removed their editorial contact page so you’ll have to do some digging

52. Listverse pays $100 for long (1,500 word) lists on various topics

53. New York Observer pays $100 on posts about politics and culture for “sophisticated readership of metropolitan professionals”

54. OZY does allow freelancers to write for money, but rates vary

55. Paste reportedly pays $50+ for submissions in many different areas

56. Playboy reportedly pays up to $350, depending on the topic. NOTE: Playboy has removed their editorial contact page so you’ll have to do some digging

57. Pretty Designs covers fashion and beauty. You’ll need to negotiate per-post pay

58. Refinery29 reportedly pays $75 and up for slideshows, articles, and essays on various topics. They also post their needs for specific columns on their guidelines page

59. Salon pays $100-$200 for essays and reported features, even very long ones

60. Smithsonian Magazine Online reportedly pays established freelancers up to $600 for reported articles

61. The Tablet pays for articles on Jewish news, ideas, and culture. Pay varies, so be prepared to negotiate. I saw a report of $1,000 for a heavily reported 2,000+ word feature

62. Upworthy reportedly pays $150-$200 for 500-word posts

63. Vice ‘s pay rate varies, so you will need to negotiate if you’d like to write about food, technology, music, fashion, and other lifestyle topics

64. YourTango reportedly pays $50 for posts on love, sex, travel, mental health, and just about anything else that affects your relationships

65. A List Apart covers web design. They reportedly pay $200 per article

66. The Graphic Design School blog pays $100-$200 for articles and tutorials about Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and open source design tools. NOTE: This site has removed its submission guidelines page, and it’s not clear whether they still take guest posts

67. Linode reportedly pays $250 for articles about Linux, Socket.io, NoSQL databases, game servers, Open Change, and Web RTC

68. SitePoint reportedly pays $100-$150 for articles on HTML, CSS, Ruby, PHP, web development and more

69. SlickWP reportedly pays $100 for posts about WordPress and the Genesis Theme framework

70. Tuts+ pays $100 and up for tutorials on various technologies, including web design and Flash. Tuts once ran a network of 16 different blogs, including Freelance Switch, but now it’s all together on a single site that encompasses design, gaming, photography, writing, and more

71. WordCandy reportedly pays $0.06 to $0.10 cents per word for ghostwritten pieces about WordPress—these will appear on some of the larger WordPress blogs, such as wpmudev

72. WPHub reportedly pays $100-$200 for posts on web design trends, coding best practices, and other WordPress-related topics

73. Expatics serves U.S. expatriates. This is another site where you’ll need to negotiate pay before you write your article

74. Fund Your Life Overseas reportedly pays $75 for articles about business ideas that provide enough income for U.S. ex-pats

75. Saveur reportedly starts at $150 for “amazing stories about food and travel”

76. The Salt (NPR’s food blog) reportedly pays $200+

77. ClearVoice is a platform to connect bloggers with brands in various niches, as well as commissioning posts for its own blog. Pay is variable but ranges as high as $250-$400 from what we’ve seen so far. When you apply, you set the rates you’re willing to accept; then, the platform emails you when appropriate opportunities arise. It’s not a bid site—fees are preset. But gigs are presented to multiple writers, and then the client chooses who they’ll work with. Luckily, there’s no elaborate application process, once your profile is set, you simply reply that you’re interested, and they let you know if you win the job

78. Contently pays about 35 cents a word for their freelancer-focused online magazine

79. Freedom with Writing pays $50-$150 for lists of paying publishers. They also pay for short ebooks, so there is an option for longer-form content too

80. Make a Living Writing . That’s right, this blog pays for guest articles, starting at $150, depending on complexity and research needed. Be sure to read our guidelines thoroughly, especially our list of the topics we’re actively looking for guest posts on right now. Pitching one of those will seriously improve your odds!

81. WOW! Women on Writing pays $50-$150

82. The Write Life pays for some posts, starting at $150

Before you pitch any of these sites, read the guidelines carefully and study the posts they’ve already run. Make sure you either have a fresh topic or a new way of exploring an issue they’ve covered before.

Paying markets are more competitive than posting on free sites. And the more bad pitches a site receives, the likelier they will reconsider whether they even accept guest posts, let alone pay for them. (Believe me, this happens, and it is the reason some sites we’ve listed before are no longer accepting pitches.)

• See this post on Guest Post Pitches That Got the Gig
• See this post on what not to do when pitching
• Make sure to check out our tips for effective freelancer invoicing so you get paid for your work

Jennifer Roland is a freelance education, financial institution, and technology writer—and keeps things running at the Freelance Writers Den. Her latest book, 10 Takes: Pacific Northwest Writers , was published by Gladeye Press.

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How to get paid to write essays as an online essay writer.

One of the best ways to get paid to write online is to become an online essay writer. This article will show you how to make money writing essays from home.

Did you know that one of the best ways to get paid to write online is to become an online essay writer? It’s true! The fastest way to make money writing online is to get an essay writing job and write essays for money.

Few people have thought of introducing themselves to potential employers with the statement, “I write essays for money.” And essay writing may not be the dream job you wanted.

But if you want to find paid writing jobs that allow you to work from home, the easiest way to get started is to get paid to write essays for students who need essay writing help.

Working from home is convenient because you get to plan your schedule and save time and money that you would spend commuting to work.

In this article, I’ll show you how to make money writing essays from home. It’s an easy way to get paid to write online , and as a writer, you’ll find it interesting too. Here’s a primer on how to make money as an online essay writer.

Why become an online essay writer?

Do you have a passion for writing? If you do, it’s the best reason for you to start a writing career and become a professional essay writer. You’ll get to exercise your passion and make money online.

Essay writing is one of the compulsory exercises that school and college students are expected to complete. This is because writing essays is a great way to boost language comprehension, learn new ideas and enhance your thinking capacity.

But, because students are burdened with so much homework nowadays, many of them find it preferable to pay essay paper writing services to write them instead. This gives writers the opportunity to get paid to write papers for students.

As an essay writer, you are likely to write many different essays on a multitude of topics. As you research such topics, you’ll realize that you end up learning new things and absorbing facts and information that you never knew.

All this knowledge will definitely make you a more knowledgeable and interesting person. But the primary reason for becoming an essay writer is that you got all the training you need to write good essay papers in school and college.

All you have to do is brush up on your academic writing skills, and there are many samples of essays online that you can use to perfect your essay writing skills .

If you’re a stay-at-home mum looking for ways to write online and get paid, offering essay writing services to students who need essay help is one of the best options for working from home.

What skills do you need to be an online essay writer?

In your essay writing career, you’ll be required to write different types of papers, such as book reports, dissertations, and lab reports, among others. On your part, you’ll need to acquire and hone the skills to write papers for money.

The most important skill for an online essay writer is the ability to carry out research and brainstorm ideas into constructive writing. Having such a skill will help you write good quality essays, which is an important skill in the field of academic writing.

In addition, it is essential to have excellent time-management skills and stick to deadlines. As an academic or essay writer, you’ll have plenty of deadlines to meet, and if you don’t manage your time well, it will become difficult for you to grow in the business.

You’re not only writing assignments for money but also to ensure that you satisfy your clients.

How to get paid to write essays for money

Academic writers get paid to write essays and writing for money is the main reason why writers look for essay writing jobs. If you’re serious about an essay writing career, you need to know how much essay writers get paid to write essays online.

This will help you get your priorities right and decide whether you want to be in the business or not. Many excellent writers offer essay writing help to make a living, but how much money can you really earn with essay writing?

The good news is that, if you’re good at online research and writing unique content, you should be able to earn money fast, although it’s really up to you to decide on how much you want to earn and set a goal for it.

The average price for online essay writing is $35 for 1000 words , although excellent and experienced writers can earn more. The more essays you write that get accepted, the more money you’re guaranteed to earn.

How to collaborate with online essay writing services

There are many websites that pay for writing, but if you want to get essay writing jobs, you need to look for the best essay writing services.

In order to identify legitimate essay writing websites and work with them, look for essay writing service reviews and go through them so you can avoid fraudulent websites that claim to pay essay writers for hire.

The last thing you want to do is spend your precious time and effort writing essays for an online essay writing service and not end up getting paid for all your hard work.

There are many cheap essay writing services, but if you decide to work with them, make sure they are cheap and reliable writing services that will pay you on time.

Write articles for other platforms

Once you’ve decided that you want to get paid to write online, you’ll have a range of opportunities to choose from. You don’t have to just write and edit essays for money or stick to academic papers but can also take on other writing jobs like SEO articles and blogs.

The best part of having a writing career is that you can join as many platforms as you wish and do all kinds of writing jobs . Try writing articles for gig platforms and you’ll be amazed by the amount of money you can make online.

Joining multiple platforms is helpful in case one of the platforms does not have many essay-writing jobs to offer. You’ll never lack writing jobs if you use many gig worker platforms .

How to become a professional essay writer

Every essay writer starts out not knowing how to get paid to write online . But with practice, you could end up being one of the best essay writers and in great demand.

Mastery of any skill takes time, so be patient with yourself and always be in learning mode. If you want to make money writing essays, you need to learn how to write professionally.

The first step is to learn how to paraphrase information from your researched sources and remember that it’s illegal to plagiarize another person’s work. Plagiarism will destroy your reputation as a writer, making it much harder for you to get good essay writing jobs.

In addition, you need to learn how to write essays with excellent grammar and without any spelling mistakes. There are many online writing tools that can help you do this.

To check plagiarism online for free without any effort or registration, you can use a plagiarism tool called EduBirdie available for both PC and Smartphone.

The checker will check all available online sources and texts and compare them with your essay to find any analogies in words and sentences. Just copy and paste the text in the box or upload a file and check it.

In just a few minutes, you’ll get a relevant report on plagiarism rate in general and a list of sources online that have the same words, sentences or phrases. They are also accentuated in the text, so you can easily edit them and improve the uniqueness level of your essay.

Once you’ve learned how to write plagiarism-free essays with no grammatical errors, you must focus on quality. When you get really good at writing essays , you’ve become an essay writing expert and are ready to write essays for cash.

The main benefit of an essay writing job is that you can get paid to write essays from home or from anywhere in the world. It’s the perfect job for a work-from-home parent, remote worker or digital nomad looking for ideas to make money online.

All you need to start academic essay writing or college essay writing services is a laptop and internet connection. As long as you work with the best online essay writing services, there’s no doubt you can earn by writing essays for clients and websites willing to pay essay writers for hire.

It’s not only an easy way to earn money for those with good writing skills , but one of the most legitimate ways to make money writing. Did you find this article on how to write essays online for money useful? Are you ready to earn money writing essays? Do let us know in the comments below.

Author bio:

Priya Florence Shah is the Group Editor at SHEROES and author of Devi2Diva, an emotional self-care book for women .

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56 Legit Ways to Make Money Online

Our readers always come first.

The content on DollarSprout includes links to our advertising partners. When you read our content and click on one of our partners’ links, and then decide to complete an offer — whether it’s downloading an app, opening an account, or some other action — we may earn a commission from that advertiser, at no extra cost to you.

Our ultimate goal is to educate and inform, not lure you into signing up for certain offers. Compensation from our partners may impact what products we cover and where they appear on the site, but does not have any impact on the objectivity of our reviews or advice.

In the past twenty years, we've seen a complete transformation in the way people choose to earn a living. If you want to start making money online, here are dozens of great ideas for getting you started.

• Side Hustles

Our mission at DollarSprout is to help readers improve their financial lives, and we regularly partner with companies that share that same vision. If a purchase or signup is made through one of our Partners’ links, we may receive compensation for the referral. Learn more here .

Embarking on the journey to make money online can be as exciting as it is lucrative.

With the digital world at your fingertips, countless opportunities await to turn your skills, hobbies, or even your unused internet connection into a steady income stream.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a student, or just looking to supplement your income, this guide is your starting point. Get ready to explore over 50 legitimate and diverse ways to earn money online, all from the comfort of your home.

How to Make Money Online

Most digital side hustles have a realistic income ceiling and expected time commitment. Choose the ones that best align with your lifestyle needs.

1. Participate in market research

Online surveys won’t net you a hefty income, but you can earn a few dollars here and there. Many survey sites pay in gift cards, but some, like Branded Surveys , allow you to cash out your earnings via PayPal or direct deposit. By consistently taking surveys and earning points, you’ll become a Branded Elite member and qualify for additional bonus points and rewards.

We’ve ranked dozens of paid survey sites , many of which are scams purporting to represent legitimate entities, so be careful when handing out personal information to a brand you haven’t heard much about.

2. Sell old phones or technology

I used to have a habit of holding on to all my old laptops and cell phones, even after I upgraded to a newer model. That changed when I discovered Decluttr and sites like it where you can sell your old electronics.

I recently got $24 for trading in an old Samsung Galaxy S7 that I had previously bought from the company. Decluttr gives you an instant quote and offers a highest-price guarantee. If you find a better deal on another site, send in your quote and they’ll match it, no questions asked.

Related: 11 Best Places to Sell Your Phone for Cash

3. Complete affiliate offers

It’s no secret that companies will often pay big bucks to acquire new customers. Usually, they’ll pay it to a third party who then advertises on behalf of the target company. Now, you can intercept a portion of that kickback because these third parties will actually give you a portion of their affiliate earnings as a reward. 

One such “get paid to” site is Freecash.com . The site offers 4,000+ ways users can earn kickbacks by completing a variety of tasks. Testing apps, playing games, signing up for free (or paid) offers, or taking quizzes are but a few of the many ways you can earn money online using their site.

According to their website:

• 0h 17m 16s was the average time until a user made their first cashout.
• $24.72 was the average figure earned by users yesterday.
• $54,906,593 is the total figure they’ve paid out to date. 

To boot, they have a daily bonus ladder, a daily leaderboard in which they give away $500 to top earners, a robust friend referral system, and a $1 bonus for signing up and creating an account . 

Related: Freecash Review 2024

4. Start investing 

If you struggle with saving but are great  at spending, there are a few cool ways to help you invest that leverage your inability to keep your wallet closed.

Apps like Acorns have a “Round-Up” feature that operates just like it sounds: it rounds up [to the nearest whole dollar] each purchase you make at the store, and sweeps it into an investment account. 

For example, if you spend $56.34 on gas, they’ll round it up to $57.00 and place $0.64 into your investment account. It’s an easy, affordable way to start saving for retirement that just makes sense. You can read more about Acorns in our in-depth review . 

5. Earn cashback and rewards online

Cashback apps and browser extensions help you save money on everything from groceries to books. You won’t earn a fortune, but if you do a good bit of online shopping, the savings can really add up.

For example, I’m able to automatically claw back an easy $10 to $20 each month with the free DollarSprout Rewards browser extension. It gets me cash back at my favorite stores like Overstock, Walgreens, and Walmart, and it also scours the web for promo codes and coupons for additional savings at checkout.

Once you have the browser extension installed, DollarSprout Rewards lets you know if there’s a deal available for any one of 15,000+ different retailer websites. One simple click activates the cash back offer and there’s no “catch” for using it. If your earnings balance exceeds $5 at any point during a particular month, you’ll automatically receive a cash payout to PayPal the following month.

Just simple, completely free cash back in your pocket.

Related: 15 Best Cash Back Apps to Earn Max Rewards

6. Sell your unused internet connection

It sounds weird, but hear me out: companies like Honeygain will literally buy your bits of unused data and internet resources so they can power their Content Delivery services for the partner Fortune 500 companies they work with. Your computer becomes part of a larger “hive” of computers and internet connections that help power the network. 

By installing the app on two devices and sharing about 5 GB per day, Honeygain estimates the average user will earn $45 per month in passive income .

If you have an unlimited data mobile plan, cable, fiber, or DSL, odds are you’ll have some extra bandwidth to donate. Better yet, new users also get a free $3 gift when they register online. Check out their website to learn more.  

7. Start a blog

Making money by starting a blog is more realistic than you may think. Bloggers make money by advertising for companies they’re affiliated with. When users click an affiliate link and make a purchase, the website owner earns a commission. There are other ways to make money blogging such as by displaying advertising, selling your own products, or writing sponsored content.

Blogging platforms such as HostGator provide a simple, affordable way to start your own digital business from home for less than the cost of a cup of coffee each month. (It’s the same way we built DollarSprout into a seven-figure brand.) 

Related : How We Made $347,675 Blogging in 2 Months

8. Invest in real estate

In the past, the only way to get exposure to the real estate market was to plunk thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars into direct buy deals.

Then REITs came around and the burden was lightening, allowing more affluent Americans the opportunity to invest with just a few thousand dollars in today’s economic environment. 

But with the advancement of technology and a little innovation, for as little as $10, the average Joe can now get started with real estate investing. This is because companies like Fundrise allow everyday investors the opportunity to buy fractional shares in large real estate projects. 

If your appetite for risk doesn’t include buying and selling stocks, or you’d like to diversify your holdings further, a modest position in the real estate market may be up your alley. 

9. Monetize your location data

Ever received one of those push notifications from Starbucks asking if you want a drink if you’re within a stone’s throw of a physical location? Recall apps on your phone asking for permission if they can use your location data? 

Odds are you have over a dozen apps on your phone currently tracking every step you’ve ever made. Now it’s time to monetize it. 

With Tapestri , users can earn up to $25 per month simply by turning on their location sharing.

Tapestri then partners with massive brands to help them gain insight into consumer behavior and shopping patterns. The location data is completely anonymous, and as we mentioned earlier, you’re already sharing it with a number of other apps — at least with Tapestri, you’ll get paid for it. 

Pro tip : Tapestri has a super neat referral program that pays monthly passive cash for each person you refer to the app (that similarly consents to location sharing). For each month a referral keeps the app installed on their phone, you’ll receive $1.

10. Become a proofreader

Proofreaders help authors, bloggers, and even court reporters ensure that their content is grammatically correct and error-free. A proofreader’s role is to be an extra set of eyes after the author and editor have finished their job. They scour content for any errors that may have previously been missed. With a modest list of clients, a freelance proofreader can reasonably expect to earn several hundred to even several thousand dollars per month working in their spare time.

Tori Gellino, a DollarSprout reader and avid side hustler, earns an average of $1,200 per month moonlighting as a virtual proofreader. She recently shared her best tips for finding a stable of 5 to 10 reliable clients and the training she completed before bringing them on board. 

Ready to start?  Caitlin Pyle offers a free webinar and training course — Proofread Anywhere — for people interested in starting a freelance proofreading business from home.

11. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping businesses have become an extremely popular way to make money online over the last decade. Dropshippers source products from manufacturers, then sell the product through their online store. When a customer places an order, the item is shipped from the manufacturer directly to the customer’s home. You never have to store inventory or manage orders. Shopify, one of the most well-known eCommerce platforms online, offers a free 45-minute workshop on how to start and launch a dropshipping business.

Related: How One Recent Grad Started a $2,000 a Month Shopify Side Gig

12. Manage Facebook Ads for businesses

One of the ways Facebook makes money is by allowing companies to advertise its products and services in users’ news feeds. Most small business owners don’t realize the value of running Facebook ads for their business. By learning to communicate the value of ads in reaching new clientele and building brand awareness, you can earn $1,000 to $2,000 per month for each client you book.

Start by reaching out to small business owners in your area or by taking an online course that teaches you how to manage ads on Facebook and start booking clients .

13. Work as a virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is an all-encompassing title for someone who offers online services for companies and small businesses. Services can range from graphic design, to blog management, to email marketing.

A good friend of mine started working as a virtual assistant once she had her first child. She makes $35 an hour offering copywriting and email management to local companies. Working as a freelancer will increase your hourly rate but comes with the downside of having to find your own work. Another option is to work with well-known virtual assistant companies that have a steady stream of clients, but at a lower hourly rate. 

Related : How One Woman Makes $3,000 per Month as a Virtual Assistant  

14. Transcribe audio files

The most common transcription jobs fall into three categories: legal, medical, and general. Companies in the medical or legal realms may require that you have some knowledge or experience in the respective field. As a transcriptionist, you’ll listen to audio files and transcribe them into written content. Pay varies depending on the industry and your level of experience. If you’re interested in transcription, here’s a free workshop that includes more details about what it takes to work as a transcriptionist and how to get started.

15. Bank hop 

“Bank hopping” is one of the more savvy ways to make money online, but it often requires a little bit of capital to work with. The gist of it is pretty simple: banks offer sizeable deposit bonuses if you open an account — often with a minimum deposit — and hold the money within the institution for a certain period of time, often around 90 days.

For example, Citi Bank is currently offering up to $2000 in bonuses for opening a new Citigold account and keeping your money there for just 60 days (then rinse and repeat at a new institution). A tiered bonus, you’ll earn $200 for deposits between $10,000 and $29,999, and $2000 if you deposit $300,000 or more. 

Not everyone has that kind of cash on hand, but if you do, and it’s earning .06% at your traditional brick-and-mortar, this is an easy way to earn a sizeable chunk of free money .

16. Complete micro tasks

Micro tasks are one of the easiest ways to make money online. But micro jobs come with micro pay. You can earn a few dollars a month with Swagbucks by watching videos, playing games, and using the Swagbucks search engine. Other micro job sites pay users for reviewing content, verifying data, or testing apps and websites.

17. Invest in fine art

When people think of investing, they imagine the usual: stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. But you can also invest in physical items, such as fine art. Up until now, it wasn’t possible for most ordinary people to buy famous and original works of art from artists like Picasso, Monet, or Rembrandt.

Masterworks is a company that makes it possible to buy “shares” in a painting, just as you would buy shares of stock. It’s a good way to make money online if you know your art and don’t need the money right away.

Related : 4 Profitable Ways to Invest in Fine Art 

18. Teach English as a second language

Having been a VIPKid teacher myself, I can honestly say it’s a legit way to make money online. VIPKid hires native English speakers to teach English to children, most of whom are based in China. Your pay is based on your level of teaching experience and how well you do in the demo interview. When I worked for the company I had zero experience and regularly made $1,500 to $2,000 per month teaching part-time. 

Related : How One Retiree Makes $2,500 a Month as an English Language Tutor

19. Host a digital course

Digital courses are one of the top ways to make money online today. Outschool is a teacher-recruiting platform specifically designed to help online course creators monetize their knowledge. Its classes range from architecture to yoga to learning about Pokémon characters. According to the site, the average teacher earns $40 per hour, and you don’t need experience teaching to use Outschool . 

20. Sell your unused gift cards

If you have gift cards lying around that you don’t want, you can sell them one of several popular gift card exchanges . When you enter your gift card on a site like Raise , they’ll give you a suggested selling point. You can change this to set the price at whatever you believe is fair. It’s free to list your gift card on Raise, but once it sells, the site will keep 15% of the selling price and you’ll receive the remaining 85%. For example, if you list a gift card with a $50 balance for sale at $45, Raise will keep $6.75 and you’ll receive $38.25.

21. Buy and sell domain names

Ever since I started my own website in 2016, I’ve purchased domain names whenever I think of one that could be worth something. Recently, I sold one of them on GoDaddy for $1,200 — a domain I originally purchased for $12. If you have a penchant for thinking of unique names for websites or businesses, domain flipping could potentially be a lucrative way to make money online. Here’s a great how-to guide by GoDaddy that shares tips for flipping an inexpensive domain for thousands. 

22. Become a private tutor

With the variety of online tutoring sites available, you can earn money online by teaching anything you know. Some sites dictate the amount you can charge while others allow you to set your own rate. You can start booking clients by creating profiles on sites like Wyzant or Tutor.com. Depending on your subject area and whether you prefer to teach in person or online, you could also advertise on Craigslist or at local schools.

23. Get paid to test websites

Website testers give their opinions on a website’s design and user experience. This allows companies to make changes to their websites in order to provide a better experience for their users (and hopefully increase sales). With sites like UserTesting, you can earn $10 for every 15- to 20-minute test you complete. Tests involve recording your screen with feedback and answering follow-up questions. Check out other places you can get paid to test websites .

24. Write for websites and business owners

Writing is one of the fastest and most accessible ways to make money online. You don’t need perfect grammar skills or a padded portfolio to become a freelance writer . You can use personal blog posts, newsletters, or stories you’ve written in the past as samples of your work. Join the ProBlogger and Freelance Writing job boards to start pitching your services to clients. 

25. Pick up freelance work

I’ve earned thousands in extra income over the last three years as a freelance writer, web developer, and, most recently, project manager. The fastest way to sell your services online is to offer what you already know. If your day job involves managing social media, or if you learned to edit podcasts from working on your own personal podcast, those are legitimate services you can offer to clients. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com offer a network of professionals looking for freelancers with your skillset.

26. Flip Facebook Marketplace finds

I love following furniture-flipping accounts on Instagram, like Whitney Hansen’s Unsophisticated DIY. The main thing I’ve learned from these accounts: not all flips require significant work. If you can find good enough deals, you can purchase a piece, then turn around and sell it for profit within a week. Apart from furniture, keep an eye out for other flippable items you can sell like clothing with tags, antiques, and vintage collectible items like baseball cards or gaming systems. Professional flippers like Rob and Melissa of Flea Market Flipper — who make over $100,000 per year flipping yard sale hauls — have a flipping course that teaches people how to extract the most value out of high-margin items they find. 

Related : I Spent $100K Flipping Pokémon Cards During the Pandemic. Here’s How

27. Sell what you make on Etsy

Etsy, one of the more popular money-making websites in the world, is known for its variety of handmade and vintage items. Alternatively, users have seen success selling everything from handmade knitwear and upcycled jewelry to budget printables and home organization binders. Whatever your talent is, there’s a chance that you can sell your crafts digitally and earn some extra income.

28. Create YouTube content

YouTubers primarily earn money through ads, which average $0.01 to $0.03 per view, or $3 to $5 per 1000 video views. If you create consistent, engaging content and build a following, you can make money on YouTube with Google AdSense. It’s free to start a creator account, but you must meet YouTube’s minimum requirements before you can monetize your videos.

29. Sell your gently-used clothing

Another of the easiest ways to make money online is by selling things you no longer use. If your clothes are designer and in high demand, you may earn more by listing them individually on Poshmark or eBay. On the other hand, if your items aren’t in as high demand or you don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling them yourself, you can order a Clean Out Kit from thredUP. Pack the bag, and collect your earnings when they sell. For a local alternative, try Plato’s Closet or Buffalo. (From my experience, however, you won’t earn as much as selling your clothes online .)

30. Work as a matchmaker

Tawkify matches online love-seekers based on shared values, interests, and other dating preferences. As a matchmaker, you’ll work one-on-one with clients and line up their next date with handpicked matches based on these factors. You don’t need experience in the field to apply. According to its website, some of the qualities Tawkify looks for in matchmakers include empathy, intuition, and high EQ. 

31. Teach business owners how to use Asana

Many small and large businesses alike have trouble organizing and managing projects and teams, which is where project management software like Asana can help. As an Asana consultant, you’ll help business owners set up their teams, streamline and optimize projects, and train them on Asana best practices. After your first year of consulting with businesses, you can apply to become an Asana Certified Pro. Certification comes with in-depth training, and you’ll be featured on Asana’s Certified Pros page to make it easier for clients in your area to find and work with you.

32. Create an app

You don’t need to be a software engineer or developer to create an app. If you have a great idea, find someone on Freelancer, Upwork, or Fiverr with the technical skills who can help you bring it to life. You can also use a platform like Build Fire or Appy Pie to create your app with no coding skills needed. Once your app is live, you can make money by displaying in-app advertisements, offering a premium version, or selling your app to a larger company.

33. Start a paid membership community

I’m a member of several paid membership communities — some in life coaching and personal development and others related to online business. Membership sites can be a great way to share your knowledge, build a community, and create recurring revenue. A membership typically includes some form of core content, such as a course. The ones I’m a member of also release weekly or monthly content, including live coaching calls where members can volunteer to be coached in front of the community. For more information, check out this in-depth guide on how to create a paid membership site .

34. Sell your personal photos

If you enjoy taking pictures or have images on your camera roll that you’re not using, you can make money by selling them online. You only need a smartphone camera to get started. Some apps will pay you for your selfies while other sites, like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock, pay for stock photography they can sell to business owners. Learn more about how to get paid for your pictures .

Related: How One Photographer’s Side Hustle Became a $330K a Year Business

35. Offer virtual interior design consults

One of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow is Galey Alix. Galey documents her interior design projects — a business she started and runs on the side of her full-time finance job. Her successful business is proof that you don’t need a degree or experience to start a business or offer services in a new area.

            View this post on Instagram                     📸👱🏻‍♀️⚒ Before & after shots from my weekend project: converting my traditional master bedroom fireplace to Modern Coastal. To see the ‘how to’ video & a description of everything I did, check out my previous post. Also, left a little surprise at the end here. Do WHAT you love, LOVE what you do.👌🏻😏. . . . #design #interiordesign #coastal #moderncoastal #fireplace #shiplapfireplace #coastalfireplace #shiplap #boxers #lighting #coastalsconces #diy #coastaldecor #bedroom #masterbedroom #home #cozy #cozyhome #bedroomdecor #homeinspo #potterybarn #crateandbarrel #homegoods #myflor @florsquares @palmbeachwoodwork @crateandbarrel @potterybarn A post shared by 💜GALEY ALiX DESiGN 💜 (@galeyalix) on Jul 29, 2019 at 4:09am PDT

Start by working with friends and family for free. Document your work online and on social media, and collect testimonials. Once you have some experience and a feel for your process, you can create service packages and sell them to new clients.

36. Self-publish an eBook

Self-publishing has become popular among new authors. If you already have a blog or personal website, you can use it to sell your book. The most common method seems to be self-publishing through Amazon with Kindle Direct Publishing. Once you’ve written and formatted your book, you can upload it directly to your Amazon KDP account. Learn more about how to publish and sell an eBook . 

37. Become a voice-over artist

Voice-over artists provide their voice for professional audio work such as games, commercials, and cartoons. If you have a voice for radio, this could be an easy way to make money online. You can find voice-over work on freelance sites like Fiverr or niche sites such as Voices.com.

38. Sell digital products

If you don’t have the time or just don’t prefer to work with clients, selling digital products offers another way to make money online with your know-how. There are many types of digital products you can create and sell, such as planners, templates, or workbooks. You can drive people to your digital products through Pinterest, social media, or creating content such as blog posts that rank in search engine results.

39. Sell your home-grown produce

A friend of mine recently fulfilled a decades-long dream of owning chickens. According to his calculations, his 20 chickens should provide 15 or so eggs per day. When I asked what he planned to do with all the extras, he said, “Hadn’t thought of that. I guess I’ll sell them.” His new hobby became an unexpected side hustle. If you love to garden or grow your own produce, consider selling the excess to friends and family or on sites like Facebook Marketplace. 

40. Work for a call center

A call center agent is one of the best online jobs for people who work in customer service. U-Haul, Apple, and American Express are a few companies that offer remote work in this field. This role can either be full-time or part-time depending on the company, and training is typically provided, which means no previous experience is required.

41. Apply to work as a data entry specialist

Data entry includes inputting hard-copy information into a spreadsheet or scanning documents into an online program. It doesn’t require a specialized degree and pays upwards of $13 per hour depending on your level of experience, which makes data entry an easy way to make money online or from home in your spare time. Sites like FlexJobs and Microworkers offer data entry jobs for all skill levels.

42. Design and sell T-shirts

If you’re creative or can come up with catchy sayings, you can make money online designing and selling your own T-shirts. Sites like Teespring, Bonfire, and Printify allow you to design and sell custom shirts without paying anything upfront or holding inventory. Similar to dropshipping, you create your own storefront that includes your personal designs. When a customer places an order, the site creates the product and ships it on your behalf. You’ll still need to promote your storefront to make money online with this idea, so it’s helpful to have an online following, whether it’s on Instagram, YouTube, or another social media platform.

43. Offer consulting services

Consulting has an inherently corporate connotation. However, anyone with deep knowledge in a particular subject area could make money as a virtual consultant . Unlike freelancers, a consultant’s work is less hands-on. Rather than doing the work yourself, you provide clients with the expertise that allows them to take informed action. If you’re an expert in search engine optimization, for example, you may consult with clients to create an SEO strategy, then teach their employees how to implement the changes.

44. Coach in your area of expertise

Where consultants provide a plan of execution for clients, coaches help clients create a plan for themselves. When I started my financial coaching business, I thought I would mostly tell people what to do with their money and then they would do it. However, I quickly realized that what my clients needed most was help overcoming limiting money beliefs and staying accountable to their own goals and plans. You can become a coach in any area from Instagram marketing to personal finances and business. Tools like Acuity and Zoom can help you book and meet with clients virtually.

Related: How to Become a Personal Trainer

45. Start a new online business

Take notice of the things you hear others complain about or problems you face yourself. Is there a way to turn the solution into an online business? Or if you already offer an in-person service, is there a way you can take your in-person business online ? For example, a massage therapist could host online classes teaching couples how to give each other a massage. A baker could host an online workshop about how to make their most popular recipes. There are thousands of online business ideas outside of the ones listed here.

Real Ways to Make Money from Home Offline

Not all work-from-home jobs are tied to an internet connection. The following guides and resources can help you learn more about these real ways to make money from home for free.

46. Sign up for a food delivery service

While this isn’t technically a way to make money from home, delivering food or packages is an easy way to earn extra income outside of a day job. Instacart shoppers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour. As long as you have consistent access to a vehicle, you can make deliveries on your own time and start earning as soon as you’re approved. Shoppers also get comped memberships to Costco, BJs, and several other wholesale retailers (in addition to tons of free fuel points)! 

Note: Since average hourly earnings fluctuate based on factors including location and demand, we have not included rates. However, our research suggests average rates tend to fall between $10-$20 per hour.

47. Do bookkeeping for local businesses

As a bookkeeper, you’ll be responsible for things like inputting company transactions, reconciling bank records, invoicing customers, and running financial reports. You don’t need a degree in finance or accounting to make money from home as a bookkeeper. However, you will need to know how to use Quickbooks or other popular accounting software, and you’ll need a basic understanding of accounting principles. Any bookkeeping classes or certifications you complete can justify a bump in your rates.

48. Pet sit at your house

I recently started pet sitting using the Rover app as a way to make money from home. The company allows you to set your own rates, schedule, and choose the services you offer. Since I work remotely, I chose in-house doggy daycare and set my rate at $33 per dog per day. Moose was my first client. For two days of having him over, I earned $52.80. (Rover takes a 20% cut.) I was pleased given that my dog did most of the work entertaining Moose and I got the reward. Other services you can offer on Rover include dog walking, boarding, in-house visits, and house sitting. Learn more about what it’s like to dog sit with Rover .

49. Rent out your space

If you have space in your house that you’re not using, renting it out is one of the best ways to make money from home. There are many ways to rent out your space . Websites like Neighbor.com and StoreAtMyHouse are built for storing items, while ShareMySpace and PeerSpace are geared toward events like meetings, photoshoots, and parties.

50. Offer at-home daycare

At-home daycare offers a fun way to make money at home if you love working with children and have the time to dedicate to caring for several at once. Many parents prefer private daycares to public ones. If you have experience working with kids or a network of parents who trust you, this is one of the great side hustles for moms or dads who work remotely or stay home with their own kids during the day.

51. Work as a mystery shopper

Companies like Secret Shopper, BestMark, and IntelliShop pay workers to provide feedback on a company’s products or services. For example, you might be asked to visit a local electronics store, ask someone in the phone department-specific questions, and complete a survey about your experience. You can complete applications with mystery shopping companies to start booking gigs online or in your area.

52. Sell your favorite recipes

If friends and family rave over your cooking, even a single dish, you can capitalize on your talent to make money at home. That’s what Nikki Girard did. What began as trying to perfect her Haitian patty recipe turned into a part-time side business that brings in $2,000 per month . You can use social media and your personal network to sell your creations. Some states have Cottage Food laws on how much you can sell without requiring a license, so be sure to research this for your area.

53. Fix broken gadgets for neighbors

A few weeks ago my lawnmower broke down and I wasn’t sure where to take it. When I told my next-door neighbor, he offered to fix it for me. It turns out he has a side gig repairing broken lawn mowers for locals. If you have a similar skillset or general handyman knowledge, this may be an easy way to make money from home. Call around to neighbors who might use your services and mention your offering in conversations with friends and family. Word of mouth can be a powerful marketing tool, but apps like TaskRabbit and Amazon Home Services can also help spread the word.

54. Let companies advertise on your phone

Advertisements allow companies a way to reach a new clientele. More brand exposure typically means more revenue, which means you can make money from home by allowing companies to use your belongings as a billboard. Sites like Wrapify and Carvertise pay to place ads on your car while Slidejoy and similar apps pay to rent ad space on your phone’s lock screen. Learn more about how to get paid to advertise for companies and brands .

55. Teach fitness classes

You can teach yoga and fitness classes in your garage gym, spare bedroom, or even your living room. This is an easy way to make money from home if you already have a teaching certification. If you don’t, ACE Fitness offers group fitness certification training starting at $350. Being certified isn’t a requirement, but it can give you a competitive edge in marketing your classes and help your clients feel more confident in your services.

56. Negotiate a remote work agreement with your current employer

If you have a job you love but want the flexibility of working remotely, consider bringing it up with your employer. Depending on your role, you may only be able to work out a part-time remote agreement that leaves you with some days in-office and others at home. Before you initiate the conversation, be prepared to communicate your reasoning and think of any questions or problems your boss may have ahead of time. Having solutions prepared will increase your odds of coming to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Make a Plan for Your Extra Money Ahead of Time

Making extra money online or from home is great. But if your reason for doing so is to get out of a tough financial predicament, you’ll end up in the same place if you don’t create a plan for your money before it comes in. Making a monthly budget or spending plan can help.

Write down your consistent income streams: full-time salary, child support, etc. — any income that stays the same from month to month. Then include your side hustle income as a separate item. Write in less than you think you can make so that you don’t end up going over budget if you make less. Once you have your income, decide how much to save, invest, put toward debt, and then what’s left over to spend until each dollar is accounted for.

They say you manage what you measure. If you’re going to use your spare time to make extra money online, tracking where that money goes will ensure the effort is worth the reward.

Related : 42 Creative Ways to Make Money Fast

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Get Paid To Write Reviews: 14 Top Sites

Get paid to write reviews by reading our guide with all the top sites for you to check out. Earn money and home and increase your skills today!

Before you purchase products or download apps, do you read the reviews? Most consumers do. A study published by Qualtrics showed that 93 percent of customers read online reviews before buying a product. Product reviews are important to people’s purchasing decisions, and review sites are everywhere.

Companies know that they will make more money if their products have positive reviews, so they’re willing to pay people to write product reviews for money. If you are wondering how to get paid to write reviews and blog articles, try applying to these sites for review writing jobs .

1. Writers Work

2. get paid to write reviews for amazon, 3. get reviewed, 4. crowdtap, 6. listverse, 7. capterra, 8. usertesting, 9. gartner peer insights, 10. harris poll online, 11. g2 crowd, 12. review stream, 13. inboxdollars, 14. swagbucks, final word on where to get paid to write reviews, is it illegal to write fake reviews, where can i write music reviews, how do you make money by giving reviews.

Writers Work connects writers with companies looking for freelancers. With thousands of jobs available, it’s an ideal place for new and experienced freelancer writers to find work. The site has built great relationships with many established companies requiring writing , from general content to blogging to copywriting and reviews; endless opportunities exist. The average earnings on the freelance site are anything from $20 – $65 per hour, making it a lucrative option for writers to get involved in.

Writers Work contains freelance writing opportunities for writers who want to start their career

Many freelancers earn commissions from Amazon by writing product reviews. Amazon pays reviewers who successfully try a product and refer it to new customers. This process is a type of influencer work called affiliate marketing, which can be used through the Amazon Associates program. Whenever a customer uses your affiliate link, you’ll receive a small commission on the sale.

For example, if you were to try a product and then post about it on your blog or social media with an affiliate link, your viewers might then buy the Amazon product, which means you earn a commission. There are many different niches for bloggers to choose from, like food, fashion, beauty, tech, and entertainment.

If you want to write product reviews for money, one of the best places to look is Get Reviewed . The website will pay you cash for sponsored reviews and blog posts. If you want to participate in this program, you need to have a self-hosted website with a strong domain authority of at least 20 or above. To elevate your domain authority, focus on a specific niche.

Then, convince others to provide links that point back to your website. This will position your site as an authority in the field.

If you want to get paid to write a review on this site, submit your blog for consideration. After your blog is accepted, you will display your blog on the marketplace. Then, advertisers can view your blog and order a product review from you. If someone places an order for a review from your website, you will receive an email notification.

Based on the email request, you can either accept or reject their review request. You also negotiate the price of your review with the client. Once you and the client agree on a deadline and rate for the job, you’ll write the review and get paid! Typically, you get paid 14 days after the article has been completed. The site pays a paid reviewer by PayPal.

If you want a fun way to review products from your phone, check out CrowdTap . You can access the program through your smartphone. Then, you can look at their “daily missions,” which products they would like you to review that day. If you review their products, you will be rewarded for leaving a high-quality review.

You get paid in a variety of ways. For example, some companies will reward you with product samples. Other companies will reward you with gift cards. You may also be given merchandise rewards you can redeem at certain brands and establishments.

This is one of the top review apps out there. There are other ways you can earn points as well. For example, you can complete daily polls, fill out surveys, and share your reviews on social media channels. You can get additional points if you share your reviews on your blog.

Another review site you may want to check out is called Ciao . This is a review site based in the UK, but it is open to the international community, including non-English speakers. They have various products listed on the website, some of which are Amazon products.

The website also has a rotating category of focus or high-authority products. These are products that they need reviews for, so they’re willing to pay extra money for writers. The payment for each review varies, but it is directly tied to the amount of traffic that a specific review generates.

You don’t have to make much money to request a payout. As long as you have a balance of five pounds or more, or about $6, you can request to be paid. It might be challenging to generate a lot of traffic with your first review, but you can make significant money online once you get a lot of practice.

If you are more of a long-form paid reviewer, check out ListVerse . This website will pay you money to make a “top 10” list. Often called “listicles,” this is an opportunity to get creative. You have a lot of control over the products you decide to review, and you can make several recommendations in a single article.

You may want to write a paragraph or two on each item before moving forward. After your list has been published, you get paid through PayPal.

Next, you may want to check out Capterra as well. If you have looked for reviews of specific products, including software programs, you have probably come across Capterra. You can also get paid to write reviews for them. Typically, you need to use the product before you write the review, which may require additional work; however, you can also get paid more for each review.

On Capterra, you get paid approximately $10 for each review that is accepted. Because they are one of the largest players in the industry, they vet all of their reviews closely to ensure they meet their requirements. You need to verify your identity using LinkedIn, and you might get asked to send screenshots of the software or product you want to review before they let you write the review. For this reason, they pay more money for each review.

If you are someone who enjoys testing websites and applications, you may want to take a look at a website called UserTesting . During the review process, you need to make a 20-minute video. Then, you’ll be paid $10 for each review you give. Try this website if you would rather talk about a product or service instead of writing about it.

If the platform can download the necessary recording software, you can record it using any device you want. This could include a desktop computer, a laptop, a smartphone, or a tablet. You will also need to record yourself testing the app or website in real-time. Companies will pay a lot for people who record themselves using their products or services.

Therefore, this could be one of the most lucrative ways for you to make money through product reviews.

Another website that will pay you a lot of money for each review is called Gartner. Gartner is a leading technology and software review company. The goal is to help users make educated decisions on the products they use. Even though you can only write ten reviews annually, the company pays you approximately $25 for each successful review.

Caveat: Gartner closely vets every review before it is published to ensure it provides customers with real insights into the product. The more details you can give about your experience, the greater the chance your review gets accepted. You need to know a lot before you write your first review on this platform. So, check out Gartner’s FAQ page to figure out how to take advantage of this opportunity.

You might also want to consider Harris Poll Online . They are one of the oldest research firms in the industry, and they have a sterling reputation. Most of the surveys and reviews you complete for Harris will focus on their current marketing campaigns.

For example, you might be asked to watch a series of marketing videos a company produces. Then, you’ll be asked to share your opinion. You might also be asked to recommend improving their marketing videos to better speak to someone like yourself.

Every time you complete a survey for this company, you’ll be given points to redeem for gift cards. You might also be given a bonus award if you win the raffle. You get an entry into the raffle with every survey or review you complete.

G2 Crowd is a crowdsourcing platform for reviews. The amount of money you can make on this platform can vary widely depending on what you review. The average review pays between $5 and $15, but you could earn up to $25 per review if you review specific types of software. The website has hundreds of thousands of reviews, so it is one of the most popular review websites on the internet.

Similar to other software review websites, there are strict requirements you need to follow to make sure your review is accepted. You’ll also have to verify your identity by tying your LinkedIn account to your review.

Review Stream will allow you to make money by reviewing just about every product. Furthermore, if a user likes your review, you could get paid a bonus. If you get a vote of confidence from a user, this indicates that the person found your review useful.

Even though you can write a review on just about anything, you can look at what is currently trending on social media. Generally, ReviewStream will pay more money for products and services that have become popular. Furthermore, if you write a review that matches the publishing guidelines of the platform, they might pay you more money. These reviews are also more likely to be deemed useful by users.

InboxDollars has an excellent reputation for paying users to take surveys, shop online, and read email newsletters to assess them for clarity and effectiveness. You can get paid to write product reviews and collect rewards easily on this platform.

InboxDollars partners with top research organizations that are looking for feedback and input from the public. All you need to do is sign up and give your opinions on surveys, and you’ll be paid cash when you’ve completed your task.

Swagbucks is one of the most popular loyalty and consumer rewards platforms online. It’s free to join, and members receive gift cards or cash for the everyday activities they complete online. Tasks include web searching, playing games, watching videos, and shopping online. You can also scan your receipts for cash back, making it easy to earn extra cash without completing hundreds of surveys.

If you’re interested in answering surveys and giving reviews for cash, Swagbucks also pays users to take surveys on topics like personal finance, favorite foods, vacations, and more. Swagbucks has already paid its members over 5 million dollars, solidifying it as one of the most reliable online paid review platforms.

These are some useful review sites to apply to if you want to write product reviews, book reviews, and more. Writing legit reviews is also a great way to get free products, as lots of companies will send you new products and samples to write about on a review website. You can also combine writing reviews with other proven methods that will help you get paid to write .

These sites are a good side-hustle choice before applying to the best affiliate marketing programs and publishing review content on your website.

FAQs About How to Get Paid To Write Reviews

Section 5 of the FTC Act 15 U.S. Code 45 makes fake testimonials illegal in the United States. It can also dent your customer’s trust in your business. It should be noted that a man was jailed after posting fake reviews on TripAdvisor.

Many music writers start their careers by launching their blogs. However, several magazines and websites accept freelance reviews. Two Story Melody gives a list of sites that accept music reviews.

There are several ways to make money by giving reviews, depending on the platform or industry you are involved in. Here are a few methods: 1. Sponsored reviews 2. Affiliate marketing 3. Paid survey sites 4. Blogging or YouTube channels 5. Paid review websites

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, getting college essay help: important do's and don’ts.

College Essays

If you grow up to be a professional writer, everything you write will first go through an editor before being published. This is because the process of writing is really a process of re-writing —of rethinking and reexamining your work, usually with the help of someone else. So what does this mean for your student writing? And in particular, what does it mean for very important, but nonprofessional writing like your college essay? Should you ask your parents to look at your essay? Pay for an essay service?

If you are wondering what kind of help you can, and should, get with your personal statement, you've come to the right place! In this article, I'll talk about what kind of writing help is useful, ethical, and even expected for your college admission essay . I'll also point out who would make a good editor, what the differences between editing and proofreading are, what to expect from a good editor, and how to spot and stay away from a bad one.

Table of Contents

What Kind of Help for Your Essay Can You Get?

What's Good Editing?

What should an editor do for you, what kind of editing should you avoid, proofreading, what's good proofreading, what kind of proofreading should you avoid.

What Do Colleges Think Of You Getting Help With Your Essay?

Who Can/Should Help You?

Advice for editors.

Should You Pay Money For Essay Editing?

The Bottom Line

What's next, what kind of help with your essay can you get.

Rather than talking in general terms about "help," let's first clarify the two different ways that someone else can improve your writing . There is editing, which is the more intensive kind of assistance that you can use throughout the whole process. And then there's proofreading, which is the last step of really polishing your final product.

Let me go into some more detail about editing and proofreading, and then explain how good editors and proofreaders can help you."

Editing is helping the author (in this case, you) go from a rough draft to a finished work . Editing is the process of asking questions about what you're saying, how you're saying it, and how you're organizing your ideas. But not all editing is good editing . In fact, it's very easy for an editor to cross the line from supportive to overbearing and over-involved.

Ability to clarify assignments. A good editor is usually a good writer, and certainly has to be a good reader. For example, in this case, a good editor should make sure you understand the actual essay prompt you're supposed to be answering.

Open-endedness. Good editing is all about asking questions about your ideas and work, but without providing answers. It's about letting you stick to your story and message, and doesn't alter your point of view.

Think of an editor as a great travel guide. It can show you the many different places your trip could take you. It should explain any parts of the trip that could derail your trip or confuse the traveler. But it never dictates your path, never forces you to go somewhere you don't want to go, and never ignores your interests so that the trip no longer seems like it's your own. So what should good editors do?

Help Brainstorm Topics

Sometimes it's easier to bounce thoughts off of someone else. This doesn't mean that your editor gets to come up with ideas, but they can certainly respond to the various topic options you've come up with. This way, you're less likely to write about the most boring of your ideas, or to write about something that isn't actually important to you.

If you're wondering how to come up with options for your editor to consider, check out our guide to brainstorming topics for your college essay .

Help Revise Your Drafts

Here, your editor can't upset the delicate balance of not intervening too much or too little. It's tricky, but a great way to think about it is to remember: editing is about asking questions, not giving answers .

Revision questions should point out:

• Places where more detail or more description would help the reader connect with your essay
• Places where structure and logic don't flow, losing the reader's attention
• Places where there aren't transitions between paragraphs, confusing the reader
• Moments where your narrative or the arguments you're making are unclear

But pointing to potential problems is not the same as actually rewriting—editors let authors fix the problems themselves.

Bad editing is usually very heavy-handed editing. Instead of helping you find your best voice and ideas, a bad editor changes your writing into their own vision.

You may be dealing with a bad editor if they:

• Add material (examples, descriptions) that doesn't come from you
• Use a thesaurus to make your college essay sound "more mature"
• Add meaning or insight to the essay that doesn't come from you
• Tell you what to say and how to say it
• Write sentences, phrases, and paragraphs for you
• Change your voice in the essay so it no longer sounds like it was written by a teenager

Colleges can tell the difference between a 17-year-old's writing and a 50-year-old's writing. Not only that, they have access to your SAT or ACT Writing section, so they can compare your essay to something else you wrote. Writing that's a little more polished is great and expected. But a totally different voice and style will raise questions.

Where's the Line Between Helpful Editing and Unethical Over-Editing?

Sometimes it's hard to tell whether your college essay editor is doing the right thing. Here are some guidelines for staying on the ethical side of the line.

• An editor should say that the opening paragraph is kind of boring, and explain what exactly is making it drag. But it's overstepping for an editor to tell you exactly how to change it.
• An editor should point out where your prose is unclear or vague. But it's completely inappropriate for the editor to rewrite that section of your essay.
• An editor should let you know that a section is light on detail or description. But giving you similes and metaphors to beef up that description is a no-go.

Proofreading (also called copy-editing) is checking for errors in the last draft of a written work. It happens at the end of the process and is meant as the final polishing touch. Proofreading is meticulous and detail-oriented, focusing on small corrections. It sands off all the surface rough spots that could alienate the reader.

Because proofreading is usually concerned with making fixes on the word or sentence level, this is the only process where someone else can actually add to or take away things from your essay . This is because what they are adding or taking away tends to be one or two misplaced letters.

Laser focus. Proofreading is all about the tiny details, so the ability to really concentrate on finding small slip-ups is a must.

Excellent grammar and spelling skills. Proofreaders need to dot every "i" and cross every "t." Good proofreaders should correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. They should put foreign words in italics and surround quotations with quotation marks. They should check that you used the correct college's name, and that you adhered to any formatting requirements (name and date at the top of the page, uniform font and size, uniform spacing).

Limited interference. A proofreader needs to make sure that you followed any word limits. But if cuts need to be made to shorten the essay, that's your job and not the proofreader's.

A bad proofreader either tries to turn into an editor, or just lacks the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job.

Some signs that you're working with a bad proofreader are:

• If they suggest making major changes to the final draft of your essay. Proofreading happens when editing is already finished.
• If they aren't particularly good at spelling, or don't know grammar, or aren't detail-oriented enough to find someone else's small mistakes.
• If they start swapping out your words for fancier-sounding synonyms, or changing the voice and sound of your essay in other ways. A proofreader is there to check for errors, not to take the 17-year-old out of your writing.

What Do Colleges Think of Your Getting Help With Your Essay?

Admissions officers agree: light editing and proofreading are good—even required ! But they also want to make sure you're the one doing the work on your essay. They want essays with stories, voice, and themes that come from you. They want to see work that reflects your actual writing ability, and that focuses on what you find important.

On the Importance of Editing

Get feedback. Have a fresh pair of eyes give you some feedback. Don't allow someone else to rewrite your essay, but do take advantage of others' edits and opinions when they seem helpful. ( Bates College )

Read your essay aloud to someone. Reading the essay out loud offers a chance to hear how your essay sounds outside your head. This exercise reveals flaws in the essay's flow, highlights grammatical errors and helps you ensure that you are communicating the exact message you intended. ( Dickinson College )

On the Value of Proofreading

Share your essays with at least one or two people who know you well—such as a parent, teacher, counselor, or friend—and ask for feedback. Remember that you ultimately have control over your essays, and your essays should retain your own voice, but others may be able to catch mistakes that you missed and help suggest areas to cut if you are over the word limit. ( Yale University )

Proofread and then ask someone else to proofread for you. Although we want substance, we also want to be able to see that you can write a paper for our professors and avoid careless mistakes that would drive them crazy. ( Oberlin College )

On Watching Out for Too Much Outside Influence

Limit the number of people who review your essay. Too much input usually means your voice is lost in the writing style. ( Carleton College )

Ask for input (but not too much). Your parents, friends, guidance counselors, coaches, and teachers are great people to bounce ideas off of for your essay. They know how unique and spectacular you are, and they can help you decide how to articulate it. Keep in mind, however, that a 45-year-old lawyer writes quite differently from an 18-year-old student, so if your dad ends up writing the bulk of your essay, we're probably going to notice. ( Vanderbilt University )

Now let's talk about some potential people to approach for your college essay editing and proofreading needs. It's best to start close to home and slowly expand outward. Not only are your family and friends more invested in your success than strangers, but they also have a better handle on your interests and personality. This knowledge is key for judging whether your essay is expressing your true self.

Parents or Close Relatives

Your family may be full of potentially excellent editors! Parents are deeply committed to your well-being, and family members know you and your life well enough to offer details or incidents that can be included in your essay. On the other hand, the rewriting process necessarily involves criticism, which is sometimes hard to hear from someone very close to you.

A parent or close family member is a great choice for an editor if you can answer "yes" to the following questions. Is your parent or close relative a good writer or reader? Do you have a relationship where editing your essay won't create conflict? Are you able to constructively listen to criticism and suggestion from the parent?

One suggestion for defusing face-to-face discussions is to try working on the essay over email. Send your parent a draft, have them write you back some comments, and then you can pick which of their suggestions you want to use and which to discard.

Teachers or Tutors

A humanities teacher that you have a good relationship with is a great choice. I am purposefully saying humanities, and not just English, because teachers of Philosophy, History, Anthropology, and any other classes where you do a lot of writing, are all used to reviewing student work.

Moreover, any teacher or tutor that has been working with you for some time, knows you very well and can vet the essay to make sure it "sounds like you."

If your teacher or tutor has some experience with what college essays are supposed to be like, ask them to be your editor. If not, then ask whether they have time to proofread your final draft.

Guidance or College Counselor at Your School

The best thing about asking your counselor to edit your work is that this is their job. This means that they have a very good sense of what colleges are looking for in an application essay.

At the same time, school counselors tend to have relationships with admissions officers in many colleges, which again gives them insight into what works and which college is focused on what aspect of the application.

Unfortunately, in many schools the guidance counselor tends to be way overextended. If your ratio is 300 students to 1 college counselor, you're unlikely to get that person's undivided attention and focus. It is still useful to ask them for general advice about your potential topics, but don't expect them to be able to stay with your essay from first draft to final version.

Friends, Siblings, or Classmates

Although they most likely don't have much experience with what colleges are hoping to see, your peers are excellent sources for checking that your essay is you .

Friends and siblings are perfect for the read-aloud edit. Read your essay to them so they can listen for words and phrases that are stilted, pompous, or phrases that just don't sound like you.

You can even trade essays and give helpful advice on each other's work.

If your editor hasn't worked with college admissions essays very much, no worries! Any astute and attentive reader can still greatly help with your process. But, as in all things, beginners do better with some preparation.

First, your editor should read our advice about how to write a college essay introduction , how to spot and fix a bad college essay , and get a sense of what other students have written by going through some admissions essays that worked .

Then, as they read your essay, they can work through the following series of questions that will help them to guide you.

Introduction Questions

• Is the first sentence a killer opening line? Why or why not?
• Does the introduction hook the reader? Does it have a colorful, detailed, and interesting narrative? Or does it propose a compelling or surprising idea?
• Can you feel the author's voice in the introduction, or is the tone dry, dull, or overly formal? Show the places where the voice comes through.

Essay Body Questions

• Does the essay have a through-line? Is it built around a central argument, thought, idea, or focus? Can you put this idea into your own words?
• How is the essay organized? By logical progression? Chronologically? Do you feel order when you read it, or are there moments where you are confused or lose the thread of the essay?
• Does the essay have both narratives about the author's life and explanations and insight into what these stories reveal about the author's character, personality, goals, or dreams? If not, which is missing?
• Does the essay flow? Are there smooth transitions/clever links between paragraphs? Between the narrative and moments of insight?

Reader Response Questions

• Does the writer's personality come through? Do we know what the speaker cares about? Do we get a sense of "who he or she is"?
• Where did you feel most connected to the essay? Which parts of the essay gave you a "you are there" sensation by invoking your senses? What moments could you picture in your head well?
• Where are the details and examples vague and not specific enough?
• Did you get an "a-ha!" feeling anywhere in the essay? Is there a moment of insight that connected all the dots for you? Is there a good reveal or "twist" anywhere in the essay?
• What are the strengths of this essay? What needs the most improvement?

Should You Pay Money for Essay Editing?

One alternative to asking someone you know to help you with your college essay is the paid editor route. There are two different ways to pay for essay help: a private essay coach or a less personal editing service , like the many proliferating on the internet.

My advice is to think of these options as a last resort rather than your go-to first choice. I'll first go through the reasons why. Then, if you do decide to go with a paid editor, I'll help you decide between a coach and a service.

When to Consider a Paid Editor

In general, I think hiring someone to work on your essay makes a lot of sense if none of the people I discussed above are a possibility for you.

If you can't ask your parents. For example, if your parents aren't good writers, or if English isn't their first language. Or if you think getting your parents to help is going create unnecessary extra conflict in your relationship with them (applying to college is stressful as it is!)

If you can't ask your teacher or tutor. Maybe you don't have a trusted teacher or tutor that has time to look over your essay with focus. Or, for instance, your favorite humanities teacher has very limited experience with college essays and so won't know what admissions officers want to see.

If you can't ask your guidance counselor. This could be because your guidance counselor is way overwhelmed with other students.

If you can't share your essay with those who know you. It might be that your essay is on a very personal topic that you're unwilling to share with parents, teachers, or peers. Just make sure it doesn't fall into one of the bad-idea topics in our article on bad college essays .

If the cost isn't a consideration. Many of these services are quite expensive, and private coaches even more so. If you have finite resources, I'd say that hiring an SAT or ACT tutor (whether it's PrepScholar or someone else) is better way to spend your money . This is because there's no guarantee that a slightly better essay will sufficiently elevate the rest of your application, but a significantly higher SAT score will definitely raise your applicant profile much more.

Should You Hire an Essay Coach?

On the plus side, essay coaches have read dozens or even hundreds of college essays, so they have experience with the format. Also, because you'll be working closely with a specific person, it's more personal than sending your essay to a service, which will know even less about you.

But, on the minus side, you'll still be bouncing ideas off of someone who doesn't know that much about you . In general, if you can adequately get the help from someone you know, there is no advantage to paying someone to help you.

If you do decide to hire a coach, ask your school counselor, or older students that have used the service for recommendations. If you can't afford the coach's fees, ask whether they can work on a sliding scale —many do. And finally, beware those who guarantee admission to your school of choice—essay coaches don't have any special magic that can back up those promises.

Should You Send Your Essay to a Service?

On the plus side, essay editing services provide a similar product to essay coaches, and they cost significantly less . If you have some assurance that you'll be working with a good editor, the lack of face-to-face interaction won't prevent great results.

On the minus side, however, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the service before working with them . If they are churning through many application essays without getting to know the students they are helping, you could end up with an over-edited essay that sounds just like everyone else's. In the worst case scenario, an unscrupulous service could send you back a plagiarized essay.

Getting recommendations from friends or a school counselor for reputable services is key to avoiding heavy-handed editing that writes essays for you or does too much to change your essay. Including a badly-edited essay like this in your application could cause problems if there are inconsistencies. For example, in interviews it might be clear you didn't write the essay, or the skill of the essay might not be reflected in your schoolwork and test scores.

Should You Buy an Essay Written by Someone Else?

Let me elaborate. There are super sketchy places on the internet where you can simply buy a pre-written essay. Don't do this!

For one thing, you'll be lying on an official, signed document. All college applications make you sign a statement saying something like this:

I certify that all information submitted in the admission process—including the application, the personal essay, any supplements, and any other supporting materials—is my own work, factually true, and honestly presented... I understand that I may be subject to a range of possible disciplinary actions, including admission revocation, expulsion, or revocation of course credit, grades, and degree, should the information I have certified be false. (From the Common Application )

For another thing, if your academic record doesn't match the essay's quality, the admissions officer will start thinking your whole application is riddled with lies.

Admission officers have full access to your writing portion of the SAT or ACT so that they can compare work that was done in proctored conditions with that done at home. They can tell if these were written by different people. Not only that, but there are now a number of search engines that faculty and admission officers can use to see if an essay contains strings of words that have appeared in other essays—you have no guarantee that the essay you bought wasn't also bought by 50 other students.

• You should get college essay help with both editing and proofreading
• A good editor will ask questions about your idea, logic, and structure, and will point out places where clarity is needed
• A good editor will absolutely not answer these questions, give you their own ideas, or write the essay or parts of the essay for you
• A good proofreader will find typos and check your formatting
• All of them agree that getting light editing and proofreading is necessary
• Parents, teachers, guidance or college counselor, and peers or siblings
• If you can't ask any of those, you can pay for college essay help, but watch out for services or coaches who over-edit you work
• Don't buy a pre-written essay! Colleges can tell, and it'll make your whole application sound false.

Ready to start working on your essay? Check out our explanation of the point of the personal essay and the role it plays on your applications and then explore our step-by-step guide to writing a great college essay .

Using the Common Application for your college applications? We have an excellent guide to the Common App essay prompts and useful advice on how to pick the Common App prompt that's right for you . Wondering how other people tackled these prompts? Then work through our roundup of over 130 real college essay examples published by colleges .

Stressed about whether to take the SAT again before submitting your application? Let us help you decide how many times to take this test . If you choose to go for it, we have the ultimate guide to studying for the SAT to give you the ins and outs of the best ways to study.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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Ways to make money online: 20 online occupations for digital nomads and natives

In a nutshell:

Online jobs can be done on a laptop or your phone and can both be a great source of additional income or a full-time job.

• Some full-time online jobs are fully remote and can be done from anywhere.
• Many online jobs may not be considered traditional, full-time employment for tex purposes. Instead, you’ll workas an independent contractor or a freelancer.
• In September 2023, 28% of workdays were performed remotely, an increase of 7% since 2019.

The internet is bursting with ways to make money online, but to take full advantage of these opportunities, you’ll need to know where to start.

1. Do artificial intelligence (AI) work

You may not think of artificial intelligence (AI) as a side hustle, but it is the driving technology behind many new online jobs. One way AI can be used to make money is through content editing, where AI is used as a starting point to write articles and human writers then step in and make the articles more readable.

Working as an AI prompter is another option. AI prompters refine the questions needed to ask AI tools to arrive at the desired results, and they help train the machine to be more accurate. Those who are interested in AI can simply search for "AI" on sites like Upwork reveals the possibilities available for AI enthusiasts.

2. Take online surveys

Companies spend thousands of dollars each year to find out what customers want. You can be a part of this process by offering your opinions through online surveys. In return, the survey companies pay you for your thoughts. Reputable online survey sites frequently update opportunities for members to share and earn. Swagbucks , for example, pays cash and gift cards for surveys, games and polls.

3. Become a virtual assistant

If you have the time to help someone with business or personal errands, you could be the right choice for a virtual assistant (VA). This type of work is varied and changes from day to day. You could be hired to help organize emails, schedule meetings or file and track invoices.

Just like an assistant in a physical office, a virtual assistant must be flexible, patient and willing to learn new skills. If you can go with the flow, VAs can earn a nice income.

4. Write and publish an e-book

Do you have a story inside you that you think others will read? E-Books are a popular form of entertainment, and a quick look at Goodreads shows you just how many digital novels people consume each day.

Writing an e-book takes time, and you may want to enlist the help of a professional editor and cover designer to make your book look its best. After it's published, however, you can market it to friends, family and future fans, with payments arriving every time someone gives it a read. It’s possible to write many books a year and grow your income over time, too.

5. Become an influencer

If you have a natural online presence and don’t mind sharing your life with the world, you may make it as an online influencer. These professionals are everywhere, from TikTok and Instagram to their own published blogs. It’s a job that requires frequent check-ins with followers, often spending hours a day creating new and captivating content that others will want to share.

However, influencers don’t have to have millions of fans to make some cash. Micro-influencers can earn from the platforms themselves, as well as from sponsorships —even with just 10,000 or more followers.

6. Play online games

For some extra cash for doing something fun, why not try online games? Sites like Inbox Dollars make it easy (and entertaining) to try out new puzzle games, such as Monkey Bubble Shooter and Candy Jam. Game companies want new players to join their communities and are willing to pay Inbox Dollars members to give them a chance.

Get paid for testing apps & games

7. tutor students.

Do you have a knack for understanding Shakespeare, or do you love the Pythagorean theorem? Even if you aren't a professional teacher, you may have the patience and knowledge needed to help students with homework and test preparation. Tutoring is very flexible; you just have to be available to meet with your students when it works for them. With most students requiring help in the evenings and on weekends, this is a very part-time way to make some extra money.

8. Buy and sell vintage items

Glassware, 90s Levi's jeans, handmade blankets — these are all items shoppers are willing to pay big money for and that can be sold online. Etsy, for example, accepts listings of vintage items older than 2005, and you can often find out what buyers are willing to pay by looking at what’s already sold.

Even if you don't think something is valuable, it probably has a special memory for someone. Buying these rare old items at garage sales or flea markets and then "flipping" them for a profit has become a very popular side hustle.

9. Become a mystery shopper

Mystery shopping or getting paid to buy things from a business and write a report on your experience, has traditionally been done in person. With more stores going to an e-commerce model, however, it's possible to do this job completely online.

Just be careful of scams, and don’t pay anyone to get access to mystery shopping jobs. These are made available for free from companies who pay you (and not the other way around). The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) maintains a list of reputable companies for anyone interested in getting started.

10. Do voice-over work

While we often think of voices being done for cartoons and animated films, voice talent is needed for commercials, audiobook recordings and even voice-activated menus for phone answering services.

To get started, you’ll need some basic equipment and a quiet place to record. You’ll also want to make a portfolio with samples of work you could be doing. Then, you can apply for jobs on sites like Upwork, which connect freelance voice-over artists to hiring companies.

11. Sell your art

Most people are familiar with the phrase “starving artist,” but this term was coined before the internet. Now, illustrators, photographers and fabric art designers have many ways to promote and sell their work. They can open a store on Etsy or create their own e-commerce shop through Shopify.

There are two ways to make money with art: creating work to sell and taking commissions. With the second choice, customers come to you and ask that you make art from their ideas. It can be a profitable way to bring a customer’s vision to life, and it’s also a good way to encourage repeat business.

12. Make custom merchandise

Do you have a clever saying for a t-shirt, mug or bumper sticker? Now, you don't have to know how to print the saying on these items, but you can have a print-on-demand shop do it for you. This business model is great for those with a creative spark but no interest in producing or shipping items.

Just upload your designs to a print-on-demand shop and have the finished result sent directly to your customer. The shop takes a commission for their work, but you get to own the designs and sell them over and over again.

13. Teach courses

If you've been successful in marketing, speaking Chinese or explaining how the Keto diet works, you could show others how to do these things successfully, too. In fact, course creation is a great way to earn money online because there are so many things you can talk about!

Whether you choose to record your courses ahead of time or teach them live is up to you. Just be prepared to make new content regularly to keep your students coming back for more and to help you earn over time.

14. Translate other languages

Translators are still in demand, despite there being many digital apps automating translation services In fact, some professions require real-time human translation to ensure their jobs are done right.

Assisting doctors to speak with patients or translating a legal document are both situations where a live translator is best. If you can provide these services over a Zoom call or the phone, you could earn a nice income and help others, too!

15. Test apps and software

There are few things more frustrating than a buggy app or game, and that’s why product developers need testers to make sure things are right before they launch. Product testing usually falls into two categories: professional quality assurance (QA) testers, who look for more technical issues and regular beta testers, who try out games or apps as a regular consumer would.

Both can be paid nicely for their time and feedback, which means more money for you and a better product for everyone.

16. Manage social media channels

Twitter (now X), Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn — the list goes on and on. With so many social media channels, it can be an overwhelming task for businesses to market effectively. That’s why social media managers are sought out by organizations, both big and small.

If you understand what makes a Reel share worthy or have a knack for making funny TikToks, you could earn cash using this talent to help others.

17. Do graphic design

Since most companies use dozens of graphics for their advertising and products, graphic designers continue to be in high demand. So, just what do these professionals do? Logos, website images and book covers are just a few of the products graphic designers make for money.

You can get started with low-cost software, such as Canva, but some professionals prefer high-end creative suites offered by Adobe. Whatever you decide to use, be sure to charge enough for your work to pay for the cost of your tools.

18. Run an eBay store

eBay is as close to an online garage sale as one can get, and the variety of items that sell there every day is quite amazing! That means you, too, can make some cash by selling your old stuff and reselling stuff you buy from others. Whether you focus on car parts, used books or clothing, there are two ways to earn money on eBay:

• Auctions, which end after a set time and depend on active bids to get the best price.
• Fixed listings, which act like store inventory and can be priced as you wish.

Different items will sell better in different ways, so research past sales before you list your items.

19. Provide computer and tech support

If your aunt or neighbor often calls you to ask about an email glitch or how to remove a virus, you could be well on your way to starting a tech support business. A good number of these tasks can be done remotely and walking people through their computer or smartphone problems can end up being very profitable. To ensure you have the right answers for your customers, read up on the latest technology and try out software solutions for yourself.

20. Make and sell video game assets

It takes many years and a lot of money to make a great video game. Have you ever thought about how the items in the games come to be? Some of them are purchased premade, such as a gun in a first-person shooter game or a car in a racing title. These premade assets get made and sold in the digital marketplace at a set price and come ready to drop into the video game design. It saves game developers time when they don’t have to make these assets from scratch. If you have the talent to create these assets, you could make money designing the parts of a game and selling them to others.

The AP Buyline roundup: Consider the implications of making money online

Whatever idea you end up pursuing, remember that working from home comes with some financial responsibilities. You'll need to track what you spend and what you earn so you can accurately file taxes at the end of the year.

Even making money online as a teenager requires reporting your earnings to the IRS; enlist the help of a financial professional if you’re unsure how the tax laws apply to you.

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RIP Metaverse

An obituary for the latest fad to join the tech graveyard

The Metaverse , the once-buzzy technology that promised to allow users to hang out awkwardly in a disorientating video-game-like world, has died after being abandoned by the business world. It was three years old.

The capital-M Metaverse, a descendant of the 1982 movie "Tron" and the 2003 video game "Second Life," was born in 2021 when Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed the name of his trillion-dollar company to Meta. After a much-heralded debut, the Metaverse became the obsession of the tech world and a quick hack to win over Wall Street investors. The hype could not save the Metaverse, however, and a lack of coherent vision for the product ultimately led to its decline. Once the tech industry turned to a new, more promising trend — generative AI — the fate of the Metaverse was sealed.

The Metaverse is now headed to the tech industry's graveyard of failed ideas. But the short life and ignominious death of the Metaverse offers a glaring indictment of the tech industry that birthed it.

Grand promise

From the moment of its delivery, Zuckerberg claimed that the Metaverse would be the future of the internet. The glitzy, spurious promotional video that accompanied Zuckerberg's name-change announcement described a future where we'd be able to interact seamlessly in virtual worlds: Users would "make eye contact" and "feel like you're right in the room together." The Metaverse offered people the chance to engage in an "immersive" experience, he claimed.

These grandiose promises heaped sky-high expectations on the Metaverse. The media swooned over the newborn concept: The Verge published a nearly 5,000-word-long interview with Zuckerberg immediately following the announcement — in which the writer called it "an expansive, immersive vision of the internet." Glowing profiles of the Metaverse seemed to set it on a laudatory path, but the actual technology failed to deliver on this promise throughout its short life. A wonky virtual-reality interview with the CBS host Gayle King , where low-quality cartoon avatars of both King and Zuckerberg awkwardly motioned to each other, was a stark contrast to the futuristic vistas shown in Meta's splashy introductory video .

The Metaverse also suffered from an acute identity crisis. A functional business proposition requires a few things to thrive and grow: a clear use case, a target audience, and the willingness of customers to adopt the product. Zuckerberg waxed poetic about the Metaverse as "a vision that spans many companies'' and "the successor to the mobile internet," but he failed to articulate the basic business problems that the Metaverse would address. The concept of virtual worlds where users interact with each other using digital avatars is an old one, going back as far as the late 1990s with massively multiplayer online role-player games, such as "Meridian 59," "Ultima Online," and "EverQuest." And while the Metaverse supposedly built on these ideas with new technology, Zuckerberg's one actual product — the VR platform Horizon Worlds, which required the use of an incredibly clunky Oculus headset — failed to suggest anything approaching a road map or a genuine vision. In spite of the Metaverse's arrested conceptual development, a pliant press published statements about the future of the technology that were somewhere between unrealistic and outright irresponsible . The CNBC host Jim Cramer nodded approvingly when Zuckerberg claimed that 1 billion people would use the Metaverse and spend hundreds of dollars there, despite the Meta CEO's inability to say what people would receive in exchange for their cash or why anyone would want to strap a clunky headset to their face to attend a low-quality, cartoon concert.

A high-flying life

The inability to define the Metaverse in any meaningful way didn't get in the way of its ascension to the top of the business world. In the months following the Meta announcement, it seemed that every company had a Metaverse product on offer, despite it not being obvious what it was or why they should.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella would say at the company's 2021 Ignite Conference that he couldn't "overstate how much of a breakthrough " the Metaverse was for his company, the industry, and the world. Roblox, an online game platform that has existed since 2004, rode the Metaverse hype wave to an initial public offering and a $41 billion valuation. Of course, the cryptocurrency industry took the ball and ran with it: The people behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT company conned the press into believing that uploading someone's digital monkey pictures into VR would be the key to "master the Metaverse." Other crypto pumpers even successfully convinced people that digital land in the Metaverse would be the next frontier of real-estate investment . Even businesses that seemed to have little to do with tech jumped on board. Walmart joined the Metaverse. Disney joined the Metaverse.

Companies' rush to get into the game led Wall Street investors, consultants, and analysts to try to one up each other's projections for the Metaverse's growth. The consulting firm Gartner claimed that 25% of people would spend at least one hour a day in the Metaverse by 2026. The Wall Street Journal said the Metaverse would change the way we work forever . The global consulting firm McKinsey predicted that the Metaverse could generate up to "$5 trillion in value," adding that around 95% of business leaders expected the Metaverse to "positively impact their industry" within five to 10 years. Not to be outdone, Citi put out a massive report that declared the Metaverse would be a $13 trillion opportunity .

A brutal downfall

In spite of all this hype, the Metaverse did not lead a healthy life. Every single business idea or rosy market projection was built on the vague promises of a single CEO. And when people were actually offered the opportunity to try it out, nobody actually used the Metaverse.

Decentraland, the most well-funded, decentralized, crypto-based Metaverse product (effectively a wonky online world you can "walk" around), only had around 38 daily active users in its "$1.3 billion ecosystem." Decentraland would dispute this number, claiming that it had 8,000 daily active users — but that's still only a fraction of the number of people playing large online games like "Fortnite." Meta's much-heralded efforts similarly struggled: By October 2022, Mashable reported that Horizon Worlds had less than 200,000 monthly active users — dramatically short of the 500,000 target Meta had set for the end of 2022. The Wall Street Journal reported that only about 9% of user-created worlds were visited by more than 50 players , and The Verge said that it was so buggy that even Meta employees eschewed it . Despite the might of a then-trillion-dollar company, Meta could not convince people to use the product it had staked its future on. 

The Metaverse fell seriously ill as the economy slowed and the hype around generative AI grew. Microsoft shuttered its virtual-workspace platform AltSpaceVR in January 2023, laid off the 100 members of its "industrial metaverse team ," and made a series of cuts to its HoloLens team . Disney shuttered its Metaverse division in March, and Walmart followed suit by ending its Roblox-based Metaverse projects. The billions of dollars invested and the breathless hype around a half-baked concept led to thousands — if not tens of thousands — of people losing their jobs .

But the Metaverse was officially pulled off life support when it became clear that Zuckerberg and the company that launched the craze had moved on to greener financial pastures. Zuckerberg declared in a March update that Meta's "single largest investment is advancing AI and building it into every one of our products." Meta's chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth, told CNBC in April that he, along with Mark Zuckerberg and the company's chief product officer, Chris Cox, were now spending most of their time on AI. The company has even stopped pitching the Metaverse to advertisers , despite spending more than $100 billion in research and development on its mission to be "Metaverse first." While Zuckerberg may suggest that developing games for the Quest headsets is some sort of investment, the writing is on the wall: Meta is done with the Metaverse.

Did anyone learn their lesson?

While the idea of virtual worlds or collective online experiences may live on in some form, the Capital-M Metaverse is dead. It was preceded in death by a long line of tech fads like Web3 and Google Glass. It is survived by newfangled ideas like the aforementioned generative AI and the self-driving car. Despite this long lineage of disappointment, let's be clear: The death of the Metaverse should be remembered as arguably one of the most historic failures in tech history.

I do not believe that Mark Zuckerberg ever had any real interest in "the Metaverse," because he never seemed to define it beyond a slightly tweaked Facebook with avatars and cumbersome hardware. It was the means to an increased share price, rather than any real vision for the future of human interaction. And Zuckerberg used his outsize wealth and power to get the whole of the tech industry and a good portion of the American business world into line behind this half-baked idea. 

The fact that Mark Zuckerberg has clearly stepped away from the Metaverse is a damning indictment of everyone who followed him, and anyone who still considers him a visionary tech leader. It should also be the cause for some serious reflection among the venture-capital community, which recklessly followed Zuckerberg into blowing billions of dollars on a hype cycle founded on the flimsiest possible press-release language. In a just world, Mark Zuckerberg should be fired as CEO of Meta (in the real world, this is actually impossible ). 

Zuckerberg misled everyone, burned tens of billions of dollars, convinced an industry of followers to submit to his quixotic obsession, and then killed it the second that another idea started to interest Wall Street. There is no reason that a man who has overseen the layoffs of tens of thousands of people should run a major company. There is no future for Meta with Mark Zuckerberg at the helm: It will stagnate, and then it will die and follow the Metaverse into the proverbial grave.

Ed Zitron  is the CEO of  EZPR , a national tech and business public-relations agency. He is also the author of the tech and culture newsletter  Where's Your Ed At .

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