When I first encountered ads claiming it’s “easy” to start earning money by writing articles. Honestly, you should be too. Earning a steady income from writing isn’t a walk in the park—especially when you’re just getting started.
However, things have changed. Writers now have more opportunities than ever before. Here are a few reasons why making money from writing is easier than in the past:
- There are countless platforms to explore and pitch your work.
- The competition might not be as fierce as you think, since many low-quality writers are simply looking for quick cash.
In this article, I’ll outline how I generate income from article writing. Specifically, I focus on three key income streams:
- Freelance Clients and Agencies: I write for ghostwriting and SEO-based content.
- Content Platforms: Sites like Scripted, Textbroker, etc.
- Personal Blogs: Medium.
Additionally, I’ll offer advice on building a freelance portfolio, pitching clients, common mistakes to avoid, and how to scale your article-writing efforts to support a full-time income.
Step 1: Start Posting Articles Online
To begin earning money through writing, you need to get your content out there. Don’t overthink things—just write, and hit publish.
Many beginners fall into the trap of endlessly preparing before they even start. They spend too much time obsessing over choosing a profitable niche, accumulating a large batch of articles, or perfecting their social media presence. But that’s just procrastination.
Here’s the simple strategy:
- Write something.
- Publish it.
Doing this will serve three purposes:
- It helps you develop a consistent writing routine.
- It improves your skills over time.
- It starts building your portfolio.
My advice? Write one blog post per week. This manageable goal will allow you to build a decent portfolio without burning out in the early stages.
Where to Post Articles?
You have two main options: a personal blog or platforms like Medium, Vocal, or Newsbreak.
If you’re just starting out, I recommend Medium. It’s a great platform because:
- It’s free, with no hosting fees or domain costs.
- It offers a sleek and user-friendly interface.
- Medium has an established audience, meaning you don’t have to worry about SEO to get views.
- You can earn money from the Partner Program if you write for paying members.
If you already have some writing experience, consider creating your own blog using platforms like Squarespace (or alternatives). Owning a blog gives you more control and flexibility over monetization options—like ads, subscription fees, or selling your own products.
The key: start posting. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll get feedback, improve your writing, and expand your portfolio.
Step 2: Find Your Niche
Once you’ve posted several articles and built a foundation, it’s time to think about niching down. Every successful freelance writer has a niche. It does several things:
- Helps you focus on your expertise.
- Makes you more appealing to potential clients.
- Establishes your credibility in your field.
- Allows you to charge higher rates for specialized work.
When choosing a niche, consider a subject that you genuinely enjoy writing about but that also has a market willing to pay for content. A perfect example is writer Rachel Presser, who’s passionate about reptiles and has built a career writing for reptile-related publications.
Some topics, like lifestyle or travel, are oversaturated and can be difficult to break into for beginners. It’s better to avoid these if you’re just starting out.
Remember, your niche doesn’t have to be a specific topic—it can also be a style or method of writing. For instance, my niche revolves around writing complex technical subjects in an easy-to-understand, engaging manner for non-experts.
Step 3: Build a Portfolio Focused on Your Niche
Now that you have a niche, it’s time to craft a portfolio centered around that focus. Follow the Ideal Client Hypothetical method:
- Search for a company in your niche on LinkedIn.
- Visit their blog to identify content gaps.
- Write an article that fills those gaps.
This process will:
- Give you a piece of content directly aligned with your niche.
- Help you practice writing in your chosen area.
- Create a high-quality sample that you can showcase to potential clients.
Aim to have at least three articles in your portfolio. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or Carrd to build your portfolio for free.
Step 4: Use Content Mills to Get Started
Although content mills often get a bad reputation, they can be a great starting point for new writers. Here’s why:
- They help you hone your writing skills.
- They provide a real-world understanding that writing is a paid job.
- They contribute content to your portfolio.
Sites like Textbroker, Scripted, and Popsugar Voices offer opportunities for new writers. While you won’t make top-dollar immediately, you will gain experience and start earning.
These platforms are also a good stepping stone to landing bigger freelance writing gigs later on.
Step 5: Grow Your Audience
At this point, you have experience writing, a niche, a portfolio, and some work from content mills. Now, it’s time to expand your reach.
Your next goal should be to grow an audience—whether through clients or readers willing to pay you for your work. Here’s how to do that:
- SEO: Understanding search engine optimization will allow your articles to rank higher in Google, attracting both readers and clients.
- Thought Leadership: Share valuable insights related to your niche on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. By establishing yourself as an expert, you’ll attract potential clients and followers.
- Guest Posts: Consider guest posting on other blogs within your niche to tap into new audiences.
Once your content gains visibility, clients will start to reach out to you. Additionally, you can monetize your articles through ads, affiliate marketing, or building an email list.
Step 6: Optimize for Earnings
By this stage, you’ve gained experience and built your reputation. It’s time to focus on turning your writing into a consistent income.
Here’s how:
- Target Clients: Focus on finding high-quality clients. Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn are all potential places to start, but cold pitching and niche-specific job boards (like Qwoted) can also yield great results.
- Optimize Your Content: If you’re writing for your blog, consider monetizing through SEO (to attract traffic), affiliate marketing, or sponsorships.
With your own website and audience, you can continue earning money from your articles long after they’re written.
Final Thoughts
Making a living from writing articles is challenging, but with determination, you can build a sustainable income. The key is:
- Write about something you’re passionate about.
- Share your work online.
- Stay consistent and improve your skills over time.
Before you know it, you’ll have both clients and an audience paying for your expertise. Best of luck on your writing journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get paid to write articles?
Yes! Start by getting clients or growing your audience through online content.
What websites pay you to write?
Platforms like Scripted, Textbroker, and Medium are great places for beginners.
How do I make money with content writing?
Develop a niche and build your reputation by posting regularly online.
Can I make $30+ per article on freelance writing sites?
Yes, some platforms like Pop sugar and Scripted offer $30+/article, but it’s important to treat these as portfolio-building opportunities before seeking higher-paying clients.
