Ways to Make the Most of Content Writing

Books/Literature/Writing - Writing - Freelance

By: meganc 03-Jul-2011

Introduction:

Assuming that you do not have private clients and you need a solid income you can always turn to content writing for companies. These companies are also known as "content mills." They can be well worth the time if you know how to monetize them and make the most of your content writing.

Figure Out What You Need.

The first step to making content writing work for you is to figure out what you need financially. Here's an example. If you get paid $10 per article and you need $400 for that week then logically you need to do 40 articles. If you can only work four days that week, then you need to complete an average of 10 articles a day. Now that you know what you need you can go in and check for articles, pick them up until you reach your goal, and make sure that your goal is met before the deadline for approval and payroll.

Apply to the Right Places.

If you know that you can only do one article per hour, then applying somewhere that only pays $4 per article is not going to help you at all! Look for the content sites that pay what you need and start there. If you are new, then work yourself up to at least two articles an hour. Once you reach that goal you can apply at lower paying sites. Keep in mind that just because a site pays less that does not mean you actually make less overall. Personally, I can write three articles an hour on average (400+ words on topics I know about or can easily research). At $4 per article, which is my lowest paying gig, I still clear $12 an hour. Not bad considering that I can clear $100 a day in a normal workday and only work four days a week. Yep $400 from a $4 per article job. It's low, but it works.

Follow Directions. No More. No Less!

When you apply for a job do not give them what they do not want. If they say send one writing sample, then send ONE writing sample not two or three. If they don't ask for a resume don't send one. If they say attach the writing sample, then attach it. Do what they say and follow the directions completely. Many times the instructions for the application process are a test for new writers. If you can't be bothered to follow simple instructions at the beginning, then they can't be bothered to hire you. It shows a lack of respect, attention to detail and that you are not serious about the job. Just give them what they want, how they want it and when they say to do it.

Budget Time Properly.

This is a big one. If you know that you only have two hours a day four days a week and you can write two articles per hour then it makes sense to only pick up 16 articles for the week. Don't pick up 40+ articles when you can only handle 16! Budget the time, figure out when you can work then budget that time properly to meet the goals.

K.I.S.S. Every Project.

I had an instructor that used to say "Kiss It." This meant "keep it simple stupid." That's the best piece of advice I can give you when it comes to content writing. If you want it to pass the editors, reach approval status and get paid for your time, then KISS every project. Treat articles for content mills as if you are teaching a four year old. Leave in the simplest of details no matter how stupid it may seem. It does pay off in the end. Another part of Kissing every project is staying on point. Keep it simple, to the word count and informative.

Give this list a high five!

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dashboardc33 1/18/2012
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Great list!
pamperedpen 7/3/2011
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Excellent list on ways to make the most of content writing. Thanks for the information. H5