How to make money writing online (without being an expert)

Writing online can be a great way to make money from home, especially if you're passionate about writing or want to find a source of extra income. Despite what many might think, you don't need to be an experienced writer or have a degree in literature to get started. With a dose of dedication and some proper strategies, anyone can start making money writing online. In this article, we'll explore different ways to do it and give you useful resources to get started.

1. Freelance Platforms

One of the most popular ways to make money writing online is through freelance platforms. These are websites where companies or individuals post writing jobs and you can apply for them. Some of the most popular platforms include:

• Upwork – This is one of the largest and most popular freelance platforms. You can create a profile, showcase your skills, and apply for writing jobs ranging from article writing to blog content creation, digital marketing, or even technical writing. The great thing about Upwork is that you can choose from a wide variety of jobs depending on your level of experience.
  
  
• Fiverr : On Fiverr, freelancers offer “gigs” (service offerings) for prices starting at $5. While Fiverr is known for being affordable, it also allows for more specialized services to be offered at higher prices. Many novice writers start here, offering basic writing, proofreading, or SEO writing services.
  
  
• Freelancer.com – Similar to Upwork, Freelancer allows freelancers to apply for writing projects. You can also find a wide variety of jobs on this platform, from general content writing to translation and technical writing.
  
  

2. Writing for Blogs and Websites

If you prefer writing full-length articles or blog posts, many businesses and entrepreneurs are looking for quality content to improve their online presence. You can start by writing for established blogs that accept outside contributors. Some websites pay for blog posts on a variety of topics, such as technology, health, personal finance, lifestyle, and more.

• ProBlogger – ProBlogger is a well-known platform where bloggers post writing jobs. Most jobs require some experience, but you can also find some opportunities for newbies.
  
  
• BloggingPro – Like ProBlogger, BloggingPro offers jobs for blog content writers. Many of the jobs are geared toward topics like marketing, technology, and finance.
  
  
• ContentMart : Although primarily geared towards the Indian market, ContentMart is a great platform for beginners. You can find jobs writing articles or creating content for websites.
  
  

3. SEO writing (Search Engine Optimization)

Digital marketing is booming, and SEO writing has become one of the most in-demand skills. This technique involves writing content that is optimized for search engines, which helps websites appear on the top results of Google.

You don't need to be an expert to start writing SEO content. However, it is helpful to understand some basic concepts, such as keyword usage, article structure, and how to write compelling titles. You can learn these fundamentals through free online tutorials, such as on platforms like HubSpot Academy or Neil Patel.

To get started as an SEO writer, you can either search for jobs on the platforms mentioned above or look for clients directly. Many companies are willing to pay for optimized content that will help them increase their web traffic.

4. Write Product Reviews

Another interesting way to make money writing online is through writing product reviews. There are websites where you can sign up to receive products in exchange for writing honest reviews about them. Some sites pay for these reviews, while others offer free products.

• Swagbucks : While Swagbucks is best known for offering rewards for taking surveys, it also has a task section where you can write reviews about products. In return, you'll receive points that you can redeem for cash or gift cards.
  
  
• InboxDollars – Similar to Swagbucks, InboxDollars offers payments for doing various activities, including writing reviews. While the payouts may not be huge, it’s a good way to make some extra money from home.
  
  

5. Sell Ebooks and Guides

If you have knowledge in a specific area or are passionate about a particular topic, you can write and sell your own ebooks or guides. This can be a great way to make passive income, as once the ebook is written and published, you can continue to generate income from sales without having to do much else.

You can sell your ebooks on platforms such as:

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) : Amazon KDP allows authors to self-publish and sell their e-books through the Kindle store. The publishing process is relatively straightforward, and you can earn up to 70% royalties on each book sold.
  
  
• Smashwords : This is a platform similar to KDP, but offers the option to distribute your books across multiple sites, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
  
  

6. Writing for Magazines and Digital Publications

Online magazines and publications are also a great place for writers to make money. Many online magazines accept articles submitted by freelance writers. Topics range from art, culture, technology, to fashion and politics.

• The Penny Hoarder : This is an online magazine focused on financial and savings topics. While it's difficult to get into as a new writer, if you have a good idea and a solid pitch, you might be accepted.
  
  
• Matador Network : This is a website that publishes articles related to travel, culture, and lifestyle. It accepts articles submitted by freelance writers, and is a good choice if you are passionate about these topics.
  
  

7. Create your own blog

Finally, if you prefer to have full control over your earnings and topics, you can start your own blog. While creating a blog takes some time and effort to generate traffic and monetize, it is a great way to make money passively in the long run.

To monetize a blog, you can use several strategies, such as:

• Advertising : Once your blog has a significant audience, you can make money from advertising (for example, through Google AdSense).
  
  
• Affiliate Marketing : You can earn commissions by promoting other people's products or services through affiliate links.
  
  
• Product Sales : If you have a product or service to offer, you can use your blog as a platform to sell it.
  
  

Conclusion

Making money writing online is a real possibility for anyone, even if you're not an expert. Through freelance platforms, blog writing, SEO content, product reviews, and more, you can generate income while improving your writing skills. It's not just about being an experienced writer, but about being proactive, constantly learning, and looking for opportunities that align with your interests. If you're persistent, you'll soon be able to build a solid and stable source of income.

Remember that success doesn't come overnight. Practice and patience are essential, but over time, writing online can become a lucrative source of money.