When it comes to making extra cash, the internet has a lot to offer its users. Online auction sites provide members with a place to peddle goods and services and social media networks like Twitter and Facebook make it possible to self-promote with ease. Those individuals with a knack for the written word can find legitimate, paid work-at-home opportunities online. In fact, those writers wanting to gain exposure and line their pockets with cold hard cash may find the following five websites useful:
- Demand Studios. Write instructional articles on a variety of topics including: Animals, Arts and Entertainment, Computers, Health and Fitness, Home and Gardening, Sports and Recreation, and Travel. Paychecks are disbursed twice weekly to your PayPal account and top paying articles are worth $15 a piece. You can also select revenue share articles which earn significantly more over the course of a year and pay out once monthly.
- Textbroker. Anyone can write for Textbroker. Search through their database of available topics and choose the one that best fits your interests and knowledge level. Write the article, submit it, and elect a payout once your account has reached $10. Payments occur bi-weekly and are sent to the PayPal account address registered on the site.
- Quality Gal. Article topics are specific and require knowledge of hypertex, or linking back to educational and governmental websites. Due to the amount of work involved, Quality Gal pays up to $12 for each article that is approved. Once weekly, writers submit an invoice and QG submits payment via PayPal.
- Content Current. Topics usually involve knowledge of Search Engine Optimization and require a specific word count. Significantly lower in payment than other websites, Content Current offers writers routine work and the chance to participate in Forum Boosting. Payments are received weekly through the writer’s PayPal account.
- EDUBook. Unlike other websites, article topics are pre-assigned. Each member receives four to five articles at a time. Once that batch is completed, he or she can request additional assignments. Pay is $5 an article or $25 a batch and compensation is received electronically through PayPal once a week.
Aspiring writers needn’t go broke pursuing their literary dreams. While companies like Demand Studios and Textbroker exist, they do not offer the big payout that feature writers are accustomed to. They can, however, pay for groceries or generate enough extra money for a rainy day. Whether you are looking for an additional source of income or researching opportunities to leave the rat race altogether, becoming an independent contractor and working for the aforementioned companies is a wise move in any economy.
Keep in mind that as you become a more established freelance writer you may find many writing opportunities by marketing your services directly on many of the blogging job boards or sites like Elance. But in order market your services you really need to have a solid portfolio of work to show prospective clients, so using the sites listed above are a great way to begin building your online writing portfolio.
Charissa Arsaoui is a freelance writer for ChickSpeak, Buzzine, DisFUNKshion Magazine, Student Stuff, and a guest contributor for Wisebread. She loves thrift related topics and can spot a bargain a mile away.
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
