Making a Living as a Web Writer
by: Brandi Rhoades
Getting your start in web writing is not a difficult process. The first step is getting together samples of your work. If you have published samples, then get them out. You also can write your own samples that have not been published. You just have to be honest with potential clients if they ask.
Next you should find a place to begin submitting your work. If you are willing to write for low pay – and plenty of writers are when they start out – then you may want to consider signing up for Associated Content. You write an article and submit it. They read it and decline it or make an offer. The process is simple.
Another place you can try is Constant Content. It works a bit differently. You register and submit articles. Someone reads and accepts or rejects them. You set the price you want to charge for the article, and buyers can purchase the article through the site. Although plenty of the articles there are low-paying, a number of articles sell for $100 or more.
Once you have gained one or two credits through these places, try out Rent A Coder. It’s the best place to begin to get a feel for the client side of web writing. You will be able to bid and write up a proposal for various projects. The buyer will select someone and pay Rent A Coder the agreed-upon fee (that you set) for the project. You can communicate with the buyer throughout the entire process, and you will be paid once the work is completed.
While you can continue writing for Associated Content and Rent A Coder, you should begin to search out new jobs before you begin to rely on one source. The first rule of writing is to diversify. If you’re depending on one client or source, then you’re in serious trouble if they disappear. Begin searching free job boards at places like Writer’s Row so that you can start applying for jobs. Streamline the process by writing up a standard introductory letter that you simply tailor to each ad and put together your resume.
People serious about web content writing should have their own website as their eventual goal. As soon as you’ve had five writing projects for websites, it’s time to put together a site. You can include your rates or ask people to email you with project details. Include your bio and links to your work. Also include any special experience or areas of expertise that you have.
By following this simple plan, you will be positioning yourself to begin to make a living as a web writer.
About The Author
Brandi Rhoades is a freelance writer living and working in Kentucky with her husband and son. She is the owner of The WAHP (
www.the-wahp.com) for work at home parents and Pure Awakenings (
www.pureawakenings.com) where you can find her works for sale, including the booklet The Basics of Web Writing.
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