Summary
This blog post explores various legitimate ways to earn money online through writing. It highlights trusted platforms, writing opportunities, and helpful tips for beginners and experienced writers. Whether you’re interested in freelance gigs, blogging, or content creation, this guide provides all you need to start making money with your writing skills.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really write and earn money online?” — the answer is a big YES.
In today’s digital world, writing isn’t just a passion project—it’s a legitimate way to make a living. Whether you want to write articles, start a blog, publish a book, or even write subtitles for YouTube videos, there are endless opportunities to turn your words into income.
This complete beginner’s guide will walk you through:
- How to get started with zero experience
- Where to post your first articles
- How to choose a niche and build a powerful portfolio
- Where to find writing gigs (including 20 sites that pay $70+ per post)
- Smart ways to grow your audience and increase your earnings
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to take your first steps as a paid writer—and start making money doing what you love.
Let’s get started! 🚀
Let’s discuss the secrets of writing and earning money, whether you want to write a blog and earn money, write a book and make money, or even write subtitles for YouTube and make money.
Step 1: Start Posting Articles Online
Before you learn the skill of writing income, the first step is to start writing and sharing your work. Visibility is key. The more you write, the more you improve, and the more chances you have to get noticed.
Where Should You Post Articles?
Several platforms welcome new writers and allow you to build your presence.
1. Medium
Medium is a great starting point for new writers. It has a built-in audience, and once you join the Partner Program, you can make money based on reader engagement.
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an excellent venue for article publishing in addition to a job search tool. LinkedIn’s thoughtful material can result in full-time writing jobs or freelancing work.
3. Your Own Blog
Starting a blog is a long-term investment. While it doesn’t bring in instant cash, a blog gives you complete control over your content and monetisation options like ads, affiliate links, and sponsored posts.
4. Vocal.Media
Vocal.Media allows writers to publish articles and earn based on reads. They also run writing challenges with cash prizes.
Step 2: Get a Niche
Generalists may have broader topics to explore, but writers with a specific niche often earn more and build stronger authority. Think of a niche as your “writing specialty.” This could be anything from travel, tech, parenting, or personal finance.
Choosing a niche helps:
- Attract a targeted audience
- Land better-paying writing gigs
- Establish your authority faster.
If you’re unsure what niche to choose, start wide, explore, and pay attention to what responds well and what you most love in writing.
Step 3: Create a Niched Portfolio
You must create a portfolio after a few pieces in your selected field. A solid portfolio shows new clients your capabilities and why they should hire you.
Tips on creating an outstanding portfolio:
- Include 3-5 of your best articles
- Make sure each piece reflects your niche.
- Showcase writing for different formats (blog post, article, how-to, listicle, etc.)
- Use a clean, simple format—Google Docs, Contently, or a personal website work great.
Step 4: Join Content Mills
While content mills often have a reputation for lower pay, they are helpful for beginners trying to gain experience, build confidence, and get consistent writing work.
Popular content mills include:
- Textbroker
- iWriter
- Verblio
- WriterAccess
Use these platforms to improve your skills, meet deadlines, and learn to follow client briefs—all essential for a successful freelance writing career.
Step 5: Grow Your Audience
As your writing improves, you’ll want to attract more readers, followers, and potential clients. Growing your audience increases your influence and income potential.
To grow your audience significantly, you must do SEO and share your work on social media platforms.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for writers, especially bloggers and content marketers. Learn basic SEO principles like keyword research, headline optimisation, and internal linking.
When your articles are SEO-friendly, they rank higher on Google, which brings in more organic traffic and can lead to passive income from ad revenue, affiliate links, or products.
Thought Leadership
Don’t just write—contribute ideas, provoke thoughts, and start conversations. Position yourself as a thought leader in your niche by:
- Sharing your work regularly
- Posting on social platforms
- Engaging with other writers and readers
- Creating helpful guides or tutorials
The more you appear as an expert, the more likely you are to attract high-paying writing opportunities.
Step 6: Optimize for Earning Money
Once you have a steady stream of content and an audience, it’s time to maximise your earnings.
Target Clients
Start pitching to businesses, startups, publications, and blogs that need content in your niche. Craft personalised, professional pitches that show you understand their audience and can deliver value.
Use platforms like:
- Upwork
- Guru
- PeoplePerHour
- ProBlogger Job Board
Optimise Your Personal Blog Content
If you have a blog, here’s how to turn it into a money-making machine:
- Add affiliate links to products or services you genuinely recommend.
- Place ads through Google AdSense or Ezoic.
- Offer digital products like eBooks, templates, or courses.
- Email newsletters with monetised content.
Get Paid to Write Articles: 20 Sites That Pay $70+ Per Post
If you’re serious about making money from writing, pitching to websites that pay well for content is a game-changer. Below is a list of 20 high-paying websites that accept freelance contributions and pay $70 or more per article.
Get Paid to Write Articles: 20 Legit Sites That Pay Writers
These 20 sites are just the beginning…
These platforms span different niches—from personal finance to tech, travel to lifestyle—so you can find something that aligns with your interests and expertise.
1. Longreads
Longreads is known for its deep, emotionally rich storytelling and investigative journalism. Writers can explore personal essays, reported features, and long-form nonfiction. Their editorial team values compelling narratives with strong literary voices.
💡 Pitch Tip: Submit unique personal stories or research-backed features with a strong emotional hook.
💸 The Pay:
$250–$1,500+ depending on word count and topic.
2. The Drift Mag
The Drift is a bold, intellectual magazine that publishes political, cultural, and critical essays. They favor sharp, original takes that challenge mainstream perspectives. Ideal for opinionated writers with a strong academic or cultural voice.
💡 Pitch Tip: Submit a strong, concise pitch that touches on timely issues.
💸 The Pay:
Typically around $500 per article.
3. Listverse
Listverse is a quirky, list-based platform accepting weird facts, trivia, and unusual knowledge.
Writers don’t need professional credentials, just strong English skills and creativity.
Articles must have at least 10 entries and be fun, factual, and unique. This site specialises in list-style articles with quirky or surprising topics—think “10 Crazy Historical Facts” or “10 Mysterious Places You’ve Never Heard Of.” No prior experience needed.
💡 Pitch Tip: Make your list unique and attention-grabbing. Use clear subheadings.
💸 The Pay:
$100 per accepted list.
4. OpenNews / Source
Open News is focused on developers, coders, and data journalists working in media innovation.
Topics range from newsroom tools to open-source projects and tech case studies. Writers should be familiar with both journalism and programming.
💡 Pitch Tip: Submit how-tos, tool reviews, or actual case studies in news development.
💸 The Pay:
$200–$500 per article.
5. Sport Fishing Magazine
Sport Fishing is ideal for writers passionate about angling, boating, and outdoor recreation. It accepts travel stories, expert how-tos, gear reviews, and conservation pieces. Writers should have hands-on experience or firsthand stories to share.
💡 Pitch Tip: Know the fishing world—offer something valuable or unique to hobbyists.
💸 The Pay:
$300–$500 depending on length, research, and expertise.
6. Tutorial Board
Tutorial Board is a go-to place for designers and tech pros to share tutorials on WordPress, graphic design, or programming. They love actionable content that includes screenshots or examples. Technical clarity and visual guidance are essential.
💡 Pitch Tip: Submit complete tutorials with screenshots, code snippets, or design examples.
💸 The Pay:
$150–$300 per tutorial.
7. Narratively
Story-wise, they point out underreported, character-driven human interest stories worldwide. They value original viewpoints, intense emotions, and storytelling techniques. Writers with personal stories or feature ideas are welcome.
💡 Pitch Tip: Submit emotional, first-person narratives or in-depth profiles of intriguing people.
💸 The Pay:
It starts at $300, with the potential for $1,000+ for longform stories.
8. PTO Today
PTO Today supports school-based parent groups with content like event ideas, educational guides, and leadership tips.
Writers with parenting, education, or community experience do well here. They’re looking for friendly, informative, and practical content.
💡 Pitch Tip: Focus on community involvement, education tips, or creative family event ideas.
💸 The Pay:
$200–$500 per article.
9. Business Insider
Business Insider commissions articles about entrepreneurship, tech trends, personal finance, and career advice.
They favor punchy, well-researched writing with real-world takeaways. Freelancers can pitch success stories or productivity insights.
💡 Pitch Tip: Include expert interviews or case studies to make your article stand out.
💸 The Pay:
$200–$500+, depending on experience and topic.
10. Elite Personal Finance
This platform focuses on practical, no-fluff content related to budgeting, saving, investing, and credit repair.
Writers should simplify financial topics for everyday readers. Expertise is valued, but good research and clarity matter most.
💡 Pitch Tip: Offer actionable, easy-to-understand money strategies.
💸 The Pay:
$100–$300+ per article, depending on expertise and depth.
11. SmartBusinessTrends
SmartBusinessTrends caters to digital marketers, affiliate experts, and online entrepreneurs.
They look for detailed guides, reviews, and online business strategies that help readers grow revenue. Ideal for writers who practice what they preach.
💡 Pitch Tip: Case studies, how-to guides, or listicles perform best.
💸 The Pay:
$70–$200 per post.
12. WIRED
Among the most valued tech and scientific magazines available globally is Wired. It produces trend articles that spread technology, culture, and society, as well as well-documented features.
💡 Pitch Tip: Offer exclusive takes or futuristic concepts with solid research.
💸 The Pay:
$1,000–$2,000+ for feature stories.
13. Vox
Vox specialises in explanatory journalism—breaking down complex topics into digestible content.
Writers should propose articles that answer questions or explore political, pop culture, or science trends.
💡 Pitch Tip: Propose topics that answer questions or provide insight on trending issues.
💸 The Pay:
$250–$500+ depending on story and length.
14. Cosmopolitan UK
This Cosmo edition covers love, employment, mental health, and fashion. It emphasizes uplifting lifestyle material for young women. Writers must have a strong voice, cultural sensitivity, and original viewpoint.
💡 Pitch Tip: Add a modern, inclusive, and punchy tone to your stories.
💸 The Pay:
£100–£300 (≈ $125–$375) per article.
15. B. Michelle Pippin
This business-focused site targets women entrepreneurs with advice on marketing, leadership, and growth strategies. Posts must be clear, insightful, and full of actionable tips.
💡 Pitch Tip: Keep it sharp, confident, and business-focused.
💸 The Pay:
$150 per article with potential for recurring work.
16. World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel site that showcases adventurous and culturally rich travel experiences. It wants writers who’ve lived what they write—no generic content. Stories often focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences.
💡 Pitch Tip: Use vivid storytelling and bring lesser-known destinations to life.
💸 The Pay:
$250 per article.
17. Mold Busters
This niche blog publishes mold, air quality, environmental health, and home safety content. Writers with experience in health, real estate, or science writing will fit right in.
💡 Pitch Tip: Use facts, research, and practical takeaways. It’s more technical than creative.
💸 The Pay:
Up to $100+ per accepted post.
18. Transitions Abroad
They publish first-person travel experiences, working/living abroad guides, and cultural immersion stories. Practical, experience-based advice is highly valued.
💡 Pitch Tip: Focus on a unique angle or destination. Show that you’ve been there and can offer insider knowledge
💸 The Pay:
$70–$150 per article
19. Techopedia
Techopedia covers tech guides, explainers, and reviews. Writers with a clear, accessible writing style and solid research are welcome—even if you’re not a coder.
💡 Pitch Tip: Suggest timely article ideas (e.g., “AI tools in 2025”), helpful, and well-scoped.
💸 The Pay: $100–$300 depending on expertise and length
20. Motherly
Motherly publishes empowering, honest stories about motherhood, parenting tips, and wellness. Personal essays, advice columns, and thought pieces are all accepted.
💡 Pitch Tip: Be emotionally honest. Share specific experiences that others can learn from or relate to.
💸 The Pay: Around $50–$150 per piece
Get Paid to Write Articles Today
You don’t have to wait for the “perfect time.” With so many high-paying platforms, you can start writing and earning immediately. Whether you begin with pitching articles or publishing on your blog, consistency counts.
The key is to:
- Focus on a niche
- Write regularly
- Pitch often
- Always look for new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
These days, writing online is a scalable means of income rather than just a pastime. You can pursue your goal in several ways, whether you want to create a book and earn money, run a blog and make money, or even write subtitles for YouTube and earn money.
Let’s recap what we’ve learned:
- You can start posting articles online even as a complete beginner.
- Picking a niche helps you stand out and get better-paying gigs.
- Building a niche portfolio is your ticket to serious opportunities.
- Content mills are okay to begin with, but don’t stop there.
- Growing your audience using SEO and thought leadership builds long-term success.
- Learn to optimise for earning, not just for clicks.
- Many websites pay $70+ for quality articles—don’t be afraid to pitch them.
- Your success depends on consistency, confidence, and continuous learning.
FAQs
Can I get paid for writing articles?
Yes, many websites and publications pay for well-written articles. You can earn money by submitting to blogs, magazines, and content platforms. Payment varies based on topic, quality, and the site’s budget.
Which website pays you to write?
Websites like Listverse, Medium, and iWriter pay contributors for articles. Each site has its submission guidelines and pay rates. Some offer flat fees, while others pay based on views or engagement.
How to make money by content writing?
Start by building a portfolio and finding freelance gigs online. You can write blogs, web content, or SEO articles for clients or platforms. Over time, specialise in niches to command higher rates.
How to make money freelance writing websites that pay writers $50+?
Look for high-paying platforms like Freelance Writing, ProBlogger, or PeoplePerHour. Pitch to websites that offer $50+ per article, often in niches like tech, health, or finance. Craft strong pitches and tailor your work to each site’s audience.
Can I earn by writing subtitles for YouTube?
Yes, Websites like Rev, GoTranscript, and Guru let you earn by writing or editing subtitles and captions for YouTube videos and other content. This is a great entry point if you enjoy writing but want short, fast-paced projects.
