Complete Beginner Guide: How to Earn From Content Writing
So you want to know how to earn from content writing. I don't blame you – I'm a professional content writer and I make a lot of money writing. It's a dream come true for me – I love writing, but I also love working from home, not working 40+ hours a week, and being my own boss. (I answer only to my two cats.)
The good news: Content writing is a highly sought-after skill. There are a lot of different ways to make money writing content.
The bad news: There is a lot of competition out there, a lot of scams, and a lot of ways to waste your time and write lots of content without making any money.
In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to make money writing content.
A warning before we go further: there is no real easy way to earn from content writing fast. It will take time. So I recommend that you only undertake this journey if you really, really love writing.
Key Takeaways:
A content writer creates well-written content for marketing purposes. Think blog posts, YouTube scripts, website copy, and SEO.
Skills such as grabbing readers' attention, understanding SEO, and being creative are essential for content writing.
Beginners can start as content writers by diving into learning about SEO, identifying their niche, building a portfolio, and pitching to clients. (I'll also walk you through how I get clients to come to me, because I hate and am bad at pitching, personally.)
Earning potential for content writers depends on factors like industry expertise, language proficiency, and content output.
You can earn from content writing without clients – you'll need knowledge of SEO, affiliate marketing, or selling your products.
TL;DR Guide to Earn with Content Writing
Don't want to read this whole blog post? No worries, here's the short and sweet.
Earn money writing content for clients
Decide what kind of content you like writing. I recommend blogging on places like Medium to figure this out. (You'll also build your portfolio while you do this!)
Learn the basics of SEO, copywriting, and sales. There is an endless amount of free content on this on YouTube. I have a few videos myself on the subject of SEO and sales. For copywriting, I recommend this list of YouTube channels.
Join various content writing platforms where you can get paid small amounts of money for your content writing. Examples include Scripted, Textbroker, Medium, and Copify. I cover those in detail in my article on how beginners can get paid to write articles here.
Update your LinkedIn profile and start applying for content writing jobs on LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, and so on.
Do not – and I cannot stress this enough – pay any money to anyone to teach you to be a content writer or get a freelance content writer job without trying it yourself first. If you struggle and want some cheat sheets/shortcuts, go for it. Find someone you trust and buy their course or coaching or whatever. But try freelance content writing yourself first.
Work out the nitty gritty. Do you want to pitch or be pitched to? What should your rates be? What kind of freelance writing is your specialty? This takes time!
Learn new things. So you know the basics of freelance writing – good! But do you know about domain authority? How good of an editor are you? Do you know how to sell things in your content without being obvious? Always improve.
Rinse and repeat. I'm a freelance writer and honestly, I'm still working out the kinks in my process. It's OK if it takes you time to figure it all out. Sometimes I go back to basics, pick up a low-paid job on Scripted, and take time to learn a new skill. It's all part of the journey.
Earn money writing content for yourself
I have some freelance writing clients, but I earn a lot of my income through my brand/website. If that sounds like your bag, it's pretty much the same steps:
Once again, decide what kind of content you like writing. If you're just doing this for yourself, you definitely don't need to niche down immediately. Have fun!
Start a website and an email list. I like Durable AI for a website option – it's very swish. I recommend ConvertKit for a newsletter option.
Learn the basics of SEO, copywriting, and sales. You'll need SEO to get views on your content. You'll need copywriting to keep people on the page. And you'll need sales to earn any money.
Write stuff for your website and your email list. Don't overthink it – try once a week for both.
Throw in a new social. Instagram, YouTube, X. Somewhere you can see yourself posting regularly and growing an audience.
Do not – and I cannot stress this enough – pay any money to anyone to teach you to be a content creator. If you struggle and want some cheat sheets/shortcuts, go for it. Find someone you trust and buy their course or coaching or whatever. But try content creating yourself first.
Work out the nitty gritty. What is your niche? What kind of affiliate products do you want to recommend? Do you want to sell a course, ads, or sponsorships? You can try multiple things!
Learn new things. Learning never ends Always improve.
Rinse and repeat. I recently started learning affiliate marketing. It's all a journey!
These are not mutually exclusive! You can do both.
OK, want more details? Let's go deeper.
What even is Content Writing?
Lots of people google “how to write content” because it sounds like a great gig... But they don't know what a content writer actually is.
A content writer turns info into content on behalf of a brand. (The brand can be you!) This content should captivate audiences and drive them towards a specific product or service.
“Content” can be a social media post, thought leadership content, or blog posts, just a few examples. As a freelance writer, you'll be hired by a company to make this kind of content, or you'll make it for your website/brand.
Example: You might have a company that sells a backend development course to beginner coders (real client of mine). That client might ask for content that is related to careers in backend development, so that a potential customer is likely to land on the blog, read the expert advice, and sign up for a course to land a job. That's content writing.
While content writers primarily focus on marketing and promoting products or services, their role goes beyond mere advertising. They have the power to spark emotions, educate, inspire, and entertain readers. By crafting well-written and engaging content, content writers contribute to building brand trust, establishing thought leadership, and forming deep connections with the audience.
Skills Needed to Earn From Content Writing
Freelance writing requires a unique set of skills to effectively engage readers and convey brand messages. Here are some essential skills that every freelance writer should possess:
Ability to Hook Readers: A skilled content writer knows how to grab the attention of readers from the very first sentence. They understand the importance of creating a compelling introduction that entices readers to keep reading.
Mastery of Brand Tone: Content writers need to adapt their writing style to match the brand's tone and voice. Whether it's professional, casual, or conversational, you must effectively convey the brand's personality through your writing.
Attention to Details: Content writers should have keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in their work. You need to be meticulous in grammar, punctuation, and spelling to deliver polished content.
SEO Knowledge: Understanding the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for content writers. They need to optimize their writing with relevant keywords, meta tags, and backlinks to improve search engine visibility and drive organic traffic.
Creativity: Content writing requires creativity to captivate readers and offer unique perspectives. Content writers must think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table to keep readers engaged and interested.
How to Start as a Content Writer with No Experience
If you're interested in becoming a content writer but don't have any prior experience, don't worry! It has never been easier to get started.
Just start writing. To earn from content writing, you need to be good at writing. Do the reps. See what resonates with your audience. Learn how to find a voice.
Identify your niche: Determine the area or topics you're passionate about and have knowledge in. This makes it a hell of a lot easier to get clients later on, and/or establish authority with your audience.
Be online and findable: Create profiles on platforms like Medium and LinkedIn. Share your thoughts, insights, and expertise to showcase your writing skills and build an online following.
Build a portfolio: Even without prior experience, you can create a portfolio by writing sample articles or blog posts. Be sure to showcase your range of writing styles and cater to different industries or topics to demonstrate your versatility. (I recommend Medium for this because you can join the Medium partner program for $5/month and get paid when people read your articles.)
Start pitching: Once you have a portfolio, start reaching out to potential clients or publications. Craft personalized pitches highlighting your skills, niche expertise, and the value you can bring to their projects. Be persistent and don't be discouraged by initial rejections.
Tips for Starting as a Content Writer
Starting as a content writer with no experience may seem daunting, but it's entirely possible to break into the field. Here are a few additional tips to help you on your journey:
Network with other writers and professionals in your niche. Attend industry conferences or join online communities to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and support. I like the Superpath Slack community to start. Medium is also a great place to find writing buddies.
Consider offering your services for free or at a discounted rate, in the beginning, to gain experience and build a solid client base. This can open doors to paid opportunities in the future.
Continuously improve your writing skills by seeking feedback from clients or joining writing workshops. Stay updated with industry trends and best practices to stay competitive in the ever-evolving field of content writing.
Remember, starting as a content writer with no experience requires perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn. By following these steps and taking advantage of available resources, you can embark on a rewarding career in content writing.
Earning Potential for Content Writers
So, what's the big number?
According to a survey by PayScale, the average salary for a content writer in the United States is $50,000 per year. Indeed reports the average is $20.20/hour (or $42,016 a year). I'm in my fifth year of writing content, and my third year of doing it as a full-time living, and I make $100k+ a year.
The amount of income you can earn as a content writer depends on:
How good you are at selling yourself to clients and your audience. Many talented content writer has failed just because they don't like to say, “Hey, I'm the best person around for this job. You should hire me.” or “Hey, I made this awesome product that solves your problem. You should buy it.”
How good you are at putting yourself out there. How often do you pitch new outlets, apply to new jobs, or send emails to your list? How often do you send a simple follow-up email?
Specialty skills. I hate to say it, but if you're looking for low-paid SEO work, you have already been outcompeted by AI. The better you know a subject, the more likely you are to earn money writing content about it. (Language proficiency is also a solid pro here.)
How fast you are at creating high-quality content. If it takes you 20+ hours to write something good, clients won't love your style, and you will be outcompeted by people who can create good content faster.
The Future of Content Writers in the Age of AI
OK, the elephant in the room: will AI steal your job?
Short answer: no. Being good at writing content will be a human monetizable skill for the foreseeable future.
Why? Because AI cannot truly understand and replicate human emotions, which is a crucial element in creating compelling and engaging content.
While AI tools for content writing are becoming more prevalent, they are still far from being able to match the creativity and emotional intelligence of a human writer. Content writers have the unique ability to connect with their audience on a deeper level, understanding their needs, desires, and pain points. This human touch is what sets them apart and makes their work invaluable in the digital landscape.
AI Tools for Content Writing
That being said, I still recommend getting your feet wet with AI if you want to earn from content writing for four reasons:
Speed up your workflow. I use AI for title ideation, editing, adding examples, and big-picture research.
Look for what you're missing. AI is great at pattern matching. I can ask AI to tell me what elements it would include in an article about the best AI tools for writers, and it would be able to summarize
Do things you can't do. I use AI to create HTML tables, help me code, make cool images, and more.
Stay ahead of the curve. If you're not using AI, your competitors are – to get faster, more comprehensive, and better at writing content that earns money.
Pros of AI Tools for Content Writing
Time-saving
Improved grammar and readability
Data analysis for optimization
Cons of AI Tools for Content Writing
Lack of emotional intelligence
Inability to replicate human creativity
Potential for robotic-sounding content
How to Make Money from Content Writing
Let's go over the two main ways you can monetize your skills and make money writing content: blogging and freelance writing. These are some of my favorite strategies, suitable for beginners. But warning: they are not make-money-fast strategies; these will take time to start earning money.
Monetizing a Blog
Old but gold. The formula is simple: make a blog, rank for keywords, place ads, and get paid through AdSense (or similar, other platforms are MediaVine or Ezoic).
Another option is affiliate marketing, where you promote products or services on your blog and earn a commission for every sale or lead generated through your referral.
Additionally, you can offer sponsored content on your blog. This involves collaborating with brands or businesses to create custom content that aligns with your audience's interests. In return, you receive compensation for featuring the sponsored content on your blog.
Freelance Opportunities
The second-oldest profession, as I always joke. Freelancing is a popular choice for content writers looking to make money. It allows you to work with different clients and projects, offering flexibility and variety. Numerous freelance platforms, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, connect writers with businesses seeking content creation services.
The typical formula is to bid low, get reviews, and start increasing rates once you've got some solid references. But in my opinion, this race to the bottom is demeaning and means you end up doing work for very little pay.
I instead recommend creating a portfolio elsewhere: Medium, your blog, LinkedIn, anywhere. You own that content. Use that expertise to pitch and win new clients on those platforms, at a rate you deserve.
I also hate to say this, but networking within the industry, attending conferences, and joining relevant online communities can also lead to valuable connections and freelance opportunities.
You will have to keep at it for a while until you start getting somewhere. But
Conclusion
Here's the long and short of it: you can make real money writing content. That content can be about just anything under the sun. The beauty of our World Wide Web is that there's probably an audience for it.
So your job, if you want to make money writing content, is to a) find an audience and b) learn how to monetize the content.
Finding that audience means: learning SEO, learning how to pitch, and learning how to go viral on Medium. Be consistent. Discover what you love writing about, and how to serve the audience that loves that writing.
Learning how to monetize means: setting rates, setting up AdSense, learning how to bargain, learning how to pitch yourself, learning how to create and sell digital products.
Your hardest obstacle is likely to be yourself. It's hard to be consistent, especially in the face of failure. You'll be rejected from job interviews. Your big story won't go viral. You'll get fired. Nobody will click on your affiliate link.
But it's possible, if you keep going, keep learning, keep improving, to make money writing content online.
FAQ
How much can a beginner content writer earn?
This depends a lot on your beginning skill, and how lucky you get. Glassdoor sets the entry-level content writing salary at $46,591/yr. But this assumes you're able to get a job right out of the gate.
I would say that a beginner is likely to earn very little, but within a year can earn $50,000/year, either through clients or your blog/platform.
How do I start as a content writer?
Start writing, and keep writing. Learn what works – what samples get you hired, what content resonates with your audience – and adjust.
It sounds simplistic, I know, but that's really how you can start today as a content writer.
How much should I get paid for content writing?
You should get paid what you deserve. I would recommend going no lower than 10c a word if you're working with clients or $50/hour.
If you're creating your content, the math changes slightly. I would track the amount of time you spend doing something (e.g. writing LinkedIn thought leadership) and the outcomes (landing clients, getting newsletter signups). In a month, figure out if it's worth it.
Which content writing pays the most?
Ghostwriting is by far the highest-paid content writing. It's a bit of ego death – you're writing as someone else – and it's not for beginners, which is why I didn't cover it in this guide. It depends almost entirely on networking. But once you land one good client, they'll lead you to others.
If you're dead set on starting with this route, I recommend you take some low-paid ghostwriting gigs on Reedsy and go from there.
