I Ranked the 3 Writing Platforms That Actually Made Me Money
As a writer, the dream is to get paid for what you love to do. But between finding the right platform, building an audience, and actually turning views into income, it can feel like a never-ending quest.
Well, fret no more! I’m here to share my experience with the three writing platforms that have actually put money in my pocket. From high traffic to niche communities, let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the earnings of each platform.
Number 3: Vocal Media
Vocal Media was my first foray into the world of online writing with a payout system. Marketed as a haven for creative writers, it enticed me with its minimalist design and promise of reader-supported income. I churned out journal entries and personal stories, but the results were…well, underwhelming.
The Good: Perfect for beginners. Vocal Media’s interface is user-friendly, making it a breeze to publish your work. Plus, the platform embraces a wide range of genres, so you can find your niche.
The Bad: Low traffic potential. My stories garnered decent views at first, but engagement quickly plateaued. With minimal follower support, it became an uphill battle to gain traction.
The Earnings: After posting 23 stories, I managed to scrape together a total of $35.52. Not bad for a starting point, but definitely not sustainable.
Number 2: Fiverr
Fiverr might not be the first platform that comes to mind for writers, but it can be a goldmine for those willing to adapt their skills. This online marketplace connects freelancers with clients who need specific services.
The Good: Targeted clientele. Unlike platforms with a general audience, Fiverr allows you to target clients specifically looking for writing services. You can create gigs for things like blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, or even ghostwriting.
The Bad: Setting competitive rates. Fiverr is known for its budget-conscious clients, so you might need to adjust your pricing strategy to be competitive. However, as you build a strong portfolio and positive reviews, you can gradually increase your rates.
The Earnings: My income on Fiverr depends on the project, but I’ve found it to be a good source of additional income. Landing a few high-paying gigs can significantly boost your earnings.
Number 1: Medium
Next up, the reigning champion: Medium. This platform boasts a thriving community of readers and writers, offering a chance to tap into a vast audience. The built-in audience and curation system were a game-changer for me.
The Good: High traffic potential. Medium’s recommendation algorithms can push your work in front of a massive audience, leading to significantly more views and engagement. Plus, the platform fosters a strong sense of community, allowing you to connect with other writers and readers.
The Bad: The competition is fierce. With so many talented writers on Medium, it takes time and dedication to stand out from the crowd. Finding your niche and tailoring your content accordingly is crucial.
The Earnings: While income on Medium varies depending on factors like reads and claps, I’ve found it to be a much more consistent earner than Vocal Media. My monthly earnings can range from $100 to $300, depending on the performance of my articles.
Beyond the Ranking: Finding Your Perfect Platform
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to writing platforms. What works for me might not be the best fit for you, and that’s okay! The key is to experiment and find a platform that aligns with your writing style, target audience, and income goals.
Here are some additional things to consider:
- Niche platforms: If you have a specific niche, there might be a platform dedicated to that topic. These platforms often have a passionate user base eager to devour content in their area of interest.
- Freelance marketplaces: If you’re comfortable with client work, freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr can be a great way to land paid writing gigs.
- Self-publishing: For ultimate control over your work and earnings, consider self-publishing your writing as an ebook. However, this route requires a strong marketing strategy to reach readers.
No matter which platform you choose, remember: consistent writing, audience engagement, and a touch of strategic planning are essential ingredients for writing success. So, keep writing, keep learning, and keep that dream of getting paid for your passion alive!
