Udemezue John
Introduction.
Let’s be real—getting paid to write sounds like a dream, but it’s way more possible than most people think.
I’ve seen so many folks go from dabbling with writing on the side to turning it into a steady source of income.
You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to start. If you enjoy writing, have decent grammar, and are willing to learn, you can start earning online, right from your couch, kitchen table, or favourite coffee shop.
There are so many ways to get paid as a writer these days. From freelancing and blogging to writing product descriptions or social media captions, businesses and websites need writers all the time.
They need content to attract readers, explain products, or just share stories—and that’s where people like you and me come in.
I’ve put together a list of five real ways you can get paid to write online. These aren’t scams, they’re not clickbait, and they work.
Let’s get into it.
1. Freelance Writing for Clients
Freelance writing is one of the easiest ways to start making money as a writer. There are tons of companies, websites, and entrepreneurs looking for writers to help with blog posts, newsletters, website copy, and more.
Where to start:
You can sign up, create a profile, and start applying for writing gigs. The more you build your portfolio, the better your chances of landing higher-paying jobs.
How much can you earn?
New freelancers often start at $0.05 to $0.10 per word, but experienced ones easily charge $0.25 to $1 per word or more, depending on the project.
Tip: Start with a niche. If you love writing about health, tech, parenting, or even finance—stick to that. It helps you stand out faster.
2. Start a Blog and Monetize It
Blogging takes time, but it can be a great long-term way to make money. If you’re passionate about a topic and enjoy writing consistently, blogging might be perfect for you.
You can make money through:
Ads (like Google AdSense)
Affiliate marketing (promoting products and earning a cut)
Sponsored posts (brands pay you to write about their products)
Selling your digital products (like ebooks or courses)
Example:
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents earns over $100,000 per month from her blog. Yes, seriously. And she started from scratch.
Getting started:
Use WordPress.org with a host like Bluehost
Write at least once a week
Focus on topics that solve problems for your readers
Tip: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your blog get found on Google. Tools like Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic can help with keyword ideas.
3. Write for Revenue-Sharing Sites
Some websites pay you a portion of the ad revenue your article earns. It’s not huge at first, but it can add up over time—especially if you write evergreen content (the kind people search for year after year).
Top platforms:
How it works:
You write an article, publish it, and if it gets traffic or engagement, you get paid. On Medium, for example, you get paid based on how long paying subscribers read your article.
Tip: Write helpful content with eye-catching titles. Lists, how-tos, and personal stories tend to do well.
4. Create and Sell Ebooks
If you’ve got knowledge or experience in a certain area, write an ebook. This could be anything from “How to Meal Prep for a Week” to “Beginner’s Guide to Freelance Writing.”
You can write and format it yourself using tools like:
Google Docs or Word for writing
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for publishing
How much can you make?
It depends on the price and how many people buy, but some self-published authors earn $500 to $5,000+ a month.
Tip: Keep your ebook focused and helpful. Promote it on social media or your blog if you have one.
5. Content Writing for Businesses
Companies need content for everything—emails, landing pages, brochures, product pages, you name it.
Content writing is less about storytelling and more about clear, useful writing that helps customers understand something or take action.
This type of work usually pays better than general blogging, especially if you specialize in areas like:
SaaS (software)
E-commerce
Finance
Marketing
Where to find clients:
LinkedIn
Job boards like Content Writing Jobs
Cold pitching businesses directly (short, polite emails work best)
Tip: Build a portfolio—even a few sample pieces in Google Docs is enough to get started.
FAQs
Do I need a degree to get paid to write online?
Nope. What you need is strong writing, a good grasp of grammar, and the ability to write clearly.
How do I build a portfolio if I’m just starting?
Write 2–3 sample articles on topics you want to work with. You can share them as Google Docs or create a simple blog using a free platform like WordPress.com.
How do I avoid scams?
If a writing gig asks you to pay to apply, or it sounds too good to be true, walk away. Stick to well-known platforms, and always trust your gut.
How do I get better at writing?
Practice often. Read a lot. Use tools like Grammarly to catch mistakes. And get feedback whenever you can.
More Resources
Here are a few more tools and sites that can help you on your writing journey:
Grammarly: helps with grammar and clarity
Hemingway Editor: makes your writing bold and clear
Coursera’s Free Writing Courses: learn the basics for free
LinkedIn Learning: great for content and business writing
Make a Living Writing Blog: full of tips for freelance writers
Conclusion
Getting paid to write online isn’t a far-off dream—it’s a real way to earn money, gain freedom, and even build a full-time career if that’s what you want. It’s worked for me and countless others.
You don’t need to be a grammar wizard or bestselling author. Just start where you are, stay consistent, and be open to learning.
So now that you know the five best ways to make money writing online…
Which one are you going to try first?
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings