Want to Get Paid to Write?
5 Online Platforms That Actually Pay Writers (Even If You’re Just Starting)
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Let’s face it—writing online can be rewarding but also incredibly frustrating.
You spend hours writing the perfect post. You pour your thoughts onto the page. Then… nothing.
No readers. No income. No direction.
Sound familiar?
Years ago, I was writing full blog posts for just a few dollars. Today, writing is my full-time income stream. It funds my digital products, supports my lifestyle, and gives me freedom.
So what changed?
The answer lies in where I chose to publish my work.
If you're hoping to earn your first paycheck from writing—or want to grow your existing freelance income—these five platforms are beginner-friendly, reliable, and worth your time.
1. Medium Partner Program
Best for: Thoughtful articles, personal development, storytelling, and tutorials.
Medium is a reader-focused platform. Unlike ad-based websites, Medium pays writers based on how much time paying members spend reading their stories.
How You Get Paid:
- Income is based on member reading time
- Writers can earn from $50 to over $2,000/month
- No pitching or approval needed to publish
How to Start:
- Create a free Medium account
- Join the Partner Program (requires 100 followers and Stripe)
- Write helpful or emotional stories readers care about
Tip: Write on topics that are timeless—such as productivity, relationships, or self-growth.
2. Vocal Media
Best for: Lifestyle blogs, beginner writing, and short-form stories.
Vocal offers multiple niches and pays per read. There’s no need to build a personal website or audience.
How You Get Paid:
- $3.80 per 1,000 reads (free account)
- $6 per 1,000 reads with Vocal+
- Win extra money through platform challenges
How to Start:
- Sign up for free at vocal.media
- Submit your story to any category (no need to pitch)
- Share your article to boost reads
Tip: Participate in their writing contests—some offer up to $20,000 in prizes.
3. Constant Content
Best for: Writers with SEO knowledge or blog writing experience.
This platform lets you sell ready-made articles to businesses. You don’t pitch editors—you upload content, and buyers find you.
How You Get Paid:
- Set your own prices (usually $50–$150 per article)
- Earn more by offering usage rights
- Constant Content takes a 35% cut from sales
How to Start:
- Create an account and pass the writing quiz
- Upload articles in evergreen categories like tech, business, or health
- Get paid via PayPal when your content sells
Tip: SEO articles and tutorials are in high demand—especially in niches like marketing, finance, and wellness.
4. Freelancer.com
Best for: Writers looking for one-time gigs or long-term freelance work.
Freelancer.com connects clients with service providers. You can bid on writing projects based on your skills and availability.
How You Get Paid:
- Submit proposals to writing jobs
- Use milestone payments for secure transactions
- Build long-term client relationships
How to Start:
- Create a profile showcasing your writing samples
- Choose a niche (such as tech writing or health content)
- Apply for projects that match your skills
Tip: Narrow down your niche—it helps you stand out and charge more.
5. Fiverr
Best for: Writers who want control over pricing and services.
On Fiverr, you create writing packages—clients come to you. From blog posts to eBooks, you set your prices and get full creative control.
How You Get Paid:
- List writing gigs (e.g., blog writing, case studies, newsletter copy)
- Fiverr takes 20% commission
- Charge anywhere from $25 to $500+ depending on your expertise
How to Start:
- Create a seller profile and write a clear, attractive gig description
- Add sample work and keywords to help clients find you
- Deliver high-quality work and build up reviews
Tip: Pick one high-demand service and focus on becoming the go-to expert in that area.
Final Words: Start Small, Stay Consistent, Grow Big
You don’t need to be a famous author or have a viral blog to start earning.
Here’s what you do need:
- A platform that aligns with your goals
- A specific writing niche you enjoy
- The consistency to keep going even when results are slow
These platforms won’t make you rich overnight. But they can help you build your writing portfolio, get your first $100, and grow your income steadily over time.
