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Hey, Article Writers...Go Where the Money Is!

by David Jackson
10 replies
First of all, if you write articles for $2 or $5 or $7, and you're happy with the amount of money you're making working for those prices, this message isn't for you. On the other hand, if you're frustrated with the amount of money you're making writing articles, and would like to significantly increase your writing income, please, read on.

This morning, I received a call from an old client of mine. He owns a string of insurance agencies, and I write the sales copy for his website, newspaper ads, and direct mail pieces. He was calling to give me a copywriting referral. A good friend of his was getting ready to open up an upscale restaurant, and was looking for someone to write sales copy for his newspaper ads, as well as his direct mail pieces.

Because of my heavy work load, I was forced to refer the client to someone else. And that's the entire point of this post. If you want to make good money writing, the money is not online, it's offline!

Most offline companies don't know anything about $2 articles. And if you approach them about writing articles, or press releases for their business, you can charge significantly more for your writing services, than you're currently charging. The offline business culture is entirely different than it is online. An offline business wouldn't think it was out of the ordinary to pay $100 or more for a press release. Because they don't know any different.

Heck, you could even look into writing resumes for people. I know writers who charge $100 or more to write a single resume. In fact, there are companies that are making a killing, doing nothing but writing resumes for people. Believe me, the money is out there.

Also, subscribe to magazines like Writer's Digest. You'd be amazed how many people are looking for competent writers to write all kind of things - papers for college students, special reports, resumes...even entire book projects. Plus, you'll be supported by a community of writers, who share your hopes, dreams and aspirations.

So if you would like to increase your writing income, go where the money is...go offline!

David Jackson
#article #article writers #hey #money #writersgo
  • Profile picture of the author Zeus66
    It's a good point, David, and I agree that serious writers should not overlook the many opportunities offline to make a lot of money.

    But... You can find clients who are happy to pay a lot more than $7 per article online. You just have to be brave enough to ask for more and then prove your worth. And it's not all about your writing skills. A lot of buyers care as much or more about finding a writer who acts like a professional. That is, meets deadlines every time and asks questions to be sure they know what you want from them.

    I know 3-4 Warriors (and I'm sure there are many more) who make upwards of $50 for articles that are no longer than the ones you're talking about where people get paid $2, $5, and $7. They get it because they're worth it AND they had the pride/courage to ASK for it.

    John
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    • Profile picture of the author David Jackson
      Originally Posted by Zeus66 View Post

      It's not all about your writing skills. A lot of buyers care as much or more about finding a writer who acts like a professional. That is, meets deadlines every time and asks questions to be sure they know what you want from them.
      John, this is where you and I disagree. If you want to make good money, it is all about your writing skills. Professionalism isn't worth squat, if your writing ability is subpar.

      David Jackson
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeff Marshall
        Originally Posted by David Jackson View Post

        John, this is where you and I disagree. If you want to make good money, it is all about your writing skills. Professionalism isn't worth squat, if your writing ability is subpar.

        David Jackson
        Yeah that line threw me a bit too David but, in context, I don't think he's saying 'you don't need writing skills.' I think he saying 'writing skills aren't enough.'

        In fact, I would have to disagree with your assertion about professionalism being worthless with subpar writing skills, since most all of us can name a few professionals who make excellent money, but aren't that great.

        ...and a few very talented (but unprofessional) writers, who struggle financially. Professionalism does often trump actual skill.

        Bottom line - if you have both, you can name your price, online or offline.
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        • Profile picture of the author David Jackson
          Originally Posted by quietcash View Post

          Yeah that line threw me a bit too David but, in context, I don't think he's saying 'you don't need writing skills.' I think he saying 'writing skills aren't enough.'

          In fact, I would have to disagree with your assertion about professionalism being worthless with subpar writing skills, since most all of us can name a few professionals who make excellent money, but aren't that great.

          ...and a few very talented (but unprofessional) writers, who struggle financially. Professionalism does often trump actual skill.

          Bottom line - if you have both, you can name your price, online or offline.
          Point taken.

          David Jackson
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      • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
        Originally Posted by David Jackson View Post

        Professionalism isn't worth squat, if your writing ability is subpar.
        If you miss deadlines and don't communicate, your writing ability isn't worth squat either.
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        • Profile picture of the author Zeus66
          Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

          If you miss deadlines and don't communicate, your writing ability isn't worth squat either.
          I'm a good but not great writer. Back when I wrote for hire full-time (early 2000's), the most common comment I got from clients was not that I was such a great writer. Like I said, I'm not. No, what they talked about was not missing deadlines and staying in communication throughout the process of doing an order for them. A LOT of them had been burned by "great" writers who constantly missed deadlines, never answered emails, and often just disappeared completely.

          I had many clients who didn't bat an eye at my price increases, and some of them flat-out said it was well worth the added expenses just so they didn't have to find someone else who might not be as reliable.

          So yeah, professionalism DOES make a big difference. I know firsthand. It's not theory.

          John
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          • Profile picture of the author Crew Chief
            Originally Posted by David Jackson View Post

            And that's the entire point of this post. If you want to make good money writing, the money is not online, it's offline!
            The money IS NOT online?????????

            I know a ton of content providers both seasoned and novices who only conduct their business online and they will vehemently beg to differ with your opinion. Conversely, there are editors, writers and authors who primarily deal with offline clients, yet, they will disagree with your assessment also.

            Such an opinionated statement based on someone's experience [whether bad or good] can easily mislead people [namely novices] who don't know any better.

            The truth is...

            There is good money to be made for content providers [both online and offline] and a person's income potential will be proportionately aligned with their writing skills, marketing abilities, business acumen and professionalism.

            Originally Posted by quietcash View Post

            Bottom line - if you have both, you can name your price, online or offline.
            That's exactly right! Any true content provider would aspire to deliver both professionalism and literary gems.

            Unfortunately, in the real world, along with good business people there are also money grubbers, con artists, slackers and an entire host of individuals who take no pride in their work, product or reputation.

            Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

            If you miss deadlines and don't communicate, your writing ability isn't worth squat either.
            To further add, you could be a literary Picasso but when we set a deadline, time lines and milestones, you are expected to keep them; PERIOD!

            When you miss them, you just put a clog in someone's machine and as great as your writing is, YOU suck as professional! AND, most savvy business owners will decline from doing further business with such a person. Harsh? Probably... but in business, you have to be able to drop the hammer when necessary.

            Originally Posted by Zeus66 View Post

            So yeah, professionalism DOES make a big difference. I know firsthand. It's not theory.
            John, just so you know and I'm sure others have had similar experiences; I've fired people who were the utmost in professionalism but couldn't deliver the assigned task, contract, or product as required.

            It's like the football player who shows up to all of the practices on time, listens to the coach and the quarterback, and never has a problem with the law, women, drugs alcohol, etc., etc... but he keeps dropping the ball.

            Everyone applauds him for his professionalism but as far as being a "Go to guy" he's not the man.

            When a person aspires to command the big bucks and I mean the BIG BUCKS, they have to be professional and deliver the goods!

            As far as content providers, that means demonstrating great writing skills and being a professional about it.

            Giles, the Crew Chief
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      • Profile picture of the author bretski
        Originally Posted by David Jackson View Post

        John, this is where you and I disagree. If you want to make good money, it is all about your writing skills. Professionalism isn't worth squat, if your writing ability is subpar.

        David Jackson
        This is where you and I disagree. Most people wouldn't know good writing from subpar if it bit them on the nose. As a matter of fact, most people only skim articles and it is rare to find folks that actually read for enjoyment and even fewer that know how to write.
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  • Profile picture of the author freedomatage25
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    • Profile picture of the author David Jackson
      Originally Posted by freedomatage25 View Post

      Hey David,

      I like what you have presented here and I think the biggest takeaway is simply to pursue what your talents are and leverage those the best you can to your advantage. If you are a gifted writer then you should find ways to make money doing that. There are countless opportunities online and offline and if it pays more to do offline strategies and you are passionate about what you are doing, then heck all the power in the world to you my friend!

      Great post my man keep it up!

      See you at the top,
      Michael Stead
      Thanks, Michael. Yes, there are indeed opportunities both online and offline. In fact, I take good advantage of both. I wrote this post to point out the fact, there are plenty of offline opportunities to make money people may not necessarily be aware of.

      And sometimes, it's good to go offline, just to get away from the noise - especially if you're a newbie.

      David Jackson
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      • Profile picture of the author David Jackson
        Yes, there are indeed opportunities both online and offline. In fact, I take full advantage of both. I wrote this post merely to point out the fact, there are plenty of offline opportunities to make money people may not necessarily be aware of. It wasn't my intention to insinuate there aren't plenty of online opportunities - because obviously, there are. And I can see why some of you may have been offended by my assertions. In hindsight, I should have articulated my point differently.

        David Jackson
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