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Is there enough demand?

by Ofthingsmanmade
16 replies
Greetings!

I've posted here in the past and have always found the community very helpful. For that reason, I decided to ask you guys a question: is there enough demand for content writers to make a stable living?

First, let me explain my situation and who I am. I have an English degree and have taught high school English for the past two years. After my fiancé was offered a job in another state, I was laid off of work and relocated to be with her. I'm currently seeking a job in writing or education, but in the meantime I've been drawing unemployment.

I hate unemployment. The idea of being unproductive and relatively useless annoys me to no end. I've written content for websites in the past and I understand the challenges facing people who seek a respectable income doing this line of work. However, it is something I enjoy.

So, enough of my story; here are my concerns:

1. Being on unemployment requires me to report income and I'm far too honest to lie about it even if it has been paid in cash. For that reason, there's only so much I can do before I'm technically self employed and thus lose benefits. I would be more than happy with this if it weren't for:

2. Is there enough demand for writers like me? I would hate to have an influx of work followed by silence and unpaid bills. Keep in mind, I'm not concerned about getting too much work. I will write as many articles as I can get paid for. With that being said, I've been at odds with myself about how much to charge. I'm someone who has an English degree, experience writing content, understands SEO and other important exposure techniques, is a native English speaker, writes 100% original content with no outsourcing, and will research topics if needed. After all of that, I tend to see most gigs offering around $5 per 500 word article. I don't feel $10 per 500 words is out of the question. Am I off base here?

Ok. I've rambled on enough. I'm also writing this on an iPhone so have mercy on my poor copy. Therefore, would-be helpers: At $10 an article, is there enough demand to keep me busy?
#content writing #demand
  • Profile picture of the author internetmarketer1
    As true as it may seem, yes, it is not uncommon for people to only be willing to pay $5 for a single 500 word article.

    I think there is a demand for people who write 500 word articles for $10, but it is very tough to land those types of clients. In today's world, many people use websites like iWriter to get their writing done. Some people even require you to write 1000 word articles for only $4! It's amazing how cheap some people can be.

    If you can create your own base of clients, you can still contnie to rely on them to make you money.

    I used to begin writing on iWriter. I made an average of $100 per day writing articles between $5 to $10. I was able to write around 500 words in less than 10-15 minutes on average, so earning $5 per article with $100 at the end of the day wasn't that difficult.

    I worked specificlly and only for iWriter for an extremely long time. I wrote for them for around almost two years while sustaining an offline marketing business.

    I loved using iWriter because they paid out weekly to my PayPal account. I would highly recommend you start off here. You could also try joining Greenlightarticles as a writer. They would be thrilled to have you, and they literally pay 1 for every 100 words. So for 700 words, it would be $7!

    If you have many questions about using either sites, I can help you out. Freelance writing was basically my life for a long time, and I did have ups and downs, but I am happy of all the money I made from just freelance writing.

    I remember buying a car after working for iWriter for two months. Lol.

    I don't work for iWriter anymore, and I definitely won't be going back, but one thing is for sure:

    iWriter helped me in my most desperate moments to get cash, especially when I just got started!

    To Brad Callen, if you see this, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for creating iWriter. It saved my life.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ofthingsmanmade
      This is very helpful! Thank you! I've written for a number of websites but I'm not sure how I haven't heard if iwriter, but I'll check it out.
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      • Profile picture of the author OliviasDad
        I too have spent some time writing on iWriter

        I would recommend it because it's easy to start with and you can go to the site and choose what articles you want to write

        The have different levels for writers, and there is a feedback system so you have to write well enough to get good feedback so you can work your way up the system.

        You go up the scale either by writing and having things accepted OR you can circumvent the whole process and sign up for a thing where you submit some samples of your writing, for a fee, and if it is good enough, you can leapfrog to a higher level quicker.

        The money you make is not a lot per article, and it does really feel like a churn and burn thing, some of the articles can get pretty awful.

        I've re-written my share of ezinearticle.com articles on iwriter... people just don't want to give the original authors credit I suppose..

        In any case, iWriter, I think, is a good place for a writer with some skills who can nose to the grindstone it...

        My two cents, I'd write more, but then what would I write in my next post?

        Cheers!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by Ofthingsmanmade View Post

    At $10 an article, is there enough demand to keep me busy?
    ManMade,

    I think the direct answer to your question is, yes, there is demand enough to pay a good writer a decent wage.

    It is also my opinion that what you can expect in terms of income, at least at the start of your Internet career, is largely market driven. You can ask whatever you want for your copy, but realistically, I think until you have made a name for yourself and have proven your worth, you will have to keep your prices somewhat in line with what other similar quality writers are making.

    In order to have more flexibility to be paid what you think your time is worth, I would suggest you begin building your own brand at the same time that you are working for iWriter or whomever.

    Taking "gigs" or writing copy designed to be put originally on a site that you don't own is a way to keep the creditors at bay for awhile, but I don't think it's necessarily the best way to promote yourself or your writing talent in the long term.

    I guess I'm thinking that if I were you, long term, I would try to establish myself as an authority and create products using my writing skills. You don't want to work for an hourly wage (which is what's happening if you get paid for writing so many words per project for other people).

    Instead, I would try to build my brand and set as a goal to leverage your content. Write something once (like a book, report, sales letter, e-course, etc) and get paid for it via sales over and over again. Then your time spent writing is multiplied many times over.

    Just my thoughts,

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Hopeless Bromantic
      Depending on where you live, it can be perfectly safe to work for a small amount of money, report it, and still receive unemployment benefits. Generally the agency just deducts the reported amount from the benefit check.

      Good luck.
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      • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
        At $10 an article, is there enough demand to keep me busy?
        If you're a more than competent writer and you're looking for a full-time career, following the $10 (or lower) per article route is a fast path to frustration and burn-out.

        It's been said on this board many times that the internet marketing crowd are particularly prone to both pitching and purchasing their written content at prices that significantly undervalue the product of talented writers. But given that the bar has been set so low, you'll find a lot of competition. Your competitors probably won't be as good as you, but the buyers won't know or even particularly care. At that end of the market, an article is a commodity - a vehicle for delivering words on a page in some semblance of order.

        Do yourself a favor and investigate other areas that are less price sensitive. Start with any particular expertise, knowledge or experience you have and concentrate on finding a more appreciative market. Once you've picked up a few regular clients, you'll have all the security you need to commit to your vocation.

        Good luck!

        Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Ofthingsmanmade View Post

    is there enough demand for content writers to make a stable living?
    There is, but you need to compete in the right market.

    Originally Posted by Ofthingsmanmade View Post

    At $10 an article, is there enough demand to keep me busy?
    It doesn't matter.

    Probably not, but it doesn't matter. Those certainly aren't the clients you should be looking for.

    The classic mistake to avoid, here, is imagining that a good way to start is to work for $10 per article with a view to putting up the prices later, once you have some clients. This market simply doesn't work that way, and there are many reasons for that, which you need to understand before you start.

    I've looked at your tea-leaves and I see a little reading in your short-term future. I'm biased, but I suggest you start here, and then "follow the links": http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post8186812
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  • Profile picture of the author Ofthingsmanmade
    A big thank you to everyone who has commented. I'm currently out but I'll take the time to respond to each of you when I get home. I've considered the ebook route, but I think I'm afraid it'll end up like a few blogs I've ran and Ill be unable to drive traffic that results in sales.
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  • Profile picture of the author millionebook
    Really helpful posting, thanks and I will tell my team
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
    You might want to consider creating PLR articles and special reports. Bundle different niches together and sell limited quantities. If you tap into the right market and have quality stuff you could very well be on your way.

    NOTES:

    PLR is Private Label Rights. All this means is whomever buys it can make unlimited changes to it, rewrite it and create an entirely new product and put their own name on it.

    I would suggest searching the WSO forum for PLR related stuff and get a gist of the kinds of packages that are in demand.

    You can also search Warrior Plus and look at all the WSO's that offer PLR and have sold hundreds of copies.
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    • Profile picture of the author onlineinternetbiz
      Originally Posted by Mike Hill View Post

      You might want to consider creating PLR articles and special reports. Bundle different niches together and sell limited quantities. If you tap into the right market and have quality stuff you could very well be on your way.

      NOTES:

      PLR is Private Label Rights. All this means is whomever buys it can make unlimited changes to it, rewrite it and create an entirely new product and put their own name on it.

      I would suggest searching the WSO forum for PLR related stuff and get a gist of the kinds of packages that are in demand.

      You can also search Warrior Plus and look at all the WSO's that offer PLR and have sold hundreds of copies.
      I agree with this. The market for content writers is tough. You can get articles on iWriter and make money but most people are looking for really really cheap content.

      PLR is a good idea because you can get paid a few times for the same thing. Just make sure to limit it because otherwise people will not see as much value in it.

      I guess a combination of the two would be perfect
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  • Profile picture of the author tritrain
    You and I are in a very similar situation. I've chosen not to report that I'm still looking for a job while focusing on my online business. Some would call me a chump (and maybe I am) for not collecting the "free" money. Technically you could get in trouble if they found out that you have other earnings that are not being reported.

    There are benefits to being self employed, beyond the paycheck, which they don't seem to care about at the employment office. Why not report it? You'll sleep better at night and you can more easily take advantage of all those other tax benefits from being self-employed.

    There are plenty of professional online magazines, news sites, and big blogs that would pay premium dollars for a writer such as yourself. Much more than the $5.00 for 500 words jobs on Fiverr, for example. The big ones pay hundreds of dollars per article. Heck, Reader's Digest pays about $100 for a joke! Check out Elance and other freelance sites. Don't forget proofreading too! They have some challenging tests that augment your other credentials as well.

    Go straight to the big and medium sized sites and see what is required and how much they pay. I have a relative that is a writer and seems to be doing pretty well. You'd probably even recognize some of his books and articles.

    Down the road, you may choose to write a book and self-publish on Amazon and elsewhere. Start off by publishing in electronic format (ie Kindle) and, if its popular, you could also publish on paper. It can be very, very lucrative. Not to mention, there's plenty of crap out there, so quality writing only looks better anyway.

    Plus, being a writer is a great excuse for spending a few months at a secluded cabin.


    Originally Posted by Ofthingsmanmade View Post

    Greetings!

    I've posted here in the past and have always found the community very helpful. For that reason, I decided to ask you guys a question: is there enough demand for content writers to make a stable living?

    First, let me explain my situation and who I am. I have an English degree and have taught high school English for the past two years. After my fiancé was offered a job in another state, I was laid off of work and relocated to be with her. I'm currently seeking a job in writing or education, but in the meantime I've been drawing unemployment.

    I hate unemployment. The idea of being unproductive and relatively useless annoys me to no end. I've written content for websites in the past and I understand the challenges facing people who seek a respectable income doing this line of work. However, it is something I enjoy.

    So, enough of my story; here are my concerns:

    1. Being on unemployment requires me to report income and I'm far too honest to lie about it even if it has been paid in cash. For that reason, there's only so much I can do before I'm technically self employed and thus lose benefits. I would be more than happy with this if it weren't for:

    2. Is there enough demand for writers like me? I would hate to have an influx of work followed by silence and unpaid bills. Keep in mind, I'm not concerned about getting too much work. I will write as many articles as I can get paid for. With that being said, I've been at odds with myself about how much to charge. I'm someone who has an English degree, experience writing content, understands SEO and other important exposure techniques, is a native English speaker, writes 100% original content with no outsourcing, and will research topics if needed. After all of that, I tend to see most gigs offering around $5 per 500 word article. I don't feel $10 per 500 words is out of the question. Am I off base here?

    Ok. I've rambled on enough. I'm also writing this on an iPhone so have mercy on my poor copy. Therefore, would-be helpers: At $10 an article, is there enough demand to keep me busy?
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    There is enough demand, problem is you usually have to start out cheap and work your way up though.

    I have found quite a few diamonds in the rought but a few months down the road they get too expensive for me.

    Yes it is saturated but anything good is, It depends on how hard you want to work.

    Best way to get started is like some of my VA's, start freelancing and at the same time submit your writings to some of the top websites in your niche, Offer free articles not many but enough for them to know then start charging.
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  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    Originally Posted by Ofthingsmanmade View Post

    is there enough demand for content writers to make a stable living?
    The word "stable" in that sentence may be a problem if you plan on writing $10 articles for "internet marketers" trying to get rich from their minisites/blogs/whatever. They are fickle and will disappear when they realize their sites actually aren't going to make them rich like the ebook they bought said would happen. So it will require an ongoing effort to find clients.

    I'm not saying don't do it though. You have to start somewhere. Maybe build up a portfolio of work to show to larger current events sites that pay decent.
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  • Profile picture of the author tritrain
    What if you were to sell "packages" of your writings? Do a split, in which you get paid upfront for the first couple articles and then the rest once you finished them.

    Maybe five 1000-word articles for $125 (or more). Once established you could demand full payment upfront. Since the bundled articles would be of similar overall topic, you could simply rewrite them (significantly) or, at least, would not need to do a bunch of research on multiple topics.

    Just a thought.
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesBorg
    Originally Posted by Ofthingsmanmade View Post

    2. Is there enough demand for writers like me? I would hate to have an influx of work followed by silence and unpaid bills. Keep in mind, I'm not concerned about getting too much work. I will write as many articles as I can get paid for. With that being said, I've been at odds with myself about how much to charge. I'm someone who has an English degree, experience writing content, understands SEO and other important exposure techniques, is a native English speaker, writes 100% original content with no outsourcing, and will research topics if needed. After all of that, I tend to see most gigs offering around $5 per 500 word article. I don't feel $10 per 500 words is out of the question. Am I off base here?
    You could easily be an Elite writer on iWriter, though you may be looking at around 700 words for the $10 profit. The demand is definitely there. The real problem is not burning out.

    You know, there's a lot of demand for article rewrites as well, which are much less of a pain for not much less of a profit. I don't think there'd be any shame in using one of the better spinners out there and then giving the spun output a quick proofread. Most people wanting rewrites just want a certain level of uniqueness with decent English. They don't care how you pull that off.
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