Freelancers have many options today for work, but as many newspapers and magazines go online, more and more writers are finding work on the Internet. Working for an online site can be a great way to build a portfolio or residual income stream. Many freelance writers even work full-time for various online sites. Here are a few sites that typically hire writers.
Suite101
The website you're reading now hires freelance writers. Writers earn residual income from their articles, have a flexible schedule, editorial help, and freedom to write on any topic. They also have an active writer forum that offers tips and support, as well as learning modules to help freelancers stay atop of the strategies in writing for the web.
Examiner.com
Examiner looks for writers on a variety of subjects on a national and local level. While they recommend posting three to four times per week, they offer a flexible schedule. Examiners have to write one article per month to remain active on the site. The site offers bonuses on articles and merchant discounts from the Examiner marketplace.
About.com
About.com is a content management site that looks for writers on a variety of subjects. They offer two levels of freelancer work. The first is as a guide for one of their topics. Writers are required to post articles, manage comments and forums, and write topical blog posts.
The second level is that of a contributing writer, which writes articles to supplement one of the guide sites. Both levels of writers are given a base salary and incentive for page views, and offer a flexible schedule.
More Popular Online Writing Sites for Freelancers
In addition to the sites listed above, there are online venues that offers a variety of assignments on a short term basis. Articles for these sites usually have a deadline and pay up front, as opposed to a residual arrangement.
- Break Studios
- SEED
- Demand Studios/eHow
- Wise Geek
- Bright Hub
Freelance Bidding Sites
While it isn't always ideal to use a freelance bid site, writers can make money, especially if the topic is in their area of expertise. Freelancers should make sure that they do not bid too low on a project, however. You don't want to take on a project that will cause you to make so little you actually lose money in the long run.
Some popular bidding sites are:
- iFreelance - Allows freelancers to post a profile, view, and bid on jobs.
- ODesk - Offers a variety of work related to writing, administrative support, and marketing.
- ELance - Looks for consultants, writers, web designers, and more.
Other Places to Find Online Freelance Work
A web search of the words "write for us" can net a variety of potential new places to find freelance work. Writer should be cautious when responding to a "write for us" link or ad to make sure that the position is paid. Many places take guest contributions but do not offer pay. Unless these places provide other benefits, they are best skipped in favor of those that pay writers.
Freelance writers can also blog as a way to showcase their work and make a few extra dollars. Writers can monetize their own site with the use of private affiliates or other ads, and slowly build up a following so that one day they may even get the majority of income from their own blogs. Until that time, the online sites mentioned earlier will help provide additional income along with the flexibility most freelancers crave.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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