Writing articles online is one of the best ways to monetize your writing skills. With a strong internet connection, you can create blog posts, digital publications, social media content, and more. The possibilities are endless. However, you should understand the challenges that come with being an online writer before you start making money. In this article, we’ll explore the most common obstacles to online writing and how you can overcome them to reach financial success.
What Is an Online Writer?
An online writer develops written content for the web, including blogs, articles, and website content. This is a freelance career that requires excellent communication and organizational skills. A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or English is helpful, but previous experience and a portfolio of published work are more important. You must also be comfortable working with clients remotely and meeting deadlines.
A good online writer is clear, concise, and easy to read. This is especially true for web content, where readers often scan and skim to find the information they need. Online writers should avoid writing long-winded introductions and dishing out oodles of contextual tidbits before getting to the meat of an article. Instead, they should entice their audience at the beginning and leave them wanting more.
In addition to writing skills, an online writer needs to be self-motivated and able to find work independently. As an independent writer, you won’t have a boss in the traditional sense and will need to find clients, research topics, create samples, and submit work on your own. You’ll also need to keep track of your work and invoices using a calendar, planner, or app like Google or Airtable.
Lastly, an online writer must have the ability to accept criticism and feedback. This is a difficult part of the job for many people, but it’s crucial for professional growth and success. Good online writers listen to constructive feedback and use it to improve their work. They also know when to ignore negativity and stay confident in their abilities.
Finally, an online writer must be able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. This is particularly important for independent contractors, who are typically expected to complete their work without the supervision of a manager or supervisor. Independent writers should also be familiar with a variety of writing formats and techniques so they can choose the ones that work best for their style and audience. Finally, an online writer should have a reliable internet connection, including high-speed broadband, though it is possible to make money as an online writer even with satellite or slow connections. This is because most of the work is done through email or on client websites. In addition, online writers should be familiar with invoicing systems, such as Wave Invoicing, to ensure they’re submitting their work and getting paid on time.
