Make Money Writing Online

A lot of people hear "freelance writing" and think of articles. However, you can do many types of writing (and editing) on a freelance basis, even online. Let's break some examples down into three main categories: Content Writing, Copywriting, and other types of Business Writing:

CONTENT WRITING
"Content" refers to the more traditional idea of writing articles. Think of content writing as being informative or entertaining. This might include how-to articles, product reviews, interviews, and more. Much blog writing would also fall within the realm of content writing, so let's include opinion-based pieces here as well, amongst others.

COPYWRITING
For some reason, the terms "content writing" and "copywriting" are often confused online. Whereas I said content writing could be looked at as informative or entertaining, copywriting is instead persuasive (even if not always blatantly so). It's a form of marketing communications, and is often written with the goal of getting the reader to act in some way (from making them click on something to making them buy somthing, sign up for a newsletter, or even just come back to the site). This would include things like sales letters, advertising messages (ad copy), and even more basic Web copy, such as home page text or product descriptions... they all ultimately are designed to lead to some kind of action, or support the site's marketing message in some way.

OTHER BUSINESS WRITING
While copywriting can technically be considered a form of business writing, it's broad enough to stand on its own. But there are other forms of online business writing, where you can earn a good living for your work. Here are a few examples: business plans and marketing plans (even online entrepreneurs often need them at startup), PR writing (press releases, media kits, pitch letters, etc.), online legal writing (terms of service, privacy policies, legal disclaimers, etc.), white papers, annual reports for some larger online companies (or adapting them to an online model for offline companies), email messages and newsletters, electronic brochures, and much more.

As you can see, freelance writing on the Web affords a great number of opportunities you can choose from.

Many high paying online writing gigs are never advertised. Instead, you have what are called "writers markets" - publications (in this case on the Web) who have a sort of open door policy on freelance submissions. Many will post writers' guidelines on their sites, with specific instructions on how you should query them (pitching your idea before you write the actual article). Here are a few sites where you can find high paying writers markets with a little bit of time put into browsing listings:

All Freelance Writing
Writer's Guidelines
WritersMarket.com - a worthwhile subscription-based site featuring writers' markets.
Freelance Writing lens - I have more links to writers' market resources and listings here on this lens.

Many of the best online freelance writing gigs are never published as an immediate job or writers' market. These hidden gems often consist of some of the highest paying online writing jobs, and are very often found through networking and referrals. As a writer, there are many types of individuals you should include in your growing network:

1. Other freelance writers in your niche. (They can refer leads to you if they don't fit their rate range or their schedule.)

2. Other freelance writers specializing in other niches. (If they receive inquiries not in their niche, and you would make a good fit, they can refer the work to you, and vice versa.)

3. Editors and owners of large websites. (Making contacts outside of the querying process can give you an "in" if you choose to query an online publication down the road.)

4. Industry contacts. (Every major company these days has a website, and every website needs content and/or copy. Making contacts in your industry, even if they're not directly assocated with hiring writers for their company's website, can lead to referals later if they hear of the company's need for someone with your background.)

There are a number of ways you can meet people that would be beneficial additions to your network:

1. Professional organizations.
2. Writers forums and groups online.
3. Industry-related forums and groups online.
4. Blogging, and interacting with other industry bloggers.
5. Direct contact attempts to introduce yourself and your services.