I was going to title this post Google and Content Mills, but I decided to just write about Google and content. I have written for a few content sites, some are better than others as far as the quality is concerned. I think that About.com is one of the best as far has providing content from experts. They have been doing this a long time, and now that Google has changed its algorithm other sites are coming on board. I that that as far as About.com is concerned, writers go through an intense training programs, and they must prove that they are experts before even beginning the training. Now other sites like Mahalo, Demand Studios, and Associated Content are also trying to step up by pinpointing writers who are experts in their fields. There was a lot of moaning and groaning from the writers, and at least one content site, simply let writers go until they could figure the future out. I am all for having writers who are experts. Now, are there experts who are writers? I am sure that they are out there, but not all experts want to write, thank goodness. I think that the content sites will be around, but I do think that they will change. I still believe that there will always be a need for great writers, but having an expertise or specialization will be key in the future. This change may hurt people who simply want to write to earn an extra buck, but have no other skill or specialization. When I think about the changes from Google’s slap, I do believe that we will now have more people writing genuine content based on information that they know or at least, they will focus on their passion. So, maybe just maybe, rates for writers will rise. Maybe writers will get paid more for being specialized. If that’s the case, change is good. Google needs to get its act together and not Google slap sites with genuine content.
Although your time may be limited, consider making time to build a passive income. There are several sites where you can write and earn a residual income as long as your work appears on the site. Suite 101 is a popular site for this. However, editors are involved in the process. There are some guidelines to follow for posting content, although the guidelines are not as strict as they were previously.
I have recently begun concentrating on creating hubs on Hubpages. I like Hubpages because it allows me to have full control and creative freedom over my work. I think that building hubs is fun. You earn an income from advertisements on the site. I actually joined Hubpages three years ago, but I didn’t do much with it. I created four hubs but didn’t have any contextual ads on them. I decided to give it another try, and I see real potential in Hubpages. I think that the trick is to have many hubs with great content. At this point, I’m adding several hubs a week. I’m hoping to keep this up and see how it goes.
Gather.com hires social writers to write blog posts on a variety of topics including news, entertainment information, and celebrity gossip. The application process is fairly simple. Complete an online application with your name and contact information, and submit a writing sample. I submitted a sample that was on the topic for which I applied. For example, since I applied for the celebrity social writer position, I submitted a sample article on celebrity gossip. I actually had the article lying around in my computer. I wrote it for another gig, but never used it. I received word that I had been hired by Gather within a week.
Here are the topic channels:
- Business News
- Celebrity News
- Entertainment News
- General News
- Political News
- Sports News
- Technology News
Pay for Gather.com
The site says that you can earn hundreds of dollars per month. Social writers are paid between $2.50 to $10 for posts that receive at least 250 page views. Writers are required to contribute at least 20 posts per month. Posts may be as short as 150 words.
Writing for Gather.com
Writers can choose to write on trending topics (related to their channels). These recommendations are listed for writers. You can also choose your own blog topics. I was interested in writing about celebrities that I watch on reality TV shows. The latest news from music/entertainment celebrities are also of interest to me.
Here are some interesting leads that I found for writers around the net.
Dating Blogger, California
Social Media Bloggers, Massachusetts
Blogger/Social Media, Seattle ($20 per hour)
Content Writer, Houston
I discovered another site for people who would like to expand their job search. Particularly if you are looking for blogging jobs or social media jobs, you should check out OnWard Search. You can also search for positions based on your location. Searches are available for most major cities in the U.S.
Here are a few freelance writing jobs. People who are new to writing, may be interested in writing for Textbroker. There is always work available, and the articles are fairly easy to write. Writers are graded and are paid according to their level. The pay is not great, but it’s good for extra money or to gain experience while you earn from your writing.
Freelance Writer, Arlington, VA
Restaurant Review Blogger, Miami
Associate Editor Full-time, Remote
Sacramento Patch, California
Blogger, Nationwide
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