Problogger’s new forum has already paid off for me in a tangible, meaningful way. I posted a message asking for recommendations on where to find writers who could create quality content in the $10-20 per article range.
I got a bunch of responses, including a few recommendations for Textbroker. The site was laid out simply, with little distraction. I signed up immediately, and wrote up my first order within 10 minutes. The funny thing was I found myself at a loss for how many words to request. I never look at the word count for my own blog posts, only when writing for someone else, so my judgment needs honing.
You pay per word, based on the quality of writing/writer. For example, “4 – excellent” costs $0.20 per word, while the highest level, “5 – professional” costs almost three times that – $0.67 per word. Since I was seeking an overall introduction to a city, the article’s length necessitated that I go with level 4. Based on the samples from each level, I was comfortable with this decision.
Two days later, I had a finished piece, which only required the correction of one misspelling. Otherwise, I was hooked from the first sentence, and found it easy to read, hitting all my requirements and sounding like something I’d write myself. At a cost of $14, it saved me a few hours of time, and left me with a new writer to consider for future assignments.
Seriously, I couldn’t be happier with my first experience with Textbroker. And as part of the deal, I get the full copyright to what was written. Cool, eh?
By the way, this is in no way a sponsored review!
I’ve already submitted a few more orders to help jump start my newest site.
I’m going to adopt Lissie’s approach to writing for my ever-expanding web empire. She mentioned it in a comment here last week.
GoBackpacking (flagship site) – I will continue to write my best stuff for this site, though will slowly open it up to more guest posts.
Medellin Living – I will maintain an editorial role, ensuring content is created by volunteer contributors (living in Medellin, of course)
Blog to Travel – I will continue to write for this blog, however it will be more informal. I’ll use this blog to experiment and play around, and share my earnings month to month. Along the way, there will be tips, but I’m not going to try and be the authority for making money online. I’d rather tell you the authorities I trust and follow so you can do the same.
All other sites – I will pay for content, seek contributors, and/or write a minimal amount myself to fill in the gaps
Related posts:
- Web Earnings for April 2009
- Stay Organized with Google Docs and Spreadsheets
- Another $9 Domain Name Purchased via GoDaddy.com
Tags: outsourcing, textbrokers, writing
I just put my first order in to Textbroker.com for my New York site. I would prefer to get my content from Craigslist people who actually live in New York but I can’t seem to get my ads to post there. So I’m going to put a few general NYC info type article requests onto Textbroker and see how it goes. I have three up there and I will let you know how they turn out. I’m hoping I have the same positive result as you!
I think your strategy looks like a good one. With some many blogs it’d be really difficult to stay on top of them using content you produce yourself. It would make doing all the other important things pretty hard.
I think outsourcing content is going to be something I continue to do, especially if Textbroker works out well. Investing in content is a great way to bring down the tax bill and increase the overall quality of your sites.
.-= Kirsty´s last blog ..Iowa is Out But Indo Might Be In =-.
I was happy to see your first article from Textbroker.com met expectations. I think results can vary. I’ve gotten 2 articles so far.
#1 – completed after 2 days and about 5 ahead of the deadline (I gave 7 days). Written well – I didn’t want to change a thing. Sent me a direct message afterward to thank me for assignment.
#2 – completed and submitted right before the deadline (I gave 5 days). As I read it, seemed too forced. I saw myself wanting to edit it, and as a result, I haven’t posted it on the site yet.
I’m going to send my next request directly to the first author, and see about working directly with her.
Another benefit of outsourcing the content is that it puts me in more of an editorial role, which is something I’ll be able to add to my resume.
You link to textbrokers.com in your post, but probably mean textbroker.com.
You’re right – I mistyped the domain. All fixed to http://www.textbroker.com
Hi,
I write for Textbroker and I really like it. I’m glad you had a good experience. They are wonderful to write for.
I have been writing for Textbroker about 3 months and so far so good. I also write for search engines and Textbroker rates are a little lower but I haven’t had any issues with them. I’m glad you had a pleasant experience with them, and it really depends on the writer as far as the quality of writing.