Image: The Content Authority
There are so many different content mills out there and The Content Authority is one of them. While there are a lot of downsides to content mills, I’m not going to focus on them. Some people want to find sites like these to write at.
You, like me, may not be that bothered about not being paid large amounts for your work. For me, as long as I’m paid a penny a word, I’m happy enough to spend some time topping up my income at these sites.
But I digress. It’s worth looking at whether you can make money at The Content Authority.
Different Tiers of Writers
When you sign up to the site, you will start off at Tier 1. After five articles, your account will be checked to see if you can move up to Tier 2. This doesn’t take that long for quality writers, as long as there is work on the board.
Over time, you can have your account reviewed again to move up to Tier 3 and then to the top tier, Tier 4. The rate goes up with each promotion. Tier 1 is low, and you want to complete the work quickly, but it is possible to make up to $15 for 500 words of content if you find Tier 4 orders. These are few and far between though because writers snap them up quickly.
Make Money with Direct Orders
The place to make money is through direct orders. You set up rulesets to state the type of skills you have and the type of articles you can write. You set your own rates and then wait for the clients to hire you through them.
This is the way that most writers are making money at The Content Authority. The site forums have tips on making great rulesets to encourage more clients to hire you.
The Editors Do Expect Quality
Image: Pixabay
You can’t get away with writing copied or poor quality content. To move up the tiers, there are guidelines that editors expect you to meet. You can get demoted for constant poor work and need for revisions.
Clients have between three and six days (depending on the number of articles they order) to check the work. If the work does not meet their expectations, they can send the work back with notes for changes. This will cut into your already low hourly rate.
If you don’t agree with the revision request, you can dispute it. From experience, the editors are fair. If the client wants a change in instructions or hasn’t made something clear in the original instructions, the editors will usually find in the writer’s favour.
Can You Make Money Writing at The Content Authority?
When you sign up, it can seem like there isn’t much work available. It will depend on the time that you check. Remember the site is American and many of the clients are.
A lot of the work is through direct orders or group orders. However, there are regular orders now and then. There are also rewrites to do if you want to make small amounts of change. I tend to use the rewrites when I need a few dollars to meet my daily target and can’t be bothered putting too much effort into writing. Rewrites don’t require research!
The Content Authority could be an option for you, especially if you want a top up option. It’s not a way to make a living writing.
This is interesting information. I enjoy writing books over articles, although I do enjoy writing for Live Encounters Magazine. This is a great avenue for new writers and those who want to build a name for themselves.
Thanks. Books used to be my favorite but I think I’ve found a skill in some of the niches I write in now 🙂 Although I do still have plan for books.
Thanks for sharing this information. Great points for people who want to be writers for the website. Content marketing is king to website owners and many of them outsource the content.
Thanks. Quality content is king and outsourcing is certainly a way for many to go.
It does seem like a good site. I’m passing on the information to a friend who is looking for freelance writing opportunities. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, how do the writers make a living? I can see it would be good for writers when they start out, but it wouldn’t be sustainable over a long period of time and I should imagine it’s quite soul destroying.
It’s not sustainable to make a living from. I use it as a top-up now and then. Private clients is the way to go to make a living writing.
Hi Alexandria,
Awesome post! Great review on this site 🙂 Thank you for sharing…..Shared:)
You’re welcome. Glad you found something useful to share. Thanks!
I will have to take a look at this site thanks so much for the share
You’re welcome.
Funny. This was the first website that I used to start working as a freelance writer.
I used it for a year or so until I realized that I could be making much more cash if I contacted clients directly. Haven’t used it since. It’s a decent website for people who want to make some quick cash. But don’t expect premium rates.
There is certainly more money in contacting clients directly. I’ve found the same. However, this is good for those who aren’t bothered about making a lot and those who just need a backup for a quick top-up.
That’s a good coverage of using the service along with a few tips. Should be helpful for people wanting to build their portfolio and get some recommendations in addition to the income.
Thanks. There are a lot of people looking to add small sites like this, so I really hope it does.
This is a great opportunity for people to start their writing business, or, as you said, to top up your monthly earnings.
Thanks, Victoria. Glad to hear someone else agree. There are a lot of nay-sayers out there when it comes to content mills but I believe they have their benefits.
I’ve never heard of the Content Authority until now, but it sounds like a great way to get started as you look for private clients.
I think it is, Crystal. After all, we need income from somewhere while marketing. With a good marketing plan, it doesn’t take too long to find private clients.
Dear Alexandria,
This is great information for writers and as with all things, you have to start somewhere. 🙂 It is always best to get advice from someone who has done it, my humble opinion.
BTW, this is right in alignment with the article I’m working on right now about how to make money blogging (writing).
I love it when things are serendipidous like that.
🙂
Visiting from your Ultra Blog Challenge Pinterest Pin.
Hmmmm. I wonder why a picture of me didn’t show up???
Thanks, Kathy. That’s great to hear you’re covering this topic! I’d like to read your view of things like this. I’m spending the month covering different sites for making money writing online.
I’m not sure why a picture for you hasn’t shown up. That is strange.
Hi Alexandria,
I’ve never heard of Content Authority, but I’m always interested in finding new places to write for and find clients. I’m definitely going to check this one out. Thanks!