by Daniel J. Gansle

Created on: January 31, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2012

With the advent of paid content websites comes a unique opportunity for writers to make money. While there is no such thing as easy money, writers have distinct advantage in order to earn income through writing content on the web. Some writers have even made jobs out of writing content on the web and are able to work at home.

• Revenue Sharing on the Web Defined

Revenue sharing essentially means that each writer on the content website gets a cut of the collective revenue from advertising in addition to revenue generated from advertising on each page of content the writer creates.

• How Revenue Sharing Works

Revenue sharing is an advantageous way to make money. Over time, revenue sharing creates what is called residual or passive income. In a nutshell, it means the writer submits a number of articles or other content and each article earns the writer a certain amount of money per day.

As an example, the writer submits 100 articles on a content website, each accruing one cent per day. That equals $1.00 per day, or $30.00 per month. While that number may seem low, let's say the writer has submitted 400 articles. That equals $4.00 per day, or $120.00 per month. Furthermore, some articles may make more money than others.

Writers won't get rich overnight. This process takes a lot of hard work and dedication, knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO), and an aptitude for writing quality content for the web. But with an investment in time spent daily writing content, the writer will eventually see an increasing amount of money every month.

• Revenue Sharing Websites for Writers

In recent years, a number of websites have launched that feature a variety of revenue sharing models for the writer to participate in.

eHow is a fun content website where writers create practical "how-to" articles. The site has a built-in social networking aspect to it as well, where writers can share articles and discuss how to write quality content that will attract search engines and make money. Squidoo is similar, where writers create "lenses" or web pages devoted to a specific topic.

Writers who are more serious about developing a career in freelance writing should consider creating content for Helium, Associated Content, and Suite101.

  • Helium is the only content website that pairs writers with real-world publishers looking to pay anywhere between $20-$200 for well-written pieces. Helium also offers a flat payment per article in addition to generating residual income.

  •  Associated Content is an equally professional content website where writers can make money by creating a range of content including slideshows, video, text articles, and audio.

  • Writers creating content for Suite101 will learn a great deal about SEO by working one on one with an editor who provides guidance. To be accepted as a contributor to the website, the writer must send Suite101 a resume summary and two writing samples.

Writers who want to make money earning residual income through the development of web-based content have a distinct advantage. However, the writer must keep in mind that revenue sharing is a slow process that builds over time rather than a way to get rich quick.

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