You do not have to have a college degree or be a certain age to start making money using your love for writing. Teens can continue to work on their craft while in school or figure out how they want to use their writing talent. If you are looking to find online jobs for teens that love to write, this is the blog for you.
Many places offer jobs for underaged teenagers without years of experience. In fact, these places pride themselves on giving teens the experience they will need and helping them prepare for the future.
Though there are valid reasons that many large corporations are not allowed to pay minors for services, there are still lots of opportunities for teens to earn money and start building their resumes. Here are 8 great places to start, where teens can find an online writing job.
Places to Find Online Writing Jobs for Teens
1. Fiverr
Anyone over the age of 13 is able to create a profile on Fiverr. Teens can create service packages, just like every adult on Fiverr, to showcase what they bring to the table. This includes how much you would charge for your services and your elevator speech as to why an employer should go with you for their project. Once you complete a few projects, you can raise your rates to make more money since those are up to you and are not set in stone.
2. Freelancer
Freelancer allows teens that are at least 16 years old to create an account. While they offer the traditional project-style job for freelancers, they also offer contests from employers, meaning freelancers post solutions that are already made, and the employer chooses the one they like the best. This can be tricky for teens that are hoping to make money since that does not guarantee money. It is a fun way to practice your work or dive into something such as a new structure new to try it out.
3. Craigslist
Unlike other sites, there is no minimum age to join Craigslist. But that does not mean teenagers should join without keeping their parents involved. It is very important to keep your parents involved when using a new job platform, or getting involved with a new company. No matter how much sites do to keep the platforms safe, there will always be some that are missed and it is important to keep a lookout. For Craigslist, there isn’t much protection from the site itself. So freelancers are urged to use their common sense to recognize scam postings versus companies truly looking for project help.
4. Hubpages
As long as you have parental consent, Hubpages will allow anyone under 18 to publish their work. You can sign up for the monetization program and sign up to consistently share bits to the world using their platform of an already generated and growing audience.
5. Slice the Pie
People do not always think about music and writing going hand in hand, but this site makes it clear. Slice the Pie is where music and writing come together. It’s a beautiful space for creators to showcase not only their love of music but their writing talent as well.
6. Medium
As another 13 and up platform, Medium lets anyone over the age of 13 gain traction on the platform to showcase their own creative space. Because it is strictly a blogging platform, unless you are enrolled in the Partner Program, you will not receive those benefits.
7. Reddit
Reddit is, essentially, a one-stop shop for anything you could possibly search for on the web. If you are thinking about it, there is almost a 100% chance that there is a subreddit about that topic. For writers and other freelancers, there are jobs posted on Reddit as well. For someone under the age of 18, they will need to filter out any jobs that do not accept underage freelancers. Nonetheless, there are wonderful opportunities available. Like anything else, there will always be scammers or people that search the web trying to ruin someone’s day. It is always important to be careful, especially on bigger and broader sites like Reddit.
8. Start your own
It may go without saying, but starting your own blog can be a money-maker in itself. Though it may take a bit longer than grabbing freelance jobs, starting your own blog will showcase the best and brightest versions of you as a person and a writer to future employers, and university admissions boards. WordPress, Wix, and Bluehost, among others, are great places to start when creating a blog.
Tips for Teens in Online Writing Jobs
While finding online writing jobs is the first step, succeeding in them is another challenge altogether. Here are some valuable tips for teens looking to make the most of their online writing opportunities:
1. Develop a Strong Portfolio
Even as a beginner, it’s crucial to showcase your best work. Create a portfolio website or use platforms like Contently or Clippings.me to display your writing samples. Include a variety of styles and topics to demonstrate your versatility.
2. Master Time Management
Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and writing jobs can be challenging. Use tools like Trello or Asana to organize your tasks and deadlines. Remember to prioritize your education while pursuing your writing career.
3. Continuously Improve Your Skills
Take advantage of free online resources to enhance your writing skills. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer writing courses. Also, read widely in your areas of interest to expand your knowledge and improve your writing style.
4. Learn SEO Basics
Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can give you an edge in content writing jobs. Familiarize yourself with keyword research, meta descriptions, and how to structure content for online readability.
5. Understand Copyright and Plagiarism
Ensure you understand the basics of copyright law and the importance of original content. Use tools like Grammarly or Copyscape to check your work for unintentional plagiarism.
6. Communicate Professionally
Even though you’re young, maintain a professional demeanor in all your interactions. Respond promptly to messages, meet deadlines, and be open to feedback. This professionalism will set you apart and potentially lead to repeat clients.
7. Set Realistic Rates
While it’s tempting to undervalue your work to get jobs, remember that your time and skills are valuable. Research industry standards for the type of writing you’re doing and set your rates accordingly. As you gain experience, don’t be afraid to raise your rates.
8. Network with Other Writers
Join writing groups on social media or forums like Reddit’s r/freelancewriters. These communities can provide support, job leads, and valuable advice from more experienced writers.
9. Be Aware of Online Safety
Always prioritize your safety online. Never share personal information, and if possible, have a parent or guardian review contracts or communications with potential clients.
10. Diversify Your Skills
While focusing on writing, consider learning complementary skills like basic graphic design or social media management. These additional skills can make you more marketable and open up new opportunities.
11. Embrace Feedback
Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. Welcome feedback from clients and use it to improve your writing. Remember, even negative feedback can be a learning opportunity.
12. Stay Persistent
Rejection is a normal part of any writing career. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land every job or if your pitches are sometimes rejected. Keep refining your skills and applying for opportunities.
13. Keep Learning About Your Industry
Stay updated on trends in content creation and digital marketing. Follow industry blogs and join relevant webinars to keep your knowledge current.
14. Build a Personal Brand
Even as a teen, you can start building your personal brand. Use social media platforms professionally to share your work and engage with other writers and potential clients.
15. Consider Specializing
While it’s good to be versatile, consider focusing on a niche you’re passionate about. Becoming an expert in a specific area can make you more attractive to certain clients.
Wrap Up
Starting your writing career does not have to wait until a specific milestone. As long as you have your parent’s permission, and are ready to jumpstart your writing journey, there are online jobs for teens to make money and gain experience.
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