In this experiment, I’m working to see if Vocal Media is something that can eventually pay writers well. The idea is to create an income that is worth the time it takes for you to write a “story.” Though, there are a lot of variables to consider.
This is a 3-month experiment I’m conducting to see how long it takes before Vocal pays me more than I’m paying them for the plus membership. I’ll write three posts per week, mostly because I don’t have the time available to write every day.
When I say “a 3-month experiment,” I’m referring to a solid 12-week period for collecting data.
The Data
In this spreadsheet, I’m monitoring each week in terms of how many posts I submitted, how many “reads” I get in comparison, and the estimated income for the account.
This will demonstrate if I’m able to engage an audience while providing enough data to calculate when I’ll make a certain amount of money each week.
In order to recuperate the $10 per month I spend on Vocal Plus, I need roughly 417 reads per week.
Unfortunately, Vocal doesn’t have the best system in place for analytics. So, I have to take the scenic route to break down the data. That’s OK, though; I really enjoy setting up calculations in a spreadsheet.
The Conclusion
As this is an ongoing experiment, I don’t have a conclusion as of yet. But when the three months are over, I should have enough to support whether Vocal is worth your time or not.
If all goes well, this experiment will be concluded on February 25th.
How Vocal Media Works
Essentially, you write articles covering almost any topic you want. Though, you’ll have to check the community guidelines as well as find a niche you want to write.
Vocal has a lot of sub-niches on its website.
After submitting your story to Vocal, it can take a couple of days before the “story” is live on the site. At this point, you may want to share it on social media to help reach an audience and boost reads.
Depending on what type of Vocal account you have (free vs paid), you’ll earn a small bit of money each time someone reads your article. The more popular the piece, the more money you’ll make.
You can also submit your story to various contests that Vocal promotes to win prizes.
Gaining an Audience
The most important aspect of succeeding on Vocal Media is gaining an audience of avid readers. It’s all about getting as many eyes on your content as possible.
However, this is quite a bit more difficult than if you were to have your own blog. Instead of focusing on keywords or phrases and addressing search intent, it’s a matter of delivering interesting topics.
If you’re not providing what people want to read on Vocal, you won’t make very much money.
Luckily, you can build a “subscriber” list of people who follow your account. That might help you get a few instant eyes on your work as soon as it goes live. But you still need to create content that people want before they will subscribe.
Don’t Focus on SEO
Unlike blogging and other writing platforms, it doesn’t seem like Vocal has any need for search engine optimization. I have yet to see any Vocal article pop up in a search while looking for any kind of information.
So, instead of worrying about SEO and reaching the top positions on a Google results page, you need to focus intensely on the human element.
Sure, some phrases might help if someone is looking for specific information. After all, Vocal does have a search field. But you’re not worrying about how Google will index the content, which can make writing a lot easier, in my opinion.
Header Images
When adding your article to Vocal, the system is integrated with the royalty-free platform, Unsplash. This means you have access to thousands of images you can add to your article.
However, this also means you’ll be using the same images as many other creators. And when it comes to engaging an audience, unique images are superior.
Nonetheless, if you’re not graphically inclined or just need a quick image in your article, Unsplash is very useful.
Fiction and Non-Fiction
One thing I do like about Vocal is how you’re encouraged to write both fiction and non-fiction articles. This means that if you have a short story running around in your head, you can hammer it out on Vocal with the potential to bring in a bit of cash.
It could also help you drum up some excitement and support as an author by getting readers excited about what’s coming next.
Personally, I’m debating on writing a “Fiction Friday” on Vocal and submitting 1500 to 2000-word episodes. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that the editors at Vocal will publish the piece on a Friday.
Still, I could call it Fiction Friday for myself and just submit them anyway.
What is the Pay from Vocal Media?
There are a couple of ways you can make money using Vocal. This includes:
- Getting people to read your content.
- Tips from readers if they like your article.
- Bonuses from having a featured or top story.
- Bonuses from Vocal sharing your story on its social account.
- Winning various writing contests.
With a free Vocal account, you will make $3.80 for every 1000 reads. This breaks down to $0.0038 per visitor who reads your article. So, if you want to make $100 per day, you’ll need roughly 26,315 reads.
With a Vocal Plus account, you’ll make $6.00 for every 1000 reads. To make that same $100, you’ll need 16,667 reads per day.
This doesn’t include any tips, bonuses, or contest winnings, though.
Coincidentally, I only need 8,673 visitors to my blog to make $100. That’s based on the current average RPM of this website at $11.53 (as of December 1, 2022).
Is Writing for Vocal Media Worth Your Time?
Not everyone has the upfront cash to start their own blog. And many still would rather not maintain their own website. So, platforms like Vocal Media are attractive, especially if you can make money writing almost anything you want.
However, is using Vocal worth your time, or should you find another outlet?
To Make Money from Home
In my last experiment with Vocal, I really didn’t bring in a lot of money. In fact, what I pay to Vocal really doesn’t cover the time I invest in writing a post.
Yet, that’s why I am conducting this most recent experiment. The first one was only a month long. I want to know if putting in the effort to consistently write will make a difference in reads.
So, when this experiment is over, I’ll edit this section to reflect my experience.
As a Marketing Device for Other Things
As a writer, any kind of marketing is going to do wonders for your name. This is true whether you’re a freelance writer or author. The more people you can connect with and get excited over your abilities, the better.
When it comes to getting my name out there as an author, blogger, or freelancer, I use every writing platform I come across. It’s one of the major reasons why I dominate a Google search when you look for me by name.
Now, will you attract a massive audience from Vocal? That depends on how well you connect with the reader and what you provide.
Nonetheless, my stories on Vocal have brought in a few visitors to the blogs and YouTube channels. So, even though the posts don’t get a lot of reads, publishing them has increased marketing power, if even by a slight amount.
To Practice Your Writing
Perhaps one of the greatest aspects of Vocal Media is being able to practice writing. Not only does it give you a chance to streamline your style and grammar, but you might make a few bucks from doing so.
That means if you don’t have the money for your own blog, don’t want to use a free blog, or want to practice what you offer as a freelancer, Vocal is a great place.
Since you can also publish fictional works, it’s just a good system for new writers all around.
What’s Your Go-To Writing Platform?
In reality, there are a lot of writing platforms on the Internet. To find the best one for you, I suggest trying them all. You’ll undoubtedly come across one that you like the most that will help you in your writing career.
Personally, I’m keen on writing for Wattpad. However, I am looking forward to seeing what I can do with Inkitt.