Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
I began my career by putting in a ton of effort to write for content mills. I’ve made tens of thousands of dollars from platforms like Textbroker and pulled in enough to replace a full-time income. But lately, I find myself spending less time on these systems.
Not because they are terrible, mind you. But because I’ve literally outgrown what these platforms can offer.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of being able to open Textbroker and crank out some content for a bit of cash. It’s just that I am in a far better place today than I was back in 2012.
Did you know I have a book on Amazon about freelance writing? It’s the story of how I got started using content mills like Textbroker and became the success that I am today.
Get Your Copy of A Freelancer’s Tale Today!
Why Don’t I Write for Content Mills Much in 2021?
Let me be perfectly clear. I don’t believe there is anything ultimately wrong with content mills. In fact, if it wasn’t for sites like Textbroker, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
And that’s not an exaggeration.
However, I’m also a proponent of personal growth. Eventually, you can outgrow a platform as better opportunities arise. And lately, that’s what has been driving me forward.
Private Clients Pay Me Enough
First of all, private clients pay me more than enough. My bills are paid and I have a bit of extra money each month. This gives me the chance to develop my own projects and brands.
However, I try to keep my content mill profiles active just in case I need a few extra bucks throughout the month.
Plus, my contracts are month-to-month, which means clients can drop me at any time. It’s nice to know that I can fall back on content mills while looking for a replacement.
Putting Effort into My Own Platforms and Brands
A few years back, I decided I wanted more than to just be a ghostwriter for various clients. I figured it would be nice to have my name tied to something I created.
So, I started building my own websites, YouTube channels, and other forms of media. And lately, I’ve been working on several professional projects to further help others become freelance writers.
At the moment, these elements don’t pay for much beyond web hosting and a few add-ons to improve site performance. But, things are really starting to take off in 2021.
Getting More Creative and Going Beyond Freelance Writing
This year, I’ve spent more time being creative than I did in all of 2020. After all, writing is more than just serving clients amazing pieces of content.
One of the things I wanted to add to WriterSanctuary is how to use and market with Kindle Direct Publishing. But, I can’t do that without having something to publish myself.
This is because I believe in offering first-hand experience for anything I review or teach. Though, I am pretty excited about the upcoming readings I’ll be doing on the WriterSanctuary YouTube channel.
I Rather Like Getting Credit for What I Create
As I said before, it’s nice being able to see my name in Google search results.
When you write for content mills, the client gets all the credit. You’re paid to simply provide words he or she can use on their respective websites.
Now, I’m no influencer. In fact, all of my social media accounts are pretty barren when it comes to followers. But, I love the idea of seeing something I create with my name attached.
In fact, this is the biggest reason why I want to publish a book. Not to roll in the dough or be on the New York Times Best Seller list. To look at my bookshelf and see my name on the spine of something I created is what drives me.
Not Enough Time in the Day
Lastly, and probably most importantly, I simply don’t have time in the day to write for content mills. I am trying to maintain five blogs, three YouTube channels, a Twitch stream, and several pieces of creative works.
I don’t have time to spare to crank out a few articles on Textbroker, which makes me feel like I’m letting those clients and teams down.
It’s true that none of these things are bringing in tons of money at the moment. But with how the momentum has been going this year, it probably won’t be long until some of them start comparing to what I would make by writing for content mills.
Luckily, I’m paid well enough to explore the potential of all these personal projects.
Why Should You Write for Content Mills?
Even though I don’t do much work for Textbroker today, I’m still a strong proponent of using the platform. Especially for those who are new to freelance writing.
Content mills are great stepping stones to help you move forward as a freelancer. Just keep in mind that you don’t need to simply focus on these kinds of sites.
Always work for self-improvement and career advancement in any way you can.
1. Helps You Learn AP Style Writing
In 2012, I had no idea what I was doing when it came to writing in AP Style English. I had a knack for stringing words together, but nothing like I do today.
When you write for content mills, especially Textbroker or Constant Content, the editors will point out grammatical errors and highlight where you need to work for AP Style content.
And I had a lot to work on over the years. Though, using something like Grammarly can help with Textbroker and other content mill content.
2. Gives You Experience Producing Content
Most clients I’ve dealt with over the years prefer practical experience as a freelance writer. Don’t expect you can start immediately writing for some company.
Many of the higher-paying brands want at least a Bachelor’s degree before they’ll even consider you.
However, I’ve been able to circumvent a lot of those requirements simply because I’ve done thousands of articles on content mills and my samples demonstrate my abilities.
3. Gives You Experience Handling Clients
When you write for content mills, you’ll undoubtedly handle a wide scope of clients. You’ll come across some who are exceptionally easy to work with and others who’ll hate your work no matter what you do.
These kinds of platforms help you learn patience and how to interact with those various clients professionally. One of the reasons why I was so successful on Textbroker is because I am easy to work with and very professional.
It’ll also help you develop a thicker skin and strengthen your character as a writer.
4. Can Provide a Bit of Income While Looking for Private Clients
When you’re looking for private clients, it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of money coming in. If you write for content mills while looking for those lucrative clients, you can at least make sure a few things are paid throughout the month.
Even if you’re just needing some gas money, any income is better than nothing at all.
Until you land some great clients, it makes no sense to sit around and cross your fingers. Content mills can help you keep productive while honing your writing skills with practice.
It Was Time Well Spent!
Yes, I make quite a bit more money today than when I started writing in 2012. However, I also put in a massive amount of work to get where I am today.
If it wasn’t for taking the time to write for content mills, I wouldn’t have the incredible job or opportunities I have today.
I suppose my point of all this is to never discredit something until you actually put in the effort to see if it works or not.
For me, Textbroker was time well spent over the years. But, this won’t hold true for everyone. And that’s OK. Every writer is going to have to follow their own path.
I am just to the point where I can safely move on without putting myself in financial despair.
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