Thinking of Becoming a Suite101 Writer? 10 Benefits of Online Writing
Working as a web content writer is profitable in many ways, including financial. I rounded up these benefits of writing for Suite101 to commemorate my two year anniversary (since I didn’t get a watch!).
First, a writing quip:
“Writing is elemental,” says Natalie Goldberg in Wild Mind: Living the Writer’s Life. “Once you have tasted its essential life, you cannot turn from it without some deep denial and depression. It would be like turning from water.”
I don’t know if I see writing for Suite101 as water, but it’s a great place to learn web writing and hone your skills as a writer. If you know nothing about being a web writer, read Writing Online: Write Your Dreams to Reality - it’ll teach you most everything you need to know about blogging, social media, SEO, list building, and how to build a strong blog following.
And, here are ten reasons I enjoy writing for Suite101…
10 Reasons I Write for Suite101 (Benefits of Online Writing)
A steady trickle of passive income
If you want to live on a freelance writer’s salary, you need multiple streams of income. You can’t rely on Reader’s Digest or Sports Illustrated for a steady paycheck, even if you’re the best freelance writer in the whole wide world. Editors leave or get tired of your style of writing, and your paychecks dwindle or vanish altogether. So, one of my best reasons for writing web content for Suite101 is the steady trickle of income it offers.
The exponential potential for growth
Note that I said I enjoy writing for Suite101 because of its trickle of income. These are crucial words; newbies are often disappointed at how long it takes to build a steady income that doesn’t make your family snicker. Like compound interest, it often takes months to build up steady, respectable revenue – but once you get the ball rolling, it develops its own momentum.
Web content writing skills
Learning about SEO (search engine optimization), keywords, Google CPC (cost per click), web writing, etc. is really important if you want to optimize your own blog or website. The web writing skills I’ve learned are definitely one of the top three reasons I love writing for Suite101 – especially because it’s preparing me to work for other online magazines and publications.
“Suite” editorial support
The Suite101 editors work closely with the writers to make sure each article is as well-written, optimized, and as accurate as possible. While I view this as a great reason to write for Suite101, I have found that some writers find this “support” a little too onerous. Since the appeal of “strong editorial support” depends on so many factors, each writer needs to make this call him or herself.
Writing what I love
As a full-time freelance writer, sometimes I have to write about things that make me want to drink gin straight out of the cat dish (I stole that phrase from Anne Lamott). One of the best things about Suite101 is that I can focus on psychology. I have a degree in psych, I love learning and writing about human nature, and I love combining all that in my articles. Most writers choose to write about topics that they’re extremely interested or educated in, which is a great reason to write web content for Suite.
Freedom to choose certain topics
If you want to write about a whole range of topics, such as depression, cats, hot fudge sundaes, or Halloween costumes, you can. Even if you’re a Feature Writer for a specific topic (I’m the Suite101 Psychology Feature Writer), you can contribute to any of the other hundreds of topics. It’s a great way to explore other topics and practice different types of writing (eg, book reviews, interviews, research shorts, Q & A’s, etc).
Repository for web articles
Say you just wrote an article on “How to Find Online Writing Jobs for New Writers”, and you have tons of extra information. Instead of losing it to the ether, you can write up the unused bits in an article for Suite101. This is a great way to repurpose your research and hard work - and it’s another reason to be a web content writer for Suite.
Suite101 writers’ community
There’s a great community and writer’s forum, which is not only a great place to learn about Suite policies (and sometimes kvetch about them), it’s also a good place to share the big moments in a writer’s life. Writers post about their most current book publishing experiences, births, surgeries, writing successes and failures, requests for information for magazine articles they’re writing (I often get great info from my fellow Suite writers), and so on.
Writing portfolio and platform
Another great reason to write for Suite101 is the potential for other web content writing jobs. Many Suite writers are contacted for blog or magazine writing possibilities, simply on the basis of their Suite articles. Building your online portfolio and writing platform and getting your writing out there will help you become a more successful freelancer.
Connection with readers
I really enjoy hearing what readers have to say about my articles on Suite101. I like hearing what readers think about my topics, and how they feel about their lives or relationships (I’m a psychology writer, so the comments I get are much different than, say, the Home Reno & Repair writer’s).
Bonus reason I’m a Suite writer
Ugh, when I look back on the articles I wrote a year or two ago (or even a month or two ago), I cringe at the “errors” – some of which only I can see. Others, everyone notices. But seeing my mistakes shows me how far I’ve improved as a writer. Seeing how I’ve messed up a sentence or an expert’s credential reminds me not to make the same mistake again. Sure, I’m embarrassed at the quality of my first articles on Suite101 – but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Suite offers the freedom to choose topics, encouragement from fellow writers, connection with readers, and a monthly paycheque – could writing get any better?
To learn more, read Is Suite101 Worthwhile for Writers? Web Content Writing Tips.
UPDATE: I describe why I no longer write for Suite101 in Should You Get Paid Per Post or Per Click?
Are you thinking of writing for Suite101? Please comment or ask questions below – I’d love to hear from you!
Category: Blogs and Websites, Making Money Blogging, Online or Web Writing
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Hi Sara,
I started to answer your question here, and it turned into a 1,000 word “monologue” (except it was written!) So I turned it into an article – here it is:
Should You Get Paid Per Blog Post or Earn Money Per Click?
I hope it answers your question…feel free to ask me more questions there or here.
Happy writing,
Laurie
Hi Laurie, thanks for this post! Just curious, could you elaborate on why you are no longer so enchanted with Suite101? I’m a freelancer writer with a couple of regular gigs, but looking to make a few more hundred dollars per month. I would write mainly about pregnancy and parenting. Do you think that’s reasonable? How many articles (or in how much time) would be necessary to achieve this? (I realize this is totally variable, but if you have any general thoughts that would be so helpful). As a stay-at-home mom with not a lot of extra time, I’m wondering if this is worth it, or if I should continue to pursue other outlets. Thanks!
Hi Shimelis,
To write for Suite101, you need to apply directly to them. And, I don’t accept many guest posts here on Quips and Tips.
I wish you all the best in your writing!
Laurie
I just read this page almost by chance but I found it useful. I am language and literature student here at Addis Ababa University. May I write you some pieces? I need to have the license from you. Please notify me.
I should write an update to this article about writing for Suite101! A lot has changed since I started writing for Suite, and I no longer write weekly articles. I’m not as enchanted with the site as I once was…though these benefits of writing for Suite are still valid.
I don’t know if this makes sense…if not, feel free to ask me questions!
Laurie
Right now, Suite Feature Writers are required to write an article a week (but they can write more). I believe Contributing Writers can write less than that if they wish…but the more you write, the more you improve, and the more money you can potentially make!
I also believe that the writers’ guidelines are being revised, but the new ones haven’t been given to us.
Good luck, Arina — I hope you give it a try, and that you enjoy it
Is there a certain amount of articles you need to publish per month, or is it all based on the writer? I’m thinking about signing up to be a writer and improving my writing skills/portfolio, and I would love to know this little bit about the gig.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Kathy,
Welcome to Suite101 ~ I hope you love it as much as I do! Caveat emptor: it takes months to earn a respectable stream of income (which is why I started writing for Suite four years ago — to earn money). But, if you take advantage of the perks you suggested — media passes, more exposure, linking from your Suite profile to your blogs and websites — then you’ll find your writing career moving forward!
Good luck, and I hope you keep in touch…
Laurie
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post ..How Do Bloggers Get Readers to Comment on Posts? Tips for Blogging =-.
As a published writer for newspapers, websites and blogs I wanted to try doing my own thing where I could write what I wanted, not just what was assigned. I recently came across Suite101 and decided to give it a try. I sent in several articles and was accepted within an hour. Really not too sure how it works but it does seem to give a writer more exposure. I actually belong to several writers networks and which offer media trips. To be eligible for media trips the writer needs to have an outlet to publish, which is where I think being part of Suite101 would be invaluable. If I read the contract correctly I understand that I can have my personal website attached to my profile. Even is compensation is small that alone is great advertising for other future projects.
Annie ~ the first few months of writing for Suite101 are definitely the most difficult! Instead of focusing on the money, I encourage you to concentrate on writing excellent articles that are SEO-friendly. Suite has a wonderful SEO training materials, the editors do their best to help writers. It takes time — months or even years (for people like me) to get the hang of writing for the web….I stuck it out and wrote lots my first year, and am SO glad I did. Now, I’m “passively” earning at least $20 a day (and often more than that).
Mish ~ I don’t think Suite101 is the right place if you’re writing articles to promote your sites. They don’t allow self-promotion, which includes linking to your blogs in your articles. But, it’s a great place to continue learning about SEO and promoting yourself via your bio (on your bio, you can link to your blogs and websites all you want!).
Laurie
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post ..How to Set New Goals When Your Old Goals Aren’t Working =-.
I have a few niche websites making money – I was thinking about applying for suite 101, to write complimentary articles to promote my sites. Is linking from your articles to your own sites allowed?
hey, thanks a lot for your article. i just started writing for suite about a month ago, and with only 5 articles so far i’ve gotten up to $0.16!! feeling discouraged i checked out the writer’s forums, then did a google search for other’s thoughts on writing for suite. so far you and a couple others have really encouraged me to stick with it. so thank you!
annie
Thanks for your comment, Cherie.
I think we’ve been writing with Suite101 for the same length of time — three years! Too bad we didn’t know each other better, we could compare our income and earnings
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post ..5 Ideas for Earning Money Writing – Tips From Experienced Writers =-.
Great article, Laurie, and I couldn’t agree more. Suite gave me a place to showcase my work, and the money was secondary (in the beginning.) Now that I’ve been there almost three years, the income is an added bonus. I love writing there and the community of writers is outstanding.
.-= Cherie´s last blog post ..How to Write a Killer “How to” Article in 7 Easy Steps =-.
Hi Cyndy,
I hope you enjoy writing for Suite as much as I do!
Keep in touch — I’d love to hear how it goes…
Laurie
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..Creative Ways to Use Your Email Signature =-.
Hey, this is great…I was just going to ask Laurie if you still collect any money from your articles even after quitting Suite, but Sebastian’s comment answers my question. Okay, I think I’ve appeased all my doubting friends, I’m going to go with Suite since they accepted me. You have a great site here Laurie!
I wrote for Suite about years ago, and got too busy with life so had to quit. But, I still earn a few bucks a month from those articles I wrote. I’d write for Suite again if I had more time.
Hi Cyndy,
Congratulations on this new stage of your writing career! Even if it doesn’t work out for you (and web writing for a big e-zine isn’t for everyone), then at least you know you tried.
If you can’t make the required 10 articles, in 3 months, I think you do get bumped off. However, if there are extenuating circumstances (eg, illness, travel, life problems, etc), then you can talk to your editor about an extension or special consideration.
If you are going on vacation, you can either upload a few articles before you go (save them in a draft form in Suite, to be published while you’re gone) or write a bunch before you go and after you return.
It’s important to pick article topics that you’re interested in or know alot about — because those articles will take you less time to research and write. For instance, it doesn’t take me long to write an article in psychology because I’m inherently interested in it.
Also, remember that the first few weeks are the most difficult (as with any job!). It’s hard to learn search engine optimization, editorial standards, article posting, etc — but once you get over the initial hump, you’ll find it much easier.
I encourage you to visit the Suite writers’ forum – it’s a goldmine of information! Feel free to ask questions, and search for your questions in the forums….everyone has similar questions when they first start. You’re not alone, my friend.
If there’s anything else I can do, please ask! And, I hope to see you on the Suite forum…
Laurie
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..How to Write Effective Titles for Magazine Articles and Blog Posts =-.
Hello Laurie,
I just got accepted to become a writer for suite 101. I’m experiencing some reluctance to jump in this project, but your helpful info has really prompted me to go for it. I’m a little afraid of pumping out 10 articles in 3 months – do you get bumped off if you can’t make that minimum? Can you ever take vacations from that quota? I’m definitely encouraged after reading your comments to go for it.
Cyndy Irvine
Hi Omar,
Good luck with your application to Suite! I hope you get accepted — let me know how it goes.
Regarding other websites to write for and earn money (I think that’s what you’re asking): I’ve only written for Suite and blogged for myself. But, here’s a list of possibilities for you to check out: Constant Content, About.com, Demand Studios, Elance, Triond, Examiner….
I hope this helps!
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..New Suite101 Writers – How to Stay Motivated to Keep Writing =-.
I’m gonna reapply to Suite 101. Does anyone know of any other writing communities?
.-= Omar´s last blog post ..REJECTIONS REJECTIONS REJECTIONS =-.
Oh, and Drums: I use the Glory theme from Solostream. They’re wonderful — they have a forum that answers questions, and offer support after you’ve bought your theme.
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..How to Stop Feeling Depressed About a Relationship Breakup – Rita Rudner =-.
Glad I could help, and I hope you do become a regular reader!
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog post ..How to Stop Feeling Depressed About a Relationship Breakup – Rita Rudner =-.
Thank you the adventurous writer, this exactly what I was looking for …
I shall be very pleased to become a regular!