7 Platforms That Will Actually Pay You Better as a Writer

Let’s be honest, the phrase “starving artist” exists for a reason. There are too many writers trapped in the rut of producing crappy content at a penny per word and making them feel poor and frustrated. But here is the thing: what I said does not need to be the case.

Earning what you really deserve as a writer is not a secret, magical kind of stuff, but knowing where your pitch should be.

The internet is actually filled with alot of opportunities that go far beyond the typical content mills.

If you are ready to stop racing to the bottom and make a living that actually grows online then these are the places where you can build a real writing career.

Here is a list of 7 online platforms that can help you get there.

1. Substack: The Direct-to-Audience Model

If you’re tired of algorithm issues or editors standing between you and your readers, Substack is your answer. It is a newsletter based platform that puts you in complete control. You write about what you’re passionate about, build a loyal email list, and offer paid subscriptions for your best work. There’s no middleman here taking a huge cut or changing the rules everytime.

Your income on Substack is tied directly to the value you provide to your own community.

Substack is Best for: Niche experts, journalists, and writers with a strong point of view.

2. Medium: The Built-In Audience

Medium is a massive platform with millions of readers actively looking for quality content. Through the Medium Partner Program, you earn money based on how much time members spend reading your articles.

While it can be competitive, writers who consistently publish high-quality, engaging stories in popular niches can earn a significant income.

The key is to find your audience and write stories that resonate deeply.
Best for: Storytellers and writers who want to build a personal brand and reach a broad audience.

3. Upwork (The Top Tier)

Wait, hear me out. Though freelance marketplaces like Upwork are flooded with low-paying gigs, there are still some serious clients looking for expert talent.

The secret is to bypass the low-ball offers and build a profile that would position you as a specialist.

Niching down, creating exciting proposals, and getting excellent reviews will help you to attract top-quality clients who will pay top dollar to receive your services.

4. LinkedIn: The Professional Client Magnet

We use LinkedIn because it is the most efficient tool of finding high-paying clients, even though LinkedIn is not a platform where you can get paid directly.

By optimizing your profile and consistently posting useful information, as well as interacting with industry leaders, potential employers will eventually start seeking you out rather than the other way round.

The top decision-makers of big companies are also on LinkedIn daily, and establishing a good profile on LinkedIn can direct you towards long-term contracts that are lucrative.

5. Contently: The Gateway to Premium Brands

Contently is an exclusive site that links skilled free-lance writers and journalists with significant brands such as Google, Dell and American Express.

Contently is one that is picky about the quality of writers it accepts, meaning that you need a good portfolio in order to succeed in becoming accepted within their ranks. However, in the event that you are able to get in, you will in fact open the door into doing high quality and well paying projects that can serve as the back bone to your stable freelance life.

Contently is Best For: Mature writers/ journalists who have a portfolio full of high quality work.

6. Niche Job Boards (like ProBlogger)

Instead of scrolling through massive job sites, I will advise you focus your energy on niche job boards.

Platforms like ProBlogger, JournalismJobs, or even industry-specific boards filter out the noise.

The companies posting here are serious about hiring good writers and are often prepared to offer competitive rates. You will find jist fewer listings, but trust me, the quality is significantly higher.

Best for: Writers looking for legitimate, vetted freelance or remote writing roles.

7. Gumroad: The Product Creator

The best way to earn more as a writer is to stop trading your time for the money. Platforms like Gumroad allow you to turn your knowledge into digital products.

Write an eBook, design a practical template or create a mini course based on your knowledge.

Once created, the same product can be sold multiple times to your audience to generate scalable income without being tied to the number of hours you work.

Gumroad is Best for: Writers with deep expertise who are ready to build and sell their own digital products.