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Is TextBroker Really Worth It For Freelance Writers? An In-Depth Review
TextBroker has been around for over a decade as one of the largest content mills, connecting writers with clients in need of content. But is working with TextBroker really a good idea for freelance writers looking to make money? In this extensive review, we’ll take an honest look at the pros and cons of writing for TextBroker to help you decide if it’s worth pursuing or if you should look elsewhere.
How Does TextBroker Work?
TextBroker operates as a marketplace, bringing together writers and clients in need of written content. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- Registration: Writers sign up by providing personal details, uploading a sample, and going through a review process.
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Profile setup: Once approved, writers can customize their profile, specifying services offered, payment rates, and samples.
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Applying for jobs: Clients post writing projects that writers can then apply for. Jobs include product descriptions, articles, blog posts and more.
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Accepting work: Writers can browse open jobs and choose to work on ones that interest them. Editors may request revisions.
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Payment: Writers are paid via PayPal once a minimum threshold is reached. Rates vary depending on a writer’sstar rating.
So in summary, TextBroker matches freelance writers with clients posting writing projects. Writers apply for and complete jobs, getting paid on a per-word basis depending on their rating.
What Are the Pros of Writing for TextBroker?
There are some potential advantages to consider when deciding if TextBroker is worthwhile:
Steady Stream of Work: TextBroker has a large client base constantly posting new writing jobs. This provides opportunities for steady if low-paying work.
Develop Writing Skills: Taking on a variety of projects can help new writers hone their craft and gain valuable experience. Editors also provide feedback.
Set Your Own Schedule: As an independent contractor, writers decide which projects to accept and control their schedule. Work can fit around other commitments.
Global Marketplace: The platform connects writers worldwide with clients everywhere, opening more opportunities than working locally.
Potential Referrals: Establishing relationships with recurrent clients could lead to direct, higher-paying work outside of TextBroker over time.
So in summary, TextBroker offers steady if low-paying work, opportunities to gain experience, flexibility, and access to a large global market – at least theoretically.
What Are the Cons to Consider?
Of course, there are also some downsides to think about when evaluating if TextBroker is the right path:
Incredibly Low Rates: TextBroker pays per word completed, ranging from $0.007 to $0.05 per word depending on writer rating. This works out to less than minimum wage in many places.
Cost of Revisions: Clients can demand unlimited free revisions, costing writers a significant unpaid time investment with each job.
Lack of Credits: TextBroker retains all rights and writers don’t get credit for their works, preventing portfolios for securing better paying jobs elsewhere.
Difficult to Raise Ratings: Higher ratings are required to access better paying jobs, yet ratings are not clearly explained and don’t factor in positive client feedback.
Hidden Client Fees: Despite low writer pay, TextBroker takes a hefty 30-47% commission from what clients pay, inflating expectations of work quality.
So the major drawbacks include extremely low pay dangerous to one’s financial well-being, a lack of control over revisions, hidden fees, and opaque writer ratings – making long-term success questionable.
Should You Work with TextBroker?
After considering both the pros and cons, is TextBroker ultimately worthwhile for freelance writers? The conclusion will vary depending on individual circumstances, but here are a few pointers:
For Supplemental Income Only
TextBroker simply does not pay rates high enough to rely on as a primary income source. Writers needing to earn a living wage should view it only as supplemental work for extra spending money.
Gaining Experience Over Profits
New writers without portfolios may benefit from the learning opportunities, though should manage expectations of profitability. Those needing to earn seriously should seek higher paying alternatives as soon as possible.
Existing Portfolio a Must
Only writers with established portfolios and client lists should consider TextBroker, using it to promote their services and attract better direct clients. Relying solely on TextBroker is an untenable strategy.
Alternatives May Be Better
There are often better avenues for freelance work paying fair living wages, including directly marketing one’s services to local businesses, blogs/publications, or platforms like Upwork which offer support finding clients.
TextBroker Alternatives for Writers
While TextBroker provides access to work, the low pay often does not justify the time investment. Writers would likely fare better exploring other freelance marketing strategies and platforms:
Direct Outreach
Reaching out directly to potential clients like blogs, small businesses and publications allows setting your own rates and maintaining full rights/credits to content.
Social Media Marketing
Using platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to establish expertise and attract clients directly without middlemen taking cuts of revenue.
Freelance Platforms
Sites like Upwork and Fiverr offer opportunities to bid on higher paying projects while maintaining ownership. Rates are generally far better than TextBroker.
Niche Website/Blog
Developing an authoritative website or blog in a moneymaking niche allows profiling expertise and monetizing content through ads, affiliates, info products and consulting.
Remote Job Boards
Searching “remote jobs” on sites like WeWorkRemotely, FlexJobs and Remote.co can turn up better paid writing, editing or related roles worth applying for.
The goal for serious freelance writers should be establishing their own brands and clients – not relying on platforms that offer measly payment while retaining rights. Exploring such self-marketing tactics is far likelier to result in sustainable success.
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Final Thoughts
TextBroker fills a role by matching many writers with clients needing low-cost content. However, its per-word rates are woefully inadequate as anything more than supplemental income. Additionally, hidden fees, opaque ratings, lack of ownership and control over revisions present real downsides.
Freelance writers hoping to earn a full-time living through their skills would do better focusing efforts on direct outreach, social media marketing and platforms allowing negotiations at fair market rates. Those seeking experience may use TextBroker temporarily but should plan an exit strategy incorporating branding, direct clients and higher-paying opportunities. With savvy marketing, better monetizing alternatives exist that retain autonomy and offer greater financial sustainability.
For new or unestablished writers, TextBroker could serve as a stepping stone – but serious freelancers will want to avoid relying on it long-term or as anything more than a small piece of a diversified income portfolio. Overall, while it fills a niche, TextBroker should not be the end goal for those hoping to earn well through freelance writing alone. Considering the full pros, cons and alternatives is key to positioning for success in this field.
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