With the growing trend of working from home, freelance writing has become a popular career choice for many individuals. Platforms like Textbroker have emerged to cater to this demand, providing a marketplace for writers seeking remote work opportunities. If you’re considering joining Textbroker but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll dive into an in-depth review of Textbroker, exploring everything you need to know before signing up and taking on your first writing assignment.
We’ll cover the ins and outs of Textbroker, including its legitimacy, who can write for the platform, the payment structure, and more. Moreover, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using Textbroker and suggest some alternative platforms for those who might be seeking a different freelancing experience. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether Textbroker is the right option for your work-from-home writing journey.
Key Takeaways
Table of Contents
- Textbroker offers an online marketplace for freelance writers to find remote work and earn based on a star-rating system.
- The platform has an easy-to-use interface and provides a flexible work schedule, but may have low payouts and requires personal information for payments.
- Alternatives to Textbroker include platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and FlexJobs for those seeking a different freelancing experience.
What is Textbroker?
Textbroker is a platform that serves as a content mill for many individuals seeking assistance with their content strategy. This platform enables clients to easily find freelancers who are capable of creating a diverse range of content, including blog posts, product descriptions, social media updates, technical articles, and advertising copy.
Freelancers appreciate Textbroker because it offers a flexible work schedule that allows them to work remotely, either from home or while traveling as digital nomads. However, you must be a US-based author with experience in writing search engine optimized (SEO) content to join the platform.
Your pay rate and workload on Textbroker will depend on your ability to adhere to their guidelines. Writers receive a star rating (ranging from three to five stars) based on their grammar skills and SEO knowledge. As a new writer, you’ll likely start with a three-star rating, but it’s crucial to maintain or even improve that rating over time.
To maximize your earnings as a professional writer, aim for a five-star status by writing ten articles and maintaining a four-star rating from your clients. You’ll also need to pass a rigorous proofreading test to prove your worth and attain that elite five-star status. This way, you can have access to higher-paying writing jobs, enhancing your overall experience with Textbroker.
Is Textbroker Legitimate?
No need to worry, Textbroker is indeed a legitimate platform for freelance writers seeking work-from-home opportunities. Established in 2007, the platform has secured thousands of jobs for freelancers like you, even if you have limited experience. With natural writing talent and a strong desire to hone your skills, you can certainly succeed on Textbroker.
The platform features a star-rating system that ranges from 2-star to 5-star writers. Your success and earnings are influenced by your quality level and attention to detail—strive for higher ratings by avoiding grammar mistakes and consistently delivering top-notch content!
Aside from its longevity and growth over time, Textbroker has also been recognized for its legitimacy through external achievements. In 2013, it joined the prestigious Inc. 5000 list and maintained its rank for the subsequent two years. Moreover, Textbroker boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, further showcasing its credibility.
In short, not only is Textbroker legit, but it’s also a reliable platform for those who combine their writing skills and dedication to produce high-quality content, regardless of their educational background.
Who Can Write for Textbroker?
If you’re interested in writing for Textbroker, it’s essential to know the requirements and process to become a writer on the platform. Textbroker offers writing opportunities in multiple languages, such as English (both U.S. and UK versions), German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, and Russian. However, they only accept authors from target countries.
For U.S.-based English writers, you’ll need to provide proof of citizenship. Registering on the platform is free and without significant risks. During the registration process, you’ll need to pass a basic writing sample to demonstrate your English language mastery and writing skills. Your effort and experience in this sample may determine your initial rating on Textbroker.
Textbroker has sister sites for writers in other countries like the UK and New Zealand. Once you’ve successfully registered and received a rating based on your writing sample, you can begin accepting writing assignments. These assignments come in the form of open orders, available in thousands of options based on your rating and content production quality level.
Whether you’re a seasoned freelance writer or just starting, Textbroker opens doors for you to hone your writing skills, explore a wide range of topics, and earn extra income from the comfort of your home. So, if you are confident in your writing abilities, sign up and start turning your passion into profit.
How Much Does Textbroker Pay?
When it comes to determining your earnings on Textbroker, there are various factors to consider. Your pay depends on the type of order you are working on and your star rating. Let’s delve into the different order types and their corresponding payouts.
Order Types:
- Open Orders
- Direct Orders
- Team Orders
Open Orders are the most common jobs you’ll find, and your pay will depend on your star rating:
- 3-star rating: 1.1 cents per word
- 4-star rating: 1.6 cents per word
- 5-star rating: 5.5 cents per word
As a writer, aim for a 5-star rating, as it can significantly increase your earnings. In fact, it’s more than triple the pay for a 4-star writer. Excelling in proofreading tests and garnering positive reviews will help boost your rating.
Direct Orders are assignments specifically tailored for you. In this case, you can set your own per-word rate, giving you more control over your earnings. Take note that Textbroker enforces a minimum of 2.2 cents per word for Direct Orders regardless of your star rating.
Joining a Team can also provide better earning opportunities than Open Orders. While clients determine the pay rate for their team, you’ll enjoy a minimum of 2.15 cents per word.
In summary, your earnings on Textbroker will depend on your order type and star rating. To maximize your income, strive to improve your rating through hard work, dedication, and quality writing. Remember, higher ratings open doors to better-paying orders and a more rewarding experience on the platform.
Payments with Textbroker
Necessary Documents for Payouts
When writing for Textbroker, you might be curious about their payment process. Payments are handled through Payoneer, and you need a minimum balance of $10 in your Textbroker account before requesting a payout. You can ask for payouts by 11:59 PM (PT) on Sundays and Wednesdays, with processes taking place on the following business day (Mondays and Thursdays).
Although Textbroker does not provide a specific time for the arrival of funds in your account, they estimate it might take one to two business days. Also, be aware that while selecting a weekly payment is free, you will be charged a $1 fee if you want to be paid on both Mondays and Thursdays.
To get paid for your work, you need to set up a Payoneer account through Textbroker. To do this, you’ll need:
- Bank account information from a U.S.-based bank
- Tax form information
Textbroker uses Payoneer as a way to verify that their freelance writers are U.S. citizens. This additional verification helps ensure you have the required credentials to work on their platform while they verify your writing sample and citizenship documents. Just be patient and have your personal information ready during the process.
How Textbroker Functions
1. Complete the Registration Process
To begin your journey as a content creator, start by filling out the author application on the platform. This will guide you in setting up a professional profile by providing your expertise, field of study, and referral sources that brought you to Textbroker. Additionally, you will be required to enter your login information (email address and password). Later on, you might need to submit documents to verify your U.S. citizenship.
2. Choose from Available Assignments
After your account gets approved, explore the open orders to find projects that match your interests. The assignments are arranged by categories in alphabetical order, with popular topics like Animals, Business, Fashion, Marketing, and Education. Select a category to view the list of projects and pick one you are comfortable with to work on.
3. Review the Project Requirements
Upon opening an assignment, a timer will start, giving you some time to go through the project details and instructions from the client. Examine the required keywords, keyword density, and any additional guidelines to ensure a well-crafted article. If you decide to proceed, click the “I want to write this article” button and keep in mind the 24-hour deadline, aiming to finish a few hours ahead to avoid losing the order.
4. Create Your Article
With the assignment details at hand, it’s time to begin writing. Although the platform provides a submission box, it’s recommended to use a word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word or Google Docs) to ensure your work remains safe.
5. Submit Your Work
When your article is ready, click the “preview and submit” button on the platform. If everything looks good, proceed by selecting “release text” to submit your content for the client’s review.
By following these steps, you’ll navigate Textbroker’s process of content creation efficiently, improving your writing skills and making progress in the author pool. Remember to pay attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, structure, and style while crafting engaging content for clients.
Textbroker Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
Flexible Work Schedule: One major advantage of Textbroker is the ability to work from anywhere and set your own schedule. If you enjoy working at your own pace and prefer not to be restricted to a traditional 9-to-5 work environment, Textbroker might be a great option for you.
Cons
Inconsistent Approval Process: There seems to be quite a bit of variation in how long it takes for Textbroker to approve new freelancers. Some claim to receive their initial rating quickly, while others report waiting for months. This inconsistency may cause frustration for those eager to begin earning money with Textbroker.
Low Payment Rates: While Textbroker’s rates may not be the absolute lowest in the industry, they are lower than many competitors. It can be challenging to earn a full-time income on this platform. For instance, a client may be charged 9 cents per word for a high-quality article, but the writer might only receive 5.5 cents per word. With the high demand for content creation and freelance writing, exploring other platforms where you can set your own rates may be more profitable.
Personal Information Required for Payment: Some people may find it uncomfortable to provide so much personal information to Textbroker, such as citizenship documents, bank account details, and tax information. However, this is because Textbroker must comply with IRS regulations to issue 1099s to freelancers who earn more than $600 annually.
Limited to Writing Jobs: Textbroker focuses solely on freelance writing, which is great if that’s your niche. However, if you would like to diversify your services and offer related tasks such as editing or translation, you’ll need to join additional platforms. Other popular freelancing sites feature a broader range of categories, such as graphic design, software development, administrative work, data entry, and voiceover work.
Alternatives to Textbroker
Upwork
Upwork is a reputable platform with abundant work opportunities, as employers spend more than $2.52 billion annually on freelancing services. With more than 145.4k active clients, Upwork sets itself apart by allowing freelancers to set their own rates. The platform utilizes a sliding-scale transaction fee system, but it remains free to join, making it an attractive alternative to Textbroker.
Fiverr
Fiverr is another popular platform that enables freelancers to create and offer gigs catering to clients’ specific needs. You have control over setting your desired rates for each job and can expect to earn 80% of the listed price. Although Fiverr charges a service fee, like Upwork, it’s free to get started and caters to a wide array of creative fields.
FlexJobs
As an alternative to Textbroker, consider FlexJobs, a platform focusing on remote and work-from-home positions. You can search through the various job listings, assured that each post has been vetted by the FlexJobs team to ensure legitimacy. Although a subscription is required to view full job details and apply, FlexJobs caters to over 50 categories of work, making it an excellent choice for diverse freelancers.
Bonus
While not exactly like Textbroker, Hands Off Publishing is an option worth exploring. As a content writing agency with in-house writers, they can handle all your content needs end-to-end. Give their services a try and see if it’s a suitable choice for your projects.
Textbroker Review: Is This Platform Worth Your Time?
Textbroker can be a suitable choice for those seeking a side hustle rather than a full-time freelance writing job. Its user-friendly interface offers a flexible work schedule, which can be a great way to earn some extra money and gain experience. However, the platform’s payment rates are comparatively lower than those found on other freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
If you’re eager to make freelance writing your primary income source, it’s beneficial to explore various alternatives or even join multiple recommended sites. By doing so, you’ll not only increase your earning potential but also have access to a wider range of projects.
So, is Textbroker worth your time? It’s a matter of what you’re looking for – if you’re comfortable working quickly for relatively lower pay, then it might just be what you need. But if you’re aspiring for higher income and more diverse opportunities, it’s worth considering other options as well.
