I first started writing for Internet sites years ago after I discovered a site called Helium.com. The site is very different now than from when it first started; they often allowed one word answers to questions set out, and you didn’t have to put in too much effort to earn some money.
However, things have changed in recent years and articles now have to have a minimum of 400 words each, which does add to the overall quality of the site, and obviously makes for more information articles.
I’ve not been active on there for a while but I still have an
open account and plan to contribute more in the future. I have 24 articles on the site and have made nearly $150.00,but a lot of this was from the early days of Helium.com when short replies were allowed; payments are made via PayPal when you’ve reached $25.00.Some people don’t like the fact that you now have to rate other people’s work in order to earn from your own articles. However, I think it is only fair that you should support your fellow writers when you can, and it also means at least some page views for your own work.
I find
the titles a bit limiting, but this also as its advantages and means you always have a subject to write around even if you are stuck for inspiration. As with most sites, I find it best to go with what you know, rather than what you think will be popular.Helium.com has also made many positive changes in recent years. You can now see how many page views your articles get – something which is either depressing or encouraging depending which way the page views are going – and helps writers to determine the most popular categories.
Helium also now allow people to add pictures to their articles, perhaps realising the power of images and how essential they are to making content more engaging.
Aside just earning from page views, you can also earn from contests and there are assignments where you can earn more. They also have special promotions; I remember one from last year where, if you wrote ten articles in a category, then you received a $10 bonus.