What is a Content Mill (and Should You be Writing for One)?

The phrase might sound a little bland, but content mills can be helpful to freelance writers. A content mill is basically a place where writers churn out content for the Internet. Clients go to these websites to buy articles, blog posts, and general online copy. When the content sells, the site gets a cut and so does the author. 

The details vary from site to site, but contact mills do have some things in common. Here are some good reasons to write for a content mill. 

You'll get paid... probably. 

Content mills are infamous for not paying much. You're probably looking at a cent or two per word. Some offer more money as you build a reputation on the site. A few have areas where you can bid for projects or even set your own prices. 

In general, you'll get paid if you are able to successfully complete assignments. Spend some time researching a content mill before you sign up to find out what others have experienced. 

It's a way to get experience.

Content mills can be a good option if you're just starting out in writing. That's because you can get some experience with what companies want out of website copy. At some mills, you'll learn about SEO, an important skill for online writers to have under their belts. 

One thing to keep in mind is that most mills aren't going to give you a byline, so it's hard to use those articles as samples of published work. You can, of course, keep a stash of them handy to show to potential clients after explaining that they were ghostwritten or written without a byline. 

You don't have to pitch. 

Some people hate pitching articles or might not have developed the skills to feel confident pitching editors at magazines or online publications. A content mill is nice because the clients come to you. Once you've been accepted as a writer on the site, you won't have to jump through hoops to get hired by freelance clients. That can save a lot of time as well as headaches. 

It can get your writing mind flowing. 

I've found that writing for content mills can be a good way of warming up before diving into more complicated work. If you like to begin your workday by stretching your fingers and your mind, you can knock out some content and make a little bit of money at the same time. 

You can learn from other writers. 

Most mills have a forum where writers can go to vent, celebrate, and ask questions. Sometimes writers share secrets for success or talk about other sites where they've found freelance work. You can learn a lot by listening to people who have been writing for a long time. 

In the next post, I'll talk about some specific content mills.