Are you looking to make money as a freelance writer, but confused about what path to choose? If so, you’re not alone. Many new freelance writers are struggling to choose between content writing and transcription. While content writing and transcription can be lucrative, they differ in many ways, and you need to know which one suits you best.
Content Writing
Content writing is the process of creating written material for websites, blogs, social media, and other digital media with the aim of educating, informing or entertaining an audience.
In the digital space, content is often created with the goal of driving traffic to a website or increasing engagement on social media platforms.
Is Content Writing Right for You?
Your Passion for Writing
If you love to write, then content writing can be a fun and fulfilling career for you. Writing regularly helps improve your skills and teaches you different ways to express your thoughts creatively. As a content writer, you need to enjoy writing and be comfortable with the process. You should be able to write compelling articles, blog posts, and other forms of copywriting. If you find writing a chore, then content writing may not be for you.
Dedication to Research
A successful content writer is not just a great writer but also someone who is dedicated to research. To create high-quality content, you need to be able to research your topic extensively. This means accessing a broad range of sources, such as books, websites, and other forms of multimedia. You should be able to extract useful information from these sources and incorporate them into your writing. If you love research and learning new things, content writing can be an excellent match for you.
Understanding of Your Audience
To create effective content, you need to identify your audience and understand their needs. Your content should be written in a language that resonates with your target audience. You should also consider the tone and format of your content.
For example, writing content for a scientific audience will be very different than writing for a general audience. Ability to understand your audience and use empathy to create the content that speaks to them is essential in content creation.
The Ability to Meet Deadlines
Content writing is a fast-paced career where meeting deadlines and goals is a daily part of the job. Projects can have tight deadlines, so time management skills and a strong work ethic are essential for success in this field. You should be able to work quickly and be flexible in your approach, as your schedule can change quickly.
Understanding of Various Online Tools
With more and more businesses shifting to online platforms, it’s crucial to keep up with digital tools and technologies. An understanding of SEO, website development or various tools and apps that help in daily content writing work process will surely benefit in crafting effective content for clients.
Content Writing Websites and How Much They Pay
As the demand for unique and quality content increases, it’s becoming easier and more convenient for content writers to find job opportunities online. Websites have become a hub for writers to find work that pays well and offers job security.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned writer, there are plenty of websites that offer content writing jobs.
Upwork
Upwork perfect for beginners as it has entry-level writing jobs with low rates, as well as high-paying jobs for experienced writers. The website offers different membership levels that allow you to apply for a specific number of jobs per month.
Payment: The payment method is through an escrow system that ensures you get paid for the work done. Also, the average hourly rate for a content writer on Upwork is $20-$30 per hour.
Freelancer
Another great website that offers content writing jobs is Freelancer. It’s a platform that specializes in freelancing gigs, including writing. The site has over 30 million users with thousands of content writing jobs posted every day. Freelancer bidding system offers writers an opportunity to set their rates and negotiate with clients.
Payment: Freelancer offers both hourly and project-based payment, and the platform charges a 10% fee on the payment released. The average hourly rate for a content writer on Freelancer is $15-$25 per hour.
Fiverr
Fiverr is popular among startups and small businesses as it offers affordable content writing gigs. As a writer, you create a gig with your rates, and clients can choose to hire you based on your portfolio and previous reviews.
Payment: The platform offers project-based payment, and Fiverr charges a 20% fee on your earnings. Fiverr average rate for a content writer gig on Fiverr range from $5-$50.
Textbroker
Textbroker is a website that offers both US and UK-based content writing opportunities. The site allows writers to choose from thousands of jobs posted every day, including technical, creative, and business writing.
Payment: Textbroker’s paymentis per word, and the pay varies depending on the quality of your content. Writers can earn up to 7 cents per word, depending on their skill level.
Constant Content
Constant Content offers high-paying content writing jobs for experienced writers. The platform allows writers to create articles, essays, product descriptions, and more for clients. As a writer, you set your rate and start bidding on jobs that match your skills. Constant Content has a strict vetting process that ensures the quality of the content provided.
Payment: The average rate of payment for a content writer on Constant Content is $40-$65 per hour.
There are many websites available that offer content writing jobs that pay well. The key is to identify the right platforms that match your skills and experience as a writer. Don’t be afraid to start small and build your skills before advancing to high-paying jobs.
Transcription
Transcription involves transcribing or converting speech and audio files into written or text documents. Transcriptionists typically use specialized software or equipment to listen to an audio or video recording and accurately phonetically write the spoken words into written text.
Transcription can be done manually or using automated software, but the former is much more reliable when it comes to accuracy. Transcriptionists must be familiar with a variety of accents, technical jargon, and idiomatic expressions to ensure that the transcription is correct.
Is Transcription Right for You?
Listening and Typing Skills
The first and most important point to consider when weighing if transcription is a good fit is your listening and typing skills. Transcription involves listening to audio files and transcribing them into text, hence requiring excellent listening and typing skills. You’ll need to have the ability to listen and type accurately, quickly, and efficiently to perform well in this job. A good way to test your ability is by practicing these skills and seeing how fast and accurately you can type and transcribe audio recordings.
Requires Time and Effort
Secondly, you need to decide if you’re willing to put in the time and effort required to learn and hone your transcription skills. While some people possess natural aptitude for transcription, others may need to take courses, attend workshops, or watch tutorials to enhance their skills. Dedication and perseverance are essential to mastering transcription. Transcription requires attention to detail and focus, hence you need to be willing to put the time in to develop these skills.
Transcription is an Individualistic Job
Another point to consider is whether you enjoy working independently or as part of a team. Transcription, generally, is an individualistic job that requires you to work independently, without direct supervision or team input. It can be a good fit for you if you enjoy working alone or prefer to have more autonomy and independence in your job. If you’re someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, then transcription may not be the best fit.
Requires Specific Equipment and Software
You should also consider the equipment and software required for transcription to know if you are prepared to invest in them. If interested, you would need a powerful, reliable computer, headphones, and transcription software like Express Scribe or TranscribeMe to work effectively. You may also need a foot pedal, which allows you to control the audio file’s speed and keep track of where you left off. Overall, before taking up transcription as a job, you should ensure that you have the required equipment and can afford to purchase them.
Transcription Websites and How Much They Pay
Transcription has become an ideal work from home job for many people. Transcribing audio or video files into written form offers flexibility and the chance to work on your own time. However, finding the best websites with transcription jobs and the pay rates they offer can be daunting. In this blog, we will explore the top transcription websites and their pay rates.
Rev.com
Rev.com is one of the largest and most popular transcription websites, offering transcription, captioning, and translation services. The website has more than 60,000 freelancers, making it an ideal place to work as a beginner or an experienced transcriber.
Payment: The website pays its transcribers $0.30 – $0.60 per audio or video minute, which can result in $15 – $30 per hour. However, the pay rate may vary depending on the complexity and length of the files.
TranscribeMe
TranscribeMe is another transcription website that hires beginners to advanced transcribers.
Payment: The website pays its transcribers $15 – $22 per audio hour or $0.33 – $0.79 per audio or video minute. Its pay rate may increase depending on your accuracy and quality of work. TranscribeMe has a unique payment system where you can withdraw your earnings any day of the week with no minimum payout required.
Scribie
Scribie hires freelance transcribers from all around the world to transcribe audio and video files.
Payment: The website pays its transcribers $5 – $25 per audio hour, depending on the length and complexity of the files. Scribie’s payment system is based on a monthly grading system where transcribers are rated based on their accuracy and quality of work, which can boost their pay rate.
GoTranscript
GoTranscript is a transcription website that offers opportunities for beginners to seasoned transcribers.
Payment: The website pays its transcribers $0.60 – $1.20 per audio or video minute, which can result in $36 – $72 per hour for experienced transcribers. The pay rate may vary depending on your accuracy, quality of work, and the complexity of the files. GoTranscript has a flexible payment system where you can withdraw your earnings any day of the week.
Transcription Outsourcing, LLC
Transcription Outsourcing, LLC is a transcription company that deals with high-quality complex files. The website hires experienced transcribers who can handle files such as legal and medical transcripts.
Payment: The company pays its transcribers $0.75 – $1.75 per audio or video minute, which can result in $45 – $105 per hour. Transcription Outsourcing, LLC offers the best pay rates for seasoned transcribers.
Content Writing Vs. Transcription
Choosing between content writing and transcription can be challenging, but with the right guidance, you can find the right style for you.
Between content writing and transcription, we hope this blog post has helped you decide which writing style is perfect for you. Whether you go with transcription writing or content writing, make sure you select something that aligns with your skills, interests, and passions. Once you’ve found the right writing style, start honing your abilities and building your portfolio, by using these websites to get free resources! All the best!
You can also check other online writing jobs here.