Can you make a living writing reviews online? (No, with two exceptions)
There is a common misconception that writing reviews online can be a full-time job and a way to make a living. While it is true that some individuals have been able to turn their passion for writing into a profitable career, the reality is that the majority of online reviewers are not able to make a living from their craft. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why it is difficult to make a living writing reviews online, with two exceptions.
The first exception: Reviewing for large, well-established websites
The first exception to the rule that it is difficult to make a living writing reviews online is reviewing for large, well-established websites. These websites, such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Amazon, have millions of monthly visitors and generate significant revenue through advertising and sponsored content. As a result, they are able to pay their reviewers a decent wage for their contributions. However, it is important to note that these positions are highly competitive and typically require a significant amount of writing experience and expertise.
The second exception: Building a personal brand and audience
The second exception to the rule that it is difficult to make a living writing reviews online is building a personal brand and audience. This can be done by creating a personal blog or website and consistently producing high-quality content. By building a following and establishing oneself as an expert in a particular niche, it is possible to monetize one’s reviews through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. However, it is important to note that building a personal brand and audience takes a significant amount of time and effort, and it may take years before one is able to make a living from their reviews.
The main reason why it’s hard to make a living writing reviews online
The main reason why it is difficult to make a living writing reviews online is that the market is highly saturated. There are millions of websites and blogs that offer reviews on a wide range of topics, and the competition for readers is fierce. Additionally, most of the revenue generated by these websites and blogs is funneled to the owners and advertisers, leaving little room for the reviewers to earn a significant income. Additionally, many of these sites pay very little or nothing at all to reviewers, making it hard for the reviewers to make a living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to make a living writing reviews online, it is not a realistic career path for the majority of individuals. The exceptions to this rule are reviewing for large, well-established websites and building a personal brand and audience. However, even in these cases, it is important to note that it takes a significant amount of writing experience and expertise, as well as time and effort, to be successful. If you are passionate about writing and want to make a living from it, it may be more realistic to pursue other career paths such as freelance writing, journalism or writing for a company.