Maelo Writes

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Day 26.

Best Platforms to Earn from Writing (Beginner-Friendly List)

Want to turn your writing into actual income?

Here are some solid platforms where writers—yes, even beginners—are making real money:

1. Upwork – Tons of gigs, but be ready to pitch like a pro.

2. Fiverr – Great for selling writing packages & building reviews.

3. LinkedIn – Not a job board, but a goldmine if you know how to show up.

4. ProBlogger – Quality job listings for content & blog writing.

5. PeoplePerHour – Another solid platform for international gigs.

Bonus: Medium Partner Program – Get paid for your articles based on views and engagement.

The key? Pick one, master it, and stay consistent. You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be good somewhere.

Which one’s your go-to? Or are you still deciding?

If you want to become great at content writing, you should analyze the learning patterns, habits, and methods of top content writers and apply them systematically. Here's how you can do that:

1. Learning Patterns of Top Content Writers

✔ Consistency: They write daily or at least follow a structured writing routine.
✔ Diverse Reading: They read blogs, books, and industry reports to stay updated.
✔ Feedback Loop: They seek feedback from mentors, editors, or writing communities.
✔ SEO & Analytics Mastery: They understand keyword research, SEO optimization, and content performance analysis.
✔ Experimentation: They test different writing styles, tones, and formats to see what resonates with audiences.

2. Habits of Successful Content Writers

✅ Writing Every Day: Even if it’s just a few hundred words.
✅ Research & Planning: They create outlines before writing to maintain clarity.
✅ Time Management: They use the Pomodoro technique or set daily writing goals.
✅ Editing & Revising: First drafts are rarely perfect—editing is key.
✅ Networking: They collaborate with other writers, guest post, and engage with their audience.

3. Methods to Replicate Their Success

🔹 Follow a Structured Learning Plan:

Week 1: Basics of content writing & grammar improvement

Week 2: Research techniques & SEO basics

Week 3: Writing engaging content & storytelling

Week 4: Editing, publishing, and promotion strategies

🔹 Practical Exercises:

Write daily blog posts on trending topics.

Summarize articles/books in your own words.

Join platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or personal blogging.

Analyze top-ranking articles and rewrite them in your style.

🔹 Follow Industry Experts & Case Studies:

Neil Patel (SEO & content marketing)

Brian Dean (Backlinko – SEO writing techniques)

Ann Handley (Content strategy & storytelling)

HubSpot & Copyblogger (Content trends & best practices)

Day 24:
Portfolio Mistakes Beginners Make

So you’ve decided to build a writing portfolio. Great move!
But… are you unknowingly sabotaging it?

Here are 3 rookie mistakes that can turn clients off fast:

1. No Niche Focus:
A mix of health, tech, fashion, pets, finance? All over the place.
Pick 1-2 niches. Show depth, not just range.

2. Weak Headlines, Strong Text:
You wrote a killer blog post but your headline is snooze-worthy.
Spoiler: most clients don’t read past the title. Make it pop!

3. Cluttered Design:
A Google Drive dump a portfolio.
Use Notion, Canva, or a simple website. Keep it clean and clickable.

Here’s the thing: your portfolio is your silent pitch.
Let it speak clearly and loudly for you.

Been there, fixed that?
Share your portfolio link below. we’re cheering you on!

Day 22: How to Find Clients as a Content Writer

So you’ve honed your writing skills… now what?

Time to get PAID for them.

Finding clients as a content writer isn’t just luck — it’s strategy. Here’s how to start:

1. Pick a Niche (or two)
Don't try to write for everyone. Choose a few industries you're interested in (health, tech, finance, etc.) and start there.

2. Optimize Your Profile
Whether it’s LinkedIn, Upwork, or your portfolio site — your bio should scream:
“I solve content problems with words that convert.”

3. Leverage LinkedIn
Seriously. Post value, engage with others, and send warm DMs. People notice consistent writers.

4. Use Freelance Platforms
Start with Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, or FlexJobs. Apply smart. Tailor each proposal. Skip the generic stuff.

5. Cold Pitch (but don’t be weird)
Find businesses with weak blogs or no content at all. Send them a friendly, personalized email.
No spammy vibes—be helpful, not salesy.

6. Referrals Work
Happy clients = repeat work and word-of-mouth. Always overdeliver. Always.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait to feel "ready." Start messy. Learn as you go.

You’ve got the skill. Now go get the gigs.

Want help with your first pitch or profile bio? Drop a comment!

Day 18

5 Best Chrome Extensions Every Writer Should Try

You don’t need a fancy setup to write better, just the right tools. And lucky for us, Chrome extensions make writing smoother, faster, and even kinda fun.

Here are 5 I swear by:

1. Grammarly – Obvious? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely.

2. Hemingway Editor – For trimming the fluff and making your writing punchy.

3. Toggl Track – Keep tabs on how long you actually spend writing (spoiler: it’s less than you think).

4. Loom – Great for quick explainer videos or pitching ideas with your voice.

5. OneTab – Because writers have 67 tabs open and OneTab saves our sanity.

Try one, try all. Writing’s tough enough, make tech your sidekick.

Got a favorite I missed? Drop it in the comments. I’m always hunting for new gems!

Wanna go viral? Here’s a secret:

It’s not luck. It’s structure.

Most viral content falls into one of these five categories (and once you spot the pattern—you can’t unsee it):

1. Relatable AH
→ “This is SO me.”
Think memes, personal rants, behind-the-scenes chaos.

2. Shock & Surprise
→ “Wait, WHAT?”
Unexpected stats, weird facts, bold opinions.

3. Super Useful
→ “Saving this for later.”
Templates, tools, tips that solve a problem right away.

4. Feel-Good Vibes
→ “This made my day.”
Uplifting stories, wins, human moments that spark emotion.

5. Controversial (But Smart)
→ “I don’t agree, but I see the point.”
Posts that challenge common beliefs without being toxic.

Viral doesn’t always mean millions of views.
Sometimes it just means lots of the right people connecting with your message.

So next time you write, ask:
Would I share this with a friend?
If yes—you’re on the right track.

Blog Post Sample Job

Upwork-style Job Posting:
"We need a friendly, SEO-optimized blog post (1000 words) on 'How to Stay Motivated as a Freelancer.' Tone: conversational, helpful, a bit humorous. Keywords: freelancer motivation, stay motivated freelancing."

Practice Task:

Write a catchy title.

Draft a lively intro (talk like you're cheering up a tired freelancer).

Outline 4–5 motivating tips.

Wrap it up with an encouraging call-to-action.

2. Product Description Sample Job

Upwork-style Job Posting:
"Looking for someone to write 5 product descriptions for handmade candles. Each description 100–150 words. Style: cozy, inviting, a little poetic but clear."

Practice Task:

Imagine 5 candle scents (e.g., Vanilla Dream, Forest Mist).

Write short, vivid descriptions that appeal to emotions and senses.

Use cozy words: warm, soothing, crisp, glowing, etc.

3. Website Copy Sample Job

Upwork-style Job Posting:
"We need homepage copy for a new eco-friendly skincare brand. Tone: professional yet warm, trustworthy but not stiff."

Practice Task:

Write a headline (catchy but meaningful).

A short tagline under it.

2–3 short paragraphs introducing the brand (benefits + emotional appeal).

4. Email Newsletter Sample Job

Upwork-style Job Posting:
"Create a fun, engaging newsletter introducing our summer sale. Audience: young women 18–30. Style: playful, emoji-friendly, short sentences."

Practice Task:

Write an email subject line.

Friendly opening line (“Hey you, yes you!” kind of vibe).

Announce the sale.

End with a casual CTA (like “Snag your faves before they’re gone!”).

5. Social Media Captions Sample Job

Upwork-style Job Posting:
"We need 10 Instagram captions for a coffee shop. Tone: casual, witty, coffee-lover vibes."

Practice Task:

Write 10 short captions.

Use puns, playful questions, or cozy feels. (e.g., "Espresso yourself!")

Quick Tip:

Save every practice piece you write.
Call the folder: “Portfolio Samples.”
Even if no one is paying you yet, you’re building a real portfolio!