Web Writing 101: Managing Financial Expectations in a Revenue Share System

Posted by Lima Al-Azzeh Oct 23, 2008

A revenue share system, in the online world, simply means that writers get paid when readers click on ads linked to the article. A common misconception is that making money this way is merely based on a stroke of luck. Nothing could be further from the truth. Learning how to manage your expectations about this type of system is your first measure to future success.

Realize that a Major Payout Takes Time:

So you’ve written your three best articles and proudly posted them only to see that you haven’t made much money. This is a normal process for any new writer. Patience is a virtue: give yourself time to get used to writing for the web and time to establish a readership. One of our most successful writers, Laurie Pawlik- Kienlen, featured in this week’s installment of "Suite Success", urges writers to think of the revenue share system “like compound interest: it doesn’t seem to matter at first, but over time the benefits accrue.”

Write Timeless Articles:

Take the time to research topics that are “timeless”. Well-written pieces that provide solid information are a great way to ensure that your article will be found when inquiring readers perform a search and subsequently can help you earn lifelong revenues.

Remember that Exposure is Priceless:

You may not be making mega bucks off your first few articles but remember that the more articles you have online, the more you make your talents known and available both in the online world and offline. Creating a portfolio of good work can allow you to be approached for great offline opportunities, like having a magazine ask you to write an article for them based on an article you wrote online or being approached to do a tv interview, as was the case for Cherie Burbach. The pay off from exposure can be equally as satisfying, and lucrative, as generating revenue online.