How to Earn $0.10 to $0.30 per Word with Contently for Beginners in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Contently is a platform connecting freelance creatives with brands for content creation projects.
• To make money on Contently, you need to create a strong portfolio and profile, actively pitch for projects, and deliver high-quality work.
• Earning potential on Contently varies, but beginners can realistically expect to earn a supplementary income, with potential to grow over time.
• Contently handles payments, typically via direct deposit, offering a streamlined process for freelancers.
• Success on Contently requires dedication, consistent effort in pitching, and a commitment to meeting client expectations.

Are you looking for ways to make money as a freelance creative in 2025? Contently might be the platform for you. It’s a content marketing platform that connects freelance writers, designers, and other creatives with big brands in need of content. If you’re just starting out, navigating the platform and figuring out how to actually make money can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, this article is designed to guide you through the best ways to make money on Contently as a beginner in 2025.

What is Contently and How Can You Make Money?

Contently is essentially a marketplace where brands go to find talented freelancers like yourself to create content. Think articles, blog posts, social media content, and even videos. Companies use Contently to streamline their content creation process, and as a freelancer, you can tap into this demand to find paid work.

Making money on Contently isn’t about simply signing up and waiting for jobs to fall into your lap. It requires a proactive approach. You need to treat it like building your own freelance business within the platform. This means creating a compelling profile, showcasing your best work, and actively pitching for projects that align with your skills and interests.

Building a Standout Portfolio and Profile

Your portfolio and profile are your first impression on Contently. They’re what brands will see when deciding whether to hire you for a project. Think of them as your online resume and samples combined.

• Showcase Your Best Work: Don’t just throw in everything you’ve ever written or designed. Select pieces that truly represent your skills and the type of work you want to do on Contently. Quality over quantity is key here. If you are a writer, include diverse writing samples that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different tones and topics. If you are a designer, showcase projects that highlight your creativity and technical skills.
• Craft a Compelling Bio: Your bio is your chance to tell brands who you are and what you bring to the table. Instead of just listing your skills, tell a story. What makes you passionate about content creation? What unique perspective do you offer? Make it conversational and engaging.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any experience that aligns with the types of projects you’re interested in on Contently. Have you written for a specific industry before? Have you worked on similar projects? Make sure to highlight this experience to show brands you’re a good fit.
• Professional Headshot: A professional headshot adds a personal touch and makes you look more credible. It doesn’t have to be a studio shot, but it should be well-lit and present you in a positive and professional manner.

Finding and Pitching for Projects

Once your profile is polished, it’s time to start looking for projects. Contently doesn’t always push projects directly to you, so you need to be active in seeking them out.

• Explore the Project Feed: Regularly check the Contently project feed. This is where brands post opportunities. Use filters to narrow down projects that match your skills and interests. Pay attention to the project descriptions, brand details, and pay rates.
• Tailor Your Pitches: Don’t send generic pitches. Take the time to personalize each pitch to the specific project and brand. Show that you’ve actually read the project brief and understand what they’re looking for. Explain why you’re a good fit and how you can deliver exceptional content that meets their needs.
• Focus on Quality over Quantity: It’s better to send a few well-crafted, personalized pitches than to blast out dozens of generic ones. Brands can spot a generic pitch a mile away, and it’s unlikely to be successful.
• Be Prompt and Professional: When you see a project you’re interested in, pitch quickly. Brands often have deadlines and move fast. Also, maintain a professional tone in all your communications on the platform.

Delivering High-Quality Work and Building Relationships

Landing a project is just the first step. To succeed long-term on Contently, you need to consistently deliver high-quality work and build positive relationships with clients.

• Understand Client Expectations: Before you start working on a project, make sure you fully understand the client’s brief, style guidelines, and expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions upfront to avoid misunderstandings later.
• Meet Deadlines: Deadlines are crucial in the freelance world. Always strive to meet deadlines, or even deliver early if possible. This builds trust and reliability with clients.
• Communicate Effectively: Keep communication lines open with your clients throughout the project. Respond promptly to messages and provide updates on your progress. Good communication can prevent problems and ensure a smooth workflow.
• Incorporate Feedback: Be open to feedback and willing to make revisions based on client input. Seeing feedback as an opportunity to improve your work, rather than criticism, is essential for growth.
• Go the Extra Mile: Look for opportunities to exceed client expectations. This could be through extra research, offering additional ideas, or simply being exceptionally responsive and helpful. Going the extra mile can lead to repeat business and positive reviews.

Earning Potential, Fees, and Payment Systems on Contently

Let’s talk about the money aspect. What can you realistically expect to earn on Contently as a beginner, and how does the payment process work?

• Earning Potential Varies: There’s no fixed income you’re guaranteed to make on Contently. Your earning potential depends on factors like your skills, experience, the types of projects you take on, and how much time you dedicate to the platform.
• Realistic Income for Beginners: As a beginner, it’s realistic to expect to earn a supplementary income rather than a full-time living initially. You might start with smaller projects to build your portfolio and reputation on the platform. As you gain experience and positive reviews, you can aim for higher-paying projects.
• Project-Based Payments: Contently projects are typically paid on a per-project basis. The pay rate is usually specified upfront in the project brief, so you know what to expect before you pitch. Rates can vary widely depending on the project scope, complexity, and client budget.
• Payment Systems: Contently handles payments for you, which is a big advantage. They typically pay freelancers via direct deposit. This simplifies the payment process and ensures you get paid on time once you’ve completed a project and it’s been approved by the client.
• Contently Fees: It’s important to note that Contently does take a fee from your earnings. While the exact fee structure isn’t always publicly disclosed and can vary, it’s generally a percentage of the project payment. This is how Contently sustains its platform and services. Factor in these fees when you’re evaluating project pay rates.

Average Earnings for Beginners

While specific, publicly available data on average earnings for beginners on Contently in 2025 is limited, considering general freelance writing rates and information from sources discussing Contently, we can infer some realistic income ranges.

• Starting Project Rates: Beginner writers might encounter projects ranging from $0.10 to $0.30 per word. For a 500-word article, this could translate to $50 to $150. Design projects and video projects will have different rate structures, typically project-based.
• Monthly Income: If you consistently land projects and dedicate, say, 10-20 hours per week, you could potentially earn a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per month as a beginner. This is highly variable and depends on your efficiency, the rates you secure, and project availability.
• Growth Potential: As you build a strong portfolio on Contently, gain positive client feedback, and become more adept at pitching for higher-paying projects, your earning potential can increase significantly. Experienced freelancers on Contently can earn substantially more.

Evidence and Facts

While Contently doesn’t publicly release detailed statistics on beginner earnings for 2025, considering general freelance market trends and available information provides context:

• Freelance Writing Rates: Websites like BloggingPro and Writer’s Weekly provide data on freelance writing rates. These sources indicate that general freelance writing rates range widely, with beginner rates often starting around $0.10 per word and increasing with experience and specialization.
• Contently as a Premium Platform: Contently positions itself as a platform connecting freelancers with enterprise-level clients. This suggests that pay rates on Contently are generally expected to be competitive, potentially higher than some general content mills, but also reflecting the platform’s fees.
• Testimonials and Anecdotal Evidence: While specific income figures are scarce, freelance testimonials and discussions in online communities often suggest that Contently can be a viable platform for supplementing income, and for some, developing into a more substantial income stream over time. However, these often emphasize the need for consistent effort and quality work.

Important Note: Remember that these are estimated ranges and potential scenarios. Your actual earnings will depend on your individual effort, skills, and the specific projects you secure. Treat Contently as a platform to build your freelance career, and focus on delivering value to clients.

Requirements to Join Contently as a Freelancer

Contently is selective about who they accept onto their platform to maintain quality for their brand clients. While the exact requirements aren’t a rigid checklist, here are some key factors they typically consider:

• Proven Skills and Experience: You need to demonstrate that you have the skills to create high-quality content. This is primarily shown through your portfolio. While you might be a beginner to Contently, you should have some prior experience in your chosen creative field, whether it’s writing, design, or video.
• Strong Portfolio: As mentioned earlier, a strong portfolio is crucial. It’s the primary way Contently and brands will assess your abilities. Make sure your portfolio showcases your best and most relevant work.
• Professional Profile: Your profile should be complete, professional, and well-written. It should clearly communicate your skills, experience, and what you offer as a creative.
• Quality Application: The application process for Contently typically involves submitting your profile and portfolio for review. Pay attention to the application instructions and ensure you present yourself professionally and highlight your strengths.
• Industry Expertise (Beneficial): While not always mandatory, having expertise in specific industries can be an advantage, especially if you’re targeting projects in those sectors. If you have a background in finance, technology, healthcare, or other specialized areas, make sure to highlight this in your profile.

It’s worth noting that Contently’s acceptance criteria can evolve, and they may prioritize certain skill sets or experience levels based on current client demand. The best approach is to create the strongest possible portfolio and profile showcasing your unique talents and apply.

Realistic Income Expectations

Let’s get real about income. You won’t become a millionaire overnight on Contently, especially as a beginner. However, it can be a legitimate way to earn money and grow your freelance career.

• Supplemental Income Initially: For most beginners, Contently is best viewed as a way to supplement existing income or build freelance experience. Don’t expect to replace a full-time job income right away.
• Consistent Effort Required: Making money on Contently requires consistent effort. You need to regularly check for projects, pitch actively, and deliver quality work to build momentum.
• Income Growth Over Time: As you gain experience, build a positive reputation, and refine your skills, your earning potential on Contently can increase. Freelancers who consistently deliver excellent work and build strong client relationships are more likely to be offered more projects and higher rates over time.
• Manage Expectations: Be patient and persistent. It might take time to land your first few projects and build up a steady stream of work. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see huge earnings immediately.

Tips for Success on Contently as a Beginner in 2025

• Be Patient: Building a successful freelance career on Contently takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
• Network (Indirectly): While Contently is platform-based, building positive relationships with clients can lead to more opportunities. Even though direct networking outside the platform might be limited, focus on building strong professional connections within Contently.
• Continuously Improve Your Skills: The content creation landscape is always evolving. Invest in continuously improving your skills to stay competitive and relevant.
• Track Your Time and Rates: Keep track of the time you spend on projects and the rates you’re earning. This will help you understand your profitability and adjust your rates or project selection as needed.
• Stay Updated on Contently’s Platform: Contently may introduce new features or change its platform over time. Stay informed about any updates to maximize your effectiveness on the platform.

FAQ

Is Contently a guaranteed source of income?

No, Contently is not a guaranteed source of income. It’s a platform that connects freelancers with brands, but your earnings depend on your skills, effort, and the projects you secure. It requires proactive pitching and consistent delivery of quality work.

How much can a beginner realistically earn per month on Contently?

As a beginner, you might realistically earn a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per month, working part-time (10-20 hours per week). This is highly variable and depends on your rates, project availability, and efficiency. Income can grow over time with experience.

How and when does Contently pay freelancers?

Contently typically pays freelancers via direct deposit. Payment schedules can vary, but it’s usually within a reasonable timeframe after project completion and client approval. Contently handles the payment process, simplifying it for freelancers.

Does Contently take a fee from freelancer earnings?

Yes, Contently does take a fee from freelancer earnings to sustain its platform and services. The exact fee percentage isn’t always publicly disclosed and may vary. Factor in platform fees when evaluating project pay rates.

What are the requirements to get accepted into Contently?

Contently is selective and looks for freelancers with proven skills, a strong portfolio, and a professional profile. While specific requirements aren’t a rigid checklist, demonstrating relevant experience and quality work in your application is essential.

Can I make a full-time living on Contently as a beginner?

It’s unlikely to make a full-time living on Contently immediately as a beginner. It’s more realistic to view it as a way to supplement income initially. Building a full-time freelance income on Contently takes time, consistent effort, and building a strong reputation on the platform.

What types of creative professionals can make money on Contently?

Contently is primarily for writers, but also includes designers, video producers, and other content creators. If you have skills in content creation, Contently could be a platform to explore.

Is it worth joining Contently as a beginner in 2025?

Yes, Contently can be worth joining as a beginner in 2025 if you are serious about building a freelance career in content creation. It provides access to brand clients, a streamlined payment system, and a platform to showcase your work. However, success requires effort, patience, and a commitment to quality.

Where can I find more information about Contently?

You can visit the Contently website for more information about their platform and services. You can also find freelancer reviews and discussions about Contently in online freelance communities.

Hopefully, this article has given you a solid understanding of how to make money on Contently as a beginner in 2025. It’s a platform with potential, but like any freelance endeavor, your success depends on your dedication and effort. Good luck!