Helium is a content site that allows freelance writers to open an account, write to various titles and post their work online. The requirements for opening an account include an email address and a PayPal account for you to be able to receive payment. For most writers, Helium offers a wide variety of opportunities for them to earn money. Here is an overview of Helium:
Opening your account
Opening your account could not be easier. Simply pick a user name and open your account using your email address. You have the option of using your own name or a pen name on Helium. The “About Me” page also allows you to include a biography so that readers will know more about you. You should also include any pen names you have used on other sites. If you hope to sell stock content items, a portrait (professional) as well as a “real sounding” name should be included. You may include links for up to three additional sites (your blogs, your website, your Twitter id for example) in your profile.
Writing articles on Helium
For those who are interested in writing about a wide variety of topics, you cannot go wrong on Helium. They have various categories that allow you to write to pre-populated article titles, or you can suggest your own title. When suggesting titles, you will need to have a basic understanding of SEO usage to help provide an SEO Optimized title. You will also be asked to categorize your title.
Article writing should be done with an “eye” to SEO although keyword stuffing will not help you. Unless it is required by the title, you should avoid first person writing. There is a creative writing category for those who prefer to write memoirs, reflections and poetry.
Articles are published as soon as you hit “publish” after writing your article. Community editors do review your articles after publication and may make minor corrections including typographical errors, grammatical errors and punctuation errors. It is important for rating purposes that your articles follow Helium writing standards.
Additional writing opportunities
In addition to writing articles, Helium writers are also encouraged to write How To guides, Zones and news articles. How To guides require acceptance into the How To writing group. How To guides may include one (1) Amazon advertising link using your personal Amazon affiliate identification. All How To guides require approval before being published.
Zones are more personal and you have the option of including one (1) AdSense block as well as one (1) Amazon block in each Zone. There is a limitation on how many Zones each writer is allowed to have.
Earning Opportunities
Helium writers are paid in two ways. You may earn up front payments based on your “stars” (e.g. writing stars) as well as from page views. It is important that you read the Terms of Service to understand how your earnings add up. Payment is made on a monthly basis through your PayPal account. Earnings are available once you have earned $25.00. You must request payment not later than the 4th of the month to be paid on the 10th of the month.
Page view income is tracked on your earnings page. Your page view earnings can increase if you learn the basics of not only SEO for your articles but also effective article promotion. Page view earnings are also paid on Zones, news stories, topics and How To guides. The terms of service explain the earnings potential of each.
Additional earnings are available through Marketplace articles as well as weekly contests that are available on Helium. Some writers have also had stock content items purchased from publishers.
Warnings about Helium
There are some warnings you need to know about Helium
- Plagiarism is not tolerated - This is a good thing! Never copy material from other sites and post them as your own;
- Off topic deletions - Articles that are off topic are deleted to keep the site “clean” of erroneous work;
- Fact checking matters – Your article may be flagged for fact checking. If it fails, your article will be deleted;
- Permanent submission – Once you have placed your articles on Helium, they will not be deleted. This is important if you are considering using them on another site that requires that they have first rights. You can use your non-Marketplace Helium work elsewhere but your work will not be deleted even if your account is inactive.
Summary
Helium offers a wide variety of options for writers. In addition to their excellent mentoring program, you have the benefit of a supportive community. There are many opportunities for earnings on Helium and a number of writers have had great success at Helium. Explore all that Helium has to offer and find out if this site is an option for you.
About Doreen Martel
Well-rounded freelance writer who contributes to various blogs, paid to write sites and revenue sharing sites. Doreen is legally blind and has worked at home for more than 10 years. She uses the lessons learned from this experience to enhance her writing and share information with others.
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