Ever wonder how those "get paid to write online" platforms actually work? I dug into one called Verblio (formerly BlogMutt) so you don't have to.
Here’s my no-fluff breakdown for any writers looking for a flexible, remote side hustle:
Verblio is one such way; much like an agency that has freelance, remote writers employed across the globe, Verblio writers must be U.S.-eligible (with a valid Social Security Number and W9) but can work from anywhere, even overseas.
The company touts its ability to create “on-demand” content that is SEO-friendly — so, it basically makes the same claims any other agency does in terms of its blog content.
Another important note: Verblio was formerly called “BlogMutt,” which, according to a previous post we wrote about it, was founded in 2010 by a team of two, who then started hiring writers a year later. The team is still small, according to the messages I received when I signed up for the platform, citing only six people working for the business.
**Writing For Verblio**
After signing up for the platform, taking a brief grammar and plagiarism test (plus a sample writing test), you will write posts based on keywords the Verblio clients provide.
There is usually a couple of paragraphs stating what the Verblio client needs in regards to content, and links to their social pages.
Prior to writing, you should do research using the sources the client provided to be able to write the best possible content for them. You can also see if your posts were accepted or rejected, but you can’t see who wrote the feedback.
Here’s the thing about agencies like this one: sometimes editors for sites like this are overworked and possibly underpaid, so the feedback that you get may not be the most constructive (please note that this is all supposition on my part, based on my prior experiences — Verblio could have fantastic editors!).
You may not get the feedback you want or even need to grow as a writer. These editors have hundreds of blog posts to get through daily, so don’t be discouraged if their feedback is clipped. Use this work as an experience or resume boost.
Speaking of building your portfolio: before you even sign up, see if you can get in contact with someone who works at Verblio, either through the website or LinkedIn, and ask them if you can use client work in your portfolio.
Note that Verblio’s official policy is that once a client purchases your content, they own all rights. You may not reuse, republish, or claim authorship of purchased work, and clients are under no obligation to credit you as the author.
Sometimes agencies can be flexible on this point with their ghostwriters, depending on items like non-competes and non-disclosure agreements.
But if they’re not budging, then you can just put on your resume and LinkedIn that you worked for Verblio for X amount of years or months as a contractor, and then keep track of how many clients you wrote for and Google your own articles to see stats like social media numbers. You can brag about your accomplishments without naming names!
**Verblio Pay**
As a writer, you will start by earning $11.50 per post for short pieces (300–400 words), but only once that content has been bought by a Verblio customer. As you complete more work and earn points, you unlock access to higher-paying, longer word count projects — up to 3,000 words.
This, to me, is the biggest con to Verblio — I would never work for this pay as a writer with 12+ years of professional experience; however, I have worked for this pay when I was just starting out (or, you know, wrote for practically free!), and I understand how difficult it is to get your writing business off the ground, and to get clients.
But even if I was just starting out, I don’t like that Verblio doesn’t pay unless a client buys a piece that you wrote — that’s a lot of free work that you’re doing. Also, writers must submit an invoice, and payment is made via direct bank deposit every Monday.
We have a list of several other online jobs that pay every week if you’re looking for more options for weekly pay outside of Verblio!
**Verblio Writer Reviews**
Writers seem pretty happy with the work but say that they wish they could speak with the clients directly — that, however, is not how agencies work, so I understand why that’s something Verblio wouldn’t allow.
Writers also cite that they like the flexibility and the ability to work from home, though pay is “hard to pin down.”
The biggest complaint seems to be that there’s no guarantee that Verblio will accept what you submit, which I also completely understand — that, and the pay, would be my biggest complaint(s)!
There is a points system now, where experienced and higher-rated writers gain access to better jobs, including long-form and specialized projects like newsletters, white papers, and ebooks.
Writers additionally state that there are no “pay grades based on writing quality,” which they seem to like, but multiple writers can submit for the same post, and the client chooses which post they like best — that’s a huge drawback in terms of having to compete to get your work published.
Reviews are mixed because of the low pay, but some writers have said that they can average between $25–$30 per hour; however, that was back when Verblio was BlogMutt. That same writer who averaged higher also stated that the complaints came from weaker writers, which could very well be true.
The Bottom Line: Is Verblio a path to six figures?Probably not for an experienced writer. But is it a legitimate platform to earn weekly cash,sharpen your skills, and gain client-writing experience from your couch? Absolutely, especially when you're starting out.
It’s a tool in the toolbox—not the whole workshop. The key is to go in with realistic expectations.
Curious? I’ve got a more detailed analysis on the blog.
(https://buymeacoffee.com/kabir1989)
#SideHustle #FreelanceWriting #WorkFromHome #WritingCommunity #MakeMoneyOnline #Verblio #PassiveIncome #ContentWriting
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