Find Better Writing Gigs: Top Sites Like Textbroker

TL;DR

If you're looking for sites like Textbroker, you have many stronger options available. Top alternatives include direct competitors like Writer Access and Verblio, which offer better pay and quality control. For more control and higher earning potential, major freelance marketplaces such as Upwork and Fiverr are excellent choices. The best platform for you ultimately depends on your experience level, niche, and career goals.

Understanding the Landscape: Beyond Content Mills

Platforms like Textbroker are often called "content mills." They operate by creating a large pool of writers who can claim assignments posted by clients, typically for a fixed, often low, price per word. While they offer a straightforward way for new writers to gain experience and earn their first dollars, this model has significant limitations, including low pay ceilings and a lack of direct client relationships. Fortunately, the world of freelance writing extends far beyond this single model.

Writers seeking alternatives can generally find them in three distinct categories. First are the direct content mill alternatives, such as iWriter and BKA Content, which operate on a similar assignment-claiming model but may offer different pay structures or client bases. Second are the general freelance marketplaces like the well-known Upwork and Fiverr. These platforms empower writers to build profiles, set their own rates, and either bid on projects or sell services directly to clients. This requires more self-marketing but offers substantially higher income potential and the chance to build long-term client relationships. Finally, there are premium or high-tier content platforms like Contently, which connect vetted, experienced writers with major brands for high-value projects.

Choosing the right type of platform is crucial for your career growth. A new writer might start with a direct alternative to build a portfolio, while a more established writer will find greater opportunity and income on a major marketplace or a premium platform. Understanding these differences helps you make a strategic choice that aligns with your professional goals.

Top Direct Alternatives to Textbroker

For writers who appreciate the straightforward model of Textbroker but are seeking better pay, more interesting projects, or a different platform interface, several direct alternatives are worth exploring. These platforms often retain the core concept of a job pool but aim to improve upon the experience for both writers and clients. They serve as a logical next step for those wanting to level up without completely changing their workflow.

Writer Access is frequently cited as a significant step up from Textbroker. While it is still a content mill, it has a more rigorous vetting process for its writers, resulting in a higher quality talent pool. Clients can set up teams of preferred writers and send direct assignments, fostering better working relationships. According to a review on Content Powered, writers on the platform are generally friendlier and more specialized, and the pay scale is higher, rewarding writers with higher star ratings more substantially. The trade-off is that it can be more difficult to get accepted, and the best-paying work is reserved for top-tier writers.

Another strong contender is Verblio. This platform requires applicants to have a background in content marketing and SEO, signaling a focus on more strategic content. Verblio uses a hybrid model where writers can claim jobs from a pool or submit articles on-spec for clients to purchase. As noted by Diggity Marketing, the starting pay is often more attractive than Textbroker's entry-level rates. This makes it a compelling option for writers who are confident in their ability to produce content that meets modern marketing standards.

For those looking for a platform very similar in structure to Textbroker, iWriter is a close match. It uses a star-rating system that dictates which jobs a writer can access and how much they earn. The pay at the lower levels can be quite low, but it provides an accessible entry point for writers to gain experience. It's often seen as a good place to practice and build a track record before moving on to more lucrative platforms. However, be aware that iWriter takes a significant commission of 35% from writer earnings.

Major Freelance Marketplaces: Upwork & Fiverr

Graduating from content mills to major freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr represents a significant shift in a writer's career. These platforms put you in the driver's seat, allowing you to build a personal brand, set your own prices, and interact directly with clients. While this requires more effort in terms of marketing and proposal writing, the potential rewards in both income and professional development are substantially higher. You are no longer an anonymous writer in a pool but a business owner building a client roster.

Upwork is one of the largest freelance platforms globally. Here, clients post jobs, and freelancers submit proposals to win the work. This model is competitive, but it allows skilled writers to stand out by showcasing their expertise and portfolio. You can set an hourly rate or bid a fixed price for projects, giving you complete control over your earnings. Success on Upwork depends on creating a compelling profile, writing persuasive proposals, and delivering high-quality work to earn positive reviews, which are critical for attracting future clients.

Fiverr operates on a different model. Instead of bidding on jobs, you create service packages called "Gigs." For example, you might offer a Gig for a "500-word SEO blog post" at a set price. Clients then browse these Gigs and purchase the one that fits their needs. This turns the dynamic around, with clients coming to you. Fiverr is an excellent platform for writers who have a clearly defined service they can offer repeatedly. Building a popular Gig with great reviews can lead to a steady stream of work without the need to constantly send out proposals.

To succeed on these platforms, consider these essential tips:

• Create a Specialized Profile: Don't be a generalist. Highlight your expertise in a specific niche, such as B2B tech, finance, or healthcare, to attract higher-paying clients.
• Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your best work. If you're new, write a few high-quality samples in your chosen niche to demonstrate your skills.
• Write Customized Proposals: On Upwork, avoid generic, copy-pasted proposals. Address the client's specific needs and explain exactly how you can solve their problem.
• Start with Competitive Pricing: You may need to set your initial rates slightly lower to win your first few jobs and build reviews. As you gain a positive reputation, you can steadily increase your prices.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Communicate clearly, meet deadlines, and be professional. Happy clients leave great reviews and often become repeat customers.

Premium Platforms for Experienced Writers

For freelance writers who have honed their craft, built a strong portfolio, and developed expertise in a specific niche, the next step is to target premium content platforms. These are not open marketplaces; they are exclusive networks that connect top-tier writing talent with major brands and enterprise clients. Getting accepted is challenging and typically requires a proven track record of high-quality work, but the rewards are significant, including excellent pay rates, professionally edited work, and bylines with recognizable companies.

Contently is one of the most well-known platforms in this category. It functions as a talent agency for writers, matching them with projects from brands like Google, Marriott, and Dell. Writers create a free online portfolio on the Contently platform, which is then reviewed by editors. If your portfolio aligns with the needs of their clients, you may be invited to work on projects. The pay rates are often several hundred dollars per article, reflecting the high quality and strategic nature of the content. As mentioned in several guides, it can take time to be matched with a project, but it's an excellent platform for showcasing your best work.

Similarly, Skyword connects skilled writers, videographers, and designers with large brands looking for high-quality content marketing. Like Contently, you must apply and be approved to join their talent pool. Skyword works with clients across various industries, and the pay varies depending on the complexity and scope of the project. The platform emphasizes creating exceptional customer experiences through content, so they look for writers who can do more than just write—they need storytellers who understand marketing goals.

Another platform to consider is Pepper Content, which, according to G2, is a strong Textbroker alternative that helps marketing teams manage their entire content lifecycle. It combines an AI-powered platform with an expert talent network. To succeed on these elite platforms, you must move beyond simply being a good writer. You need to think like a content strategist, understand SEO, and demonstrate how your writing can help a business achieve its goals. A portfolio filled with data-driven articles, in-depth case studies, and thought leadership pieces is essential for gaining entry.