10% Discounts for orders over $500

Top Sites Like NOTD That Paid to Write: Join for Free

May 11, 2025

Ever stared at your laptop, wondering if your words could actually get you paid to write, without having to pay to join the platform. Sounds amazing, right? You’re not dreaming. This is the reality of writing for sites like NOTD. If you’ve been looking for legit ways to make money by writing, all while keeping your wallet intact, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will walk you through the top platforms where you can write for free and get paid. Let’s dive in!

What Does It Mean to Write and Get Paid on Free-to-Join Sites?

Let’s break it down. Paid to write sites are essentially online platforms that publish content from a variety of writers – that could be you! – and offer some form of monetary compensation. The models vary: some pay per article, others offer a share of advertising revenue your pieces generate, and some have unique systems like tipping or paid subscriptions. The key phrase here, and the one we’re laser-focused on, is free to join. We’re not about those platforms asking for your credit card before you’ve even typed a word.

Simply put, these are platforms where you don’t need to invest a single penny to get started. Once you sign up, you can write and earn money based on the content you produce. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an experienced one, these platforms offer opportunities to monetize your skills.

Why Write for Sites Like NOTD?

Writing for free-to-join platforms has many perks:

  • Zero Upfront Costs: You don’t pay anything to start earning.
  • Flexible Work Hours: Work whenever you want. No boss, no deadlines (unless you want them).
  • Skill Improvement: Writing regularly sharpens your skills and builds your portfolio.
  • Extra Income: Earn while pursuing your passion or even as a side hustle alongside your full-time job.

So, let’s explore some top sites like NOTD where you can start earning.


Top 5 Sites Like NOTD That Pay You to Write (No Fees Required)

Here are the best platforms where you can start earning by writing:

1. Medium Partner Program

Medium is a behemoth in the online publishing world. It’s known for its clean interface and diverse range of content, from personal essays and tech deep-dives to poetry and political commentary. The Partner Program allows writers to earn money based on member reading time and referred memberships.

How You Get Paid: Primarily through engagement from Medium members. The more paying members read your story, the more you earn. You can also earn when you refer someone to become a Medium member. Payments are typically made monthly via Stripe.

How to Join (Free): Create a Medium account, meet the eligibility criteria for the Partner Program (like having 100 followers and publishing at least one story), and apply.

ProsCons/Considerations
Massive built-in audience.Earnings can be unpredictable (depends on Medium’s algorithm and distribution).
High potential for visibility if “distributed.”Competition is high.
You retain rights to your work.Requires at least 100 followers to join the Partner Program (subject to change).
Clean, user-friendly writing tools.Focus on “member reading time” (content behind the paywall is prioritized).
Strong domain authority for SEO benefits.

Best For: Writers who love discussing niche topics like tech, wellness, or personal growth.

2. Vocal.Media

Vocal Media is another platform that allows creators to share their stories across various communities and earn money. They often run writing challenges with cash prizes, which can be a nice bonus.

How You Get Paid: Vocal pays based on reads (CPM model – per 1,000 reads). They also offer bonuses for milestones (e.g., getting featured, winning challenges) and have a tipping feature where readers can directly support you. Payments are made via Stripe.

How to Join (Free): Sign up for a free Vocal account, connect your Stripe, and start submitting stories.

ProsCons/Considerations
Multiple ways to earn (reads, tips, bonuses, challenges).Per-read rate can feel low for non-Vocal+ members (requires high volume for substantial earnings).
Clear payment structure.Vocal+ membership offers higher read rates but has a monthly fee.
You retain rights to your work.Some writers report slower readership growth compared to Medium.
Supportive community and frequent challenges.

Best For: Creative writers, storytellers, and bloggers.

3. HubPages

HubPages has been around for a while and operates a network of niche sites. You create articles on topics you’re knowledgeable about. HubPages is a revenue-sharing platform where you can write articles on almost any topic. You earn through ad revenue.

How You Get Paid: Primarily through ad revenue (like Google AdSense) displayed on your articles. You can also earn through affiliate programs (like Amazon) by incorporating relevant product links. Payouts are typically via PayPal once you reach the threshold.

How to Join (Free): Sign up on the HubPages website. You’ll need to set up your ad program accounts (like AdSense) separately and link them.

ProsCons/Considerations
Potential for long-term passive income if articles rank well.Earnings grow slowly (more of a marathon than a sprint).
Build your own “space” and focus on niches.Interface can feel dated compared to modern platforms.
Quality assessment process improves writing.Requires SEO knowledge to maximize earnings.
Content must be substantial/high-quality to pass review and perform well.

Best For: Writers who enjoy creating evergreen content.

4. Substack

Substack has revolutionized the newsletter game. It allows writers to launch their own email newsletters and, crucially, offer paid subscriptions. While not a traditional “article site,” it’s a powerful platform for writers to build a direct relationship with their audience and get paid.

How You Get Paid: Directly from subscribers who choose to pay for your premium content. You set your own subscription prices. Substack takes a percentage of the subscription revenue (typically 10%), and Stripe (their payment processor) takes a small fee.

How to Join (Free): Sign up on Substack, create your publication, and decide if/when you want to enable paid subscriptions. Publishing free content is always an option.

ProsCons/Considerations
Direct control over audience and monetization.Building a paying subscriber base requires time, effort, and marketing skills.
Potential for significant recurring income.Success often depends on existing audience or niche content/promotion expertise.
Own your content and email list.“Build your own thing” model (vs. leveraging an existing platform’s audience).
Simple, focused newsletter platform.

NOTE: It’s a bit different, as it’s more about building your own paid community around your writing rather than contributing to a general pool. However, it’s undeniably a way to get paid to write and is free to join and start publishing. The direct creator-to-reader payment model is very appealing.

5. Fiverr

Fiverr is a massive online marketplace where freelancers (including writers, of course) can offer their services, known as Gigs. Instead of publishing articles on a platform and earning from views or ad revenue, you create specific service packages (e.g., “I will write a 500-word blog post on any topic for $X”) that clients can purchase.

How You Get Paid: Clients purchase your Gigs. You set your own prices for different packages (Basic, Standard, Premium). Fiverr takes a commission (typically 20%) from your earnings. Payments are processed after a Gig is completed and approved, and can be withdrawn via PayPal, direct deposit, or other methods depending on your region.

How to Join (Free): Signing up as a seller on Fiverr is completely free. You create your profile, set up your Gigs, and you’re ready to start selling.

ProsCons/Considerations
Direct control over services/pricing (set your own offerings and rates).Fierce competition (requires standout Gigs, strategic pricing, and strong reviews).
Global client reach with diverse projects (blog posts, editing, creative writing, etc.).20% platform commission on earnings.
Reputation-building via reviews and completed orders.Requires self-promotion beyond Fiverr’s organic traffic to maximize orders.
Flexibility to scale your freelance business.Client management responsibilities (communication, revisions, satisfaction).

Fiverr is more of a service marketplace than a publishing platform like NOTD. You’re not publishing your own content for an audience to read and earn from engagement; instead, you’re selling your writing skills directly to clients for specific projects. However, it’s a hugely popular and effective way for writers to get paid to write, and crucially, it’s free to join and start offering services. For many, it’s a primary source of income from writing.

Best For: Freelancers who want to write articles, blogs, or copy for businesses.


Quick Comparison Table: A Snapshot of Your Options

PlatformPrimary Niche(s)Typical Pay ModelPayment ViaEase of Entry (Free Join)Potential for “Paid to Write on Sites Like NOTD Free to Join”
MediumBroad (Essays, Tech, Life)Member Reading Time, ReferralsStripeHigh (100 followers req.)Very High
Vocal MediaBroad (Niche Communities)Reads (CPM), Tips, Bonuses, ChallengesStripeHighVery High
HubPagesNiche-Specific (Network Sites)Ad Revenue, AffiliatePayPalHighHigh (long-term focus)
SubstackWriter-Defined (Newsletters)Paid SubscriptionsStripeHighHigh (entrepreneurial)
FiverrService-Based (All Writing Types)Gig-based (You set price)PayPal, Direct DepositHighVery High (service marketplace)

FAQs About Paid Writing on Free-to-Join Sites

You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. Let’s tackle some of the common queries about diving into the world of paid to write on sites like NOTD free to join.

1. Can I Really Earn Money Without Paying to Join?
Yes! Platforms like NOTD and others on this list are completely free to join. You can start earning money without any upfront investment.

2. How much can I realistically earn on sites that pay you to write?
Ah, the million-dollar question. It VASTLY varies. Some folks make a few bucks for coffee money, others earn a part-time income, and a smaller percentage make a full-time living. Factors include the platform, your niche, content/service quality, consistency, promotion efforts, pricing (on Fiverr), and a bit of luck.

Don’t expect to get rich overnight. Start with realistic goals and focus on consistent effort. Many who succeed in getting paid to write on sites like NOTD free to join built up their earnings over time.

3. Do I need prior writing experience to get paid to write on sites like NOTD free to join?
Generally, no formal experience is required to start on most of these platforms, including setting up Gigs on Fiverr. If you can write clearly, engagingly, and provide value, you’re in. That said, good writing skills are obviously a huge plus. These platforms can be a great place to gain experience.

4. How often do these sites pay out?
Again, platform-dependent. Many pay monthly (e.g., Medium, Vocal). Some might have different schedules or pay once you hit a specific earning threshold. Fiverr processes payments after a Gig is cleared (typically a few days after client approval) and you can then withdraw based on their terms. Always check the platform’s specific payment terms.

5. Can I really get paid to write on sites like NOTD free to join without ANY investment?
Yes, in terms of monetary investment to join the platform and start publishing or offering services, the sites we’ve focused on (including Fiverr for sellers) are indeed free to join. Your investment is your time, your effort, your creativity, and the use of your computer and internet connection.

6. What if English isn’t my first language? Can I still succeed?
Absolutely! While strong English skills are important for clarity and engagement, many successful online writers and Fiverr sellers are non-native speakers.

7. Do I need to be a US resident to join these platforms?
Many platforms, including Fiverr, are global, but payment methods like Stripe or PayPal availability can sometimes vary by country.


Tips to Maximize Your Earnings from Writing Online

  1. Choose the Right Platform: Pick a site that aligns with your interests and writing skills.
  2. Write Consistently: The more you write, the better your chances of earning.
  3. Promote Your Work: Share your articles on social media to drive more traffic.
  4. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and build a loyal following.
  5. Experiment with Topics: Try different niches to see what works best for you.

Conclusion: Start Writing and Earning Today!

The world of writing for free-to-join platforms like NOTD is full of opportunities. Whether you’re looking to fund your coffee addiction, save for a vacation, or start a full-fledged writing career, these sites have got you covered.

We’ve journeyed from understanding what these platforms are all about, to spotting the good eggs from the bad, and dived deep into some of the top contenders where your words can turn into actual currency.

The platforms we’ve discussed – Medium, Vocal Media, HubPages, Substack, Fiverr, and the rest are more than just websites. They’re gateways. Gateways to building a portfolio, honing your craft, connecting with readers or clients, and yes, making some decent money doing something you enjoy. The fact that you can get paid to write on sites like NOTD free to join is a testament to the democratizing power of the internet.

Now, I want to hear from you. Which of these sites are you most excited to try? Do you have other favorite platforms where you get paid to write on sites like NOTD free to join or sell your writing services? Share your thoughts, experiences, and any lingering questions in the comments below. Let’s make this a conversation and help each other thrive in the exciting world of paid online writing!


Quick Way to Build Income Generating Assets: Proven

If you’re looking for actionable strategies to create income-generating assets quickly, this article is a must-read

👉 Quick Way to Build Income Generating Assets: Proven.

It provides proven methods to help you establish passive income streams and grow your wealth efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to diversify your income sources, this guide offers practical insights to get started. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn how to build financial security and unlock your earning potential!


For any Query

Facebook: facebook.com/BestSMMExpertt/

Skype: live:.cid.47f203f760196868

Email: contact@bestsmmexpert.com