Due to the relatively high flat rate that they pay per article, Demand Media Studios is a popular option for work-from-home moms. That being said, the site definitely has its detractors, too. There's no way to know whether or not it will be a good fit for you without giving it a shot. Like anything else, there are tips and tricks that can help you to achieve exceptional success on Demand Media Studios. Below, you will find some specific pointers about getting the best possible start on the site.
What is Demand Media Studios?
Demand Media Studios is what is often referred to as a "content mill." Unlike a site like Textbroker, which connects a wide range of clients with writers of all skill levels, Demand Media Studios uses work-from-home writers to produce content for its own brands and websites. DMS does not make its money through client fees; instead, it makes most of its money through the revenue-generating ads that are placed on its websites, which include eHow and LiveStrong. The site uses algorithms to figure out what people are searching for online and then assigns its writers with content that's based on those results.
Getting Hired
A quick online search will reveal that many people are turned down at least once by Demand Media Studios. In many cases, this has no bearing on the actual skill level of the writer in question. Like any other business, DMS can't blindly accept every person who applies; if they did, they would be overrun with writers. As a result, the site wants to see writing-related information on your resume. Include writing-related keywords on your resume to increase your odds of being hired. Keep in mind that it's very unlikely that an actual human being will even review your application.
Getting Started
After you receive your acceptance email, you should be able to get started immediately. Remember to fill out the online W-2 form so that you can be paid without interruption. You'll also have to supply your PayPal information, for the same reason. Assuming that you've been hired on as a writer, you will be able to dig right into the thousands of available titles. As exciting as it may be to see thousands of options, the truth is that many of them are simply nonsensical. In fact, you'll probably spend a great deal of time trying to find worthwhile titles.
Working with Copy Editors
Every time you submit an article for Demand Media Studios, you have to follow a strict style guideline. You also have to provide links to show where you came up with your information. After you send your article, it will be passed along to a copy editor. You won't be assigned one copy editor; several different CEs may evaluate your work at any given time. They look over your work to ensure that it meets the guidelines and displays proper grammar and spelling. It's not unusual to get revision requests, so be prepared to make many changes.
Getting Support
It's easy to become frustrated while working for DMS. The biggest area of contention is the copy editing process, which many believe to be arbitrary and unfair. Random and pointless revision requests are enough to make you want to pull out your hair. If you run into a serious problem, the best place to go is the forums. It's also a great place to commiserate with others about copy editor issues. Just remember that the forums are moderated; don't say anything that could land you in hot water, or you could be fired.
Getting Paid
One of the very best things about Demand Media Studios is that it pays twice per week. This can be a lifesaver in times when you are pretty much broke. Furthermore, the flat rate for many articles is pretty competitive. If you find yourself dealing with one revision request after another, though, that rate may not seem quite as alluring. Make sure that your PayPal information is up to date to receive payments promptly. Remember that DMS will file a 1099 about your earnings; make sure to take care of your tax obligation, if you have one.
Staying on Track
The variety of available titles on Demand Media Studios ebbs and flows. Sometimes, there are many great and easy options; other times, pickings are decidedly slim. As a result, it's not particularly wise to put all of your eggs into the DMS basket. While some people do work exclusively for the site, the reality is that it's not terribly easy to do so. It's usually best to work for a handful other sites, too, so that you don't burn out completely on DMS. Always remember that getting fired is a possibility. If that happens, getting back on board is tricky.
Branching Out
Every now and then, DMS offers extra opportunities to its most talented and prolific writers. Keep your eyes peeled for emails from the company; most of the time, you have to apply for such positions. If something like titling or copy editing sounds good to you, you might want to apply for those positions, too. Who knows – you may discover that your real talents lie in critiquing the work of others. You won't really know unless you take a stab at it, so keep an open mind. If DMS ends up not being right for you, it's okay to walk away.
Thousands of work-from-home moms make fantastic livings through their earnings from Demand Media Studios. However, the site is definitely not for everyone. Some are perfectly happy to put up with grief from the copy editors and with the rollercoaster style of available titles. Others prefer to spread themselves out to other possibilities. There's no harm in giving DMS a try, and there is no obligation. Hang out in the forums for a while to get a better feel for the issues that concern writers for the site. Other than that, submit your application and give it a whirl.