Associated Content is a nice way to earn some extra money online through your writing. However, with a few basic steps, you can maximize your potential and earn more.

1. Step 1

   After you’ve signed up for your account and are ready to begin writing, you should figure out a niche. Are you an expert on a particular topic and going to stick to that? Or will you branch out and focus on a variety of topics?

2. Step 2

   Check the assignment desk often. Not only will the assignment desk give you ideas on topics to write about, but it’ll also be a great chance to take on assignments that offer you up-front payment so you can get some quick dollars early and still earn from them later on.

3. Step 3

   Write news articles. At the time that I’m writing this, news articles are worth $4 up-front on Associated Content. Sounds small, but if you can crank out 5 of those articles a day, thats $20 for the day and $100 for a 5 day week. Just make sure that the articles are timely and have an original element to them.

4. Step 4

   Make friends. Find Associated Content writers that share come of the interests as yourself and add them to your favorites or subscribe to them. Check out their articles and do a lot of commenting. In my experience, Associated Content members are generally friendly and are willing to take the time to read and comment on your work if you’re willing to do the same for them.

5. Step 5

   Learn how to social network. Twitter, myspace, facebook, digg, etc. Link your articles. As I’m writing this I have about 460 followers on twitter (follow me @Josh4Q), and if I post a link to my article during the right time of the day I can get 50-100 views right off the bat.

6. Step 6

   Moniter your results. Check out your stats. Look at which articles are doing well, which ones aren’t. Learn from your successes and mistakes to figure out better ways to succeed in the future.