If you’re a writer, blogger, or business owner looking to expand your reach, publishing articles for free on high-traffic websites is a great way to get exposure. Many platforms allow you to publish content without paying a fee, helping you build authority, drive traffic, and even earn money.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 20 best websites to publish articles for free in 2024.
Key Takeaway:
- Publishing articles on high-traffic platforms increases visibility and helps build authority.
- It boosts SEO by allowing backlinks to your website, improving search engine rankings.
- Many platforms offer revenue-sharing models, providing opportunities to earn money.
- Publishing on specialized sites can help target specific audiences and improve engagement.
- It’s a valuable way for writers, bloggers, and businesses to drive traffic and enhance credibility.
Why Publish Articles for Free?
Before we dive into the list, here are some benefits of publishing articles for free:
- Increases Visibility: Your articles can reach thousands or even millions of readers.
- Boosts SEO: Many sites allow you to link back to your website, improving search engine rankings.
- Builds Authority: Posting on reputable platforms helps you establish yourself as an expert.
- Drives Traffic: Well-written articles can bring targeted visitors to your blog or business.
Now, let’s explore the best platforms for free article publishing.
General Article Publishing Sites
1. Medium
Why Use It?
- Huge audience with over 100 million readers per month.
- Easy-to-use interface with built-in SEO benefits.
- Partner Program lets you earn money.
How to Get Started:
- Create a free account on Medium.com.
- Start writing and publish directly.
- Share your articles to increase reach.
2. LinkedIn Articles
Why Use It?
- Great for professional networking.
- Articles appear on your LinkedIn profile.
- Business-focused audience.
How to Get Started:
- Log into LinkedIn.
- Go to “Write an Article” and publish your content.
- Engage with your connections to increase visibility.
3. Vocal Media
Why Use It?
- You can earn money based on article views.
- Multiple niche communities (tech, health, finance, etc.).
- Easy-to-use publishing platform.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up at Vocal.Media.
- Submit articles and start earning based on views.
4. HubPages
Why Use It?
- High domain authority (good for SEO).
- Revenue-sharing model (you can earn from ads).
- Covers multiple topics like health, business, and tech.
How to Get Started:
- Register at HubPages.
- Submit your article for review.
- Once approved, your article goes live.
5. Substack
Why Use It?
- Allows you to build a subscriber base.
- Can monetize via paid subscriptions.
- Good for long-form content and newsletters.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up at Substack.
- Start publishing and promoting your content.
Guest Posting Platforms
6. Write.as
Why Use It?
- Simple, distraction-free writing platform.
- No ads or tracking.
- Great for writers who want minimalistic publishing.
How to Get Started:
- Visit Write.as.
- Sign up and start writing instantly.
7. EzineArticles
Why Use It?
- High domain authority and SEO benefits.
- Articles can rank well in Google search.
- Great for business and informational content.
How to Get Started:
- Create an account at EzineArticles.
- Submit your article and wait for approval.
8. Thrive Global
Why Use It?
- Focused on well-being, productivity, and leadership.
- Established by Arianna Huffington (founder of HuffPost).
- Great exposure in the self-improvement space.
How to Get Started:
- Apply as a contributor at Thrive Global.
- Submit your first article for review.
9. Article Alley
Why Use It?
- Free article directory with multiple categories.
- Good for link-building and SEO.
- Accepts guest posts from various niches.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up at Article Alley.
- Submit your article and wait for approval.
10. Buzzle
Why Use It?
- Covers a wide range of topics.
- Allows authors to submit detailed articles.
- Articles often rank well in Google.
How to Get Started:
- Visit Buzzle.
- Submit an article for editorial review.
Industry-Specific Publishing Platforms
11. Hackernoon (Tech & Coding)
Why Use It?
- Best platform for programmers, developers, and tech enthusiasts.
- Huge community and strong SEO benefits.
How to Get Started:
- Register at Hackernoon.
- Submit tech-related articles for publication.
12. Dev.to (Web Development)
Why Use It?
- Community-focused platform for developers.
- Articles get strong engagement from tech professionals.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up at Dev.to.
- Start writing and engaging with the community.
13. Instructables (DIY & How-To Guides)
Why Use It?
- Great for tutorial-style content.
- Strong community of DIY enthusiasts.
How to Get Started:
- Join Instructables.
- Submit detailed step-by-step guides.
14. Behance (Design & Art)
Why Use It?
- Perfect for designers, artists, and photographers.
- Allows visual content publishing.
How to Get Started:
- Create a free account on Behance.
- Upload and showcase your creative work.
15. The Startup (Entrepreneurship & Business)
Why Use It?
- One of the largest publications on Medium.
- Focuses on startups, business, and productivity.
How to Get Started:
- Follow The Startup.
- Submit business-related articles for publication.
News & Journalism Platforms
16. NewsBreak
Why Use It?
- Ideal for local news, trending topics, and opinion pieces.
- Monetization options for contributors.
How to Get Started:
- Apply to become a writer on NewsBreak.
- Submit newsworthy content.
17. Blasting News
Why Use It?
- Accepts trending news and opinion articles.
- Pays writers based on engagement.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up at Blasting News.
- Publish newsworthy content and earn from views.
18. OpEdNews
Why Use It?
- Best for opinion-based journalism.
- Accepts articles on politics, social issues, and news.
How to Get Started:
- Visit OpEdNews.
- Submit articles with strong editorial perspectives.
Social Writing Platforms
19. Tumblr
Why Use It?
- Great for creative writing, poetry, and blogs.
- Built-in community for engagement.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up on Tumblr.
- Start posting articles and multimedia content.
20. Wattpad
Why Use It?
- Best for fiction, storytelling, and creative writing.
- Helps writers build an audience and even get book deals.
How to Get Started:
- Register at Wattpad.
- Start publishing your stories.
FAQs
1. Why should I publish articles for free?
- Publishing articles for free can increase visibility, improve SEO, build authority, and help you reach a wider audience.
2. Can I make money by publishing articles for free?
- Yes, many platforms offer revenue-sharing programs or allow monetization through ads, such as Medium’s Partner Program and Vocal Media.
3. Which platform is best for general content publishing?
- Medium, LinkedIn Articles, and Substack are popular for general content, with a large audience and simple publishing interfaces.
4. Can I publish content on LinkedIn if I’m not a professional?
- Yes, LinkedIn Articles is open to everyone, but content that showcases expertise or professional insights may get more attention.
5. What is the benefit of publishing on platforms like HubPages?
- HubPages allows revenue sharing through ads and has high domain authority, which is great for SEO.
6. How do I get started on Substack?
- Sign up at Substack, create your newsletter, and start publishing your content to build a subscriber base.
7. Do I need a blog to publish articles on platforms like Medium?
- No, Medium and similar platforms allow you to publish articles directly without needing a separate blog or website.
8. Can I link back to my website from these platforms?
- Yes, many platforms allow you to add backlinks, which can help improve your website’s SEO.
9. What type of articles work best on Vocal Media?
- Articles on various niches like health, tech, and finance tend to perform well on Vocal Media, especially if they’re engaging and shareable.
10. How does the monetization work on Vocal Media?
- You earn money based on the number of views your articles get. Vocal Media shares ad revenue with content creators.
11. Can I publish articles anonymously?
- Platforms like Write.as allow anonymous publishing, while others like Medium require user registration.
12. How do I increase engagement with my articles?
- Share your articles on social media, interact with readers in the comments, and optimize your content for SEO to attract more readers.
13. Can I publish articles on niche topics?
- Yes, platforms like Hackernoon (tech) and Instructables (DIY) cater to niche topics, making it easier to reach a specific audience.
14. Do I need to pay to publish on these platforms?
- No, most platforms allow free publishing, though some may offer premium features for added benefits.
15. How can I improve my article’s SEO on these platforms?
- Use relevant keywords, write compelling titles, and make use of tags, categories, and internal/external links to improve SEO.
16. What kind of content does Thrive Global accept?
- Thrive Global focuses on well-being, productivity, leadership, and lifestyle topics. It’s ideal for self-improvement articles.
17. How long does it take for an article to be published?
- The approval process varies by platform, but it typically takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the platform’s review process.
18. Is there a limit to the number of articles I can publish?
- Most platforms don’t have strict limits, but quality over quantity is often more important. Some sites may have guidelines on frequency or word count.
19. Can I publish articles in multiple categories?
- Yes, platforms like HubPages and EzineArticles allow you to publish articles across multiple categories, expanding your reach.
20. What should I do if my article gets rejected?
- Review the platform’s content guidelines, make necessary revisions, and resubmit your article. Feedback can help you improve your content for future submissions.
Final Thoughts
Publishing articles for free on the right platforms can boost your online presence, improve SEO, and even generate income. Whether you’re a blogger, journalist, or business owner, these 20 websites offer excellent opportunities to showcase your writing.
