Unlike other user generated content (UGC) websites, Associated Content offers a payment to “purchase” articles submitted through their online submission process, called an upfront payment. Here’s everything you need to know about getting upfront payments from Associated Content:

Getting Upfront Payments: To get an offer, your article must be submitted for exclusive or non-exclusive rights through their online submission form. You must select the payment option “Upfront Payment Review PLUS Automatic Performance Payments”. You can also receive upfronts by completing a paying assignment listed in the assignment desk, found by logging into your account.

How Much are Upfronts?: Upfronts typically range from $1.00 to over $25.00 per article. The average seems to be $3.00-$10.00. Upfronts over $10.00 generally come from assignments, not articles submitted freely by the writer.

How to Increase Upfront Payments: Associated Content calculates its upfront payment based on a secret algorithm, so no one knows for sure. Some Associated Content writers believe this can increase upfront payments:

• A high or constantly increasing page view average (your total page views divided by total articles published). What’s considered a “high” page view average is debatable, but anything under 500 is considered low.
• Submitting evergreen articles about topics not commonly found on search engines.
• The types of ads your article generates. Some articles naturally generate more expensive ads, which is more $$$ for Associated Content (and for you).

Restrictions: Articles meeting Associated Content’s guidelines for upfront offers are only eligible for payment. You must be a resident or citizen of the United States and over 18 years old to collect upfront payments.

As a general rule, well written evergreen articles are more likely to receive higher upfronts. Associated Content also encourages writers to submit evergreen content–it just naturally attracts more visitors, increasing ad revenue for them.