Website 119: Insteading.com

How Can You Earn Money Writing For “insteading.com” Website

This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to insteading.com.

You will learn what insteading.com wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.

Insteading.com

Insteading · Writer Starter Kit

Focus: Homesteading & Sustainability Style: Practical, helpful, real-life Formats: How-to · Guides · Stories Goal: Write + Build income Difficulty: Beginner → Pro

This guide is a beginner-friendly SOP. It shows you how to study Insteading’s content, write in their preferred style, and send a professional pitch. It also shows how to turn one accepted article into multiple income paths (portfolio, clients, other outlets, and repurposing).

Content Writing · Insteading Beginner Friendly Target: Insteading.com

Guide: How to Write for Insteading (and Use It to Earn Money)

This guide shows you how to write a blog post, article, magazine-style feature, or guest post that fits Insteading — and how to turn that writing into income, even if you are a beginner.

You will learn Insteading’s topic fit, writing style, “do / don’t” rules, research method, and a simple pitch system. Then you will learn a practical money plan: get published → build clips → pitch paid outlets + clients.

Keep these tabs open while you work: Writer Guidelines, About Insteading, Community Rules, Contact, Copyright / Republishing.

Section 1 · Understand the publication

What Insteading is (and how to “write like Insteading”)

Insteading is a homesteading and sustainability website. They publish practical content that helps readers live more self-sufficiently: growing food, caring for animals, building smarter, living off-grid (or semi off-grid), and making eco-friendly choices that are realistic.

This is important: Insteading’s writer guidelines say they want writing that promotes sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and pragmatic lifestyle choices. They also mention they discourage wasteful consumerism and they are cautious about content that is mostly “buy this product.” So your writing must feel useful and grounded, not salesy.

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What “good fit” looks like

Insteading content usually has:

A real reader problem (“How do I start composting?” “How do I store water off-grid?”).
Real steps, not only opinions.
Practical tradeoffs (cost, time, safety, climate, space).
Honest voice (what worked, what failed, what you learned).
Eco + human friendly choices that are actually doable.

Quick test: would this help a reader do something meaningful this weekend (plant, build, repair, learn)?

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Where your article should live (site hubs)

These hubs help you study the style and choose your section:

Gardening (vegetables, compost, soil, pests, foraging)
Green Building (plans, materials, off-grid design thinking)
Homestead Living (self-sufficiency basics, off-grid life, systems)
Courses (webinars / learning links — good for research)
Companion Planting Chart & Guide (example of evergreen resource page)

Study 5 posts from the hub you want. Notice the structure, subheads, and how they explain choices.

Reader intent	Best Insteading-style format	What you must include	What to avoid
“Help me start”	Beginner guide / checklist	Simple steps + safety notes + common mistakes	Vague inspiration only
“Help me decide”	Comparison / tradeoff guide	Pros/cons, costs, climate constraints, maintenance	One-sided “one true way”
“Help me build”	How-to / plan breakdown	Materials list, tools, stages, photos/diagrams	Unsafe instructions
“Teach me the why”	Explainer + practical examples	Simple explanation + real-world application	Scientific claims without sources

Fast homework: open these three posts and skim structure (intro → steps → key takeaways): What Is Homesteading?, Off-Grid Water System (starter guide), Eating Acorns (foraging-to-cooking).

Section 2 · Fit your idea

Choose a topic that fits Insteading (and avoids fast rejection)

If you want to write for Insteading, don’t start with “I want to write about gardening.” Start with a specific reader situation. A good Insteading idea usually fits one of their core categories (gardening, building, homestead living, animals, off-grid systems) and it should help a reader make progress in real life.

Insteading’s guidelines also mention they do not want posts that are mostly about selling products. That means: if your outline is “Top 10 gadgets you must buy,” it will not feel like Insteading. Instead, write about methods, skills, and low-waste choices — and if you mention a product, mention it as one option, not the main point.

Fit check

Does your topic match a real Insteading bucket?

Use these buckets (and click examples to see tone + formatting):

Gardening: Gardening hub, Realistic Garden, No-Dig Challenges
Soil & compost: write about composting steps, mistakes, and easy systems (not only theory).
Off-grid / self-reliance: Off-Grid Water System, Living Off-Grid Checklist
Building: Green Building hub (plans, materials, “how it works,” safety, tradeoffs)
Foraging / wild food: Eating Acorns
Homestead living basics: Homestead Living hub, What Is Homesteading?

If you can’t place your topic into a bucket, refine the idea before pitching.

Original angle

Can you write it in a way that feels fresh?

“Fresh” does not always mean “never written before.” It often means: you add a realistic constraint (small space, low budget, drought climate, winter, urban backyard), and you write from experience.

Bad: “Composting 101” (too broad)
Better: “Composting in a small yard without stink: a simple weekly system”
Bad: “Off-grid living is great” (too motivational)
Better: “Off-grid water: what to plan first, what you can DIY, and the common mistakes”

When you pitch, include the constraint and your experience. That makes editors trust you.

Pragmatic + sustainable

Does it avoid wasteful consumerism?

Insteading encourages sustainable choices. So your article should:

Prefer “use what you already have” and “repair” when possible.
Explain low-cost options (DIY, salvage, secondhand, borrowed tools).
Be careful with “buy these 10 items” lists.
Offer safety notes and realistic limitations.

If you include products, keep them as optional suggestions, not the main content.

Idea scorecard (quick)	Ask yourself	Good answer example
Problem clarity	What pain does the reader have?	“My compost is wet and smelly.”
Actionability	Can the reader follow steps?	“Do this weekly schedule + bin setup.”
Trust	Do you have experience or sources?	“I tested 2 methods + citations.”
Sustainability	Does it reduce waste / harm?	“Use local materials; minimize chemicals.”
Fit	Is it in Insteading’s wheelhouse?	Gardening, building, self-reliance, etc.

Shortcut: open the official writer guidelines and copy/paste their topic areas into a note. Then try to write 10 headline ideas that match those areas. You only need one strong idea to start.

Section 3 · Build your system

Idea → outline → proof: the easiest way to look professional

Beginner writers often fail because they jump straight into writing without a structure. Editors want to see: clear idea, clear sections, and proof (photos, a small experiment, credible sources, or real-life experience).

Insteading’s guidelines include “best practices” such as keeping sentences and paragraphs short, using headings, avoiding fluff, and ensuring you can legally use any images you include. Use that as your quality checklist.

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Step A · Capture the idea in 3 lines

Write this in a note:

Reader: “Who needs this?”
Goal: “What will they achieve?”
Context: “Where (climate/space/budget)?”

Example: “Backyard gardeners with small space → want compost without stink → hot climate + limited time.”

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Step B · Write an outline with 6–9 headings

Your outline is your “map.” If you can’t outline it, you can’t write it. Use a simple flow:

Intro (problem + promise)
What you need (tools/materials)
Step-by-step method
Common mistakes
Safety / ethics
Maintenance / next steps

Pro tip: “proof” is not always a perfect photo shoot. Proof can be: your own pictures, a simple measurement, citations to credible sources, or even a “here’s what failed” story (readers love real learning).

Step C

Gather “proof” in the simplest way

Pick at least 2 of these:

2–6 original photos (your garden, build, system, tools).
1–3 reputable sources (universities, extension offices, government, trusted orgs).
A mini experiment (“I tried method A for 2 weeks vs method B”).
A cost estimate (budget vs mid-range vs “do it for free” option).

Keep the proof inside your article so the reader trusts you.

Step D

Build a “one-sentence promise”

Write a sentence that starts like this:

By the end of this guide, you will be able to…
set up a low-smell compost system that works in a small yard, using a weekly routine and simple fixes.

This sentence becomes your intro, your pitch summary, and your mental anchor when writing.

Step E

Study 3 “style models” on Insteading

Pick 3 posts in your category and note what they do:

How long is the intro?
How quickly do they get to actionable steps?
Do they use short paragraphs and subheads?
How do they cite sources or link to related posts?

Examples to model: Off-Grid Water System, Eating Acorns, Realistic Garden.

Step F

Create a “pitch packet” (simple + powerful)

Your pitch packet can be one document with:

Working title + 1-sentence promise
6–9 bullet outline
Proof list (photos + sources)
Short bio (2–3 lines)
Links to 1–3 writing samples (your blog, Medium, etc.)

Now you look like a writer who can deliver. That changes how editors treat you.

If you don’t have samples yet, publish 2–3 posts on your own blog or a platform (Medium / Substack / Dev.to), and write in the same “practical how-to” style. Then pitch Insteading.

Section 4 · Write the article

Write a beginner-friendly Insteading article (structure you can reuse)

Here is a structure that works for almost every Insteading-style topic. This is written in plain English. If you follow this, your article becomes easy to read and easy to edit.

Part 1

Intro: problem + promise (keep it short)

Do not write a long life story first. Insteading guidelines encourage clarity and short paragraphs. So do this instead:

1–2 lines: what problem the reader has.
1–2 lines: what you will help them do.
1 line: who you are and why you know this (simple proof).

Example intro: “Compost should not smell like a swamp. In this guide, I’ll show you a weekly system that works in a small yard, plus fixes if it gets wet. I’ve used this routine for two summers in a hot climate.”

Part 2

“What you need” section (tools, materials, time)

Insteading readers love practical details. Add:

Materials list (with low-cost alternatives).
Time estimate (realistic).
Safety notes (if needed).

Keep it non-salesy. If you mention a tool, add: “Borrow if you can” or “secondhand works.”

Part 3

Step-by-step (the core of your article)

Write steps as a sequence. Each step should have:

A short heading (“Step 1: Choose the location”).
2–5 short paragraphs (no wall of text).
Optional bullet list (for sub-steps).
A “why” sentence when needed (helps beginners).

This section should be the longest. If you are not sure what to write, write the steps you actually did.

Part 4

Fixes + mistakes (this is what makes it “real”)

Beginners love troubleshooting. Add:

“If it smells…” fix list.
“If pests show up…” safe options.
“If it’s too dry…” simple adjustment.
“If you live in winter…” seasonal note.

This section increases trust and saves the reader time.

Copy-and-paste outline template:

<!– Title –>
[Working title that includes a real outcome]

<!– Intro –>
Problem (2 lines). Promise (2 lines). Proof (1 line).

<!– Section: What you need –>
Tools / materials / time / safety.

<!– Section: Step-by-step –>
Step 1… Step 2… Step 3… (6–9 steps max).

<!– Section: Common mistakes + fixes –>
Mistake → Fix (5–10 bullets).

<!– Section: Sustainable options –>
Low-waste, repair, reuse, local materials.

<!– Conclusion –>
Summary + next steps + related reading links.

Writing rule	Why it matters	How to do it
Short paragraphs	Mobile readers	2–4 lines max; break often
Useful headings	Easy scanning	Use “Step 1… Step 2…” or “Mistakes…”
Pragmatic tone	Matches Insteading	Be honest about limits; avoid hype
Links to learn more	Builds trust	Link to Insteading hubs + reputable sources

Study how Insteading uses related posts and internal linking: Gardening hub includes category navigation and helps you see what topics they already cover.

Section 5 · Proof + ethics

Photos, sources, links, and ethical writing (super important)

Insteading’s guidelines clearly emphasize that you must have legal rights to any images you submit. That means: your own photos, or properly licensed images with correct credit. This is non-negotiable. If you ignore this, your submission can be rejected instantly.

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Photo rules (beginner safe version)

Best: use your own photos. Even phone photos are okay if they are clear.
If not yours: use Creative Commons / public domain images and follow the license rules.
Always: add credit under the image (photographer + source).
Never: copy images from Google Images, Pinterest, or other blogs without permission.

Helpful sources for legal images (still check the license): Unsplash, Pexels, Wikimedia Commons.

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Link rules (trust + reader help)

Use internal links to Insteading hubs and related posts (helps readers learn more).
Use external links to reputable sources for claims (universities, government, trusted orgs).
If you mention a statistic or safety claim, add at least one credible source link.
Avoid spammy links, affiliate-only pages, or “thin” product pages.

Example internal links that fit many topics: Gardening, Building, Homestead Living.

How to cite simply (without being academic): In a practical homesteading article, you do not need formal citations. Just link your sources in natural language. Example: “According to a university extension guide, compost needs a carbon-to-nitrogen balance…” Then link to the guide.

Claim type	What to do	Best source links
Safety (fire, gas, water, toxins)	Add a credible source link + caution note	CDC, EPA
Gardening science (soil, pests, plants)	Use extension office / university guides	Extension.org, USDA
Energy / solar / batteries	Link to technical explainers, not sales pages	NREL, U.S. DOE
Health topics	Be careful; avoid medical promises	MedlinePlus

Golden rule: write what you can stand behind. If you are not sure, say “this depends on your location” and provide safer next steps. And remember: Insteading also has community standards, so your tone should be respectful and helpful.

Section 6 · Pitch + submit

Pitch and submission: what to do right now (simple + realistic)

Here is the honest situation: the live, official page we can point to is the Writer Guidelines. Some older Insteading posts mention a “Write For Us” page, but that page may not currently load. So the safest beginner move is: prepare a pitch packet and contact the team using the public Contact page.

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Your pitch packet (copy-paste checklist)

Subject: “Article Pitch: [Your Title] (Insteading)”
Summary: 2–3 sentences (problem + promise + proof)
Outline: 6–9 bullet headings
Proof: photos + sources + experience
Bio: 2–3 lines
Samples: 1–3 links

Attach nothing heavy in the first email. Send links instead. If they want files, they will ask.

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Pitch message template

Use this as your base and customize it:

Subject: Article Pitch: [TITLE] (Insteading)

Hi Insteading team,

I’m pitching a practical article for your readers: [TITLE].
In 1 sentence: By the end, readers will be able to… [PROMISE].

Why it fits Insteading: It supports sustainable, pragmatic living and focuses on actionable steps.

Outline (draft):
– [H2 #1]
– [H2 #2]
– [H2 #3] …

Proof: I can include [X] original photos and I’ll reference [Y] reputable sources.

About me: [2–3 lines bio].
Writing samples: [Link 1] · [Link 2] · [Link 3]

Thanks for your time — happy to adjust the angle or outline to better match your needs.
[Your Name]

After you send your pitch, be patient. If you don’t hear back, wait a couple of weeks and send one polite follow-up. If it still doesn’t work, don’t waste the article — publish it on your own blog, then pitch a refined version elsewhere.

IMPORTANT: Before you submit, reread the official Writer Guidelines and make sure your idea matches their tone and “no wasteful consumerism” preference.

Section 7 · Money plan

How to earn money from this (without guessing or depending on one site)

You asked for a guide that helps you “earn money.” Here is the most reliable truth: your income becomes stable when you use a portfolio + multiple revenue paths, not one website. That said, some freelance writing directories have historically listed Insteading as a market that may pay (rates can change, so you must confirm in your current communication).

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Path 1: Paid assignment (if available)

Pitch an article that clearly helps readers (practical, sustainable, beginner-friendly).
Ask politely about compensation after interest is shown (or if they reply with assignment details).
Be flexible: sometimes outlets pay for some types and not others.

If a market pays, keep records (fee, word count, rights, deadlines). This helps you grow into a pro freelancer.

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Path 2: Use the byline to earn more

Published clip = proof you can write for a real publication.
Add it to your portfolio and LinkedIn.
Pitch other outlets with a stronger “I’ve been published” angle.
Offer services (content writing, SEO writing, editing) to small farms, eco brands, local businesses.

One clip can lead to multiple clients — if you present it correctly.

Income stream	What you do	Beginner example
Assignment fees	Write for outlets that pay	Pitch 2–4 outlets/month
Client work	Write for brands (blogs, guides)	Local nursery wants SEO posts
Repurposing	Turn 1 article into 5 assets	Blog post → email → PDF → 3 social posts
Digital product	Sell a checklist or mini guide	“Backyard Compost Starter Kit” PDF
Affiliate (careful)	Only where allowed + ethical	Your own blog, not forced into a guest post

30-day money plan

Do this for 4 weeks (simple + realistic)

Week 1: Read Insteading guidelines + pick 1 topic + collect proof + outline.
Week 2: Write the full draft + add photos + add sources + tighten paragraphs.
Week 3: Pitch Insteading + publish a similar “sister post” on your own blog (portfolio).
Week 4: Pitch 3 more outlets in related niches + offer 5 cold emails to local eco businesses with your clip link.

Even if Insteading doesn’t respond quickly, your month still produces portfolio + momentum.

How to ask about pay (polite)

One simple sentence (use after interest)

After they show interest or request a draft, you can ask:

Thanks — I’m happy to move forward. Could you please confirm the compensation and rights for this piece, so I can align my time and deliverables?

This is professional. It’s not pushy. And it protects you.

Reminder: rates and acceptance can change. Always confirm current pay and terms directly with the editor. Use directories only as “possible info,” not as a guarantee.

Section 8 · Rules + rights

Community rules + republishing basics (protect your work)

Insteading has community rules and site policies. Even if you are “just a writer,” your post becomes part of their community. You should read these pages so you understand tone, respect, and how they handle content: Community Rules, Copyright / Republishing & Syndication, Policies.

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Community tone: respectful + helpful

The community rules encourage kindness and respect. This matters for your writing too. Avoid insulting language, avoid culture-war bait, and write as if you are helping a neighbor.

Use inclusive language (“many people,” “in my experience,” “this can vary”).
Be careful with controversial claims; focus on practical steps.
Be respectful when discussing choices (organic, off-grid, etc.).

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Republishing: ask first, confirm terms

Republishing policies differ by outlet. Some allow reposting after a time period; some want exclusive rights. Insteading has a page about copyright / republishing.

If you want to reuse your article, ask the editor what is allowed.
Keep copies of emails and agreements.
Do not repost the same text elsewhere unless you have permission.

Safe move: repurpose the ideas (not the same full text) into a new piece for your own blog.

Ethics upgrade: do not exaggerate. Do not invent “results.” If something is uncertain, say it depends on climate, soil, and location — and link to credible sources for guidance.

Section 10 · FAQ + Resources

FAQ for beginners + resource library (lots of links)

Can a complete beginner write for Insteading?

Yes — if you write clearly and honestly, and you pick a narrow topic you can actually explain. If you just started yesterday, first publish 2–3 practice articles on your own blog to build confidence. Then pitch Insteading with a strong outline and “proof.”

Do I need to live on a farm or be fully off-grid?

No. Many readers are beginners, suburban gardeners, or people slowly becoming more self-sufficient. Your job is to write practical guidance that works in real constraints (small yard, low budget, limited time).

Can I include product links or affiliate links?

Follow the Insteading guidelines carefully: they discourage wasteful consumerism and your article should not be a product sales page. If you mention tools, keep it optional and practical, and avoid spammy affiliate-style writing. If you want affiliate income, do that on your own site where you control the rules — not inside a guest post unless explicitly allowed.

What if I can’t find a direct submission form?

Use the public Contact page and include a pitch packet. Link the Writer Guidelines in your message so they know you followed their rules.

How do I make money if a pitch is rejected?

Publish the article on your own blog, then pitch a revised version to other outlets. Meanwhile, use your article as a “proof link” to get client work (nurseries, eco brands, builders, local farms). Rejection is not wasted work — it becomes a portfolio piece.

Resource Library: Start here on Insteading

Insteading Topic Hubs + evergreen pages

Insteading article examples to model (tone + structure)

External learning links (helpful for research + fact-checking)

Extension.org (practical agriculture + gardening knowledge)
USDA (agriculture, food, and gardening references)
EPA (environment and safety references)
NREL (renewable energy basics)
U.S. Department of Energy
Wikimedia Commons (images with licenses)
Unsplash (stock images, check license)
Pexels (stock images, check license)

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