MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 47: Homebusinessmag.com
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “homebusinessmag.com” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to homebusinessmag.com.
You will learn what Homebusinessmag.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.
Get Published on Home Business Magazine: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide (Clean Workflow + Templates)
This guide helps you write and submit a blog post, article, magazine-style feature, guest post, video, or success story to Home Business Magazine using their official rules (plus practical writing steps that beginners can follow).
You will learn what topics fit, which word counts to use, how to format your piece, how to submit by email correctly, and how to turn one accepted article into authority + income (mostly indirect income, because editorial work is generally not paid).
Keep these official pages open while you work: Editorial Guidelines, Contact, Newsletter Archives, Podcast, Magazine, Advertise.
Section 1 · Understand the publication
What Home Business Magazine actually is (so you don’t submit the wrong thing)
Home Business Magazine (HBM) is a long-running business publication focused on home-based entrepreneurs, small business owners, side-hustlers, remote workers, and telecommuters. On the website, the content is organized into big “channels” (sections) like Business, Start-Up, Grow, Sales, Marketing, Money, Office, Management, Telecommuting, and more. You can explore a few major channel pages here: Business, Start-Up, Marketing, Money, Office, Podcast.
Most people fail to get published because they submit one of these “wrong fits”: (1) a promotional advertorial disguised as advice, (2) a generic motivation piece with no actionable steps, (3) a copycat article that repeats something already on the site, or (4) a “thin” blog post with no details, no examples, and no clear reader outcome.
Most accepted articles have at least one of these:
- Clear steps (a workflow, a checklist, a method).
- Numbers or specifics (budgets, timelines, tools, mistakes, examples).
- Real business context (home-based constraints, small budgets, limited time).
- Practical tools (templates, scripts, email examples, SOPs).
Good: “How to negotiate contract terms as a freelancer (with scripts).”
Weak: “Why freelancing is a great lifestyle.”
HBM accepts different submission types with specific word counts and rules. Their official guidelines list multiple lengths (short article, feature, lead feature), plus success stories and videos.
- Editorial Guidelines (official)
- Newsletter Archives (study topics + headline style)
- Magazine page (brand context)
This guide turns those rules into a beginner workflow so your submission looks professional.
| What you want | What to write | Where it fits on HBM | Best result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick win / first acceptance | 700-word practical article | A channel page like Marketing or Money | Byline + credibility + resource box traffic |
| Authority piece | 1200–1400-word feature | Start-Up / Grow / Sales / Office | Portfolio “hero” clip |
| Big flagship | 2100–2300-word lead feature | High-impact topic with depth | Long-term leads + repurposing |
| Fast exposure | Short success story (≤400 words) | Inspirational but factual content | Social sharing + brand story |
| Personal connection | Video (under 10 minutes) | HBM video content | Trust + followers |
Section 2 · Pick the format
Choose the correct HBM submission type (word counts + rules)
The easiest way to get rejected is to submit the wrong format, the wrong length, or the wrong intent. HBM’s official guidelines clearly list acceptable word counts and submission types. Your job is to choose the one that matches: your experience level, your proof (examples/data), and the reader’s urgency.
700-word “practical article” (best first submission)
Use this when you have a tight, specific problem and a clear fix. Keep it focused and hands-on. Good for marketing tactics, home office tips, money management steps, simple legal or planning checklists, and small productivity workflows.
- Target: 700 words (clean and concise)
- Structure: intro → 3–6 sections → quick wrap-up → resource box
- Best for: beginners getting their first clip
1200–1400-word feature (authority builder)
Use this when the topic needs examples, mini case studies, and deeper explanation. This is still readable for online, but has enough depth to feel “magazine-like.”
- Target: 1200–1400 words
- Structure: stronger hook + deeper sections + examples + action steps
- Best for: writers who can show experience and data
2100–2300-word lead feature (flagship piece)
Use this when you can teach the entire “system” (not just a tip). A lead feature should feel like a complete guide: step-by-step workflow, pitfalls, resources, and a clear “do this today” plan.
- Target: 2100–2300 words
- Structure: narrative hook → method → deep steps → examples → final checklist
- Best for: experienced practitioners and “signature” expertise
Video + Success Story (quick, but strict rules)
HBM also accepts videos (under 10 minutes) and short success stories (≤400 words) with very specific details. These are easier to read and share, but you must follow the exact rules about promotions, length, and content.
- Video: keep it educational, no ads, no heavy promotion; under 10 minutes.
- Success story: factual, short, and includes requested bullet points (age, started at home, year started, how they funded it, etc.).
| HBM type | Ideal topic style | What you must include | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 700 words | One problem → one method → clear steps | Steps + examples + takeaway | Generic motivation, fluffy intros |
| 1200–1400 | Feature guide with depth | Mini case studies + tools + pitfalls | Over-long history lesson, no action plan |
| 2100–2300 | Full system / complete playbook | Method + deep steps + checklist | Vague “overview” with no details |
| Video | Teach one idea clearly | Under 10 min + exclusive + non-promotional | Ads, sales pitch, long rambling |
| Success story | Facts + short inspiration | Requested details + short length | Advertorial / “buy my thing” story |
Section 3 · Topic selection
Pick a topic that fits HBM’s channels (use this link map)
HBM organizes content like a library. Editors want your article to “fit a shelf” clearly. Before you write, pick one channel and one subtopic. Then write the article so it matches that channel’s reader intent.
Start with these major channel hubs: Business, Start-Up, Marketing, Money, Office, Newsstand, Podcast.
- AI (practical use for small businesses, not hype)
- Ecommerce (store setup, conversion, operations)
- Freelance Work (pricing, contracts, delivery)
- Gig Economy (platform strategy, stability, skills)
- Home Office Set-Up (ergonomics, productivity, tools)
- Product Reviews (useful and honest, not ads)
- Money: How-To Guides (budgets, cost cutting, funding basics)
- Work-Life Balance (systems, boundaries, realistic routines)
Pick one subtopic and write a “reader outcome sentence”: “After reading this, you can _________ without __________.”
Before you draft, do these quick checks:
- Channel fit: Does your article clearly belong to one channel and subtopic?
- Reader urgency: Is there a pain point like “low sales,” “bad cashflow,” “no clients,” “home distraction,” “burnout,” “tax confusion”?
- Specific outcome: Can you promise a result like “set up X,” “reduce Y,” “avoid Z,” “increase A”?
- Proof: Do you have examples, tools, numbers, or real experience?
- Original angle: Can you add a new method, a new checklist, or a new framework?
If you fail 2+ checks, adjust the angle. Don’t force it. Beginners win by choosing one clear problem.
| HBM channel | Reader question | Great beginner angles | Example internal links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | “How do I get customers?” | One channel strategy + steps + examples | Marketing |
| Money | “How do I stop bleeding cash?” | Budget system + cost cutting + tools | Money |
| Start-Up | “How do I start safely?” | Planning checklist + first week plan | Start-Up |
| Office | “How do I work better at home?” | Setup + routine + tool stack | Office |
| Business | “How do I run this daily?” | Operations, hiring, systems, automation | Business |
Section 4 · Research
The beginner research method: collect proof, examples, and structure (without overthinking)
Great writing is mostly great preparation. But beginners often do “random research” and end up with messy notes. Instead, use this simple 4-step research method. It keeps your article clean and editor-friendly.
Define one reader and one moment
Write a single sentence: “I am helping [reader] who is currently stuck on [problem] so they can [outcome].” Example: “I am helping a freelance designer who can’t get consistent leads so they can build a weekly inbound system.”
This sentence becomes your “north star.” Every section must support it.
Collect 7 proof items (not 70)
Your proof can be: a small case study, a personal result, screenshots (if you have them), clear examples, or credible sources. Aim for 7 proof items only. Too many sources makes beginners freeze.
- 2 items: your own experience (what worked, what failed, what changed)
- 2 items: examples you can explain (templates, scripts, workflows)
- 2 items: credible external sources (official docs, reputable sites)
- 1 item: a counterexample or warning (what not to do)
Optional: use a small “HBM scan” to avoid repeating existing content. Browse the channel you’re targeting: Marketing, Money, Start-Up.
Build a “spine outline” (5–7 headings)
Your outline is the article’s skeleton. Make 5–7 main headings, then add 2–4 bullets under each. This keeps your draft short, logical, and easy to read online.
- Hook: the problem and why it matters for home-based businesses
- Context: where beginners go wrong
- Method: your main approach (a framework)
- Steps: how to do it in real life
- Tools: what to use (free + paid options)
- Pitfalls: what to avoid
- Next actions: what to do today/this week
Decide the format and word count early
Do not write 1,800 words and then try to “force” it into 700 words. Pick your format at the start: 700, 1200–1400, or 2100–2300. If you choose 700 words, your outline must be shorter: 3–5 headings, very focused.
If you want a “feature,” use the 1200–1400 format. If you want a full “playbook,” use the 2100–2300 lead feature.
| Research element | What to capture | Why editors like it | Beginner example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reader context | Who, business stage, constraints | Makes article targeted | “solo freelancer, 2 hours/day marketing” |
| Proof items | 7 max | Prevents fluff | screenshots + scripts + metrics |
| Outline | 5–7 headings | Readable online | “step 1–5” structure |
| Tools | Free + paid | Practical value | Google Sheets + email templates |
| Warnings | pitfalls | Realism | “don’t do X if cashflow is tight” |
Section 5 · Writing
Write the article the HBM way: clean, practical, and easy to scan
HBM’s audience is busy. Your article should be readable on mobile, skimmable, and practical. That means: short paragraphs, clear headings, specific steps, and honest examples. Avoid heavy jargon. If you must use a business term, explain it in one line.
Most paragraphs should be 2–5 lines. Use this structure:
- Point: say the idea in one sentence.
- Why: explain why it matters for home business.
- How: show a step, example, or mini-template.
Example: “If your leads are inconsistent, you need a weekly outreach system. The reason is simple: home-based founders often work in bursts. Pick one channel, set a weekly quota, and track it in a sheet.”
Editors love structure because it reduces editing work.
- Short intro with the problem and promise.
- Headings that look like questions or actions.
- Bullets for tools and steps.
- Mini checklists or “do this today” blocks.
- Simple conclusion with next action.
Study how topics are framed in HBM channels: Business, Marketing, Office.
Below is a full writing workflow you can follow. It is written like a small SOP. This is what you do when you open a blank document and feel stuck.
Start with a “problem hook,” not your biography
Your intro should not begin with “In today’s world…” or “I have been in business for 10 years…” Start with the reader’s problem. Name the pain. Then promise the outcome.
- Bad: “Marketing is important for every business…”
- Better: “If your home business is stuck at the same monthly revenue, your lead flow is the real bottleneck. Here’s a simple weekly system that fixes it.”
Teach one method (a framework) early
Beginners need a “map.” Give them a framework like: 3 steps, 5 stages, or a simple loop. Then the rest of your article explains each part with actions.
- Example frameworks: “Plan → Build → Promote,” “Offer → Channel → Conversion,” “Budget → Track → Cut → Reinvest.”
- Make it practical: each step should have a task.
Make your steps “copyable”
Readers love copyable elements: scripts, templates, checklists, and examples. Add at least two “copy blocks” in your article:
- Example email script
- Example budget table layout
- Example weekly schedule
- Example tool stack (free + paid)
Use honest warnings (pitfalls)
Most business advice online fails because it ignores constraints. Add 2–4 short warnings like: “Don’t do this if you have no cash buffer,” or “This only works if you can follow up weekly.”
Warnings make your article feel real. Editors prefer “truth” over hype.
End with a 7-day plan
Close strong: give a 7-day plan so the reader can take action immediately. Keep it simple: one task per day, 15–45 minutes.
- Day 1: set the goal
- Day 2: create the asset
- Day 3: set the channel
- Day 4: outreach
- Day 5: improve offer
- Day 6: track results
- Day 7: refine + repeat
Self-edit for clarity (10-minute pass)
Before submitting, do a quick clarity pass:
- Cut extra intro sentences.
- Shorten long paragraphs (break them).
- Turn big blocks into bullet lists.
- Check each heading: does it promise something useful?
- Remove anything that sounds like an advertisement.
Section 6 · Ethics & promotion rules
Promotion rules: the Resource Box, “no advertorial,” and how to stay safe
This section is critical. HBM is strict about promotional content because readers don’t want disguised ads. The editorial guidelines explain the “resource box” concept: you can include your promotional links and resources at the end, but your main article should be educational and not a sales pitch.
Here is the simple rule: Teach first. Promote last. Keep promotions small.
A Resource Box is 2–5 short lines at the end of your article that can include: your name, a one-line description, and a link to your website or offer.
- Keep it short: don’t write a full advertisement.
- Make it useful: link to a free checklist, guide, or tool.
- Match the article: your resource should support the topic.
- Be honest: don’t claim “guaranteed results.”
Example Resource Box (clean):
Resource Box: [Your Name] helps home-based founders build simple weekly marketing systems. Download the free “7-Day Lead Routine” checklist here: example.com/7-day-lead-routine.
- Writing the whole article to promote your product or service.
- Adding affiliate links everywhere without disclosure and without value.
- Calling your brand “the best” with no proof.
- Turning every paragraph into a pitch.
- Sending “press release style” content instead of advice.
If you want paid promotional placement, HBM also has advertising options (separate from editorial). Start here: Advertise.
| Area | Allowed (safe) | Not allowed (risky) | Beginner fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main body | Education, steps, tools | Sales pitch paragraphs | Replace promo with examples |
| Links | Helpful sources + one resource box link | Many “buy now” links | Use 1 lead magnet link |
| Claims | Honest, testable statements | Exaggerated promises | Add conditions + proof |
| Success stories | Facts + requested details | Advertorial story | Remove product plugs |
| Video | Teaching content | Advertising / promotion in video | Move promo to the end as a short mention |
Section 7 · Submitting
Submit correctly by email: exact subject lines, what to include, and how to follow up
Many good articles get ignored because the submission email is missing basic details. HBM’s guidelines specify how to submit (and even suggest subject lines). Follow the instructions exactly. It shows professionalism and saves editors time.
Send your article to: editor@homebusinessmag.com
Include a clear subject line (examples below) and attach your article or paste it cleanly (as requested). Use a Word document if you can, because the guidelines mention Microsoft Word.
- Official guidelines: Editorial Guidelines
- Contact page: Contact
- Your full name
- Your mailing address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your byline (2–3 lines: who you are + why you’re credible)
- Your resource box (optional but helpful)
Keep everything clean and simple. Editors should not have to “ask again” for basic info.
Use these subject lines (safe defaults)
| Submission type | Subject line you should use | Attach / paste | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written article | Written submission for publishing consideration | Attach Word doc (preferred) + paste summary in email | Include title + word count at top |
| Video | Video submission for publishing consideration | Provide link to video or attach if small | Under 10 minutes; non-promotional |
| Success story | Success story submission | Paste in email + attach doc | Include the requested bullet facts |
A beginner-friendly submission workflow (7 steps)
Title your document clearly
Use a clean title at the top: “[Title] – [Word Count] – [Channel]”. Example: “A 7-Day Lead Routine for Freelancers – 712 words – Marketing.”
Put a short abstract at the top
Write 2–3 lines that say what the article teaches and who it helps. Editors can decide faster.
Include your byline and 1–2 credibility points
Examples: “freelance designer,” “small business consultant,” “ran X campaigns,” “built Y process.” Avoid exaggeration.
Keep formatting simple
Use headings, bullet lists, and short paragraphs. Avoid fancy fonts and heavy styling. Clean copy is easier to publish.
Add your Resource Box at the end
Keep it short (2–5 lines). Offer something helpful (a checklist, template, tool). Make it match the article topic.
Send the email with the correct subject line
Send to editor@homebusinessmag.com. Paste the abstract and your contact details in the email body.
Follow up politely (only once)
If you don’t hear back, wait a reasonable period (for example, a couple of weeks) and follow up once, politely. Don’t spam. While waiting, write your next article.
Section 8 · Money strategy
How to “earn money” from HBM if editorial is unpaid (the ethical path)
Important truth: many writers think “earn money” means a per-article fee. But HBM’s editorial guidelines indicate that editorial assignments are generally not monetarily compensated. So your earning model must be different: authority → trust → traffic → leads → revenue.
If you treat HBM like a “paid writing client,” you will be disappointed. If you treat HBM like a high-authority platform to build your pipeline, it can become extremely valuable. Your goal is to convert byline attention into owned assets: your email list, your product, your service, your community, or your affiliate funnel.
A lead magnet is a free resource that a reader downloads. It should solve the next tiny step after your article. Examples that work well for home business readers:
- A one-page checklist (“7-day plan” printable)
- A Google Sheet template (budget, pricing, outreach tracker)
- An email script pack (follow-up scripts)
- A mini SOP (“weekly marketing routine”)
- A short calculator (pricing calculator)
Then you link to it in your Resource Box (not throughout the article).
The money is not in the article. The money is in follow-up. Your email sequence should be helpful and short:
- Email 1: deliver the resource + short tip
- Email 2: common mistake + fix
- Email 3: case study or example
- Email 4: tools list + template
- Email 5: soft offer (consulting / product / course)
Keep your offer optional and ethical. People should feel helped, not trapped.
Four ethical revenue paths from one HBM article
| Revenue path | What you sell | What your article must do | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service leads | Consulting / freelancing | Show expertise + give steps + invite next step | Freelancers, agencies, coaches |
| Digital product | Templates, SOP packs, mini courses | Teach method + offer toolkit as upgrade | Creators with repeatable systems |
| Affiliate (careful) | Tools you genuinely use | Recommend tools honestly + disclose | Writers who review software / tools |
| Newsletter growth | Later sponsorships | Drive signups through lead magnet | Long-term builders |
A practical example: You publish a 1200–1400-word feature in the Marketing channel about a weekly lead routine. Your Resource Box links to a free “Lead Tracker Sheet.” The sheet collects emails. Over 30 days, the list grows. You send helpful emails. Some readers ask for help. You offer a small consulting package (even 3–5 calls). That is your revenue.
If you need direct “paid placement” instead of editorial
Editorial acceptance is not a paid product. If you want a paid promotional placement, HBM has advertising options listed on their Advertise page. This is separate from editorial and may include items like “Business Spotlight” and other packages. Start here: Advertise.
Section 9 · Templates
Copy-and-use templates: outline, email submission, resource box, success story, video
Below are clean templates designed for beginners. Use them exactly, then customize. Templates are powerful because they reduce mistakes, speed up writing, and make your submission look professional.
Template A: 700-word article outline
| Section | What to write | Target length | Beginner tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Clear outcome + audience | 1 line | Use “How to…” or “X steps…” |
| Intro | Problem + promise | 80–120 words | Skip history; go straight to pain |
| Step 1 | First action + example | 120–160 words | Add a short template or script |
| Step 2 | Second action + pitfalls | 120–160 words | Include “don’t do this if…” |
| Step 3 | Third action + tools | 120–160 words | Give free + paid options |
| Wrap-up | Quick summary + 7-day plan | 80–120 words | Make it actionable |
| Resource Box | 2–5 lines + 1 link | 40–60 words | Offer a lead magnet |
Template B: Email submission (copy/paste)
To: editor@homebusinessmag.com
Subject: Written submission for publishing consideration
Body (copy and customize):
Hello Home Business Magazine Editorial Team,
I’m submitting an original article for consideration:
Title: [Your Title]
Word count: [700 / 1200–1400 / 2100–2300]
Best channel fit: [Business / Start-Up / Marketing / Money / Office / etc. + link to channel]
2–3 sentence summary: [What the reader will learn + outcome.]
Byline: [2–3 lines about you + credibility.]
Contact: [Full name, address, phone, email.]
The article is attached as a Word document. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template C: Resource Box (3 versions)
Resource Box: [Name] helps [audience] solve [problem] using [method]. Get the free [checklist/template] here: example.com/free.
Resource Box: Download the [toolkit name] (templates + scripts) to implement this guide faster: example.com/toolkit.
Resource Box: Get one practical home business system every week (free). Join here: example.com/newsletter.
Keep it short. Avoid hype. One link is usually enough.
Template D: Success story (≤400 words, factual)
Success stories are short and strict. Use this structure and include the exact facts requested (age, home-based start, year, funding, etc.). Keep it honest and do not turn it into an advertorial.
Success Story Title: [Name / Business / Outcome]
Story (200–300 words): Explain what they started, the problem they solved, what changed, and what the business looks like now. Keep it readable and factual. Avoid sales language.
Required facts (bullets):
- Age:
- Started from home? (Yes/No):
- Year started:
- How they funded it:
- Any advice (1–2 lines):
- Website (optional):
Template E: Video script (under 10 minutes)
| Video part | What to say | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hook | State the problem + promise solution | 10–20s | No intro music needed |
| Context | Why home-based founders struggle | 30–60s | Keep it relatable |
| Steps | Teach 3–5 steps clearly | 6–7 min | Use examples, show screen if needed |
| Wrap | Summary + “do this today” | 30–60s | End strong |
| Optional mention | One short resource mention | 5–10s | Keep it non-salesy |
Section 10 · Checklist + FAQ
Final pre-submission checklist + beginner FAQ
Use this checklist before you send anything to the editor. It prevents the most common beginner mistakes: unclear topic, wrong format, promotional writing, missing contact details, and messy formatting.