The vast majority of copywriting projects do not need to get completed in a rush. As we like to say, there's no such thing as a copywriting emergency. However, occasionally clients will have a copywriting need that they need done fast. And in these cases, you will likely want to bump up your rates and charge a copywriting rush fee. By "rush" we mean scenarios like a client … [Read more...]
Ep. 50: Should I Put Copywriting Rates on My Website?
Some copywriters will tell you putting prices on your website makes you more transparent. When phrased like that, it sounds like a no-brainer, right? However, as Nicki and Kate dig into in this episode, no two homepages or emails or any other project are 100% alike, so how can you put a price on your website if you don't even know what the project entails? Listing prices can … [Read more...]
Should I Combine Copywriting and Graphic Design Services?
Both new and seasoned copywriters face this question at some point in their careers: should you be combining copywriting and graphic design services to be a one-stop creative shop for your clients? The answer isn't black and white, as this is YOUR business, so the decision will always come down to what you want for your career. However, for most copywriters tacking on … [Read more...]
Ep. 17: How to Set Your Copywriting Rates
Everybody hates pricing their services. That's because there is no exact science for pricing your services. There's no perfect formula that is going to work every time and be exactly right. It's as much art as science. Nicki and Kate dig into why online calculators are wildly inaccurate (one told Kate, based on her experience, to charge $13,800 for a homepage). Instead of … [Read more...]
Increase Your Copywriting Pricing Without Burning Bridges
The rates you charge when you first get started as a copywriter will not—and should not—stay the same throughout your career. Remember that copywriting is a merit-based career. Regardless of your background, your age, your gender, your race, any demographic difference, if you can write great copy, people will hire you. And since it’s a merit-based career, that means your … [Read more...]
Should I Put Prices on My Website? What Copywriters Need to Know
We hear a this a lot: Should I put prices on my website? After all, when you go to buy anything else online, there’s a clear price. But it’s a little different with copywriting. As a copywriter, you’re always going to customize the service you’re providing to meet your client’s specific needs. A website for one client may require a lot more work than a website for … [Read more...]
What Should Your Content Rates Be As a Copywriter?
First, let's define the difference between content writing and copywriting so we're on the same page: Copywriting is advertising and marketing writing; words that are designed to sell or persuade. Websites, emails, banner ads, brochures, magazine ads, billboards, etc. Content is writing that’s designed to educate, entertain, or inspire. Think: blog posts and … [Read more...]
Why Most Advice About How to Price Your Services is Dead Wrong for You
I was watching an online training about freelancing a few weeks ago, and something the trainer said threw up a big red flag. (By the way, I’m always taking new trainings and watching webinars to pick up whatever new tactics are out there. I strongly encourage you to do the same. You may know a ton already, but there's always a new insight to gain.) Anyway, this trainer … [Read more...]
Copywriting Is Only 1/3 Writing—Here’s Why That Affects How You Charge
“How much should I charge per word?” is one of the scariest, most misguided questions a copywriter can ask. And I don’t really blame new copywriters who ask that question, since there are plenty of “work farming” companies that happily advertise their “copywriters’” price per word. So, let me make one thing very, very clear: Professional copywriters do not charge by the … [Read more...]
What Is a Copywriting Retainer?
Retainers seem like an ideal solution for copywriters: You set aside a certain number of hours and get paid whether or not you work! What's not to like? Well, let's start with the fact that it rarely runs that smoothly. Here we discuss what a copywriting retainer is and how it affects your copywriting rates. What Is a Retainer? First, let's make sure we're on the same … [Read more...]