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...]
When and How to Raise Your Copywriting Rates
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...]
What Copywriters Charge for Content Writing
First, of course, let’s get some definitions down: 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 articles. They’re both forms of writing, but copywriting requires … [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, sure I already knew most of what he had to say, but 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.) Anyway, this trainer was talking about how to … [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 word. … [Read more...]
The Right Way to Barter Your Copywriting Services
Bartering, or trading, your copywriting services can be a great way to acquire things you need (design, website development) without having to lay out any cash. But just as with anything else, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Ready for the right way? First of all, whether or not it's okay to barter your copywriting services is completely up to you. No one … [Read more...]
How to Price Copywriting Project Rates: By the Minute? The Hour? The Word?
Discussing rates or salaries is uncomfortable for most people. Of course, as a copywriter, you also have the added issue that you can charge for copy projects in a couple of different ways. Oh, and some of those ways mark you as a complete amateur. Nervous yet? Don't be—I've got the solution for you right here. It can be confusing to price your services when there are … [Read more...]
How Much Do Copywriters Actually Make?
If we can, we get into certain lines of work to pursue our passions. But, of course, with those pesky costs for housing, food, and other necessities, we also work to pay our bills. That said, it helps to know what you're getting into, right? So let's talk a little bit about what kind of money you can make as a copywriter. Well, you've probably heard me say (or seen me … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: To Charge or Not to Charge?
Today's question has to do with a tricky subject for most writers: money, moola, cash-ola. Many of us, even the Filthy Rich ones, have a hard time figuring out how to charge for our services. Today's question from Ethan O. gets us started on the topic: "I'm starting to work with a new client whose office is kind of far away. When I put together my estimate … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean for Copywriters to Write on Spec? And Should You?
When you're looking for work, you may find some prospective clients or employers wondering if you're willing to write "on spec." If you've created spec work for your portfolio, this may sound confusing. Read on to find out what they mean and if you should ever write on spec. Writing "On Spec" vs. Creating Spec Work Writing "on spec" essentially means writing for free to … [Read more...]