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...]
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...]
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, 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, 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 … [Read more...]
Why Do I See Copywriters Willing to Work for Peanuts?
Start a Google search for copywriting jobs, and it won’t be long before you uncover copywriters willing to work for bargain basement rates. But instead of letting that discourage you, it should encourage you — and help you realize how little real competition you have. The first thing to understand is that anyone can call themselves a copywriter. And, in fact, that’s what … [Read more...]
Copywriting Job Sites Will Cost You BIG Time
We’ve talked before about how copywriting job sites—sites where you post a profile and bid for work—are trouble. But today I want to show you just how much you could be losing. Our team receives a lot of questions about copywriting job sites or freelance job listing sites in general. They seem like a great deal: You create a profile, then people who are looking for … [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. Do you charge by the word? By the minute? Something else? (Spoiler: It's something else. Copywriters charge by the project). In fact, charging by the word will mark you as a complete … [Read more...]