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...]
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...]
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...]
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. So, one of the first questions you may ask as you dip your toes into copywriting is, "how much do freelance copywriters make?" When it comes to how much money you can make, there is no … [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...]