Freelance Writer Rates:  What to Charge for Online Copywriting?

Establishing your freelance writer rates might be a bit confusing at first.  Every writer seems to charge differently for online copywriting, but it’s always wise to stay somewhere in the balance.  Don’t charge too much or too little for your work.  If you overcharge for writing projects, you’ll find that clients turn you down and hire writers with lower fees.  If you charge too little, however, you’ll find yourself “working your fingers to the bone” for hardly any pay.

Your Time IS Money

Writing takes time and a great deal of mental energy, so the amount you charge should always coincide with an hourly value or rate.  Consider how long it takes you to write an article with say 400 to 600 words.  To give an example, my usual freelance writer rates are $35 to $60 per article for this word count range depending on the subject matter and number of articles ordered.  An easy topic that I’m familiar with might take 30 to 40 minutes for writing and proofreading, whereas a more difficult subject might take an hour or two!  You really have to feel out with each project how long you think it will take to complete the writing work.  Don’t forget to allow time for relaxation…taking frequent breaks from the computer screen is the only way I can keep my sanity some days!

Set an Hourly Rate, but be Flexible

Determine your hourly rate (how much you need to earn plus some).  Don’t forget about business expenses, tax preparation fees, computer repairs (for those nasty virus episodes), and other expenses of working at home.  Then be flexible with loyal clients, offering small discounts to those who need ongoing work.  If a client wants 100 articles over a period of two or three months, then you might knock off a few bucks per article to secure this client.  Think in terms of “money in hand” and the time it takes to promote and find a brand new client.  A client that’s willing to give you work over a course of several months can help you establish cash flow in your new freelance writing business.

Don’t Post Prices

As a writer, I’ve been back and forth with posting my freelance writing rates on my site…. and then not posting them at all.  I found that when I posted the prices, clients still write and ask, “What do you charge?”  Every project is different, so it’s best to address the issue of pricing with each client through email or by phone.

If a client emails you for pricing, always reply with a couple of questions BEFORE giving a price!  This helps to establish a relationship so that the client will not be so “price-minded.”  Build value in your writing services first, and always offer two or more options when giving prices.  For instance, you might offer 5 articles for $35ea or 10 for $30ea. A potential client who won’t provide more information before you give pricing is likely not a serious one.

Setting freelance writer rates isn’t easy in this day and age.  There are cut-throat writers who are desperate to make a buck.  And with our economy in the shape it’s in….who can blame them?  But if you desire to make money online with writing, you’ll have to ignore those and establish yourself as a reputable, professional writer.  Some clients are looking for a special freelance writer that has confidence in his/her work and abilities.  If you can fill that need, then you can charge reasonable freelance writer prices that will make you and your clients happy!

If you’re just getting on board with freelance writing for money, consider taking a freelance writer’s training course to learn all you need to know about starting a writing business, setting freelance writer rates, writing web copy and more!