As a freelancer, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is figuring out what to charge for your work. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because different clients have different budgets, and some freelance writing platforms don’t give you much wiggle room to set your own rates. The rates you set for your initial projects can influence what you can charge down the line, so it’s crucial to think about the key factors when setting your freelance writing rates.
If you’re thinking about becoming a freelance writer but don’t know where to start, consider taking an online course. It can guide you through the process and show you how to build a successful freelance writing business.
The value of a piece of copywriting and its writer depends on several factors. Some of these factors are easier to change than others. For instance, it’s easier to improve your writing quality as you gain experience than to go to law school or build a massive Instagram following. Understanding these factors and how they influence clients’ hiring decisions can set you up for long-term success in freelance writing.
Writing quality is hard to measure and can be subjective. However, it’s one of the most important factors that determine what freelance writers can charge. Good writing is worth more than mediocre writing, and excellent writing is worth more than both. Your clients’ opinions matter the most since they’re the ones paying for your work. To avoid losing clients due to poor writing quality, consider using a grammar or writing analysis app to improve your work.
Like any profession, writing rewards those with prior experience. Writers with a large body of published work or career experience related to writing and editing generally have an easier time finding clients willing to pay what they’re worth. If you’re returning to the writing market after a break, gather your best work and post them on your website, blog, or a professional portfolio website.
The type of writing and subject matter can also affect your rates. For example, it’s generally harder to make a living from creative writing than from practical, popular nonfiction domains like personal finance, careers, and business.
Having professional credentials and subject matter expertise can be extremely helpful for freelance writers looking to attract clients and increase their rates. If you have a professional degree or certification, or relevant career experience in a knowledge-driven field, you can find plenty of clients willing to pay for your work.
Freelance copywriters with professional credentials and expertise often use their work to build their personal brands. If you’re recognized as an expert or influencer on a particular topic and have a large social media following or a popular website, you can attract more publishers and brands.
Most freelance writing contracts include a clause that assigns the copyright to the client. This means the client can use the work however they want. Once you assign the copyright, you can’t sell the same work to another client or self-publish without the client’s permission.
The compensation structure for your freelance writing can also affect your rates. Common compensation structures include per word, per article, by the hour, or a flat fee or retainer.
Like pay in other fields, freelance writing rates are influenced by supply and demand. Writers and editors tend to have better pricing power when there’s a shortage of labor than when the market is flooded with aspiring freelancers.
As a freelance writer, you don’t have to stick with the same rate forever. There are strategies you can use to increase your freelance writing rates over time. Keep your portfolio up to date, create a visible online presence, demonstrate your expertise, avoid giving away your work for free, negotiate your rates, wean yourself off freelance platforms that take big cuts, collect testimonials from satisfied clients, and work towards bigger, long-term projects.
Breaking into freelance writing isn’t difficult. With many freelance platforms catering to writers, you can easily get started by creating a writer profile and bidding on projects. However, don’t expect to make a full-time living or stop living paycheck to paycheck in your first few months as a freelance writer. Building a robust body of work takes time. But if you stick with it, you can find your niche, connect with clients who value your work, and increase your rates and earnings over time.
