What is the standard freelance writing rates…? or in other word, what should I charge clients? As a professional copywriter, I have encountered many aspiring writers who ask me these questions. In addition, I also get asked questions like how do I become a professional freelance writer. How do I get clients with consistent incomes? What is the standard freelance writer charge, and the question goes on and on… Many that asked me these questions have no idea what it entails. Most of the time, what people tell me is they have the writing skills but do not know how to go about boosting their freelance writing income. That is the huddle many freelance writers have. While a writing skill background is crucial in upscaling to a professional writer, there is more you need to do.
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is a form of online writing that focuses on delivering quality content for websites and other online platforms. Well-written content can help a website rank higher in search engine result pages and keep readers engaged and coming back for more. Quality content is essential for any online business that wants to attract and retain an audience; this is where a professional copywriter comes in.
If you’re looking to boost your freelance writing rates, you must have the skills, the tools and of course the ability to market yourself. Only then will you be able to command a higher writing fee from potential clients. There is always demand for quality content, and many businesses are eager to pay a high amount to hire top-quality writers who can deliver. As a professional copywriter:
- You can charge higher freelance writing rates as a copywriter for online publications and companies.
- You can work from home thereby making savings on commuting costs.
- You get the luxury and flexibility to choose your working hours and work schedule.
Boosting Your Freelance Writer Rates
How can you boost your freelance writing rates as a copywriter in 2023? As a professional freelance writer, you can boost your freelance writing rates by implementing the following tips:
1. Specialise in a particular niche or industry:
This will make you more attractive to potential clients looking for writers with expertise in a specific area. For example, suppose you are an expert in writing for SaaS companies. In that case, it is better to build your portfolio around your field instead of specialising in a general field term like ‘technology.’
2. Start a blog:
As a copywriter, it is crucial to have a personal blog. These days it is easier to set up a website or a blog. Online gigs are highly competitive, and you need a blog to have an edge. Managing a blog is a great way to showcase your writing skills and build an audience. You can also use your blog to pitch article ideas to editors and publishers. In addition, having a blog and a dedicated business email address tells clients that you’re a professional and they can trust you to handle their writing projects, so if you don’t have one, it is time to build one!
Read our article: Why freelance writers should have a personal blog
3. Develop a strong online presence:
Make sure your website and social media profiles are up-to-date and professionally structured. Having a business account on LinkedIn will do a lot of good to promote your skills, and improve your freelance writing rates. This will help you attract more clients and of course landing higher-paying writing gigs.
4. Create informative, original content that people will want to read and share:
If you can establish yourself as an expert in your field, you’ll be more likely to land high-paying clients. You can improve your chances by posting frequent content related to your area of expertise on your social media pages like LinkedIn, Twitter, or even your blog. Show your potential clients that they have a lot to gain by hiring you for their projects. Get social media savvy, as social media is a powerful tool for copywriters. Use it to connect with potential clients, share your work, and build your brand.
5. Write guest posts:
Another way to get exposure for your writing is to write guest posts for other blogs in your niche. Writing guest posts will help you build relationships with other writers and expand your reach. This will enhance your online reputation as an authority in your field which will land you more clients and ultimately boost your freelance writing rates
6. Build a portfolio of your best work:
It would be best if you had a portfolio showcasing many of your previously executed projects. This will give potential clients an idea of the quality of your work and help them decide whether to hire you for their project and approve your freelance writing rates.
7. Sell Digital products online:
Apart from working directly with clients, you can sell something valuable, such as e-books or an online course you wrote. This provides an added income source by selling to customers via your websites or other channels, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and many others.
8. Keep learning:
The best way to improve your freelance writing rates as a writer is to keep learning new things. Be at the top of trending discussions with regard to your field. Copywriting is an evolving skill; trust me, you don’t want to be left behind.
Conclusion
Remember, establishing and increasing freelance writing rates requires confidence, self-assessment, and continuous improvement. By demonstrating your value, targeting the right clients, and effectively negotiating, you can boost your freelance writing rates in 2023 and beyond.
FAQ Section
- Why are freelance writing rates important?
Freelance writing rates determine the income you earn for your writing services. It’s crucial to establish fair and competitive rates that reflect your expertise, skills, and the value you bring to clients. Higher rates can lead to increased earnings and a more sustainable freelance career. - How can I determine my freelance writing rates?
Several factors can influence your freelance writing rates, including your experience, niche, client’s budget, project complexity, and market demand. Research industry standards, consider your expertise, and evaluate the time and effort required for each project. Experiment with different pricing strategies until you find a balance between client expectations and your desired earnings. - What are some strategies to boost my freelance writing rates?
Some tested strategies to boost your freelance writing rates are to Showcase your expertise, Improve your skills, Research client budgets, Highlight your value, Share your success stories, and Articulate how your higher rates translate to better quality, increased ROI, and improved results for the client’s business. - Should I raise my rates for existing clients?
Yes, you can raise your rates for existing clients, especially if you have been providing consistent value and your skills have significantly improved. However, communicate the rate increase clearly and give your clients ample notice. Explain the reasons behind the increase and emphasize the continued benefits they will receive from your services. - What if clients reject my higher rates?
Rejection is a possibility when raising your rates, but it’s important not to undervalue your skills and expertise. If a client declines your higher rates, you can negotiate a compromise or consider parting ways if the rates are significantly below your desired level. Remember that setting fair rates is essential for a sustainable freelance career. - How often should I reassess my freelance writing rates?
Regularly reassessing your freelance writing rates is important to ensure they align with market trends, your growing expertise, and changing industry standards. Reevaluate your rates at least once a year or whenever there is a significant shift in your skills, niche, or market demand. Stay updated on industry benchmarks to maintain a competitive edge.
