Copywriting Fees: How Much Should You Charge?

If you’re a new copywriter, you’re wondering how much you should charge. There’s a simple answer: charge according to what your time is currently worth, and according to the client’s budget. In this article, we’ll look at how to make fee-setting for your copywriting business simple.

My own copywriting career began over 30 years ago. When I started, I was writing copy for other small business people. They were friends, and I knew they’d repay the favor somewhere along the line, so I charged them friends’ rates.

As I built up my client list, I charged more for certain kinds of projects: those which required extensive research, and rush jobs, which took time away from my business and other writing, for example.

I’m sure that you’re thinking that this is all very well, but how do you charge for a project when you’re not sure how long the project will take?

There’s no simple answer. You can charge your client an hourly rate, or you can charge a fee for the project, and guess how long it will take. If you underestimate the time the project requires, that’s not the end of the world. You may have under-charged, but you’ll have gained a client, and his goodwill.

Although you put a certain value on your time and skills, what if the client just can’t afford you?

Here’s a big tip: ask your client what his budget is for the project immediately, before you deliver a formal proposal. Explain to your client that creating scopes and proposals takes time, if he says he doesn’t know what his budget will be, or isn’t sure.

You should also explain that you charge a fee for creating a detailed proposal. Here’s why: some businesses have no intention of hiring a competent copywriter. They merely want some free research. If your prospective client won’t pay for two or three hours of your time so you can create a proposal, he’s not serious about hiring you.

As your copywriting skills and experience develop, setting fees becomes much easier, and you’ll be more relaxed about it. Until then, base your fees on what your time is worth.

Copywriting is a great home business

Developing a copywriting services business makes sense if you want to write from home.

How does $300 an hour sound to you? Copywriters are in high demand.

There’s no limitations on who can write copy. Neither age nor education is a bar: your clients don’t care.

So whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a retiree, or just want to moonlight at your current job, copywriting is the most lucrative (and the most fun, if you love to write) occupation you can try.

My Seven Days To Easy Money: Copywriting Success gets you started.

Create the perfect write from home business – it’s easy.