Are you a freelance copywriter scratching your scruffy head over how much to charge for your copywriting services?
When I first started my freelance copywriting business in 2020, I struggled like a crab in a bucket to come up with my copywriting fees.
However…
After doing a LOT of cold hard research and tweaking my copywriting rates over the years, I’ve come up with a fool proof way to price your copywriting services.
This is THE ULTIMATE GUIDE to freelance copywriting rates in 2024.
This pricing guide will clear your fog of confusion and give you a clear path to follow so you can charge fair, top rates for your work.
In this comprehensive guide, I cover all the bases on how to price your copywriting services…
Including:
The new copywriting rates for 2023, all the specifics that influence copywriting fees, how to determine your own pricing strategy and how to increase your rates so you can earn 6 figures (or more) as quickly as possible.
This guide is perfect for beginners who are stuck… and also… for seasoned freelancers who want to check to see if they’re charging the right rates and gain insider tips to increase their current copywriting prices.
New Copywriting Rates for 2024
If you're a freelance copywriter, you're probably wondering how much you should charge for your services in 2023.
The truth is…
Copywriting prices can vary widely depending on a number of things, like…
Your niche…
Your experience level…
The type of copy you specialize in…
And so on.
According to the American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) the average freelance copywriting rate for 2024 is around $0.70 per word.
However:
These rates can vary GREATLY depending on the type of copy you're writing for clients.
For example…
Email copywriters charge between $300 and $500 per email, while SEO copywriters charge between $0.20 and $0.50 per word.
To give you a better idea…
Here's a breakdown of the average copywriting rates per niche and types of copy in 2024:
|
Niche |
Type of Copy |
Average Rate |
|
B2B |
White papers |
$3,000 - $6,000 |
|
B2B |
Case studies |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
|
B2B |
Blog posts |
$500 - $1,500 |
|
B2C |
Product descriptions |
$50 - $200 per product |
|
B2C |
Landing pages |
$500 - $1,000 per page |
|
B2C |
Email campaigns |
$250 - $500 per email |
|
SEO |
Blog posts |
$0.15 - $0.50 per word |
|
SEO |
Website copy |
$1.00 - $2.00 per word |
IMPORTANT:
These rates are just averages.
How much you can charge for your copywriting services depend on your experience, your skills and most importantly – your niche (WHO you are selling your copywriting services to).
However, this guide should give you a good starting point for determining how much you should charge for your copywriting services in 2024 – so you can earn as much as possible without offending potential clients.
How to Determine Your Copywriting Rates Like a Pro
Determining your freelance copywriting rates can be a daunting task, especially if you're just starting out.
However…
It's important to charge a fair rate for your services that reflects your experience and the value you bring to the table.
One way to determine your rates is to consider industry standards and what other freelancers are charging.
Beginner copywriters can charge around $27 per hour, while experienced copywriters can earn around $100 per hour.
However, it's important to note that your copywriting fees can vary depending on your niche, and the type of project you're working on.
Another way to determine your rates is to consider your expenses.
Like…
Overhead costs such as rent, utilities, software subscriptions and so on.
You should also factor in the time it takes to complete each project. As well as any revisions or edits that may be required.
It's also important to consider the value you bring to the table.
If you have a unique skill set or specialized knowledge, you may be able to charge a higher rate than someone with less experience or expertise.
Additionally…
If you're able to deliver high-quality work, quickly, you can charge a premium for your services.
Ultimately, the key to determining your rates is to find a balance between what you need to earn to make a living and what your clients are willing to pay.
By doing your research, considering your expenses and value, and being confident in your copywriting abilities, you can set profitable rates that reflect your worth as a freelance copywriter.
4 Key Factors That Influence Your Copywriting Rates
When setting your freelance copywriting prices, there are 4 MAJOR factors to consider that can influence how much you charge for your services.
Your experience level is one of the most important factors that can impact your copywriting rates. As a raw beginner, you can expect to charge lower rates than someone with more experience. According to Salary.com, novice copywriters can charge between $26 and $29 per hour, while experienced writers with five or more years of experience can charge between $75 and $125 per hour.
The complexity of a project can also impact your copywriting rates. Projects that require extensive research, multiple revisions, or specialized knowledge may require a higher rate than simpler projects. For example, a website copywriting project that requires extensive keyword research and optimization may take more time and effort than a simple product description.
#3: Market Demand
The demand for copywriting services can vary depending on the market and industry. If you're working in a highly competitive niche, you will be able to charge MUCH HIGHER RATES than if you're working in a less competitive industry. It's important to research the market demand for your services and adjust your rates accordingly.
Want to learn the top copywriting 10 niches in 2023? Go here:
The 10 Highest-Paying Copywriting Niches in 2023 (How to Pick the Best One for YOU)
This post will give you everything you need to choose a Lava-hot copywriting niche. Without a hot niche, you will not be able to charge top rates for your copywriting services, no matter how many years of experience you have or how skilled you are at writing copy.
I HIGHLY recommend all freelance copywriters to study this post BEFORE going all in with a copywriting niche.
Finally, your client's budget can also impact your copywriting prices. Some clients may have a limited budget and will need to negotiate a lower rate, while others may have a more flexible budget and be willing to pay more for high-quality work. It's important to have a clear understanding of your client's budget and expectations before setting your rates.
This is another important reason to choose the right copywriting niche.
In summary…
When setting your copywriting rates, it's important to consider your experience level, project complexity, market demand, and client budget.
By taking these factors into account, you can set rates that are competitive, fair, and reflective of your skills and expertise.
How to Set Your Copywriting Prices
Here are some common ways to set your rates:
Hourly Rates
One common way to set your rates is to charge an hourly rate. This can be a good option if you're just starting out and don't have a lot of experience. According to Salary.com, novice copywriters can expect to earn around $27 per hour, while experienced copywriters can earn around $100 per hour.
Per Word Rates
Another way to set your rates is to charge per word. This can be a good option if you're experienced and can write quickly. According to Elna Cain, for a copywriter with over seven years of experience, the rate for 2023 is between $.50-$.80/word with a max of 2,000 words. However, keep in mind that this rate can change over time as you gain more experience and pick up more clients.
Project Based Rates
Another option is to charge a flat fee for a project. This can be a good option if you're working on a larger project that will take several weeks or months to complete. When setting your project-based rates, make sure to take into account the amount of time you'll spend on the project, as well as any additional expenses you may incur.
Copywriting Royalties
Finally, some copywriters may choose to charge royalties for their work. This means that you'll receive a percentage of the sales generated by your copy. This can be a good option if you're working on a project that has the potential to generate a lot of sales, such as a sales page or product launch.
When setting your rates, it's important to take into account your experience, the amount of time you'll spend on a project, and any additional expenses you may incur. By setting your rates in a way that is fair to both you and your clients, you'll be able to build a successful freelance copywriting business.
Negotiating Your Copywriting Rates
Once you've determined your copywriting rate, it's time to negotiate with potential clients.
Negotiating your rates can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that you are providing a valuable service and deserve to be paid fairly for your work.
To negotiate your rates effectively, consider the following tips:
- Evaluate your skills and experience: Before negotiating your rates, take some time to evaluate your skills and experience. Consider your education, training, and past work experience to determine your worth as a copywriter.
- Research the market rates: It's important to research the current market rates for copywriting services in your niche. This will give you an idea of what other copywriters are charging and help you determine a fair rate for your services.
- Decide on your rate structure: There are several ways to structure your copywriting prices, including hourly, per-word, per-project, or retainer. Consider which structure works best for you and your clients.
- Communicate your rates effectively: When communicating your rates to potential clients, be clear and confident. Explain the value of your services and why you charge what you do.
- Negotiation techniques: Use negotiation techniques such as anchoring, framing, and bundling to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with your clients.
- Handle client objections: Be prepared to handle client objections, such as budget constraints or skepticism about your rates. Address these objections with confidence and professionalism.
- Raise your rates with existing clients: As you gain more experience and expertise, it's important to periodically raise your rates with existing clients. Communicate the reasons for the increase and the value you provide.
Remember, negotiating your rates is a normal part of the freelance copywriting process. By following these tips and being confident in your skills and worth, you can successfully negotiate fair rates with your clients.
How to Charge More For Your Copywriting
Everything mentioned above is meant to cover the basics of pricing your copywriting services.
However…
There really is NO limit to how much you can charge for your copywriting services.
Here are the most important tips to make as much money as possible with your copywriting...
7 Tips for Charging More For Your Copywriting Services:
1. Improve your copywriting skills
The better your writing skills, the more you can charge for your services. Always strive to improve your marketing, sales, lead gen and copywriting skills. The best ways to improve your skills are to WRITE, PRACTICE and LEARN daily. The day you stop improving is the day you die. To be paid like a king or queen, you gotta outwork your competition.
2. Specialize in a niche
It’s no secret, specialists are paid more than generalists. If you want to make 6-figures or more you MUST choose a copywriting niche. But not just any niche, you must choose a niche that is filled with thousands of potential clients who are ACTIVELY hiring freelance copywriters and who can pay top dollar for their services. I cover everything you need to know about choosing a copywriting niche here: The 10 Highest-Paying Copywriting Niches in 2023 (How to Pick the Best One for YOU)
3. Write faster
The faster you can write high-quality, money-oozing copy, the more you can earn. Because the more projects you submit, the more money you make. Simple math. Here’s the BEST way to write faster… Write more words each day than you currently are now. Plus, write within STRICT DEADLINES. I like to use Euguene Shwartz’s 33.33 method which I cover in full detail here (see bonus #4 – How to 10x Your Productivity)
4. Offer more services
What else can you sell to clients? Here’s a hint: Take a look at what they’re ALREADY BUYING. Like… consulting, content strategy, done-for-them services like setting up and running Google ads, etc. The key to making more money is on the back-end (I.E. selling more services to existing customers).
5. Improve your copywriting portfolio
A strong portfolio can help you command higher rates like a king. I show you how to create a successful portfolio in this ultimate guide. TIP: make your copywriting portfolio SUPER RELEVANT to your clients’ needs (only add niche examples, make your copy call out your target audience, add specific samples they’re currently hiring for, etc.)
6. Upsells
Another bullet-proof way to earn more money from freelance copywriting is to add a ho’ bunch of upsells to your main offers. For example, say you offer to write 5 emails for $1,000. You could throw in an additional email for half the normal price ($100). Or… a whole stack of emails at a ridiculously generous price. Or… you could add on an hour of consulting on top of your main service. The possibilities are endless and so is your earning potential when you add upsells.
7. Sell money at a discount
Probably the biggest mistake freelance copywriters make is they frame their offer as the mere words they’re writing for clients. HUGE MISTAKE. Instead, frame your offer as the VALUE you’re providing to your clients. My favorite way? Offer money at a discount. Here’s what I mean… say you write emails for real estate investing companies. You can frame your service like this “I guarantee my emails will make you DOUBLE your investment back in 30 days or I’ll refund you every cent.” When you can confidently get your clients a positive return on investment (ROIcop) you can charge ANY price you desire – as long it’s less than what you make your clients via products sold.
Conclusion
Wowzers!
That was a lot of information.
Take some time to digest it and then APPLY it to your own freelance copywriting business.
You now have everything you need to confidently set your own copywriting rates.
Use this guide as a reference but remember – there really is NO LIMIT to how much you can charge AS LONG AS the value you provide your clients is greater than your fees.
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