A quality freelance copywriter offers your business a lot of value through experience and expertise while saving you hours and hours time. But before you even discuss copywriting rates and copywriting costs, do you need a copywriter?

Sure – everyone can write.

But a professional copywriter specialises in adapting words to communicate messages effectively to get results in a variety of diverse ways. We can really help your business across your whole suite of marketing content.

However, business is business and budgets are budgets. In the end, it comes down to the bottom line, and ROI (Return On Investment) is a very important consideration for any service.

How much a copywriter charges all depends on these six factors:

(1) The copywriting project scope

There’s no single copywriting project, and so there’s no default price, per say. Obviously, writing the words for a website is a very different job to an email, an advert or a blog. The copywriting cost will reflect this difference too. So keep in mind how wide the scope of your job is and the amount of time required to complete it.

(2) The nature of your copywriting project

If you know what type of marketing copywriting you need, the next factor that impacts a copywriter’s cost is the extent of service you require. 

For example, does your project need the copywriter to undertake a lot of research? Have you provided a draft, or is this content being written completely from scratch?

The quote will vary depending on what’s involved in completing it.

(3) Who the copywriter is

Your copywriter’s background also determines what level of price they charge for their copywriting services too. There is a wide range of freelance copywriters around and each has a different background, level of experience, style and approach.

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive job, then you’ll probably want to steer towards a more junior writer who will be cheaper. However, if you need a full-service copywriter to lean on for professional marketing direction and consulting throughout your project, then opt for someone with more experience who has years of relevant knowledge. But just like any service, you will pay more for this.

(4) The time frame on project delivery

Today’s businesses work at a million kilometres an hour, and this frequently means needing copywriting back very quickly. A freelance copywriter works on many projects for many clients at once and so, they’re always scheduling in time throughout the week and month to write.

If your project is urgent, this forces a copywriter to have to push things aside or work long hours to accommodate, and you will have to pay for this convenience.

(5) How many rounds of changes 

Generally, a copywriter will offer you one or a maximum of two tweaks to the draft before the project is finalised. This allows for slight adjustments to get it right, without the copy ending in up in endless rounds of edits.

However, if you have a project that is going to require multiple rounds of reviews, like in a medical, legal or highly regulated industry, then this needs to be accommodated for too.

(6) The copywriting value on offer

In business, it’s always better to focus on value over a simple commodity cost.

A quality copywriter will usually charge based on the value they’re offering your business as opposed to a per hour price. This is because per hour makes it transactional, and doesn’t factor in your overall goals of the project.

If you and your copywriter are looking at your project based on the overall benefits and outcome that a new website, brochure or strategic document will provide for your business, then you are both aligned in your commitment to a successful outcome. 

When you’re asking a freelance copywriter for costs, just remember the above factors all come into play.

As with any professional service you are looking for, it’s always best to discuss costs and expectations upfront – and if either party doesn’t feel like it aligns with their goals, then it’s totally fine to not proceed.

It’s nothing personal. It’s just business to ask for a copywriting quote.

I always suggest having an initial chat. It can be 5 minutes or so, to just run through the basics of what you need. During this time, a quality copywriter will ask you questions about your project and then send you a briefing document that you can fill in.

Once this is done, your copywriter can quote you on the work and you can either accept or reject it.

So many businesses that need a copywriter to help them begin by doing research, then assume that it will be too expensive, and just give up without even asking. If you were to make an enquiry, you’ll probably find that professional copywriting is quite affordable, especially when you think about the value you’re getting back.

But as you would know, going for the cheapest quote usually doesn’t get you the best result – because you get what you pay for.

You may have asked a copywriter in the past, “how much do you charge for copywriting as a ball park cost?”, only to get the response: “can I know more about your project?”

We understand that this can be frustrating; but a copywriter doesn’t do this to ‘suck you in’ or keep you hooked. The reality is: every single client and every single project is different.

So it’s impossible to give you an estimated copywriting price based on a question as generic as: “how much do you charge for a website?”

Even writing a blog for one company can be completely different from another, based on what they need. So, most copywriters can’t provide you with a generic price or copywriting rate for a job, because this introduces the risk of guessing a price without knowing what will be involved.

If anything, a copywriter may provide you with an estimated price range based on their copywriting rate card costs. Then, when you discuss your requirements in depth, they can provide you with a more accurate quote.

To engage your customer and achieve ongoing business success today, you need quality copywriting and consistent content. However, we understand that this is easier said than done.

You’re time poor and spread thin, and writing isn’t your expertise. So, focus on what really matters, while we take care of all of your copywriting and content marketing needs!

For more information or to speak to a quality copywriter to get the results your business deserves, contact me now at enquire@melottimedia.com.au.

I can sharpen your words to achieve your goals, today!

Christopher Melotti
Melotti Media Copywriting and Marketing Solutions
www.melottimedia.com.au

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