Are you thinking about starting out as a freelance writer and have asked yourself "how much should I charge for a 500-word blog post"?
Before clients can hire you to write for them, it's important you know exactly how much to charge for your services.
In this post, I'll go over some of the main ways to figure out how much to charge for freelance writing. Let's look at the main factors that go into figuring out how much to charge.
Key Factors to Consider Before Committing to your next 500-Word Blog Post
1. Your Writing Experience
How Much Writing Experience Do You Have?
This is important. It boosts your credibility if you have a resume listing all the projects or publications you've worked on and any writing certifications you've completed (language, typing speed or technical ability).
Note that a degree in English is not always a requirement to become a freelance writer. Writing experience in the form of a portfolio of client work is way more important. If you have the skills to produce high quality work, it doesn’t matter what type of degree you have.
What's Your Experience in XYZ Niche?
Niche experience matters. Are you a generalist or an expert in a certain field?
Some industries only require the latter and will pay accordingly. Your next client may only want to hire a writer who has already worked in their industry. Think of it from the client's perspective. Would they rather hire a health writer who has worked on major publications like menshealth.com or webmd.com, and has decades of experience? Or an up-and-coming writer with no niche experience?
While this isn't always true, you'll still need to prove your worth to get the gig. If you have experience in that field and can prove it, you will be more likely to land those types of gigs.
Alternatively, if you are a generalist, but have excellent research skills, you might have a wider choice of topics and thousands of clients to choose from. Many of the best freelance writers are great researchers. They're not subject matter experts in each field. They don't require a working knowledge of real estate to write about it. But they do need the ability to research well so they can write like they're the expert.
If you've already delivered great content to a dozen clients in various niches, future clients can see your portfolio as proof that you're good at what you do.
If you're not sure how experienced you are, it might be a promising idea to do a quick self-assessment and then rate yourself on a scale of 1 (novice) to 5 (expert) in certain writing fields, such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focused content, brand voice development, B2B copywriting, editorial services and other areas.
How Much Language Experience Do You Have?
Each country has their own subtleties and nuances that any writer worth their salt will know and understand. Even if you're an American and English is your primary language, it's highly unlikely you will understand the sensitivities of a native citizen of the UK, Australia or New Zealand. Sure, you both speak English, but it can take many years to grasp the language and cultural differences. Most non-native-English speaking writers (or bilingual writers) can't do this.
Ideally, your target clients should be within your own native language and native culture. You'll be able to work faster, have greater creativity and be more profitable.
2. The Specific Project
Writing 500 words of magazine-quality content is quite different from a simple 500-word post on a blog. All projects are different. Don't assume that you can apply your research skills from one project to the next indiscriminately.
A huge part of being a freelance writer is learning how to price yourself for your work and the added skills you bring to the table. Ultimately, your personal rate structure will depend on where you are in your career, what industry you’re working in, and what type of projects you take on.
How Long Will It Take You?
A 500-word article is equivalent to one single one single spaced Word page or two double spaced Word pages. Most good writers should be able to write 500 relevant words in less than a couple of hours. Fast writers can sometimes write 500 words in half an hour.
You might by charging per project, but you still need to bear in mind the length of time it will take you. For instance, if you charge $10 for a 500-word article and it took you 2 hours, your hourly rate is $5 per hour. For some, that's enough to sustain themselves, for others it is not. It's your call. You can use a spreadsheet to track your content and writing hours per day.
How Much Research is Required?
As a freelance writer, you can spend a good amount of time researching a specific topic. Even something as short as 500 words, can take up a lot of your time for research. However, if you are struggling to keep up with the amount of research that's expected from you, then it may be time to reconsider your freelance writing rates.
Project pricing depends on the duration, and the complexity of it. It's always important to know exactly what you're getting into before agreeing to work on a project.
Are 'Extras' Needed (Graphics, etc.)?
It's not always just about writing blocks of content. Sometimes, header images, screenshots, or videos can be included in what you charge for a piece of blog content. If the client only needs graphics from royalty-free image sites like Pexels or Pixabay, then the time taken for image choice and preparation should be minimal, and you can charge a standard rate for your work. However, if you have to do some serious graphic design work yourself, that could take up extra time, and increase your final billable hours. For instance, if you have to take snaps using a camera and you need an in-depth knowledge of Photoshop.
It's also useful to get to know your clients before accepting work for them. You need to know whether they're OK with you charging extra for 'extra' work, or whether you'll have to charge your standard rate, and then add a few extras on top of that.
3. What are the Market Rates?
If you started your rate at 4 cents per word and you’ve already pitched to twenty clients without any interest, it may be time to re-pitch at a lower rate.
You may have to play around with different rate structures until you find that sweet spot that works for your business, your clients, and your paycheck.
The rate you charge may depend on the industry, your experience level and skill set. If you are just starting out, it may be best to charge less than the going rates so that you can attract more clients. When you have set up some good contacts, your rate may go up. If you have a lot of specific niche experience, and there is lots of demand for high-quality content in that field, you can charge more per word.
Type of Rates
Freelance writers can charge in several different ways, including hourly and by the project. If you're a new writer, you should generally stick with charging by the project. You will get more benefits from building a portfolio of past work than from working for a number of hours. However, if you are writing on a regular basis and developing your reputation as an expert in your field, it might be time to consider coming up with an hourly rate and charging that way as well.
The rates of a professional writer can vary depending on the potential client. You can choose to be as flexible as you want to be.
Per Project
A popular method is to set a rate for each individual project, you will need to factor in every aspect of the piece in the project scope. The advantage of project-based work is it has fixed rates.
Per Hour
This is usually based on the number of billable hours, with respect to how much they need in terms of an annual salary.
Per Word
It's customary practice for freelance writers to take on projects that are charged per word.
Custom Rates
Yes, you can make your own rates too. Say you have clients who you have a long-term relationship with. You can crank out their articles so quickly, even though you're paid less per word, you make more money per hour than with your usual clients. So, you want to give them a much cheaper rate.
As a freelance writer, you're in an enviable position: if you aren't happy with one client or the rates they're paying you, feel free to move on to another client and another paycheck.
What are the Average Freelance Writing Rates?
Novice or beginner freelance writers could expect to charge between $0.01 and $0.06 per word. More, if they are a native speaking writer. Intermediate writers with no niche experience: $0.10 - 0.30 per word; and with niche knowledge: $0.20 - 0.40 per word.
Expert writers who have research skills or niche experience can charge: $0.40 - 0.50 per word. This price range guide isn't perfect but gives a good rule of thumb for freelance writer rates. You can also have a look at sites like textbroker.
Your Lifestyle and Needs
You need to charge enough to be able to make a living wage. Of course, a writer in the US and different living standards to someone in the Philippines.
A writer who can produce 50 articles each per week and needs to make $1,000 a week to survive, should be charging at least $20 per article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors go into deciding how much to charge for freelance writing?
"How much should freelance writers charge?" is a question often asked by writers who are trying to figure out how they can effectively set their rates. To answer this, you will need to consider:
1) Your level of experience in the field and knowledge in the actual subject matter you're planning on writing about.
2) The specific type of project that you are undertaking, and the period in which it must be completed.
3) How long you've been doing the work. Is this new or are you a veteran?
4) Are there any specific features that will be needed for the project? Such as images, videos, etc.
5) How much time you will need to complete the work, and how quickly you will need to have the work completed to begin getting paid for it.
6) The quality of the digital content that you are producing. This can include any prior experience you may have in the industry, the number of clients you have handled or the ability to produce quality work.
How can I find out what the market rate is for my services?
Rates for seasoned writers will be different than for a novice writer.
Look at the current market prices on job boards or freelancing sites for the type of work you are doing. How is the economic climate of the industry itself? Is this a down time, or is there a lot of competition for your services?
Also, check out the 'average freelance writer rate' section above.
How do I develop a rate structure that works for me and my clients, while still making enough money to survive?
1) Your rates are based on the value of what you provide to your clients, versus the cost of buying a similar product or service elsewhere.
2) How much you will charge depends on how much your competition charges.
9) The quality of the relationship you have with your clients.
3) How much profit you need to make per hour, per project or per year to be successful and support yourself and/or your family.
4) How long have you been freelance writing, and how well are you established?
How do I establish good rates for a specific type of work?
Read the job you are bidding on carefully to make sure the client understands what you will and will not do.
1) If you are providing a service, then clearly say what it is that you will be providing to the client in detail.
2) The type of writing, which can include any specialized knowledge or expertise that is needed for the project.
The type of editing, proofreading or copywriting work that you are providing to the client.
3) The level of expertise that you have, including any specific academic credentials or any added training you have provided.
There is no right or wrong answer here, but the more specific you can be on what needs to be done to ensure trouble-free delivery, then your ideal client will understand your level of commitment and how valuable they can expect your services to be.
Are there distinct levels of quality that I can charge for, and if so, how do I choose which to use?
Your rates should reflect the quality of your work and the level of expertise with which you are providing the service.
If in doubt, writing clients can always ask you to provide an example of your work or explain how you will provide them with a satisfactory result.
As with every job, however, it is important to build a good working relationship with your client so that you can communicate effectively and settle on a suitable rate. You should not be afraid to negotiate and compromise – both parties must feel that they are getting a fair deal.
What happens when I'm too busy to take on new work?
As with all contractors, your workload will fluctuate from time to time, and you may find yourself having to turn down business. However, if being too busy is likely to become a regular occurrence then it's probably worth considering being an employee. At the very least, you'll be in a much better position to take on other projects and can better protect yourself if your workload does start to increase.
How do I fix problems that arise with clients and move forward, especially when their expectations are unrealistic?
With each new client, a freelance writer should try to establish a good working relationship. Communication is the best means of dispute resolution. It's important to be as honest and open as possible with your clients so that there are no misunderstandings or surprises later.
As well as explaining what you will be providing for them, it's important not to give any unrealistic or extravagant expectations of what you can produce from the outset.
If all else fails, cut loose. Save yourself the stress and worry of dealing with a fussy client.
What are the best ways to take your writing business to the next level?
- If you are an experienced writer with plenty of time on your hands, why not consider offering some free advice to newer, talented writers who you think have potential? The writing skills will be good for them, and you may generate some good clients.
- Join writing communities and networks where you can share your expertise with other writers and become more known within the industry.
- If you are a new writer, why not try becoming an expert in a niche or industry related to your services? For instance, many freelance writers offer proofreading and editing services. Your expertise in this area may open avenues for fees from clients who require more extensive or accurate editing.
- Consider writing some relevant content yourself for publication online. This will help to improve your writing skills and give you experience of publishing before you start pitching to clients.
- If you have a good business brain, then why not offer some business consulting to other freelance writers? This will help you to build yourself up and give you more work to do without it taking up an excessive amount of time.
In Summary
Remember, 500 words really isn’t that long. For most topics (even with research), it can take under an hour to complete.
Every writer is different, but one writer might charge $5 per 500-word post, while another writer may charge $15 per 500-word article. All of this depends on the writer's experience, the type of client and what type of article they are writing.
When you're just starting out as a writer, it's important to write consistently. At first, it might be best to accept any writing gigs that come your way. This way, you can gain experience and more importantly, establish contacts with potential clients.