One of the biggest struggles for new freelance writers is setting rates. Charge too little, and you risk burnout and undervaluing your skills.
Charge too much, and you may price yourself out of jobs before proving your worth. The truth is, setting your freelance writing rates is both art and science—and understanding how to do it right can be the difference between struggling and thriving.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to determine your rates with confidence, increase your value over time, and make sure you’re always paid what you’re worth.
Understanding Your Freelance Value
Before setting any numbers, it’s crucial to understand what clients are paying for when they hire a writer:
- Your time and availability
- Your research and creative input
- Your writing and editing expertise
- Your understanding of SEO, formatting, and tone
- The results your writing delivers (traffic, leads, conversions)
You’re not just selling words—you’re selling strategy and outcome. This mindset shift is critical when thinking about your worth.
Common Freelance Pricing Models
There are several ways freelance writers charge clients. Each model has advantages depending on your preferences and the nature of the project.
1. Per Word
Often used for blog posts, SEO content, and articles.
Pros:
- Simple and transparent
- Easier for clients to compare quotes
- Good for bulk content projects
Cons:
- May penalize efficient writers
- Doesn’t account for complexity or research
Typical range: $0.05–$1.00 per word
(Beginners: $0.05–$0.15 / Experienced: $0.20–$1.00+)
2. Per Hour
Common for ongoing client work or editing services.
Pros:
- Tracks time spent on research and revisions
- Suitable for long-term relationships
Cons:
- Clients may resist if they fear inefficiency
- Requires accurate time tracking
Typical range: $25–$100 per hour
3. Per Project
Best for fixed deliverables like website copy or email sequences.
Pros:
- Encourages efficiency
- Predictable payment for both sides
- Can charge based on value, not time
Cons:
- Requires clear scope definition
- Risk of underestimating time
Example: $200 for a blog post, $500 for a landing page, $1000 for a full website rewrite
4. Monthly Retainers
Recurring payment for consistent work each month.
Pros:
- Stable, predictable income
- Builds long-term client relationships
Cons:
- Requires mutual trust and deliverables agreement
- Time commitment must be consistent
Example: $1000/month for 4 blog posts + strategy
How to Calculate Your Minimum Rate
Before pitching to clients, determine your minimum acceptable rate—the least you can charge while still making a profit.
Step 1: Determine your monthly income goal
Let’s say you need to earn $3000/month to cover your expenses.
Step 2: Estimate your billable hours
You won’t be writing 40 hours a week. Account for admin, marketing, and downtime. A realistic estimate is 20 billable hours/week, or 80 per month.
Step 3: Divide income goal by billable hours
$3000 ÷ 80 = $37.50/hour
That’s your minimum hourly rate. Use it as a baseline to price per word or per project.
Factors That Influence Your Rates
Several variables affect how much you can charge:
1. Experience and Portfolio
As your experience grows, so should your rates. Showcase results from past projects, especially in your niche.
2. Niche Expertise
Some niches pay more due to complexity and client budgets.
High-paying niches:
- Finance
- Technology/SaaS
- Legal
- Medical
- B2B marketing
Lower-paying niches:
- Travel
- Lifestyle
- General blog writing
3. Type of Content
Not all writing is equal in complexity or impact.
High-value formats:
- Sales pages
- Case studies
- Email sequences
- White papers
Lower-value formats:
- Short blog posts
- Social media captions
- Product descriptions
4. Client Type
Corporate clients generally pay more than startups, agencies, or solopreneurs.
Client tiers:
- Solopreneurs: $0.05–$0.20/word
- Small businesses: $0.10–$0.50/word
- Agencies: $0.15–$0.75/word
- Corporates: $0.25–$1.00+/word
How to Raise Your Rates Over Time
Don’t stay at beginner rates forever. As you grow, your pricing should evolve.
Tips to increase your rates:
- Raise your prices with each new client
- Improve your skills (SEO, UX writing, storytelling)
- Add services (content strategy, keyword research)
- Include client testimonials in your pitch
- Drop low-paying clients to make space for better ones
When you’re booked out, that’s a clear signal to raise your rates.
Example:
You charge $75 for blog posts and get overwhelmed with offers. Raise it to $100. See who stays. You may lose a few, but you’ll earn more with less work.
How to Justify Higher Rates to Clients
Clients don’t pay just for words—they pay for results. When discussing pricing, focus on:
- The time they’ll save
- The leads or conversions they’ll gain
- The stress and revision cycles you’ll prevent
Instead of saying:
“I charge $300 for blog posts.”
Say:
“This $300 post is SEO-optimized, researched, and formatted for lead capture. It’s designed to bring more traffic to your site and convert readers into subscribers.”
When clients see the value, the price feels justified.
When to Say No to Low-Paying Jobs
It’s tempting to accept low-paying gigs early on, but beware of staying stuck there. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to walk away.
Red flags to watch:
- Clients who ask for free samples
- Jobs under $0.02/word
- Excessive revision requests
- No clear contract or timeline
Your time is valuable. Use it to find better clients, pitch new businesses, or create portfolio pieces that attract premium work.
How to Discuss Rates with Confidence
Many writers feel awkward discussing money. But remember: business owners expect to talk about budgets.
Scripts to help:
“I typically charge $250 for a blog post of this length and complexity.”
“My rate is $0.15 per word. Does that fit within your budget?”
“I’d be happy to send over a formal quote once I have the full project scope.”
Be direct, respectful, and open to negotiation—but never apologize for your rates.
Pricing Packages to Make Offers Irresistible
Clients love clarity. Offering packages makes pricing easier for both sides.
Example: Blog Writing Packages
- Starter: 1 blog post/month – $200
- Growth: 4 blog posts/month – $750
- Authority: 8 blog posts/month + SEO research – $1500
Example: Website Copy Packages
- Basic: Homepage + About – $400
- Standard: Full website (5 pages) – $1000
- Premium: Website + Brand voice guide – $1500
Packages help you upsell services and standardize your workload.
Tools to Help Manage Pricing and Invoicing
To streamline the financial side of freelancing, use tools like:
- Bonsai or AND.CO: Create quotes, contracts, and invoices
- Wave or FreshBooks: Track income and expenses
- PayPal, Wise, or Stripe: Receive payments globally
- Toggl: Track your hourly work for clients
Having professional systems in place reinforces your value as a serious service provider.
Final Thoughts: Charge with Confidence
Pricing is personal. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” formula—but there is a right rate for you. The goal is to charge in a way that reflects your value, supports your business, and still feels fair to clients.
Start with a baseline that meets your needs. Adjust with experience. And remember: your skills are valuable. The right clients will pay for quality—and you deserve to be paid what you’re worth.
Mauricio Dutra is a freelance writer focused on helping others start and grow their careers in writing. At Kallynx, he shares practical tips and insights for aspiring writers who want to work independently and succeed online.
