Content Writing Pricing: Quantity and Quality.

Introduction

Every venture has a pricing model, and so does content writing. Hiring freelancers and agencies is about perceived value. 

However, the qualities (expertise and experience) of the writer and the task you want them to complete for your company have a huge impact on how much a freelancer will charge.  This article further explains what you need to know about content writing pricing to aid your business growth. 

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Content Writer

All content writers have varying rates, making it difficult to create a marketing budget that would allow you to calculate your ROI unless you are aware of the various price models that content writers employ as well as a few other considerations.

The cost of a content writer is primarily influenced by whether you engage them full-time or as an independent contractor.

According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a content writer in the United States is $48,715/ year if you are hiring a full-time employee. Because of benefits, taxes, and office space or stipends, your true cost as an employer will be higher.

Some of the factors to consider for efficient pricing of content writing services are:

• Experience
• Niche or Industry
• Volume of work
• Research required

Hiring A Freelance Writer

Hiring a freelance writer can be a great way to add fresh, high-quality content to your website or publication. It is advisable to be clear about your content writing needs beforehand by stating the type of content you need to reach your target audience. 

The next step is to look for suitable writers on different platforms that connect freelancers with clients, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. You can evaluate the writer’s portfolio to assess their writing style, quality, and experience.

Once you’ve found a suitable writer, and agreed on the scope of the project and the deadline, determining what to pay comes next. 

Setting Payment for Content Writers

There are several ways to pay a freelance writer including hourly rates, per-word rates, project flat rates, and retainer.

Hourly Rate

This is the most common payment method for freelance writers. The writer charges an hourly rate for the work done for you and tracks the hours worked on your project. This method is best for projects that are difficult to estimate regarding hours required and a flexible deadline. 

Per Word Rates

The writer who charges based on word rates will give you a fixed rate per word written on your blog posts or social posts. This is best for projects where you need the writer to write a specific number of content. Typically short-form blog posts, articles, or other shorter pieces of content.

Project Flat Rates

The writer charges a flat rate for the projects you outsource to them. This is used when you have projects with a defined deadline. This method is employed for writing e-books, white papers, or other longer pieces of content.

Retainer

This involves an agreement between you as a business owner and the writer being hired on a monthly basis to produce a specific amount of content. The writer is paid a set amount each month, regardless of the amount of content they produce. This is best for businesses that require consistent production of content each month.

How Do You Price Content Writing

As a business owner, pricing content writing can seem like a daunting task. However, with a little bit of research and an understanding of your target market, you can come up with a fair and competitive pricing strategy.

 Here are a few points to keep in mind when setting prices for content writing. 

1. Quality matters: Experienced writers who produce high-quality content will naturally charge more than those who are just starting out. Keep in mind that the cost of a great writer is worth the investment. Your content is a representation of your brand, so you want it to be professional and well-written.

2. Type of content: Different types of content require different levels of research and expertise. For example, writing a blog post will typically cost less than writing a white paper or case study. Be prepared to pay more for more complex projects.

3. Project length: The longer the project, the more time and effort the writer will need to put in, and the higher the cost will be. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the scope of your project so you can budget accordingly.

So, what would be a fair price for content writing? It depends on the above factors, but as a general rule, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 per hour. Of course, there are writers who charge more or less, but this should give you a good starting point.

Don’t be afraid to invest in quality content writing. It is a critical aspect of your marketing strategy and can make a huge difference in attracting and retaining customers. 

Pros of Hiring In-House Content Writers

Here are the pros of hiring in-house content writers:

Customization and Consistency: For businesses, having in-house writers allows you to have more control over the content creation process. This means you can communicate your brand message more effectively and ensure that the content aligns with your brand voice and tone.

Expertise: Another advantage of hiring in-house writers is that they will have a better understanding of your business, target audience, and industry. This results in more accurate and relevant content that resonates with your audience and drives results.

Cost-effectiveness: Having in-house writers can be cost-effective in the long run. When you hire freelance writers, you have to pay for each project, and their fees can add up quickly. However, with in-house writers, you can negotiate a salary that fits your budget and save money on project-based costs.

Productiveness: They can be more efficient and productive than freelance writers. When you have a dedicated team working in-house, you can get more content produced in a shorter amount of time. This means you can keep your content fresh and relevant, and stay ahead of your competitors.

Time-saving: No need to search for freelance writers or go through a long hiring process. Hiring in-house content writers will save you time and energy.

Cons of Hiring In-House Content Writers

Cost: Hiring in-house content writers can be expensive, especially if you have to provide them with benefits, office space, and equipment.

Limited Skillset: An in-house content writer may have limited skills and experience compared to freelance writers, who often bring a diverse range of skills and experience to the table.

Time Constraints: In-house writers may not have the same level of flexibility as freelance writers, which can lead to delays in getting projects completed on time.

Burnout: In-house writers can become burned out from the demands of working for the same company all the time and may lack the creative spark that comes from working on a variety of projects for different clients.

How much does a Landing Page Cost? 

On average, freelance writers may charge you anywhere between $50 to $500 for a landing page, while agencies may charge anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. 

It’s important to have a clear understanding of your project’s requirements and budget to help determine the right option for you.

How much does SEO blog post Cost? 

On average, professional freelance writers charge anywhere from $0.10 to $1 per word, with a minimum fee of around $50 per post. However, some writers may charge significantly more, especially if they have a strong reputation and a long portfolio of successful projects.

A longer, more in-depth article that requires extensive research and keyword optimization may cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more.

Conclusion

The ability to consistently publish to your website is crucial for drawing customers to your company, but with the wide variety of content pricing rates available, it can be challenging to determine how much you should be spending for content service. 

Depending on the type of content you want your freelance writer to create for you and the level of expertise you want them to have when you hire them, you can end up spending a different amount.