One of the hardest jobs freelance writers face is setting rates. Judging your own abilities, especially when you’re new, is hard. Plus, the competition is tough. So tough, in fact, that you might be tempted to write for free (or next to it) just to gain some clips and testimonials.
I know several beginning writers who choose to advertise on Fiverr for example, and justify it by saying that once they gain a few clients they’ll raise their rates. Unfortunately, that rarely works out. Those clients who are looking for $5 articles are not the type to recognize quality and stick with you through your rate changes. They’ll simply find another $5 article writer. After all, there are thousands to choose from. Sure, you’re better than most, but let’s face it: clients looking for $5 articles aren’t in the market for quality. They’re simply looking for search-engine fodder.
Does that mean you should never write for cheap? No. It just means you have to be strategic about it. It’s okay to write for low/no pay if:
- You’re trying to build a portfolio. Just remember, your goal should be to replace those low-pay samples with higher paid items as quickly as possible.
- You’re giving away samples as a part of your marketing plan. Providing a pack of articles to be given away in a high-profile contest is a great way to build links and goodwill.
- You’re writing copy in exchange for a link (“Article contributed by Your Name”) back to your website.
- You’re bartering for services like a website design or eBook formatting. Money is tight when you’re just starting out, but your time is plentiful, so take advantage of that.
- You’re business model depends on writing three articles an hour just to earn a decent hourly rate. You might think you can write that fast, but it’s simply not sustainable.
- You plan to dazzle your clients with such high-quality product that they’ll gladly accept your extreme rate increases later. As I said above, $5 article clients could not care less about quality. They want cheap, and if you stop providing it, someone else will gladly step in to fill your shoes.
- Demand Studios and Suite 101 form the major part of your income.
