May
How does a copywriter charge?
Australian copywriters commonly charge a set rate for the project, however some may charge per hour.
What is a copywriter’s hourly rate?
The hourly rate for a copywriter in Australia ranges between $50-$80 for a junior copywriter, $80-$120 for a mid-level copywriter and $120-$250 for a senior copywriter.
You can expect an SEO copywriter to charge towards the higher end of each bracket.
What is a project rate and how is it calculated?
Project rate = hourly rate x anticipated number of hours
The copywriter will calculate a project rate based on how many hours they predict a project will take them. Although some copywriters may charge per hour, most will provide a project rate. Clients often prefer this approach as it provides certainty. It helps with budgeting as you will know exactly how much the project will cost.
However, if you are working with a copywriter on an ongoing or on-demand basis, you may choose to opt for a per hour rate. This allows greater project flexibility and means you will not need to renegotiate the rate if the scope changes. Copywriters may choose to provide a project rate for new clients, then transition to a per hour arrangement if there is additional work to be completed.
Why does an SEO copywriter cost more?
A copywriter writes text for advertising or marketing. This is designed to help you achieve your business goal, such as selling more products or boosting your brand awareness. To learn more, read “What does a copywriter do and why do I need one?“
An SEO copywriter will do this AND optimise that content for search engines. The point of this is so that content ranks higher in search results. This makes it more likely to be found and read by the right person, who is more likely to make a purchase, or use your services.
You can expect to pay more for an SEO copywriter because there is more involved. Just like any copywriter, an SEO copywriter will work to create engaging content which appeals to your ideal audience, but they will also weave in SEO principles. For example, by conducting keyword research they make sure they use the same words that your ideal client is searching for. This is why you can expect an SEO copywriter to charge on the higher end of the hourly ranges mentioned earlier, while a copywriter who does not offer SEO will sit on the lower end.
For more on this, read “Here’s why you shouldn’t write online content without SEO“.
What affects how much a copywriter charges?
Aside from SEO, a copywriter’s rate will likely also depend on the following factors:
Experience
Would you expect to pay the same rate for a newbie as an experienced professional? Of course not! A more experienced copywriter will likely produce higher quality and more effective copy.
Demand
Copywriters who are in high demand can afford to charge a higher rate. It helps keep their wait list down and improves turnaround time for clients.
Specialisation and industry
If a copywriter specialises in a niche industry, they will charge more. Hiring a specialist in your field will speed up turnaround time as the copywriter will spend less time familiarising themselves with the topic and more time writing.
Some copywriters may also offer a reduced rate for charities, social enterprises or small businesses.
Location
A copywriter living in a major city will likely charge a higher rate. This is to account for the higher cost of living. Most copywriters work remotely and conduct meetings over the phone. However, if you require in-person appointments, travel time will be factored into the price.
Similarly, a copywriter in Sydney will also charge a different rate to one in another country. A local copywriter will understand the nuances of the city and business. This allows them to get better results by creating content tailored for your audience. There can also be differences in their style or spelling. For example, if you are an Australian-based business hiring a US-based copywriter, your material may have the American spelling of words, which is incorrect in Australia. Examples include replacing the “s” with a “z” in realize, apologize and cozy.
Turnaround time
If you need something urgently, many copywriters charge a “rush fee”. This is to cover the overtime, or weekend work they will likely be doing to accommodate the last-minute job, without compromising their usual workload.
Scope of the project
No two projects are the same and in order to provide a project rate, a copywriter will first scope out the project to calculate how long it will take them. They will find out how much information is already available and how much additional interviews or other research will be required. Before you meet with a copywriter for the first time, it can be helpful to gather existing information you have for the project. This will speed along the quoting process and get your project up and running quicker.
Rounds of edits
Always check how many rounds of edits are included in a quote and then try to stick to it. Remember, every time you send edits back, this counts as a round. To keep costs down, send a document to all the people who need to review it before sending it back to your copywriter. This will save time and money as you will avoid people doubling up on, or providing contrasting edits.
Agency vs independent
When you hire an agency, you are gaining access to more than just one person. An agency may have a graphic designer, marketing manager, brand strategist, media planner, art director and the list goes on. With this comes increased overheads, which need to be factored into the price. Consider whether this is right for your project and the stage of your business.
Choosing the right copywriter
How much a copywriter charges varies greatly because you are paying for specific experience and expertise. Consider what you are looking to achieve and who will be best positioned to get you there. Does your project suit the skills of a junior copywriter, or are you looking for a highly skilled copywriter to effectively target your niche audience?
How much does a copywriter charge?
The hourly rate for a copywriter in Australia ranges between $50-$80 for a junior copywriter, $80-$120 for a mid-level copywriter and $120-$250 for a senior copywriter.
An SEO copywriter will charge towards the higher end of each bracket.
What is a project rate for a copywriter?
Project rate = hourly rate x anticipated number of hours
A copywriter will calculate a project rate based on how many hours they predict a project will take them. Although some copywriters may charge per hour, most will provide a project rate.
Why does an SEO copywriter cost more?
An SEO copywriter charges more than an ordinary copywriter because there is more involved.
As well as writing interesting and engaging marketing text, an SEO copywriter will also optimise this content for search engines.
This makes it more likely to be found and read by the right person, who is more likely to make a purchase, or use your services.
Why do some copywriters cost more?
- SEO: A copywriter who also offers SEO will be doing more and therefore, cost more.
- Experience: A more experienced professional will likely come with a higher price tag, but they will produce higher quality and more effective copy.
- Demand: Copywriters who are in high demand can afford to charge a higher rate.
- Specialisation and industry: If a copywriter specialises in a niche industry, they may charge more to account for their specialist knowledge.
- Location: A copywriter living in a major city will likely charge a higher rate.
- Turnaround time: If you need something urgently, many copywriters charge a “rush fee”.
- Agency vs. independent: When you hire an agency, you are gaining access to more than just one person. With this comes increased overheads, which need to be factored into the price.