Copywriting Rates: How Much Do Copywriters Charge?
Copywriting Rates: How Much Do Copywriters Charge?
$0.10 – $1.00 average cost per word
$25 – $150+ average cost per hour
Average copywriting rates
Copywriting rates can be set per word, per hour, or per project. Freelance copywriter rates range from $0.10 to $1.00 per word for web content or blog posts. Hourly copywriting fees range from $25 to $150 per hour, depending on the writer's experience level. Flat fees suit projects with well‑defined deliverables, while monthly retainers work well for steady, ongoing assignments.
| Pay method | Average cost | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Per word | $0.10 – $1.00 | For projects with a clearly defined word count, like blog posts or SEO articles |
| Per hour | $25 – $150+ | When the project scope is open-ended, ongoing, or includes editing and consulting |
| Per project | $250 – $25,000+ | For assignments with a clear end result and set deliverables, such as sales pages or websites |
| Monthly retainer | $1,000 – $5,000+ | For clients needing a steady stream of content or ongoing marketing support |
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is the craft of writing words that inspire a specific action, whether that is making a purchase, signing up for a service, or engaging with a brand. It blends creativity with strategy to connect with the target audience and deliver results.
What does a copywriter do?
Copywriters spend time researching industries, products, and audiences. They brainstorm and develop messaging concepts and work closely with designers, marketers, or clients to produce material that aligns with brand strategy. Their responsibilities often include:
Writing website copy, blog posts, and landing pages
Creating email campaigns and newsletters
Developing ad copy for print, digital, and social media
Researching products, services, and target audiences
Crafting taglines, brand messaging, and calls to action
Editing and proofreading content for clarity and accuracy
Collaborating with designers, marketers, and clients to shape messaging
Copywriting cost methods
Copywriters use several pricing methods, including per word, per hour, per project, and monthly retainer, depending on the type and scope of the assignment. Other factors, such as the project complexity, industry, client budget, and copywriter’s experience, can also influence which billing method is used.
Per word
Per-word rates work best for content with a set word count, such as blog posts or SEO articles. Most beginner copywriters charge $0.10 to $0.25 per word. Experienced freelancers often ask $0.50 to $1.00 per word, while niche experts may charge more. This pay method is useful for estimating costs on content-heavy work or large batches of articles.
Per hour
Hourly rates are practical for consulting, editing, or projects with an open-ended scope. Beginner copywriters charge $25 to $60 per hour. Established professionals often earn $60 to $150 per hour while recognized specialists may reach $150 to $250 per hour. While flexible for open-ended assignments, hourly work means the final copywriting cost is determined by the actual time invested.
Per project
Flat project fees work for website copy, landing pages, white papers, or campaigns. Prices range from $250 to $25,000+ depending on the project type, research needed, number of pages, what is delivered, and how many revisions are included. This model gives both the writer and client a clear plan, timeline, and budget before work starts.
Monthly retainer
A monthly retainer is an ongoing agreement where a client pays a set amount each month for a set amount of work or hours. Smaller businesses often pay $1,000 to $2,500 per month. Larger companies may pay $5,000 or more per month for higher output or more complex projects. Retainers provide steady collaboration and priority access to the copywriter’s availability.
Copywriting fees by project type
Copywriting prices change depending on the type of project. A blog post, sales page, or website each takes a different amount of time, research, and planning. Because of this, the most common pricing method shifts with the assignment. The table below shows common copywriter fees by project type.
| Project type | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blog post / article | $250 – $800 | Long‑ or short‑form content for blogs or publications. Cost varies with length and research needs. |
| Website copy (per project) |
$375 – $25,000 | Multiple web pages of copy for a new or existing site. Price changes with page count and brand strategy. |
| Sales or landing page | $3,500 – $25,000+ | High‑conversion single or multi‑section page. Cost reflects strategy, research, and number of revisions. |
| Email / newsletter (one‑off) |
$250 – $2,000 | A marketing or informational email sent to a list. Price depends on message length and offer complexity. |
| Email sequence (4 – 5 emails) |
$500 – $5,000 | Series of related campaign emails. Cost changes with message count and sales funnel design. |
| Product description | $25 – $250 each | Short copy for a single product or service. Pricing varies with word count and technical detail. |
| Brand messaging / tagline package | $1,000 – $5,000 | Brand voice, tagline, and messaging guidelines. Cost reflects creative scope and project depth. |
| Ad copy (digital / pay-per-click) |
$100 – $1,000 | Short-form copy for digital ads or pay-per-click campaigns. Price changes with platform and creative variations. |
| Press release | $500 – $1,000 | News-style announcement prepared for media. Cost depends on event significance and industry. |
| Lead magnet / eBook | $750 – $4,500 | Downloadable guide for lead generation. Pricing varies with length, design, and research needed. |
| SEO content page | $300 – $1,200 | Optimized page designed to boost search rankings. Cost reflects research, keyword work, and page length. |
| Social media ad campaign | $250 – $500 | Copy for a single paid social campaign. Cost depends on number of ad versions and platforms. |
| Social media management pricing | $500 – $5,000 per month |
Ongoing content creation and posting for social channels. Price changes with posting frequency and platforms. |
| Brochure or flyer cost | $300 – $1,500 | Printed promotional material for business or events. Price varies with page count and design collaboration. |
| Video script (short, <5 min) |
$500 – $1,500 | Script for a marketing, how‑to, or explainer video. Cost reflects length and creative complexity. |
| Case study | $1,200 – $2,000 | Written success story about client results. Pricing depends on interviews and story depth. |
| White paper | $2,000 – $10,000 | Detailed, authoritative report on a topic or solution. Price changes with research, technicality, and sourcing. |
Freelance copywriter rates
Copywriter rates often depend as much on skill and background as on the project type. Hourly fees rise with experience, portfolio strength, and writing specialties. The table below shows a cost comparison of copywriting charges by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Beginner copywriter | $25 – $60 |
| Intermediate copywriter | $60 – $100 |
| Experienced copywriter | $100 – $150 |
| High skill/expert | $150 – $250+ |
Factors that affect copywriting rates
Several factors influence copywriting prices:
Geographic location: A writer based in a major city or with unique regional expertise might have higher fees.
Project complexity: The more involved the research, industry knowledge, or technical skill required, the higher the fee.
Length and scope: Larger projects or multi-page websites command higher costs than smaller or one-off pieces.
Turnaround time: Clients who need work completed on a rush basis may pay a premium for tight deadlines.
Client / market size: National brands and highly competitive industries that require specialized expertise pay higher rates.
Reputation and specialization: A copywriter who specializes in niche industries may charge more due to specialized knowledge.
Additional services: Strategy, SEO, analytics, or keyword research often add to the total investment.
FAQs about copywriting charges
Are copywriter rates negotiable?
Yes, rates are negotiable, especially for ongoing work or larger projects. Be open with the copywriter about your budget and goals to help you find a pricing arrangement that suits both you and the writer.
Do freelance copywriters charge extra for revisions?
Many copywriters include a set number of revisions in their initial quote. Additional rounds of revision may cost extra, so it helps to clarify this in advance.
How does AI affect copywriter charges?
AI tools have made basic content quicker to create, which can lower rates for simple projects. However, skilled copywriters charge more for strategy, creativity, and editing AI-generated drafts to elevate them to a professional standard.
How do you become a copywriter?
You can become a copywriter by mastering writing and marketing skills, building a portfolio, and learning how to craft persuasive messages that inspire readers to take action. For a step-by-step roadmap, strategies, and real-world tips, check out our new guide to starting your copywriting career.
Getting estimates from copywriters
A clear request makes it easier for copywriters to give accurate, detailed quotes. Use these tips to get the most reliable estimate for your project:
Clearly define your project goals, audience, and desired outcomes of all deliverables.
Look for copywriters with good reviews on Talo and Google.
Get all estimates in writing and ask whether it covers extras like meetings, images, SEO optimization, or posting.
Set realistic deadlines and let the copywriter know about any critical milestones.
Review the project scope and terms together before giving the go-ahead.
Questions to ask
Make sure the copywriter is a good fit for your needs by asking these important questions before starting a project:
What types of projects do you specialize in?
Can you share samples of work similar to my project?
How do you charge for your services?
What is included in your quoted price?
How many rounds of revisions are included in this price?
What is your average turnaround time?
How do you handle deadlines and urgent requests?
Will you conduct any research or interviews for this project?
How do you adapt your writing to match a brand’s voice?
Do you use any AI tools in your writing process, and if so, how?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.