Uncover Your True Value as a Writer
So, how can you — new to freelance writing — stop viewing yourself as a cheap commodity and avoid letting the market dictate your ongoing rate?
It’s by knowing your true value as a writer.
And you do that by charging for your value, instead of the service we provide.
So, how exactly can a writer show prospects their true value?
Because if you don’t already know, your writing is only one part to the equation of landing a client.
1. Focus on the End Result
When I begin freelance writing, I started using a per word rate. Then I moved on to a flat rate.
I’ve stuck with a flat rate ever since because it just makes sense to me.
I can earn more money if I quote a flat rate. For example, if a client agrees on $400 for a 1,000 word article, I can write it up well within an hour.
For other pieces, it might take me longer, but I’m averaging around $200 an hour.
And clients agree to my rate because of showing them the end result. You can do this by:
· Providing relevant samples in the prospects’ niche
· Providing proof that your writing generates traffic, engagement, social shares etc..
· Having testimonials that prove your writing is superior
2. Create a List of Deliverables
High-paying clients don’t just want a completed article. They are willing to pay your rate based on the value you provide.
Some deliverables I include in my price are:
· Uploading to their Wordpress site
· Conversational copywriting
· Social promotion on my social media channels
· Comment monitoring
· Sourcing Creative Commons licensed images
· Revisions
· Proper format for online viewing
To uncover your value as a writer, you need to see what else you can provide to the client to justify your rate.
Your writing alone won’t sell a prospect on paying hundreds of dollars for it. It’s the overall package you provide that will seal the deal in prospects’ eyes.
3. Attach a Timeframe
I have my clients either on a weekly time frame or a monthly time frame.
This gives me creative control and I don’t have to stress about turning in sub par work because the client needs my work yesterday.
I tell prospects my timeline and make sure to let them know I may need to adjust that if I need more time.
By simply telling the prospect rather than asking, certifies that you are in control, creating a perception — in the prospects mind — that you are a professional (and professionals charge premium rates).
So, now that you are using value to base your rate and overall prices for your content, let’s look at your true value as an online writer.
What Online Clients Want From Hiring a Writer
To understand your value you need to know the end goal for your clients when they take on your writing services.
What are they trying to achieve when they hire a freelance writer?
While each business has a different use for writers, I found the main reasons are to save them time and make them more conversions.
It’s that simple.
If you can make your client more money or save them time (so they can focus on making more money), they will keep you on.
And that’s why it’s important to attach deliverables to your writing services. Show clients they NEED you on their team.
Be the problem solver.
Offer help in other areas of their business (social media marketing, blog management, email marketing) and carve a spot on their team making sure they know you are pivotal to their success.
Expand Your Offer
If you’re new to freelance writing you may not have realized that clients want more than just your piece of content.
One thing is clear when you work online — content marketing is a big driver for sales and freelance writers supply a lot of that content.
So, rather than compete with all those other freelance writers for the gig, instead focus on what you can bring to the table.
What deliverables can you provide to a client as a way to show your value and to stand out from the crowd?
