Outsourced Copywriting: How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Copywriter?

How much does outsourced copywriting cost? Is it cheaper or more expensive than hiring in-house writers? Is your in-house writing team too busy to handle all the work? These are questions that brands evaluating the cost of outsourcing copywriting ask.

As you already know, great content is the most important part of good marketing. Because companies want to get people's attention and keep them interested, many hire outside writers to create their content.

However, dealing with outsourced copywriting service providers can be tricky, especially when you're figuring out how much to spend.

This article explains the costs of outsourcing copywriting services. It will help you plan your budget and choose the best option for your money.

Let's dive right deep in.

Factors That Determine The Cost Of Outsourcing Copywriting

Many factors affect the cost of website copywriting. Examining these factors will help you know what to pay for your outsourced copywriting project.

Copywriter's Experience & Skills

Experienced copywriters charge more, but for good reason. They deliver high-quality work faster, often with industry expertise. Newcomers offer lower rates but might need more guidance.

Project Size & Difficulty

Longer content generally costs more as it requires more time and effort. Complex topics or many pages cost more. On the other hand, a few sentence content, like product descriptions, is usually cheaper per word.

Research Requirements

More research costs more money. If the content requires interviews and sources or is a complex topic that takes time to understand, it will cost more. On the other hand, if it is a topic the writer already knows, the price can be lower.

Turnaround Time

If you bring rush jobs, be ready to pay more (up to 50%) due to overtime and scheduling disruptions. Jobs with flexible deadlines are cheaper and allow for better quality work (more research & editing time).

Content-Type

Creating different kinds of content takes different amounts of skill and time. For instance:

• Sales pages and long-form sales letters usually cost more because they're essential for turning viewers into buyers.
• Blog posts often cost less, especially when writing many articles over time.
• Writing technical content like white papers or case studies costs more.
• Writing SEO-optimized content might cost more because it needs expertise and extra work.

Industry & Target Market

Writing about highly technical fields like finance or medicine requires extra knowledge, so it's pricier. Also, business-to-business (B2B) can be more complex and needs industry know-how. This makes it more expensive than content for everyday people (B2C). Copywriting for educated or professional audiences costs more.

Revisions And Edits

• Multiple rounds of revisions can significantly increase the overall price of outsourced copywriting
• Additional revisions beyond the included amount cost more
• Extensive changes to the original brief mid-project may result in surcharges

Additional Services

Copywriters often charge extra for crafting search-engine-optimized content. This charge includes researching keywords and using them in the text. They may also bill separately for writing meta descriptions and title tags.

Also, other SEO tasks and content planning costs are extra. These tasks cover coming up with topic ideas or making content schedules.

Outsourced copywriters might charge more for:

• Formatting the text
• Uploading content to websites
• Adding links within the content
• Researching and finding images

Writer's Location And Cost Of Living

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Big-city copywriters charge more than those who live in small towns because of the higher cost of living. Foreign writers may charge less, but native English speakers often charge more for their language skills.

Client's Budget And Perceived Value

Clients will pay more for awesome content that helps their business grow. The better the content, the more they're willing to spend. You might even get a discount for regular work or big projects.

Pricing Models

There are different ways copywriters charge, and it affects the price you pay:

• Price by the word: Good for short, simple jobs where you know how many words you need. For example, a rate could range from $0.10 to $1.00 per word. That depends on the writer's experience, the complexity of the content, and the amount of research required.
• Price by the hour: Better for bigger jobs where the scope is unclear, or you need ongoing work. Prices depend on the writer's time (research, writing, etc.) and their experience/speed. Think of it as an all-inclusive hourly rate.
• Price by the project: Best for well-defined copywriting jobs with a fixed price. Project pricing is like a flat fee for the whole job, no matter how long it takes. This works well for bigger projects with a clear plan, like writing a whole website content, an ebook, or a bunch of blog posts all at once.

The bigger the job, the more it costs, no matter how the writer charges. But hey, if you need content regularly, a retainer can save you some cash.

Market Demand

Hot industries: If many businesses in a particular field need copywriting (like tech or healthcare), expect to pay more.

Busy seasons: Copywriters might charge more during peak times like the holidays when everyone's scrambling for copywriting.

Knowing these pricing factors helps businesses pick the right outsourced copywriter for their budget. But remember, cheap isn't always the best. Great copywriting can boost your online presence and make you more money, So find the right balance between cost and quality.

Outsourced Copywriting Average Costs And Rate Ranges By Service

Hiring a top outsourced copywriting agency is similar to purchasing a car. The cost varies based on your requirements. So, let's look at various types of content and how much they cost to make sure you're getting the most value for your money.

Top-notch copywriters are wordsmiths. They use their writing skills to attract, engage, and persuade your target audience to make your business grow. Here are sample charges for the different types of copywriting services they perform:

#1. Blog Posts

You can look at blog posts as mini-lessons on your website. They answer questions and attract ideal customers by showing your expertise. They also help search engines find you and send interested visitors your way.

Are you thinking of outsourcing your blog copywriting? Make sure you hire a writer who'll do the research, write well, and optimize the content for search engines. Cheap writers might not deliver content that helps your business or gets you seen online, so choose wisely.

What You Should Consider When Outsourcing A Blog Writer

Let's talk about blog writing prices - they're everywhere. You've got two main options. The first is hiring content mills that churn out tons of blog posts.

On the other hand, you can hire an outsourced high-conversion copywriting agency that handles everything from strategy, and defining blog topics, to blog post optimization.

When you're hiring a blog post writer, some factors affect how much you'll pay. Here are the big ones:

• New vs. pro writer: Beginners might cost less, but their work might need more tweaking. Experienced writers, like seasoned chefs, deliver top-notch content that barely needs edits. If your business needs complex, industry-specific content, a pro writer with relevant experience in your field could help you quickly achieve your goals.
• Writer's specialty: Some outsourced copywriters specialize in specific industries like healthcare, tech, etc., or types of content. They might charge more, but their deep knowledge leads to killer blog posts that hit the mark. For example, subject-matter-expert writers might cost more than a general writer, but their expertise could create way more effective content for your business.
• Need it yesterday? Rushing the job often costs more. But if you have more time, you might find a better deal.
• Deep research vs. skimming the surface: Blog posts needing tons of research (think interviews or technical content) will cost more than those that just share your thoughts or summarize what's already out there.

Typical Blog Post Copywriting Rates

Entry-Level Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.05 - $0.10

- Per hour: $30 - $50

- Project-based: $50 - $200 for a blog post

Mid-Level Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.10 - $0.25

- Per hour: $50 - $100

- Project-based: $200 - $500 for a blog post

Expert Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.25 - $1.00+

- Per hour: $100 - $250+

- Project-based: $500 - $3000+ for a blog post

#2. Website Content Copywriting

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Stuck with website writing? Outsourced professional copywriters can fix that. They're experts at crafting, and weaving words into website pages that grab attention and rank well in search engines.

They can create a homepage that attracts visitors from the moment they land. Need an About Us that tells your brand's story in a way that sticks? Done. How about Service pages that explain what you do and why it's awesome? They've got you covered.

By crafting website copy that speaks your brand's language and connects with the people you want to reach, you can supercharge your online presence and help your business grow like crazy.

What You Should Consider When Outsourcing A Web Content Writer

Okay, let's break down those website pages you need to be written. Home page, services page, about us... all super important. So, you're looking for a copywriter to write a compelling web copy, right? Here's what to keep in mind when outsourcing your web content copywriting:

• SEO skills: You might be thinking, "SEO writer? That sounds expensive." Well, it can be, but here's the deal: their words help grow your business. They write copy that search engines love. Which means more people find your website. This is a game-changer if you want new customers or readers to discover you online, all for free (thanks, search engines).
• Understanding of persuasive techniques: They use compelling techniques (like social proof, scarcity, and authority) to convince your target audience to do what you want on your website. This skill makes your copy more powerful, and that's why these superstar writers might charge a bit more.
• Experience and expertise: As you already know, not all copywriters are created equal. Look for someone who's been around the block, especially in your industry. Having a writer who aces website pages, especially homepages and core sections, means they know what works and can craft copy that gets results.
• Understanding of the target audience: You want to hire an outsourced copywriter who understands your target audience. Your writer should be able to talk directly to your audience, understand their pain points, and craft content that makes them say, "This is exactly what I need!" A good writer will do their research to speak the right language and solve your target audience's problems with their words.

Typical Web Content Copywriting Rates

Entry-Level Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.05 - $0.10

- Per hour: $30 - $50

- Project-based: $50 - $200 for web content

Mid-Level Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.10 - $0.25

- Per hour: $50 - $100

- Project-based: $200 - $500 for web content

Expert Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.25 - $1.00+

- Per hour: $100 - $250+

- Project-based: $500 - $3000+ for web content

#3. Long-Form Sales Copy

Long-form sales copy aims to persuade readers to buy a product or take a specific action. It usually features detailed product descriptions, white papers, and case studies.

By using this content, you can guide your customers closer to buying. Outsourcing your copywriting to a professional can help B2B companies turn potential customers into actual buyers.

What You Should Consider When Outsourcing Long-Form Sales Copy

Long-form sales copy aims to persuade readers to buy a product or take a specific action. It usually features detailed product descriptions, white papers, and case studies.

By using this content, you can guide your customers closer to buying. Outsourcing your copywriting to a professional can help B2B companies turn potential customers into actual buyers.

• Industry expertise: Not all sales copywriters are created equal! In this niche, industry knowledge is king. Imagine trying to sell coffee to someone who only knows tea. Yeah, not ideal. That's why you want a writer who speaks your product's language. For example, selling single-origin coffee? Find a writer who gets the world of beans! These specialists might cost more, but their deep dive into your field means way more persuasive copy (and more sales!) for you.
• Experience with long-form sales copy: You might be thinking, "Why are long-form copywriters so expensive?" Here's the deal: crafting those persuasive sales pages is a skill few have mastered. These wordsmiths are like website whisperers, weaving stories and details that turn readers into customers. They might cost more upfront, but their magic touch will have your sales soaring – making that investment a total no-brainer!
• Research skills: Great sales copy isn't magic, it's research. A good writer will dig deep into your product, audience, and even your competition. They become a detective of your business to craft super compelling content. This research might bump up their price tag, but it's worth every penny. You want copy that sells, and research is the secret weapon to make that happen.
• Knowledge of Conversion Rate Optimization: Want a sales page that's not just a great read, but a conversion machine? Look for a copywriter who speaks CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization). These experts know how to turn website visitors into paying customers. They might cost a bit more, but the extra cash will come back to you tenfold. They'll write content that gets results, making your investment worth it.

Typical Long-Form Sales Copy Rates

Entry-Level Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.05 - $0.10

- Per hour: $30 - $50

- Project-based: $50 - $200 for a sales copy

Mid-Level Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.10 - $0.25

- Per hour: $50 - $100

- Project-based: $200 - $500 for a sales copy

Expert Copywriters:

- Per word: $0.25 - $1.00+

- Per hour: $100 - $250+

- Project-based: $500 - $3000+ for a sales copy

#4. Landing Page Copy

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Landing pages are sales super tools. They're laser-focused web pages that turn visitors into fans (think email signups, product purchases, or booking consultations).

Packed with persuasive words and a clear call to action, they guide visitors toward that sweet, sweet conversion.

Need to boost your website or fuel your Google/Facebook Ads campaigns? Hiring a landing page copywriter is your secret weapon. They'll craft words that convert, making those clicks rain down like cash.

What You Should Consider When Outsourcing A Landing Page Copy

Landing pages aren't just any web page. These conversion machines need a dream team: a designer for the look, a developer to build it, and a copywriter to craft words that hook visitors (think email signups, product purchases, etc.).

When hiring a landing page copywriter, here's what to consider: their rates might vary, but a great writer is worth the investment. Their carefully chosen words will turn clicks into conversions, making your landing page a lead-generating machine.

• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) experience: Landing page copywriters are conversion experts. They craft words that convince visitors to take action, whether it's grabbing a free download or swiping their credit card. Here's why the CRO experience matters: these writers know how to structure your page and use crafty tricks (like irresistible offers and social proof) to nudge visitors towards that sweet "sign up now" button. They'll build trust and skyrocket conversions.
• Portfolio and writing style: Need a writer who can spin words like gold? Check their portfolio. It'll show you their style and writing chops. Look for content with killer headlines, persuasive body copy, and clear calls to action. For example, selling fancy jewelry? Find a writer who crafts elegant words that match your brand's tone.
• SEO knowledge: Landing pages need an SEO strategy to rank high in search results. In other words, more visitors for you. Look for a copywriter who sprinkles in relevant keywords (naturally, not forced), optimizes those hidden page tags, and crafts SEO-friendly URLs. This way, search engines love your page and send more traffic to your website.
• Communication and collaboration: Finding the right freelance writer is like finding a great teammate. Great communication is key. They should be open to your feedback and willing to tweak things until they're perfect. Bonus points if they work well with your designers and marketers. For instance, your writer should chat with the design team for all your campaigns. Good communication will help your team craft words and design visuals that tell the same story.

Typical Landing Pages Rates

Low-cost services: Inexperienced copywriters will charge $75-$150 per page or $.50 per word. Might require more edits on your end.

Mid-range services: The midrange costs are $150-$500 per page or $0.50-$0.80 per word These copywriters are often more experienced and can deliver a higher quality of work. They might also have some specialization in your industry or type of project.

High-cost services: For the top expert be ready to spend $500+ per page or $0.80+ per word.

#5. Lead Generation Content

Lead generation content is like the first impression on a date - gotta be good. It is high-quality text, images, or short video content that addresses the pain points of your target audience and interests and turns browsers into buyers. This kind of content focuses on the early stages when people just start learning about what you offer.

It typically includes downloadable guides, ebooks, white papers, case studies, and other content that capture the interest of your site visitors and persuade them to give you their email addresses in return for the desired content.

What You Should Consider When Outsourcing A Lead Generation Content

Downloadable lead magnets like ebooks, checklists, and cheat sheets are gold. However, they take work to create. That's why picking the right copywriter is key. Here's what to consider:

• Experience with long-form content: Ebooks and downloadable guides are comprehensive long-form content. To write them well, you need a writer who aces long-form content. These experts know how to structure content well to keep readers hooked, jam-pack them with valuable info, and sprinkle in calls to action at the perfect moments.
• SEO skills: Downloadable lead magnets should be search engine optimized. That means you need a writer who can research hot keywords, use them naturally, and follow all those SEO best practices to get your content ranking high in search results. That way, more people find your freebie through search engines.
• Design collaboration: Ebooks and guides need design and copywriting collaboration. That's why a copywriter who can chat with designers or even whip up some layouts themselves is a real asset. Imagine someone who can brainstorm killer infographics with a designer, or use design software to create impactful layouts. Now that's a skill set that gets results.
• Ability to write persuasively: Lead generation content is all about convincing readers to take action, like handing over their email for a download. To do that, your outsourced copywriter has to be a master wordsmith. That's where persuasive writing comes in. It's the secret sauce that gets people to say "yes!"

Typical Lead Generation Rates

Starting out? This is for you! Basic content (think how-to guides or templates) starts at $25-$50.

Proficient ($50 – $200) More comprehensive content, such as a detailed how-to guide or ebook with visuals. This is a good option for businesses that are looking for high-quality content that will help them convert more leads.

Expert ($200 – $1,000+) The highest level of content, such as a custom-designed how-to guide or ebook with visuals and ongoing support. This is a good option for businesses that are looking for the best possible results from their marketing campaigns.

White Papers Papers $3,000 – $8,000 (can go up to low five figures for highly in-demand writers)

White papers are in-depth information on technical topics, convincing readers in the decision-making process. Prices vary depending on how complex and well-researched they are. New writers might charge less, like $1,200 for their first one.

Case Studies $800 – $1,800

Conclusion

Outsourcing copywriting? Plan your budget right. Think about different pricing styles and any surprise costs. Knowing what to expect helps you get the most out of your content plan.

Great copy isn't a cost, it's an investment. Think of it as building your brand's voice, getting seen online, and making more money. Budget smart, hire smart and watch awesome copywriting skyrocket your business.

Ready for awesome website copy? We turn your vision into words that grab readers and get results. Contact us today to boost your online presence - let's write your success story together.

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