When starting out as a freelance writer, one of the most difficult decisions you’ll face is how much to charge for your services. Set your prices too high, and you may scare away potential clients. Set them too low, and you risk underestimating your worth—and burning out.
A well-structured pricing table helps you communicate your services clearly, build trust, and attract the right clients. In this article, you’ll learn how to create a strategic pricing table that reflects your value and helps grow your writing business.
Why You Need a Pricing Table
A pricing table is more than a list of numbers. It’s a presentation of your offerings and a positioning tool. It shows clients that you’re organized, professional, and transparent.
A good pricing table also:
- Saves time by reducing back-and-forth negotiation
- Helps clients choose the package that suits their needs
- Prevents misunderstandings about scope and expectations
Let’s break down how to create one that works for your goals and audience.
Step 1: Understand the Value of Your Work
Before you assign a price to anything, you need to understand what your writing is worth.
Ask yourself:
- How much experience do I have?
- What niche or industries do I specialize in?
- What kind of results have I delivered for clients?
- How much time does each task take me?
Your pricing should reflect not just word count, but also research, revisions, SEO optimization, formatting, and turnaround time. Writing is more than typing—remember to charge for the total value you deliver.
Step 2: Research the Market
Do a quick audit of your competitors. Check:
- Freelance platforms (like Upwork or Fiverr)
- Writing agencies
- Other freelance writers’ websites
Look for people at a similar skill and experience level, and see what they charge. This will help you avoid being too far above or below the market rate.
That said, don’t copy others blindly. Your pricing should also reflect your unique value.
Step 3: Decide on a Pricing Structure
There are three main ways writers charge for their work:
1. Per Word
Ideal for blog posts and content writing. For beginners, this might range from $0.03 to $0.10 USD per word. As you gain experience, it can go much higher.
2. Per Hour
Good for clients who need various tasks (emails, editing, research). Rates often range between $15 to $60/hour, depending on experience and niche.
3. Per Project
Best for packaged services (e.g., “3 blog posts per week” or “full website content”). This gives clients clarity and helps you avoid tracking word counts or hours.
You can offer a mix of these options depending on the service.
Step 4: Create Tiered Packages
A smart way to present your pricing is to offer three tiers—Basic, Standard, and Premium. This helps clients choose based on their needs and budget.
Example for Blog Writing:
| Package | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 500-word blog post, 1 revision, no SEO | $50 |
| Standard | 800-word blog post, 2 revisions, basic SEO | $80 |
| Premium | 1200-word blog post, 3 revisions, full SEO + meta data | $120 |
Tiered pricing appeals to different types of clients and encourages upsells.
Step 5: Define What’s Included
Be clear about what each price includes. Consider listing:
- Word count
- Number of revisions
- Turnaround time
- SEO services (yes or no?)
- Formatting
- Research time
This reduces confusion and sets clear boundaries for both you and the client.
Step 6: Include Add-Ons or Extras
Some clients may want additional services. Offer them as paid add-ons:
- Rush delivery: +$25
- Extra revision: +$10
- SEO keyword research: +$20
- Uploading to WordPress: +$15
This helps you earn more without overcomplicating your core packages.
Step 7: Design a Simple, Clear Layout
Your pricing table should be easy to read and professional-looking. Tools like Canva, Notion, or even Google Docs can help you format it beautifully.
Keep in mind:
- Use consistent fonts and colors
- Highlight your most popular package
- Avoid clutter or too many options
A visual, well-structured table builds trust.
Step 8: Adapt Based on the Client
Not every client will fit your table perfectly. Use your pricing table as a starting point, not a rigid rule. If a project is larger, more complex, or long-term, you can customize a quote based on their needs.
Always communicate clearly and put agreements in writing.
Step 9: Review and Adjust Regularly
As your skills grow, your rates should too. Review your pricing every 3–6 months. Look at:
- Client feedback
- Demand for your services
- Income goals
- Workload and time invested
Raising your prices as you gain experience is natural and necessary to grow sustainably.
Step 10: Add Your Table to Your Portfolio or Website
Once your pricing table is ready, don’t hide it—make it visible on your site or portfolio. You can include it on:
- A “Services” page
- A downloadable PDF
- Your LinkedIn profile (as a media attachment)
Clients love transparency. It saves both parties time and sets expectations.
Final Takeaway: Your Rates Reflect Your Confidence
Setting your writing prices can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting. But remember—your rates send a message about your professionalism and confidence.
A well-crafted pricing table shows that you’re not just a hobbyist, but a skilled service provider ready to deliver real value.
Don’t be afraid to charge what your work is worth. The right clients will respect it—and pay for it.