There are so many questions surrounding the cost of copywriting, all of which can be frustrating to a business owner or marketing manager seeking to justify the expense. How much should they pay for copywriting? What’s the difference between a written query and a sales proposal? How much should they budget for press releases and web content? Is there any difference in the cost of an article based on where it appears in a publication?
The Answer: It Depends
The truth is that there is no “one answer” for these questions. Instead, each situation requires a separate analysis, which means that the cost of copywriting will vary based on the nature of the project and the size of the organization.
That being said, there are a few guidelines that can help you figure out how much copywriting will cost you. Consider the following questions:
Is the Copywriting Project Large Or Small?
The first question to ask yourself is, “Is this project going to be a large undertaking or a small one?” Let’s examine each case and see what kind of guidelines, if any, can help us determine how much it will cost.
Queries Vs. Proposals
A written query is the first step in the copywriting process. It is a general letter or an email in which you ask a business for a proposal or offer regarding their products or services. Queries are fairly straightforward and simple to write. However, they can take a lot of time to craft, especially if you are seeking to submit them to a publication that has a stringent editorial process.
A proposal, on the other hand, is a more formal letter or an email in which you introduce the business you are writing to and explain the purpose of your letter. A proposal is a little longer than a query and requires a bit more work to draft and polish. While a proposal will always include a cover letter, it can also include several other sections such as a summary of the business’s background, a description of the services they offer, pricing, etc.
What Type Of Copywriting Do You Need?
The next question you need to ask yourself is, “What type of copywriting do I need? A flashy pitch for a billboard or an article in a national magazine? A press release to put out a new product or service?”
Each of these questions requires a different approach, and none of them can be answered with a one-size-fits-all approach. You need to consider what type of results you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend to get those results.
How Many Words Should I Use?
The next question you need to ask yourself is, “How many words should I use? Twenty words or less. No more than thirty words. No less than twenty words. And what kind of words should I use?
You want to use as few words as possible. You want the writing to be concise and to the point. Avoid using long, complicated sentences and over-complicated words. Instead, choose simple, easy-to-understand words and phrases. You want your reader to easily understand what you’re trying to say and to engage with your content. Fewer words usually means fewer distractions and less chance of the reader falling asleep.
Consult with your local library if you’re seeking some help in the area of literary analysis. They can help you determine the right words and phrases to use based on whatever it is you’re trying to achieve with your writing.
How Much Are You Willing To Spend?
The last question you need to ask yourself is, “How much are you willing to spend? That is the million-dollar question, because it will determine how much you are likely to need in terms of budget. If you are seeking to write an article for a popular magazine, you will need a lot of funding to make this happen. If you are seeking to write a quick query to introduce yourself to a business owner, you may not need to spend as much money, but you’ll still need to ask for it.
The answer to this question can vary. You will need to consider how much you are willing to spend on research, writing, and editing the article or query. You will also need to take into account how much you are willing to spend on the publication itself. There is no set rule for this question. You need to set a budget and stick to it. If you exceed your budget, you can always ask for more money. However, that should be a last resort.
More Questions?
If you have additional questions regarding the cost of copywriting, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to talk through this issue with you and help you find the best possible solution for your specific needs.