Web Writing Info

I know I’m going to ruffle some feathers with this one but I feel like it has to be said. I see a lot of badmouthing $5 article writers and it’s definitely understandable. I get annoyed when someone inquires about my services and then disappears when I mention price. It’s frustrating to bid on projects and get passed by because I charge what I feel is a reasonable rate (which is why I don’t spend much time bidding anymore).

But I always temper my frustration with the fact that I started out at $5 an article too. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has. There will always be people willing to work at this rate because there will always be new web content writers. Getting your foot in the door or building your confidence is worth making less money at first for some. It was for me! Even though I had lots of writing experience I had no clips to speak of online. I quickly bumped up my rates but those first few $5 article jobs gave me enough to work with for lots of future (better paying) jobs.

If you’re brand new to writing for the web and are learning the ropes, you may have trouble charging $20 an article or even $10. And I contend that you shouldn’t. If your work isn’t worth $10 an article, you shouldn’t be charging that. Build up to it. Increase your skills and then raise your rates.

If you aren’t secure in your own work to command a higher rate, it will show in the process of finding clients. You’ll give away clues that you’re not worth it or stress yourself out because of the pressure of charging more than your worth. Start with what you’re comfortable with. Pretty soon you’ll know that $5 isn’t worth it and you’re worth more. But you have to grow into that.

As for me, I’m not worried about competing with people on price and higher (decently) priced writers shouldn’t be either. Find your niche and market yourself effectively. Compete on other levels - your kick-ass turn around time, your breadth of knowledge, your personal life experience that makes your articles that much more interesting, etc.

Not everyone has to start out at the bottom of the curve….but if you do, don’t worry about it! Just improve your skills, build some confidence and set the bar higher for yourself. Pushing yourself to meet other people’s standards is no way to live..or to write!

(This post inspired by Dana Prince)