Freelance Writing Rates: How much should freelance writers charge?

When I first started freelance writing, I scoured all the popular copywriting blogs and books to answer my three most pressing questions:

• How much should I charge for my services?

• How much do other freelance writers charge and what is their project rate?

• Am I charging low rates?

While there were some available resources, they weren’t comprehensive or had such wide ranges that the information wasn’t helpful.

My goal in conducting this survey was to reach out to a network of successful freelance writers to get detailed insights and numbers on:

• How people price their writing jobs (e.g., per project, per word, per hour)

• What criteria freelancers use to set rates and charge higher rates

• How much freelance content writers charge for different types of content

With the help of this data, I put together the following report so that other freelance writers and beginners can benchmark their rates against experienced writers.

As you read this study, keep in mind these findings aren’t hard and fast rules, and you’ll still find a lot of variation. However, these results will provide insight into where your prices fall in relation to other freelancers, and whether you need to ask your clients for more money (you do).

Participants

Here is a quick overview of how I determined my target sample size, how I found participants, and basic respondent demographics.

Target Sample Size

There are 57 million freelancers in the United States, according to recent research by Upwork. 

When assuming 57 million serious freelancers, a 90% confidence interval, and a 5% margin of error, the suggested sample size was 268 participants.

The response to this survey was far more robust, with a total of 344 study participants.

Participant Selection

My goal was to capture responses from serious and high-quality freelance copywriters. As such, I worked hard to qualify potential participants before asking them to participate in the survey.

I first started by reaching out to my current professional network of freelance writers and SEO writers.

Next, I scoured LinkedIn and Twitter to find active, high-quality, career freelance writers and asked these professionals to participate.

About The Study Participants

I wanted to learn how much per word, per hour, or per project freelancers charged for projects or if they charged a flat rate (or flat fee) for content writing. I also wanted to understand if there were any relationships between how and how much people charged based on various demographics, types of writing, and professional factors.

Before delving too deep into the results of this freelance writer rates report, here is a look into the participant demographics and information about their professional experience.

What is your gender?

Out of the 344 study participants, 67% were female, 31% were male, and 1% preferred not to identify.

Which range best represents your age?

The most popular age range for freelance writers in this study was 26-35, representing nearly 40% of the participants. 

The second-largest age range demographic was 35-44 (24%). The third was freelancers over 45 (23%), and the least prevalent age range was 18-25 (10%). 

Only 1% of the respondents preferred not to disclose their age.

What is your highest level of education?

The majority of the respondents had some form of college education (91%), including a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctorate. Only 6% of respondents had only a high school diploma, and 1% preferred not to say.

The most popular highest form of educational degree for freelance writers was a bachelor’s degree (69%), followed by a master’s degree (20%), and, finally, a doctorate (1%).

How many years of professional writing experience do you have?

Most survey respondents had over 8 years of professional writing experience, representing 46% of the participants, 22% had 5-8 years of experience, 17% had 3-5 years, and 14% were newbies and had 1-3 years of professional writing experience.

What type of content do you produce (select all that apply)?

Not only did I want to know how much experience freelance writers had, but I was also interested in learning the type of content these writers typically produce.

Respondents were encouraged to select as many content types as applied to their freelance writing services. 

The top three most popular content types were website copy (81%), blog posts (80%), and landing pages (63%).

What is/are your niche(s)?

I also asked respondents to indicate their freelance writing niche between twelve popular niches. The most popular niche was marketing/advertising (59%), followed by health and wellness (31%), and entertainment/lifestyle (30%). 

This information was imperative to help me cross-analyze per project, per word, and per hour data.

General Results

Part of learning how much freelance writers charge includes learning how freelance writers price their projects, and what criteria they use to price projects.

To get accurate answers to these questions, I captured both quantitative and qualitative data. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting data points.

1. Most freelance writers (40%) price per project

The most popular way freelance writers price their work is per project. Forty percent of participants indicated they price work on a per-project basis. Considering website copy was the most popular type of content, this isn’t surprising.  

2. Only 18% of freelancers price per word

The data also showed the least popular way to price work was per word (18%), even less popular than hourly pricing (38%). This did surprise me, considering the second most popular type of content was blog content, which seems to be the easiest type of content to price per word.

3.  Most freelance writers work 21-30 hours a week

The distribution between how many hours a week freelance writers work was relatively equal. However, 21-30 hours came out on top, representing 31% of the respondents.

4. 66% of freelancers find new work via client referrals, 57% through referrals from their freelance colleagues, and 46% through networking sites

Sixty-six percent of freelance writers said they find clients through client referrals. The second most popular way to find clients is through referrals from freelance colleagues (57%), and the third most popular method is via professional networking sites (46%).

The power of a freelance writer’s network can not be understated, as the qualitative data in this study showed. Here is some advice about building a network from top-earning freelance writers in this study:

• “Former bosses and coworkers have been my #1 source of future clients. If possible, work full time before freelancing so you can begin building a solid network.”

• “Connect with other freelancers who do what you do or serve similar clients differently (e.g., a designer, business coach, etc.). Get to know them on a personal level and look for ways to support them genuinely. Often, referrals will grow organically from there.”

• “Network like crazy and cultivate good relationships with clients once you are working on a project. You never know where it might lead. Look for interesting opportunities that will help you produce strong work samples.”

5. The majority of freelance writers (63%) juggle between 1-3 clients at the same time

Sixty-three percent of freelance writers have anywhere between 1-3 clients at the same time. This is an important number to know when pricing freelance writing projects. 

When you know how many clients you can expect on average, and how many hours you plan to work, you can determine how much you will need to make from each client to support your new flexible lifestyle. Knowing these numbers will also help you understand what type of clients to pursue.

6. The majority of freelance writers (58%) juggle between 1-3 projects at a time

Fifty-eight percent of freelance writers work on 1-3 projects at the same time. How many projects you can handle at a time is another critical metric.

Knowing how many clients you have, how many hours you want to work, and how many projects you can handle will help guide your prices.

Now that we’ve talked about some of the most interesting data points from the study, let’s get into the nitty and gritty of the study: how much people charge per project, per hour, and per word.

Per Project Results

Overall, the most popular way for all freelance writers to charge was per project (40%). Per hour was the second most popular method for freelance writers to charge clients (38%), and per word was the least popular way to charge clients (18%).

How do freelance writers price projects?

It’s also interesting to note that per project was the most popular way for high-earning freelance writers with 8+ years of experience to price their work.

Type of pricing for freelance writers with 8+ years of experience

Pricing Per Project Overview

Since freelance writing projects vary drastically depending on different variables, I opted to capture and code qualitative data, instead of creating a complicated and potentially misguided questionnaire.

A qualitative approach helped me eliminate my personal research biases, keep the questionnaire shorter for higher completion rates, and tailor my analysis based on natural responses.

Naturally, there are limitations to a qualitative question on a survey, including:

• It’s time-consuming

• It can be difficult to verify results

• Two qualitative questions don’t elicit as in-depth and thoughtful of a response as an interview would

Despite these limitations, I was able to capture, code, and quantify insightful and helpful data on the following:

• Criteria for pricing per project

• Average price per project by content type

• The median price per project by content type

Let’s take a closer look. Drum roll, please…

What Are the Criteria for Pricing Per Project?

Out of the 40% of respondents that price per project, the majority offered robust details on the criteria they used to determine their rates.

I used frequency analysis to determine what factors people consider when pricing their projects. I also used a weighted scale to show the most frequently used criteria to the least. Here is what I found.

What are the most popular criteria to consider when pricing per project?

The top 5 criteria freelance writers use to determine per project prices are:

• Hours required to complete the project

• Research involved

• Total word count

• Scope or scale of the project

• The complexity of the product

If you are new to freelance writing or are considering switching to a per-project pricing model, consider these factors when putting together your proposals.

How Much Do Freelance Writers Charge Per Project?

Freelance writers offered specific monetary numbers on the following types of content:

• Landing pages

• Blog posts

• Website copy

• Email sequences

• White papers/Guides/eBooks

• Case studies

• Ads

• Sales letters

There wasn’t enough qualitative data to show statistical significance for different groups (e.g., gender, niche, experience, etc.), so the following averages represent the data provided by all writers in the study.

Since blog post data was robust and because blog posts vary significantly in scope and word-length, I divided the blog post pricing data into three categories: low price, average price, and a higher price.

I also eliminated any ridiculous outliers. For example, if someone said they charged $25 for a blog post, the data point went out the window.

Here are the average price and median price points for people charging per project.

Average and median rates for per project

Per Hour Results

The second most popular way freelance writers priced their projects was per hour. Nearly 39% of the respondents said they priced their projects by the hour.

Percentage of freelancers that price per hour

Let’s take a closer look at how much freelance writers charge per hour and other interesting data points.

What do freelance writers charge per hour?

The data showed a wide variation in how much freelance writers charge per hour, but here are some of the most notable data points.

1. The largest group of freelance writers that charge per hour charge over $100 per hour.

While the freelance writers that charge per hour, charge different rates, there is good news. The most popular hourly rate for freelance writers was over $100.

How much do you charge per hour?

2. Over 60% of freelance writers charge over $50 per hour.

It’s also worthy to note that slightly over 60% of all freelance writers that charge per hour are charging at least $50 per hour.

Percentage of freelance writers that charge at least $50/hour

3. More experienced freelance writers are charging higher hourly rates.

The data showed that most freelance writers with over 8 years of experience are charging over $100 per hour, which is much more than people with less experience are charging.

How much freelance writers charge per hour by experience level

4. Older freelance writers charge more per hour

No writers between the ages of 18-25 reported that they were charging over $91 an hour, and no writers above the age of 45 were charging less than $30 per hour.

How much freelance writers charge per hour by age

5. Freelance writers with a bachelor’s degree are charging more per hour than those with a high school diploma

The majority of participants in this study (69%) reported that a bachelor’s degree was the highest educational degree attained. Twenty percent said they earned a master’s degree, 6% a high school diploma, and 1% a doctorate.

What is your highest level of education?

The data showed that the largest group of freelance writers with a bachelor’s degree are charging over $100 per hour. 

How much freelance writers charge per hour by education

The data is a bit slim to be truly representative of how much freelance with a high school diploma and a doctorate are charging. 

However, this study shows those with a high school diploma are charging a max of $60 an hour, and freelance writers with a doctorate are charging no more than $80 an hour. Again, these particular data points are slim, so take them with a grain of salt.

Per Word Results

The least popular way for freelance writers to price their projects was per word, with only 18% of the respondents reporting they charge per word.

Percentage of freelance writers that price per word

Let’s take a closer look at how much freelance writers charge per word and other interesting data points.

1. The majority of freelance writers are only charging up to .35 cents per word and 49% are only charging up to .25 per word

Most participants (49%) that charge per word are only charging up to .25 per word, and the majority (over 69%) are only charging up to .35 per word.

How much do you charge per word?

This was surprising considering how much more freelance writers that price per project and per hour are charging.

2. Freelance writers with more experience are charging over $1 per word

While freelance writers, overall, are charging less per word, the data shows that freelance writers with more experience are charging much more per word than those with less experience.

How much freelance writers charge per word by experience level

In fact, the trend in the data shows the per word price progression. Typically, the more experience a freelance writer has, the more they are charging per word.

One freelance writer involved in the study offered helpful insight into how freelance writers can progressively increase their rates as they get more clients.

This writer said, "price based on your demand and experience, and increase your rates by 10% for every three inquiries."

If you plan to price per word, this is a smart strategy for increasing your rates as you gain more experience.

3. 97% of freelance writers that charge per word write blog posts (but not exclusively)

The data also showed that 97% of freelance writers that charge per word write blog posts (but not exclusively). Three percent indicated they wrote “other” content that wasn’t either blog posts, landing pages, ebooks, case studies, email sequences, ads, sales collateral, etc.

Out of all the various content types, charging per word for blog posts makes the most sense. However, many freelance writers that write blog posts mentioned they charge per project and use a word count range instead.

For example, one freelance writer explains blog post pricing as follows. “I use word count ranges, so a 1,000-word post might cost $750, which bumps up to $1000 for a 1250 word post. I charge extra for meetings over 30 minutes a month, and source interviews ($100 a piece).”

Another freelance writer uses a calculator to price projects and typically uses the following range for blog posts:

• 1000-1500 words: USD 600

• 1500-2000 words: USD 700

• 2000-2500 words: USD 800

• 2500-3000 words: USD 900

These ranges aren’t how you have to price your projects, but they are good examples of how a word range model works. If you currently price your blog posts per word, consider looking into pricing blog posts with a range.

Advice from Professional Freelance Writers

As part of the study, I also wanted to include expert recommendations. I received numerous excellent responses, but here are the most exciting and helpful responses from your fellow writers.

I divided the advice up into the following categories:

• Portfolio advice

• Networking advice

• Rates advice

• Pitching advice

Portfolio Advice

“Create a clean, polished portfolio with writing examples. Even if you haven't been published or hired before, create a robust portfolio that shows off your writing chops.”

“Have zero tolerance for typos on your portfolio website, LinkedIn profile, and introduction message to potential clients! Everyone makes mistakes, but not you. You can make mistakes on projects, and your clients will forgive you if you've done the groundwork of making a perfect first impression.”

“I would recommend having a website. A website helps you build credibility and show off your copywriting skills.”

Networking Advice

“I wouldn't recommend people start by freelancing. You gain valuable experience working for companies and can build a side gig with freelancing during that time. A company also gives you insider info, builds your network, and allows you to understand how organizations work internally. All of that knowledge is incredibly helpful for your own freelance business, but also in working with and managing clients in the future. Don't start out freelancing. Start out working in an organization, build empathy for those employees, understand exactly what it is they need and why, and then hit those goals without them asking every single time. When you make your client's life easier, you have a client for life.”

“Diversify your reach. Network on social media and in person. Reach out to acquaintances and let them know what you are doing and see if they know somebody looking.”

“As a writer, anyone can be your new client. Connections can happen in unexpected places. Stay open.”

“Network like crazy and cultivate good relationships with clients once you are working on a project. You never know where it might lead! Look for interesting opportunities that will help you produce strong work samples.”

“Have a vibrant LinkedIn profile with a professional photo. Make at least 20 contacts per day. Post at least five days per week: original articles weekly; post relevant memes; curate and comment on others' articles. Respond to others' posts and articles like crazy. Let people know you're a writer! Have an active presence on Facebook and Instagram. Most of all, though, be professional!”

“If you're looking to freelance in advertising, reach out to creative directors and creative recruiters. Depending on your relationship with them, either outright selling your services to them or a softer approach is ideal.”

“Join a local organization so you can meet people like yourself—and people who work in your industry but not your specific field. The whole of my freelance work comes from referrals from others in my industry—designers, filmmakers, etc.”

“Word of mouth is everything. Keep in touch with old coworkers—not just about work—you'll be top of mind when a project comes up. Never burn bridges. Also, help other people out when you can, not expecting anything in return. It will come back to you.”

Rates Advice

“Don't be afraid to charge the industry standard. When you undercut yourself, you also make it difficult for others to charge reasonable rates. Understand the industry standard and develop your rates from there. When you land on a number you're comfortable with (and you've bounced it off a few people), don't be afraid to say it with your chest.”

“As you learn and get better, raise your rate to reflect this. Don't be stuck taking any project and charging bargain rates. Know that you are worth something and charge for it.”

“Avoid doing free samples. Also, encourage previous clients to share their testimonial/feedback because this could go a long way in winning you more clients.”

“Don't ever offer to do a project for free. It can be a major turn-off when pitching to clients. *Free* often reads: ‘I’m new and don't know what I'm doing’ or ‘I’m going to be a time suck because I'll need a ton of hand-holding.’ It also undervalues your worth. Good copywriting isn't just a skill—it's a talent, an art form, and even a science. Any client that doesn't realize that isn't worth your time.”

“Don't be afraid to charge what you are worth from the very beginning. A lot of new work comes from referrals, and if you undercharge, you may get stuck with a rate that is not sustainable. Don't be afraid to charge what you deserve.”

“Find out what others are charging. Charge 10% more. It's scary, but you'll gain confidence once clients start paying you what you ask.”

“Avoid content mills.”

Pitching Advice

“Consistency is key. Make sure that you send out 20-30 cold pitches a day to keep the pipeline filled.”

“Be persistent. Put out a ton of feelers and don't get hung up on anyone lead, just keep pitching and approaching more potential clients.”

“Be specific. It's much easier to sell blog posts than to sell ‘I’ll write whatever you need.’ Be unconventional on your job searching. Reach out to recruiters directly.”

“If you think you're sending enough cold pitches/LOIs/etc., You're definitely not! Send as many as you possibly can, and then send some more. It's one of the best ways to find new clients, especially if you don't have a network that can refer you out yet.”

“Make your pitch about them, not about you. People care less about who you are and what your experience is and how you can help them. Also, be willing to do a little work upfront pro bono if it will help you land a paying gig.”

“As long as your pitch is well researched and addresses a real need - you'll come across looking like a badass, action-taking, freelancer who isn't afraid to go after what she wants.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Conclusion: How much should freelance writers charge?

Well, it took a lot of time to put together this report, and I got temporarily banned on LinkedIn from sending any more connections. But it was worth it!

The most interesting and shocking findings to me include:

• How many freelance writers are charging per hour as opposed to per project

• How low most per-word rates are (boost those prices, peeps)

• How high hourly rates are (good work)

• How “hours spent” on a project is the most important criteria for those charging per project

• How the majority of new clients come from referrals.

I hope this report provided some valuable insight to help you benchmark your rates.

For more information on how to start a freelance writing business, please visit the products page. 

For freelance tips and jobs, subscribe to the newsletter.

Top 9 Best Accounting Software for Freelance Writers

It's that time of year again, folks. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and freelancers everywhere are panicking because tax season is right around the corner. 

You can hear the sound of keyboards clacking as they scramble to get their finances in order, all while trying not to have a nervous breakdown. 

If you're one of these freelancers who's feeling the tax-time crunch, fear not! I’ve got you covered. 

This article is going to help you find the best accounting software out there so you can breeze through tax season and bookkeeping with ease. So sit back, relax, and let's get those finances in order (before the IRS comes knocking).

Overview of the Top 9 accounting software programs for freelancers

1. QuickBooks Self-Employed. Great option for freelance writers needing advanced accounting solution for 15 per month.

2. FreshBooks. Paid accounting software offering time tracking, invoicing, project management for $15 per month.

3. Wave. Free accounting software with easy-to-use, basic features.

4. Xero. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, project management for $20 per month.

5. Zoho Books. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, project management for $9 per month.

6. Sage Business Cloud Accounting. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, project management for $10 per month.

7. ZipBooks. Free accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking.

8. GnuCash. Free and open-source accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, budgeting.

9. FreeAgent. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation for $12 per month.

A closer look at the top 10 freelance accounting software programs for your freelance business

1. QuickBooks Self-Employed

QuickBooks Self-Employed is a popular accounting software that provides freelancers with a comprehensive solution to manage their finances. It is designed to be easy to use with its great functionality and user-friendly interface that simplifies the accounting process.

Here are some of the main benefits of QuickBooks:

• Tracks expenses and sales tax

• Allows users to upload receipts and invoices

• Users can categorize expenses to simplify tax preparation

• Offers invoicing capabilities for creating and sending invoices to clients

• Provides tax preparation services

• Helps track expenses and income throughout the year

• Saves time and effort during tax season

QuickBooks Self-Employed is an ideal solution for freelancers because it offers a range of features tailored to their needs. Freelancers can track their time, mileage, and expenses with ease.QuickBooks Self-Employed is also designed to be intuitive and easy 

The cost of QuickBooks Self-Employed is $15 per month. Additionally, QuickBooks Self-Employed offers a free trial, which allows users to test the software before committing to a subscription. Overall, QuickBooks Self-Employed is a great option for freelancers looking for an easy-to-use accounting solution. You can also access QuickBooks online.

2. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a paid accounting software that offers time tracking, invoicing, and project management features for business owners. The software is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for freelancers to manage their finances

Features and benefits of FreshBooks:

• Offers time tracking

• Help with Quarterly taxes

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers project management features

• Includes accounting reports to track finances

• Integrates with various payment processors

• Offers a mobile app for easy access

• Payment reminders

• Customer support

FreshBooks is a good accounting software for freelancers because it offers time tracking, invoicing, and project management features specifically designed to meet the needs of freelancers. It allows users to create and send professional-looking invoices, track their time, and manage their projects, all in one place.

FreshBooks is a bookkeeping software that offers three pricing plans: Lite, Plus, and Premium. The Lite plan starts at $15 per month, the Plus plan starts at $25 per month, and the Premium plan starts at $50 per month. Prices may vary depending on the number of clients and features needed.

3. Wave

Wave is a free accounting software that is great for freelancers who are just starting out and need a basic accounting solution. The software is touted for its ease of use, and the free version offers most of the features that a freelancer needs, such as invoicing, receipt scanning, and financial reporting. Wave also offers paid add-ons for payroll and credit card processing for those who need more advanced features.

Wave features:

• Offers basic accounting features

• Includes invoicing capabilities

• Invoicing software

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers receipt scanning

• Ability to take online payments

• Integrates with PayPal and Etsy

• Provides reports on profit and loss

One of the reasons Wave is a good choice for freelancers is its simplicity. The software is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a great option for those who are not tech-savvy. Wave also offers a mobile app, which is convenient for freelancers who need to manage their finances on the go.

The best part about Wave is that it has a great free plan. There are no monthly fees, no hidden costs, and no limits on the number of transactions you can make. The paid add-ons for payroll and credit card processing are also reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for freelancers who need more advanced features.

4. Xero

Xero is a paid accounting software that is ideal for freelancers who need a more advanced accounting solution. The software offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. Xero also offers a mobile app, which is convenient for freelancers who need to manage their finances on the go.

Xero features: 

• Offers invoicing capabilities

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers project management features

• Integrates with more than 700 apps

• Offers inventory tracking

• Provides reports on financial performance

Xero has great automation features. The software can automate many of the accounting processes, such as bank reconciliation and invoice reminders, which saves freelancers time and effort. Xero also offers integrations with over 800 third-party apps, which makes it easy to customize the software to meet the needs of your business.

The price of Xero depends on the plan you choose. The Starter plan costs $20 per month and includes invoicing and expense tracking. The Standard plan costs $30 per month and includes additional features such as project management and inventory tracking. The Premium plan costs $40 per month and includes advanced features such as multi-currency support and enhanced security.

5. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is a paid accounting software that is ideal for freelancers who need a more advanced accounting solution. The software offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. Zoho Books also offers a mobile app, which is convenient for freelancers who need to manage their finances on the go.

Zoho Books features:

• Offers invoicing capabilities

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers project management features

• Offers inventory tracking

• Provides financial reports

• Integrates with various payment processors

Zoho Books is a good choice for freelancers because of its affordability. The software is priced lower than many of its competitors, making it a great option for freelancers who need a more advanced accounting solution but can't afford the high price tag of some other software. Zoho Books also offers a wide range of integrations with third-party apps, which makes it easy to customize the software to meet the needs of your business.

6. Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Sage Business Cloud Accounting is a paid accounting software that offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. It is a great option for freelance writers who need a more advanced accounting solution. The software is easy to use and offers a wide range of features that can help freelancers manage their finances more efficiently. In addition, the software offers the ability to track time and expenses, which can be incredibly helpful for billing clients accurately.

Sage features:

• Offers invoicing capabilities

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers project management features

• Provides reports on financial performance

• Offers inventory tracking

• Integrates with various payment processors

One of the biggest advantages of Sage Business Cloud Accounting for freelancers is that it offers a wide range of features that can help with invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. The software also offers a mobile app that makes it easy to manage finances on-the-go. Freelancers can use this app to create invoices, track expenses, and manage projects while they are away from their computer.

Sage Business Cloud Accounting has a few pricing options. The "Accounting Start" plan costs $10 per month and includes basic accounting features like invoicing, expense tracking, and cash flow management. The "Accounting" plan costs $25 per month and includes more advanced features like inventory management and project accounting. Finally, the "Accounting Plus" plan costs $50 per month and includes even more advanced features like multi-currency support and user permissions.

7. ZipBooks

ZipBooks is a free accounting software that is ideal for freelance writers who need a basic accounting solution. It offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking. The software is easy to use and can help freelancers manage their finances more efficiently. Additionally, the software offers a mobile app that makes it easy to manage finances on-the-go.

ZipBooks features:

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers expense tracking

• Offers time tracking

• Provides financial reports

• Offers a mobile app for easy access

• Integrates with Stripe for payment processing

ZipBooks is free for freelancers. This makes it an excellent option for freelancers who are just starting out and may not have a lot of money to invest in accounting software. The software is also incredibly easy to use and offers a range of features that can help freelancers manage their finances more efficiently.

8. GnuCash

GnuCash is a free and open-source accounting software that offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and budgeting. It is a good choice for freelancers who are comfortable using more advanced accounting software and want to avoid paying for accounting software. However, it can be challenging to set up and use for those who are not familiar with open-source software.

GnuCash features:

• Offers double-entry accounting

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers budget tracking

• Provides investment tracking

• Provides financial reports

• Offers a mobile app for easy access

GnuCash is completely free and offers many of the same features as paid accounting software. It also allows users to track multiple accounts, making it easy to manage finances for multiple projects. GnuCash is also highly customizable, allowing users to set up accounts and reports specific to their needs.

9. FreeAgent

FreeAgent is a paid accounting software that provides a variety of features for freelancers. It is cloud-based and allows freelancers to access their accounting data from anywhere. The software is primarily designed for small businesses, freelancers, and contractors. It has features like invoicing, expense tracking, project management, and tax preparation.

FreeAgent is a good choice for freelancers who need an all-in-one accounting solution. It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. It also provides real-time reports and data insights to help freelancers make informed business decisions. Additionally, FreeAgent has a mobile app that allows freelancers to access their accounting data on the go.

Free agent features:

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers expense tracking

• Provides project management features

• Offers tax preparation services

• Integrates with various payment processors

• Provides reports on financial performance

• Mileage tracking

The pricing for FreeAgent starts at $12 per month, which includes features like invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation. Freelancers can also upgrade to the Premium or Elite plans, which offer additional features like time tracking and project management. The Premium plan costs $24 per month, while the Elite plan costs $50 per month.

Get your taxes done!

Congratulations, you've made it to the end of the list! Now that you've been introduced to some of the best accounting software for freelancers, it's time to choose the right one for you. Just remember, finding the perfect accounting software is a bit like dating - it takes some trial and error before you find "the one". But with these top 10 suggestions, you're one step closer to finding your perfect match.

And who knows, maybe one day you'll look back at tax season with fond memories of organizing your finances with your trusty accounting software. Okay, probably not, but at least you'll have more time to focus on your actual work and less time stressing about finances.

So go ahead, give one of these top 10 accounting software programs a try, and hopefully, you'll find the perfect match that helps you keep your finances in order. Good luck, and happy freelancing!

For more information about how freelance writers can succeed, check out the blog. You’ll also like the 34-page report on benchmarking freelance writing rates.

Top 5 Marketing Lessons I'm Learning As I Grow A DTC Business

I've been working in content marketing for 13 years.

I've also been writing about email marketing, SEO, influencer marketing, and social media marketing during those 13 years.

I've interviewed 100s of experts, reviewed data/reports, written case studies, and analyzed top trends.

I've learned a ton by writing about marketing. But, now I'm officially in the marketing hot seat as I grow my own DTC business (www.readingwithrik. com).

I'm implementing what I've learned to grow my own little (for now) business, and it's not easy.

Here are some of my takeaways so far:

1. Product quality is king.

A big marketing budget can't make up for a crappy product. Similarly, if you have an excellent product (we do, BTW), marketing is a lot easier.

2. You need a distribution plan.

You can have the best content in the world, but if you don't have a distribution plan, no one will see it.

For 13 years, my responsibility has been to create high-quality content and then pass it on to another team member for distribution.

Nailing distribution is a current challenge for me, and I'm drinking from the firehose over here.

3. Audience channel before omnichannel.

I will never stop preaching omnichannel marketing. Customers shop across several touchpoints before making a purchasing decision, and it's critical to meet them with cohesive experiences.

That being said, omnichannel marketing is expensive and time-consuming.

If you are a small DTC business, it makes more sense to invest in the platform where your primary audience spends *most* of their time and grow from there.

4. Ask your audience & track your audience.

Your marketing budget is precious when you're a small, family-owned business.

The best way to maximize ad spend is to learn as much about your audience as you can BEFORE you dump money into campaigns.

But also, don't take audience feedback at face value. You'll also want to set up an attribution platform so you can see what your audience actually responds to.

We're still in the audience research process, but we will use Triple Whale 🐳 for attribution.

5. Website copy and platform count.

One of the best things we've done so far is migrating our old site to Shopify, redesigning the site, and rewriting the copy.

Given, we didn't have a budget to hire a huge marketing firm to do the design for us. What we did have on our family team was a rocket scientist (for real), a designer, a writer, and a founder.

Thankfully, Shopify is fairly intuitive. With our combined skills, we've been able to create a website that's pretty dang good.

I'll report back with more findings as I continue to grow. In the meantime, check out Reading With RIK.

How do you build a freelance writing portfolio?

When new freelancers ask me how to get started, the first thing I tell them is to create a portfolio of their work.

Clients don’t necessarily care (or ever ask) how long you’ve been freelance writing. They just want to know that you can write well.
The best way to demonstrate this is to gather your writing samples and put them together in an online portfolio. You can see my online portfolio here if you want an example.

You can create a new website or use a portfolio platform like Authory (affiliate). Let’s talk about what to include in a portfolio, how to create a website, what to include in a website, and how Authory works.

What if you are just starting as a freelancer and haven’t written anything?

A portfolio is a must if you’re getting into content writing or copywriting. It allows potential clients to see the quality of your work and determine if your writing style is up to par. If you don’t have a portfolio yet, here are some ways you can build a portfolio:

1. Write for free (once)

I don’t typically advise anyone to write for free. The ONE exception is if writing something for free benefits you more than it benefits them. :) 

You can offer to write a free guest post for a friend, family member, or small business you want to help. If you’re new to the industry, it’s a great way to help someone out and develop your portfolio.

2. Do spec work to build your freelance portfolio

If you don't have any published examples to showcase as you’re looking for writing jobs, take it upon yourself to create a writing sample within your targeted niche. 

This can demonstrate your writing skills, style, and tone. It’s great to call out that this is spec work, too. It shows what you can do before an editor polishes it. 

Here are some places you can publish spec work:

Start your own blog or website: Creating your own blog or website will allow you to write and showcase your work to the world. This can be a great way to build your portfolio, attract potential clients, and become a blogger.

Join a writing community: Join online writing communities, such as Medium, where you can showcase your work and get feedback from others. This can help you improve your writing skills and get a sense of what types of pieces are likely to be well-received by potential clients.

Remember, you can always let potential clients know that your portfolio is a work in progress and let them know you will be happy to provide more samples if they ask.

Join Content Connect!

Subscribe to grow your writing & Marketing muscles.

Subscribe

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with ConvertKit

What should freelance writers put on their WordPress website?

One of the best places to publish your work is to build your writer portfolio on your own website. 

Your website for your freelance writing business should showcase your best work and highlight your writing skills and expertise. 

If you want to build an entire website (I recommend this), instead of just creating a portfolio, you’ll have to include additional examples. Here are some other key elements that you should include:

• Writing samples or portfolio page: We’ve already covered why you need writing samples as you become a content writer and build your freelance writing portfolio.

• About page: A brief bio that introduces you and highlights your experience and the type of writing you’ve done. It should be kept professional and should provide a sense of your personality, voice, and style.

• Testimonials: Include quotes or testimonials from past clients or editors that vouch for the quality of your work and the working experience.

• Niche expertise: If you have a particular area of expertise or writing niche, it's a good idea to include a section that highlights it. This will make it easy for potential clients to see your areas of expertise and hire you for gigs.

• Contact information: Be sure to include a contact form so that prospective clients can easily get in touch with you and hire you for freelance writing jobs. I recommend adding a form instead of putting your contact information on your site. It will protect you from spam.

• Personal Branding: Your website should not only show of your writing work, but it should also reflect your personal brand. For that reason it is important to be consistent in the way you present yourself, your writing style, and the type of work you do. Only show your best writing on your pages.

Remember that a website represents your writing and your personal brand, so it should be well-organized and easy to navigate, and it should include your best work and the work that demonstrates your expertise. 

Keep in mind that a website is a living document and it should be updated regularly with new pieces of work and new testimonials

How do you build an online writing portfolio?

If you don’t want to build an entire website—no problem. You can always use a portfolio platform. I know SEVERAL successful freelancers who only have an Authory profile, and they are always booked.

There are many online portfolio websites available, and the best one for you may depend on your specific needs and requirements. Here are a few popular options:

1. Authory: Authory is a platform designed for journalists and freelance writers to curate, backup, and monetize their articles from different publications. It allows writers to import articles they've written from different websites, and keep them together in one central location. The platform also offers an easy way to showcase your work to potential clients, and connect with them via a contact form. Additionally, it offers a feature that lets writers to monetize their articles by adding a paywall.

2. Behance: Owned by Adobe, Behance is a community for creative professionals to showcase their work and connect with others in the industry. It's a great option for designers, illustrators, and photographers.

3. Carbonmade: Carbonmade is a simple, user-friendly portfolio website that allows you to easily create a customized portfolio to showcase your work. It is a good option for artists, designers, photographers, and other creatives.

4. Contently: Contently is a portfolio platform specifically designed for content creators and freelance writers. it also offers a way to showcase your work, a networking feature to connect with clients, and it also has a marketplace where clients can find you

5. Clippings.me: Clippings.me is another option for journalists, writers, and editors that allows you to import and curate your articles, it also offers a clean and customizable layout, and a way to connect with potential clients through a contact form.

6. Journo Portfolio: Journo Portfolio is a platform designed specifically for journalists. It allows you to import your articles, showcase your bylines and offers a clean, easy-to-use interface.

7. LinkedIn: LinkedIn has a portfolio feature that allows users to upload samples of their work. It can be a good option for freelancers, writers, and other professionals to showcase their work and connect with potential clients.

Remember that when choosing a portfolio website, you should consider the features and options that are most important to you, and also think about how it can help you market your skills and find new clients. My fav is Authory.

Join Content Connect!

Subscribe to grow your writing & Marketing muscles.

Subscribe

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with ConvertKit

How does Authory work?

Authory works by allowing journalists and freelance writers to import their articles from different publications and websites, and keep them together in one central location. The platform is built to help the authors to curate, backup and monetize their articles.

Here is a general breakdown of the process:

1. Sign up: The first step is to create an account on Authory, during the signup process the user will need to provide their personal and contact information.

2. Import your articles: Once you have an account, you can start importing your articles. Authory allows you to connect your Google News and Medium account, and will automatically import your articles. You can also import articles by providing a link to the article or upload a PDF.

3. Customize your archive: The platform allows you to organize and tag your articles, making it easy for readers to find the articles they are looking for. You can also add featured images, and other metadata.

4. Monetize your articles: Authory allows you to monetize your articles by setting up a paywall, this way you can allow readers to access some of your articles for free, and charge for others.

5. Share and Promote: Authory provides a customizable URL for your archive, that you can share with readers, editors and potential clients, you can also share your articles via social media and embed them in your own website

6. Keep it updated: Authory encourages you to keep your portfolio updated so you can show off your most recent work.

How can I use my portfolio to promote my services and increase visibility?

Creating an online writing portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and attract potential clients. However, having a portfolio is just the first step. 

To truly make the most of it and promote your writing services, you need to take a proactive approach. Here are a few ways you can use your portfolio to increase visibility and attract new clients.

First, use social media to your advantage (especially LinkedIn and Twitter). Share your portfolio on different platforms, and don't be afraid to ask your friends and followers to share it as well. This can help you increase your visibility and attract potential clients who may not have found you otherwise.

Another easy way to promote your portfolio is by adding a link to it in your email signature. This is what mine looks like:

A dedicated landing page for your services can help potential clients understand what you offer and how you can help them. Consider creating a landing page on your portfolio that specifically promotes your services, with a clear call-to-action, such as a "Hire Me" button, making it easy for potential clients to contact you.

Networking and building relationships is the best way to promote your services and get your name out there. Attend conferences, meet-ups, and join groups to help increase your visibility and credibility.

Finally, make sure your website is optimized for search engines. This will make it easier for potential clients to find you when searching for a writer with your skills and expertise.

Good luck landing your first client!

Creating a portfolio takes time and effort, but the results will be worth it. 

For new freelance writers, don't be discouraged if landing your first client takes time. It's a process that takes time, patience, and a bit of luck.