- By Yuwanda Black
- Published 09/21/2011
- Article Writing
Many SEO writers, especially newbies, struggle with what to charge. And when clients question them about their rates, many are nervous about charging too much because they so desperately want to land the client. Following is some insight into how to answer the “what’s your freelance writing rate for SEO articles” question that will help you not only land more clients, but be less nervous overall about what/how to charge. I’ve been a freelance writer since 1993, and an SEO writer since 2007. Hence, I receive a lot of email from others asking everything under the sun about freelancing. But, a constant is rates. One nervous freelancer wrote to me recently, and that’s what inspired this post. In part, she said: Question from a New SEO Copywriter about Clients and Rates “I just wanted to check in with you to let you know that my marketing (for SEO writing jobs) is going phenomenally well! I have been sending out marketing e-mails the past 3 days, and I’ve received nearly a 10% response rate. I am absolutely thrilled about how well it’s going. 🙂 Anyway, the problem I’m finding is that when clients ask for my rates, I don’t hear a response back. I’m wondering if there’s a certain way to discuss rates that will be more effective, or if they just usually take some time to think about it. Thanks so much for any help that you can give me [in this area].” Answer to SEO Copywriter’s Question about Rates
Quite simply, the best way to “discuss rate” is NOT to discuss it – at least not initially. To explain – let’s examine some basic sale
s psychology. When Clients Ask about Your SEO Content Writing Rates, This is What They Really Want to Know When most query you about your freelance writing rates, the vast majority are not objecting to the actual cost. “What then,” you may be wondering, “are they objecting to?” The answer is – the perceived value that they’re afraid they may NOT receive for the rate you’re asking. What it boils down to is, they’re asking about your competency as an SEO writer; your ability to handle their needs. To combat this, your job is to lay out for them how your SEO content can deliver results (ie, a return on their investment (ROI)). Once you do this, there will be less (or no) objection to rate – especially if what you’re charging is within industry norms. Now, there will be clients who can’t afford you and/or don’t want to pay a certain amount for writing services. You’re not going to change their minds, so don’t even waste your time trying. But, there is a certain percentage that you will be able to convert into paying clients. 1 Way to Pre-Sell Clients on Your SEO Content Writing Services So Rate Is Less of an Issue Write and distribute free special reports. In these reports, you can address client “pain points,” ie, the things they’re having problems with that you can help them with. This can be anything from helping to increase their website conversion rate to keeping their site updated with fresh content. Remember, when clients query you about rate, dig deeper to find out what their real concerns are. Then, address them head on. Not only will you land more freelance writing jobs, you’ll be much less anxious about discussing rates altogether.
Good luck!
Yuwanda Black has been a freelance writer since 1993 and an SEO writer since 2007. She blogs about SEO copywriting at SeoWritingJobs.com. Learn more about how to address freelance writing prices questions you may receive from clients — so you land more writing jobs.
by Yuwanda Black
