In today’s online world, high quality content is key to generating traffic, engaging an audience and authority for a brand. The problem is that creating interesting and SEO optimized content is difficult, and not all businesses have the resources or in house expertise to do this. This, therefore, means that many companies have opted to go for dedicated professional writers for hire or outsource copywriting services to meet the content demands for their companies.
If you are planning to hire professional writing talent, you need to understand how much does it cost. Content creation pricing can vary from article to article — from writer expertise, project complexity, to your content scope. In this article we will break down the major factors that affect the cost of professional writers for hire and give you a good idea of what to expect to pay for a professional writer.
1. Writers’ Rates: Types Of Writers
Your cost will depend hugely on the type of writer you need. Generally, if you’re a specialized writer (technical writer, legal copywriter, financial content specialist, etc) you will likely earn more than a generalist. Moreover, for the same reason, experienced SEO writers who know the ins and outs of keyword optimization will generally cost you more than new freelancers.
Rate structures depend on the level of expertise, as well. Some professional writers charge by the hour, some per word and some per project, flat fee. If you have general content such as a blog post or a product description, businesses can expect to pay between $0.05 and $0.50 per word. In industries such as healthcare or software development, however, specialized writing may run up to $1.00 per word or higher. They may cost more but if you can hire dedicated content writer from top tier agencies, then so be it as it often means you get quality content that adheres to your goals.
2. Scope Of The Project, And Deliverables
The cost though depends on the more extensive your project. Writing a short blog post or product description will be cheaper than whitepapers, eBooks or long case studies. Some content writers also offer value add type services like editing, keyword research, writing social media copy and so on which then increases the cost.
When you hire dedicated content writer professionals, it’s important to have clear communication about what deliverables you expect. Be sure to discuss the project scope in detail, including number of words, deadlines and the number of revisions allowed. If transparent discussions are had about these elements, it will prevent misunderstandings and it will guarantee that both parties are on the same page, with respect to expectations.
3. Agency Vs. Freelance Writers
You can even spend between freelance writers and agencies to affect your costs. Freelance writers come at a more affordable rate which is why they are good for businesses with smaller budgets or infrequent content needs. But freelancers may be more of a management effort — you’re essentially managing the process from beginning to end with an individual.
If you outsource copywriting services to an agency, you’ll pay more, but you’ll get access to vetted talent, project managers, and editors. All this can save time and guarantee quality of the same level in many projects. Agencies such as Citadel, offer end to end content solutions, and are great for companies that want to scale their content operations.
4. Geographic Factors And Rates
Rates can be influenced by where the writer is located too. Writers in North America or the UK or Australia charge more than somewhere else like Eastern Europe or Asia. But, choosing lower rates without checking out the writer’s proficiency could lead to quality problems.
If you are a business which is looking to hire dedicated content writer professionals from other countries, you should find a balance between the price and the quality. We at Citadel help clients outsource copywriting services worldwide and assure that all content is in accordance with brand standards and exceeds client expectations.
5. Turnaround Time And Rush Fees
A rush fee will be charged if you need the content on a tight deadline. Professional writers for hire often demand a premium if the job is expedited, especially if it needs to be delivered in 24 to 48 hours. Rates for rush fees could be as high as 25% to 50% of the original project cost and depend on the writer’s workload and how complicated the assignment is.
It is always better to plan your content needs in advance so that you don’t spend unnecessary money. It also helps to grow a long-term relationship with a writer or an agency since the writer will become more familiar with your brand voice and your expectations over time as you work together.
6. Long-term Vs. One-off Engagements
Costs will also depend on whether you need ongoing content or a one-time project. A lot of agencies and freelance writers will give you discounted rates when you sign up for long term contracts or bulk content orders. If you have a consistent need for blogs, articles or web copy, then it’s usually more economical to hire dedicated content writers on a retainer basis.
If you are looking to outsource content creation on continuous basis, then we have customized plans for our clients at Citadel. These plans allow businesses to scale their content efforts, and the quality and consistency thereof, without breaking the bank. Better communication is also achieved with long term collaborations, as the writer gets to know your brand over time.
Conclusion
The price of professional writers for hire depends on a number of factors, such as the writer’s level of expertise, the scope of the project, and whether you go for a freelancer or an agency. It’s easy to go with the cheap option, but if you want to get to where you want to be in the long term, you’re going to have to invest in quality content. While hiring dedicated content writer professionals doesn’t mean you’re just paying for words on a page, you’re paying for strategic communication that can help grow your brand.
Outsourcing copywriting services to a reputable partner like Citadel guarantees you get high quality content that is in line with your business goals. Our expertise helps us connect you with the right talent for your needs, with over 1,500 successful projects completed. Citadel offers end to end solutions to help you with blogs, web copy and social media content.
By setting clear expectations and choosing the right partner, businesses can manage content costs effectively while ensuring consistent, high-quality output. With the right approach, outsourcing content creation becomes a strategic advantage, empowering your brand to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
