Comments on: Are Copywriters an Endangered Species?

By: Lorraine Thompson

Lorraine Thompson — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:11:17 +0000

Hey, sorry, that last comment wasn’t from “Anonymous.” It was from me, Lorraine. I hastily posted before logging into admin. Need more coffee.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:08:54 +0000

@CopyStratic Though it comes with freelance territory, losing a bid is never easy, especially in these economic times.

I occasionally lower fees for non-profit organizations–I’ve even done pro-bono work for causes I believe in. I’ve also adjusted day rates down when I’m working on a really big project that will take months.

And when you’re starting out, you can’t expect to command high pricing.

But adjusting fees to please low-budget clients is not a sustainable way to earn a living. It takes time away from clients who can afford your pricing–or from self-marketing that lets you find better clients.

Ask yourself if you really want to work for someone who can’t afford $800 for copy that enhances image, builds business and returns investment.

By the way, his referrals sound like hooey–a classic passive aggressive attempt to guilt-trip you because he can’t or won’t pay a reasonable price for your work.

For a lighter look at this kind of classic vendor manipulation, check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY

By: CopyStratic

CopyStratic — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:22:17 +0000

Followed your lead on point #1 and got burned. Rates should be based on sliding scale, not across the board. Fact: a fitness gym chain can shoulder a $1,000 bill to improve their web content; a personal trainer or other micropeneur cannot. Still reeling over the loss of this potential client. Handed him a $800 estimate and he disappeared. What really stinks is that he told me he had like 70 clients, possibly other small business owners, i.e., referrals. Lesson learned; hard one at that.

Daniel B.
CopyStratic.com

By: professional copywriter

professional copywriter — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:53:41 +0000

I agree with Sean, creating and maintaining a blog is beneficial to clients and for yourself. Keeping yourself writing as well is nothing but a good thing.

No matter what you do………..
Keep reading and Keep Writing!

By: TC/Copywriter Underground

TC/Copywriter Underground — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:32:46 +0000

Thanks for the mention of the Copywriter Underground.

I would like to make on addition to your reference to the Value Added Copywriter; Providing value beyond the SEO attributes of your copy is a powerful incentive to keep clients, but you don’t necessarily want to do that forever for free.

At some point, you need to figure out how to get paid for all your expertise. Usually it’s as simple as pitching the client a proposal allocating a few consulting dollars your way.

In any case, I think your post is largely spot on.

By: Sean Lyden

Sean Lyden — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:28:30 +0000

Lorraine:

I can relate to your point #5. It took me a while to justify the (non billable) time to do a blog and essentially give away researched copy I’m paid by magazines to produce. I now view the blog as an opportunity to hold myself accountable to organize my experiences into a systematic approach to our craft — and hopefully help (and learn from) other writers and marketers, as well . . . You’re so right about how we must create value and differentiate ourselves as advisors vs content mills. An idea for a follow up post: 7 (or whatever #) Keys to Boost Your Value to Clients and Attract Higher Fees.