Here's how you can secure higher rates and better contracts as a copywriter.

To get higher rates and better contracts as a copywriter, you should build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work. Network with potential clients and demonstrate your expertise in writing persuasive and effective copy. Also, continuously improve your skills and stay updated with industry trends to stand out and negotiate better deals.

Know how much revenue you can drive and how much you've been able to sell in the past. It's important to be able to demonstrate a "before and after" for clients so they know you can create change. Once you can justify a rate, it's easier to charge your worth.

Build a Stellar Portfolio: Showcase your best, most impactful work that demonstrates your skills and versatility across different industries and formats.

I get it, putting together your portfolio can be difficult. But it must be done. Don't just have your work on a blank page either. Explain what you did and how it well it worked. Fill in the gaps for your potential clients.

I negotiate like I write: with precision. I explain clearly why my expertise costs more. Always ready to discuss, but firm on my value. If a deal feels off, I'm prepared to step away. Negotiating isn't just about price. It’s about respect. By listening to clients and aligning with their needs, I frame my rates around the value I deliver. This approach has consistently secured me contracts that reflect my worth.

Negotiate with Confidence: Know your worth and don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve. Prepare a negotiation strategy, including your ideal rate and walk-away point.

I never stop learning. Adding SEO and content strategy to my toolkit transformed my career. I can offer more than words. I provide solutions. Learning graphic design even allowed me to offer full content packages, increasing my market value. This expanded skill set lets me command higher rates. Clients pay more for comprehensive services, making me a one-stop shop for content needs.

Becoming more than just a copywriter is crucial. Who are you more likely to hire if you need a funnel built: Just a copywriter? Or a copywriter who also knows web design and email marketing? Stacking related skills is a necessity if you want to be able to add value and charge premium prices for your services.

Networking is key. I mix online engagement with real-world connections. Every chat could lead to a contract. A simple coffee with a peer might unlock a big project. My network is my net worth. Engaging regularly keeps me visible and relevant. When others vouch for me, it opens doors that cold calls can't. These relationships have been crucial for accessing premium projects and rates.

Market Yourself Effectively: Create a professional online presence, showcase your portfolio, and actively seek out new opportunities through platforms like LinkedIn or freelance marketplaces.

Retainers changed my financial landscape. They mean steady work and predictable pay. I pitch retainers as win-wins: clients get consistent, high-quality content; I get financial stability. Demonstrating how well I understand their brand makes me indispensable. This setup not only secures my income but also deepens client relationships, fostering a collaborative and fruitful partnership. This is the way!

Think of a way to restructure your offer. One of the best ways to charge premium prices is offering both DFY services and DWY consulting. That way, the client gets even more value than "just copywriting work." They get first hand knowledge and experience from an expert like yourself so they can improve their own business and skills.

Position yourself as a premium service. Instead of selling your effort (per word, per hour etc) position yourself as an expert in what you deliver. For example: • Per article • Per month • Per package Make it a no-brainer to engage with you.

Specialize and Niche Down: Become an expert in a specific area, such as B2B tech, e-commerce, or healthcare. This allows you to charge premium rates for your specialized knowledge.