As a freelance blogger and copywriter, I have the privilege of chatting with business owners day in and day out about how they can boost their website’s visibility and earn trust to drive conversions.
Surprisingly, a question that pops up often is, “Why are blogs so expensive?” And sometimes, I hear, “You charge too much.” Ironically, a few of those very clients return to me later, needing their blogs redone after trying out a “lower-cost” writer.
So, how much should blogs cost, anyway? And why are they with the spend? This article will unravel the mystery of blog costs and why they’re an investment worth every penny.
The Impact of Blogs on Visibility (SEO)
Let’s talk about why your business needs a blog in the first place. Blogs have a significant impact on your website’s visibility and can give a serious boost to your search engine rankings. Google loves fresh content, and having a blog ensures your site is regularly updated with the latest and greatest information. It’s a win-win.
Blogging not only keeps your website current, but it also provides evergreen content that continues to attract readers over time. These regular blog posts bring in more traffic, and as they say, “the more, the merrier.” To that end, more traffic often means more leads for your business.
But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about the quantity of traffic. High-quality blog posts increase the time people spend on your site. And Google notices. Each blog post can target different keywords, giving you more ranking opportunities in search engine results.
In fact, businesses that maintain an active blog are 434% more likely to rank higher in search engines. That’s a significant boost to your online presence.
And remember, blogging isn’t just about search engine optimization (SEO). It’s a key component of any digital marketing strategy. It can increase leads by 67% and bring up to 97% more links to your website. Engaging, well-written, and informative blogs attract visitors, keep them returning, and build trust. So, what I like to tell my clients is that it’s not just about the cost – it’s about the value blogs bring to your business.
The Cost of Blogging
So, let’s understand the price clients pay for blogging and why it varies based on a writer’s experience. Pricing quotes are influenced by the level of experience and the complexity of the writing task. For instance, a 500-word blog article written by a beginner writer may range from $3 to $25.
On the other hand, more seasoned writers tend to charge between $30 and $150 for the exact same word count. In fact, expert writers with a wealth of knowledge and experience might charge $1,000 or more.
Now, a little personal story: When I first started blogging as a side hustle in 2019, I charged a mere $.04 per word. That meant a 500-word blog cost the client just $20. Seemed like a great deal (for them), right? Indeed, it was, especially if the blog was well-written and optimized for SEO. Surprisingly, work started pouring in.
But here’s the twist: I realized I was missing out on the kind of work I truly wanted. My low rate made me appear less experienced and seasoned, which was quite the revelation for someone with over 20 years of writing and marketing experience under their belt. The rate I was charging told a story, and it wasn’t the one I wanted associated with my brand.
So, I gradually increased my rates over the years, going from $.05 to $.07, and now to a rate between $.10 to $.15, depending on the unique needs of each client. Surprisingly, not only did my workload not slow down, but it actually increased, and the quality of projects coming my way, improved too. Clients were thrilled with the results and when I decided to make my side hustle a full-time gig in early 2023, they continued to trust me with their projects, keeping the work coming.
The Going Rate for Blogs in 2023
If you are a business owner or marketing manager and need a blog for your business, you’re probably asking, how much do blogs cost? Here’s what you can expect to pay for standard rates, that use a native-English language human writer that may or may not use AI to augment their writing (note: I said augment, not write).
NOTE: You may very well see rates far below what I have listed on the low end. But, my experience has told me that rates that low tend to result in a lot of errors (typographical and grammatical errors), aren’t cohesive, aren’t SEO-optimized, and are written, possibly entirely, by ChatGPT or another AI tool. So, please know that you get what you pay for (I’ll talk about this more in a bit).
| Low-End (.05) | Mid-Level Experience (.10) | Expert (.15+) | |
| 500 words | $25 | $50 | $75+ |
| 750 words | $37.50 | $75 | $112.50+ |
| 1000 words | $50 | $100 | $150+ |
| 1500 words | $75 | $150 | $225+ |
The Value of Quality Blogs – You Get What You Pay For
Remember this age-old saying: “You get what you pay for.” High-quality blogs offer immense long-term value, far surpassing the initial investment. They serve as a consistent source of organic traffic and leads over time.
In fact, blogging is such a scalable and affordable approach that it ranks as the third most common content marketing strategy for businesses. The numbers don’t lie – marketers who prioritize blogging can see a 13-times (or more) return on investment compared to businesses that don’t. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.
Fifty-seven percent of marketers have acquired customers through blogging. So, it should come as no surprise that 53% of marketers prioritize blogging as their top content marketing strategy. For B2B marketers, having a blog means scoring 67% more leads than those who don’t. These statistics likely explain why I have so much work rolling in. Businesses need blogs. But the writing can’t, and shouldn’t, be done for free.
Let’s put the ROI in perspective: Imagine if you invest $100 by hiring me to write you a 1,000-word blog post. Based on the 13-times ROI figure, that initial $100 could potentially bring in a remarkable $1,300 in returns for your business.
It’s not just an expense; it’s an investment with the potential for substantial rewards. Blogging pays off, and it keeps on giving.
The Dangers of “Too Low” Pricing
Let’s be honest; I’m not saying this just because I want your work instead of sending it to the lowest bidder. Okay, that’s a lie. Of course, I want to work with you, and I want you to pick me over the cheapest option (if you’ve been reading this closely enough, you also know I’m not the most expensive option, and that’s a discussion for another day). The fact is that I believe so much in what I do, that I want to ensure that you have high-quality content at a fair price so that you can grow your business.
But I’d be remiss not to mention here, too, that this is my livelihood, and blogging pays my bills. Literally, it’s all I do. What’s essential to remember is that when you hire a blogger, you’re not just getting words on a screen – you’re hiring a person with their own bills, a home to pay for, and often a family to support. Okay, I’ll get off my soap box now.
Hiring bloggers at extremely low rates carries significant risks. While it might seem like a great deal, it often leads to poor quality work, rampant plagiarism, and a lack of expertise. Sure, there are talented writers overseas who offer lower rates due to variations in living costs and salaries. Some are exceptional, but finding them can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. More often than not, you end up with work that’s error-prone and doesn’t meet your expectations. How do I know this? Because clients hire me to fix the shoddy work.
So, when considering hiring a blogger, think about the value you’ll get in return for investing in quality work, rather than taking the cheaper route that might cost you more in the long run.
What to Look for in a Good Blogger
When on the hunt for a professional blogger, there are key qualities and skills you should seek. Obviously, and since that’s what we’re discussing in this article, take a look at their rates. While higher rates often indicate experience and quality, it’s not the sole factor to consider.
Ratings and reviews from previous clients can provide valuable insights (look at testimonials provided by previous clients). Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer a glimpse into a freelancer’s reputation but don’t rely on these alone. Some talented bloggers may have better profiles on one platform vs. another for varying reasons.
Responsiveness is crucial. A good blogger communicates promptly and effectively, ensuring your project runs smoothly. If you don’t hear back from a blogger within 24-28 hours, consider that a red flag unless you have already agreed on a different level of service. This isn’t to say you should expect work to be delivered that quickly. Rather, it means the blogger is available to answer your questions.
Experience with SEO is a must. Bloggers should be well-versed in optimizing content for search engines, increasing your chances of ranking higher.
Tips for finding the right blogger include checking their LinkedIn for a professional background, asking for links to past published work (a lack of links is a red flag), and assessing their work for SEO optimization and use of AI tools.
Remember, finding the ideal blogger may take some extra effort, but it’s an investment that can pay off in the long run. And don’t hesitate to reach out to me! You can contact me on one of the aforementioned platforms, or you can email me directly at copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com.
Are Blogs Expensive? Not When You Hire the Right Blogger for Your Business
If you’ve gotten anything out of this blog, I hope it’s to view quality blogs as an investment rather than an expense. They hold the power to boost your online presence and drive results. When seeking bloggers, make informed decisions. Look for experience, SEO skills, and a strong track record.
If you’re ready to enhance your online presence, explore my copywriting services or get in touch for guidance. I’m here to help.
