The Article Writer Mailbag, Take 15
Q. How did you preserve your existing client base when you increased your rate?
I’m writing at $.03 per word. I’d love to reach $.05, but I’m fearful that my clients will chase cheaper services.
Did you have this problem? Would you be able to give me any insight about how you avoided/resolved it?
A. First of all, let me congratulate you on your choice of profession. Freelance writing is an enjoyable (and rewarding) job choice, not for everyone, but something talented writers should consider.
Secondly, my most noticeable rate increase happened two years ago and it wasn’t without much difficulty. Essentially, I quit writing for all of my lowest-priced clients and began pursuing higher quality, more lucrative projects. One very large, on-going project had recently ended while two others were done, but I knew they’d be interested in using me again in the near future. However, I was no longer interested in writing for them and quit accepting new work when offered.
Of course, if you want to keep your current clients and raise your rates, you can always ask them to pay you at the new, higher rate. However, since your current clients are looking for a bargain (and at .03 per word, that is what you are offering), they’ll probably look at the change to .05 per word as a 60% price increase and resist. In this case you have three choices:
- Keep working for less money.
- Drop your current customers.
- Keep your customers until better paying opportunities come along.
I did lose quite a bit of money until I was able to make the adjustment, but I’ve managed to land several better paying opportunities, including a pair of ongoing magazine gigs which is the direction I planned on going eventually. I’ve been writing about my favorite topics, cars, a lot lately which also helps because I’m excited about my work instead of feeling as if I have to produce work on subjects which aren’t of much interest to me.
Finally, when you do get to the point of having a name for yourself, you’ll be able to cherry-pick projects as they come along. Sure, I work my tail off for my customers, but I also want to produce work that satisfies me. It has taken me three years to get to this point, but I like the direction that I am going.
Best wishes to you in all of your pursuits.
Matt | Mailbag, Personal Marketing, Writing
Great Read!!
Hope you get that .05 cents per word your articles rock!!
That’s great advice. I’m just beginning to realize that having a full book of clients is definitely a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, a full book is flattering (and it pays the bills). However, it can also suck the time right out of you day to pursue the higher-paying gigs.
It may be time for me to reexamine my book of clients.
Quick question, Matt. I’ve never written for magazines. I’m assuming it’s a different beast altogether than the type of writing I do.
Would you be able to suggest a good resource for learning the craft? I’m sure there are tons of resources around. But, since you’re walking the walk, you may have unique insight there.
Damon, “learning the craft” comes from writing and writing well. With much practice, I have been able to fine tune my style and submit samples of my best work to magazines for their consideration.
My two current gigs found me through my automotive blog although from time to time (when I have the time) I send out a query letter to publisher with samples attached or links provided.
If you want to escape the article writing trap yourself, you’ll need to reach higher even if that means you’ll be losing some customers.
Matt Keegans last blog post..By: Buy, Sell and Trade EntreCard Credits with EntreCash | Toast & Egg & Me…
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