SEO Copywriters: Why If You’re Not Making at Least $100/Day, You’re Doing Something Wrong; Here’s How to Start Making $200-$400/Day

Freelance writing has been pegged as one of those careers where it’s hard to make a living. And, when you see $1 per article SEO writing gigs, it’s easy to think, “Well, that’s just the way it is.” News flash! It ain’t so, especially if you’re an SEO copywriter.

If you’re an SEO copywriter and you’re not making AT LEAST $100 per day, then you’re doing something wrong. Following are three areas to assess to start making the money you deserve.

SEO content writing has a horrible reputation. This profession is the online version of a sleazy car salesman. That’s because much of the content produced is crappy, barely readable copy that doesn’t relay anything of value to the reader.  And, this is what those who are looking to pay $1 for 500 words put up with.

This is also why when you charge bottom-of-the-barrel rates for SEO content, legitimate businesses who care about their brand and image will pass you right over. They figure that this the kind of content you produce, so why waste their money.

I’ve actually had prospects say to me that I charge too little. One prospect sent me the following email after I sent him a marketing email about New Media Words’ Services:

Hi, Yuwanda,

Your educational experience is impressive. But the web site refers to a “stable of writers”, and at $45 for 300-350 words of original content, I have to ask from what third world country are you drawing these writers? Surely someone such as yourself (if you’re no fictional) who’s a Masters candidate in expensive New York City would need higher rates than that to survive.

So how does this work, really?

Cordially,
Bill

I responded:

Bill:

Thanks for your interest in my services. I assure you, I’m a real person — and so are my writers. Many of the writers I use freelance either full-time or part-time. I used to own an editorial staffing agency in New York, and have been recruiting and outsourcing work to writers (and other creative freelancers) for years.

I don’t use third-world writers and if you know anything about SEO, then you know there are writers who will write for as little as $3 per article for 500 words (and many of them are not third world writers, just clueless newbies who are desperate for work).

My rates are not third-world rates — and neither is the copy.

I don’t know which service you’re interested in, but everything is listed on my SEO site (http://SEO-Article-Writer.com) [Note: This site has since been folded into NewMediaWords.biz.] I just charge what I think is a fair rate for excellent copy — nothing more, nothing less.

If I can be of assistance in any way, just let me know.

I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

And FYI, I live in Atlanta but maintain an apartment in New York City, where I lived for 18 years and which I visit often. One of the reasons I love being a freelance writer is that as long as there’s an internet connection, location doesn’t matter.

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black

He responded:

Thanks, Yuwanda. Your prompt and personal reply is very heartening. Your rates just seemed too low to be true. (emphasis added) I tried someone who wrote for about the same rate and had to rewrite all of her material.

Nevertheless, I end up with a few clients a year who are willing to consider a copywriter. I’d love to give you a shot at one of them (and hopefully more thereafter if we’re happy with your work.

Please feel free to stay in touch periodically if only to make sure I remember you when a client needs your services.

Cordially,
Bill

As you can see, charging more can actually land you more clients because it legitimizes you. Clients who are seeking valuable content know that it takes time and skill to produce this kind of copy. And, they’re willing to pay for it. So charge for it!

2. SEO Copywriting Services: If rates aren’t your problem, then maybe your service offerings leave something to be desired.

Most clients like “one stop, SEO writing shops.” Do you offer SEO blog posts, SEO press releases, ebook writing and the like? In short, expand your service offerings to include every kind of web copy a potential client might need. This way, they won’t have to come to your for SEO articles, then go to someone else to get a press release done.

3. Do You Upsell? I’ve become a master upseller – and I do it without even thinking about it. The kicker is, I sooooo hate to “sell” that I’d rather make less than HAVE to do it. Following is why it comes so naturally to me now.

I upsell clients on things that will truly provide value to them and their clients.

For example, ebook writing. When clients initially contact me, it’s usually about writing a few SEO articles. During the course of the discussion, I ask them questions like what will the articles be used for, who the target market is and will they be distributed (eg, via article directories, in a newsletter, etc.).

The reason I ask this is so that I can advise them on the best use of the content we produce for them. For example, if they say they are going to use it for article marketing, then I say, “Do you have a specific product/service you want me to direct them to in your resource box?”

If they say no, then I may suggest that they have a free tips booklet (e-pamphlet) done. Why? Because it’s a freebie that will get prospects to click through to the client’s site – which is the first step in selling online.

People love freebies and by driving prospects to a site and having them download a free, helpful ebooklet (not a sales pitch, but a booklet that actually dispenses helpful, useful information), then you start to develop trust. Trust is a foundational building block to selling online.

See how easy this is?

Most of the ebooks I write for clients are 10-15 pages long. I average $400-$600 for each one – and they usually only take a day or two of writing and research to get done. New Media Words ebook writing rates.

Why Upselling Is One of the Easiest Ways to Make More Money as an SEO Copywriter

Upselling is one of the easiest ways to start making really good money as an SEO copywriter. This is so because search engine optimization is still very new to many. Most clients will look to you to be the expert, as I talk about in my post, SEO Copywriters: How to Make an Extra $61,880 This Year, on Copyblogger.

There will naturally be things that your clients don’t know about that can really help them be more effective in their internet marketing efforts. If you know your stuff as an SEO writer, you’ll be able to share this with them – and sell more services while doing it.

If you assess and adjust these three areas, you should easily start bringing in $200-$400/day as an SEO copywriter – really.

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Copyright © 2009: Yuwanda Black for SEO Writing Jobs. This article may not be reproduced or redistributed without the express, written consent of the author.

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