Should Writers Reduce Their Writing Rates When There’s Not Enough Work?
6 months into a dry spell, my financial advisor strongly suggested I reduce my rates. What happened when I sort of listened… and sort of didn’t.
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In general, freelance writers shouldn't automatically slash their prices — just because they're going through a “rough patch.”
There are other ways for freelancers to adjust during dry spells – without having to compromise on what they charge.
Learn from my mistakes! What happened when I lowered my rates? What happened when I stayed steady and waited for the right clients to come?
As a freelance writer, you might run into times when work dries up. That’s just how it is. It's easy to feel down and start doubting your pricing and value.
But lowering your prices isn't usually the right move for most people.
In this blog, we're going to talk about why it's not a good idea for freelance writers to cut their rates during slow spells. And we’ll talk about what you can do instead (when you’re freaking out and wondering when to reduce your writing rates).
Understanding the Freelance Writing Market
When setting freelance writing rates, consider market demand and competition. Highlight your unique skills and experience in your pricing strategy.
Clients value your creativity, perspective, and ability to simplify complex ideas through effective communication. Fair pricing ensures satisfaction for both you and your clients.
Is Supply and Demand Relevant for Freelance Writing Rates?
When it comes to figuring out how much to charge for freelance writing, it's smart to think about supply and demand – but that isn’t the whole picture. The best way to determine your rates as a freelance writer is to determine the value you provide to clients and then select a rate based on the return on investment (ROI).
Many freelance writers fall into the trap of pricing their services thinking only about themselves: their experience level, their quality of content or their effort required.
However, since clients are the ones signing your checks, you’ll also need to layer in how your writing services will benefit this client, and you may have to spell it out for them in your discovery calls, in emails and within your project quotes.
By knowing what makes your work valuable – and setting prices that show off this value – you'll likely find customers who are ready to sign on with you.
Why Dry Spells Happen in Freelance Writing Work
Sometimes, freelance writers hit a rough patch where the work just doesn't come in as it used to (if it ever came in).
This can happen for many reasons. For one, every writing industry will have its ups and downs. If a company is trying to save money, they may try to do writing tasks in-house, meaning fewer opportunities for freelance writers. And while that may seem “doom and gloom,” it’s your job to make sure that your writing business can continue, even when you lose a client (more on that in a bit).
Dry spells don't necessarily say anything bad about your skills as a writer. Instead of worrying too much or dropping your prices right away during these slow times, put energy into finding more clients and ways to make money from different sources.
Not Making Money? Lowering Rates During Slow Periods
When freelance writers hit a slow patch and aren't earning much, they might think about dropping their prices. But there are a few things to consider before you do.
Cutting your rates can trap you into a cycle of low-paying gigs (like work from content mills).
At face value, you might think that any money is good money, but when content mill work is eating up your workweek, you’re not spending time finding additional clients – ones with more respect and bigger payouts.
Reducing Rates to Secure More Work
Yes, by dropping your rates, you might pull in some new clients quickly – but these are often people who are just looking for the cheapest deal. They're not interested in you and/or paying what your work is worth.
And maybe you don’t really care if they don’t value your worth. But what I’ve found as a freelance writer is that the cheapest clients are always the toughest ones to work for. They run you into the ground, all for a couple hundred dollars added to your bank account.
Here are the some of biggest problems to look out for when working with cheap clients:
Cheap clients act like their life is in your hands: You’ll send them a quote – knowing that you actually want to charge them way more – and they message you back saying, “I’m investing a ton in you, and I’m putting all my trust in you to get this done.” Talk about drama!
Cheap clients change the scope all the time: It starts as just a tiny little project add-on that they ask for after all the pricing is confirmed. Then you shrug and just add it in for free. Then they keep asking for more and more from you. “Can you also upload this to our site? Can you also add a few images in there?”
Cheap clients want everything now: There is a saying about an unattainable trifecta of “work done cheap, work done fast, and work done well.” You can never have all three. But this is exactly what a cheap client will ask you to do.
Cheap clients invade your personal life: You’ll be getting urgent messages at all hours of the day and on the weekend. Some kind of pressing project need will come in and they want you to drop everything. All for a damn blog post or something!
Cheap clients will drop you in an instant: As soon as they have no need for you – or they can find someone cheaper who is willing to do the grunt work, they will leave you or ghost you.
Cheap clients will never let you raise your rates: It is standard industry practice to raise your rates as your skills develop, and this can happen yearly or every few months. Cheap clients will not accept that!
Cheap clients will suck up your energy and working hours: While you may like that there is – at least – a few hundred dollars coming in, the time and energy you’re working for them is preventing you from finding more viable freelance writing options.
The Long-Term Impact of Lowering Your Rates
When you decide to drop your prices during slow times, it might hurt your freelance writing career in the long run.
By doing this, not only are you making your work and skills seem less valuable, but you're also creating an expectation for future clients that they can get lower rates from you.
This situation makes it tough to raise your prices later on when more people want what you offer.
Clients might wonder why there's a sudden hike in price after offering cheaper services before.
Instead of lowering rates, sticking with them while ensuring high-quality output is key. This helps build up a solid writing portfolio and sets the stage for lasting success in freelance writing.
Psychological Effects of Rate Reduction on Freelance Writers
When freelance writers cut their rates, it quite honestly, can mess with their confidence.
They might start feeling less sure of themselves and wonder if they're really good enough to compete with everyone else.
It’s when work gets slow where you have to really double-down on quality of services, skills and the value of what you’re giving clients.
How Lowering Rates Affects Self-Confidence
Unfortunately, many writers complain that they’ve got themselves stuck at low rates. Whether they started out really low or decided to decrease pricing with the market, they are in a rut and can’t figure out how to get out of it.
When you, as a freelance writer, decide to slash pricing, it might hit your self-esteem hard. And you start doubting how much your skills and knowledge are really worth.
You begin to wonder if you’ll ever get higher pay rates, or if you should just call it quits before you go any further. I’ve definitely had this internal turmoil myself!
This kind of thinking can lead to negative thoughts and can mess with how well you do your job. After all, if you’re not confident in yourself, everything around you will crumble.
Sticking with fair rates while delivering top-notch content can help boost your confidence and draw in customers who are willing to pay better rates.
Coping with the Stress of an Unpredictable Income
For freelance writers, not knowing how much money you'll make can be really stressful, especially when you’re dealing with a dry spell.
I’ve had a few dry spells during my career – some lasting a few weeks to several months. And I battled with dread and self-hatred all along the way.
Should You Reduce Your Writing Rates Right Now? Pros and Cons
When you're going through slow times and thinking about dropping your prices as a freelance writer, it's crucial to look at the pros and cons before deciding.
It might feel right to cut your rates to get more jobs, but this isn't always the best move for success in the long run. Let's dive into what happens when you lower your prices.
The Pros of Reducing Your Writing Rates
More work comes in since you’re opening up to a new (lower tier) of clients.
Clients will appreciate getting a deal from you.
Clients may sign on to more projects since they like your cheaper rates.
You may stand out amongst a sea of other writers – and actually land the job.
The Cons of Reducing Your Writing Rates
Clients will think your writing is less valuable.
Clients may think you’re a novice (and treat you like a newbie).
People might take advantage of you as the “cheapest writer.”
You might be working for clients who ask you to write terrible pieces.
Alternatives to Help Freelance Writers to Thrive (without Lowering Rates)
Instead of cutting down prices when things get slow, freelance writers have other ways to dig out of a dry spell – without having to lower what they charge. Here are some ideas.
Learn New Writing Skills and Services
Educating yourself is always a worthwhile investment. Take free writing classes or invest in comprehensive programs that can teach you the ins and out of a particular specialty.
Not only can you dive into a new writing specialty, you can also add extra services to your existing packages, making you seem more well-rounded and knowledgeable. You’ll also be adding more value for your clients, so you can maintain or increase your rates!
You don’t want to waste too much time on ineffective training or DIY “free” learning – especially since you probably need to start making money again soon.
Diversify Your Writing Niche
For freelance writers struggling to find work, a smart move is to mix things up by diving into different niches and industries.
You’ll dive into a new pool of potential clients and types of projects. But again, make sure you add new skills and learn as much as you can about a new industry!
Build a Stronger Online Presence and Portfolio
It’s really important to beef up your online presence and portfolio. Being visible online is key to catching the eye of potential clients and showing off what you can do with words.
Start by putting together (or improving) a professional website or blog. This is where you can display your best pieces of writing, share positive feedback from previous clients, and establish yourself as a writing expert.
Your website is your digital showcase that lets future clients get a feel for what you're capable of.
Additionally, taking a free class on freelance writing can also help you improve your skills and build a stronger portfolio.
If you haven’t checked out our free SEO training for writers, sign up! It’s all about learning new SEO skills to improve your website and to get paid work from clients.
On top of that, make sure your social media profiles – LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Upwork, etc. – are optimized and polished. They are an extension of your brand!
These profiles are great for highlighting what your writing can do for clients.
Network and Expand Your Client Base Organically
Networking and referrals can be game-changers for struggling freelance writers.
By getting out there and connecting with people in the industry, you have a chance to grow your list of clients organically. This could be in-person events, conferences seminars – or even just via Facebook.
It's also smart to team up with other freelancers or folks who run their own businesses—they might know someone looking for writing services just like yours.
And don’t forget about recommendations from previous clients or professional connections. Dry spells are a great time to reconnect, ask for a testimonial (and see if they need any more work from you).
Use SEO to Attract Clients Automatically
For freelance writers in a dry spell, using SEO on their website should be one of the first strategies to get more clients.
Optimizing your website and blog so they are easy for search engines to find. After all, when your content can climb into the top spots on a search engine page, you’ll be more visible to people looking for writing services like yours.
For more in depth instructions about how to optimize your writer portfolio site for SEO, click here.
Craft valuable content that speaks directly to what your target audience wants or needs help with. This not only draws readers in but also boosts the likelihood of them reaching out for your services organically.
And let’s not forget about the role of consistent high-quality content marketing! Make sure your content positions yourself as a go-to resource for those actively seeking professional help.
One caveat: Don’t tell clients how to do the work you do, that’s your industry secret!
Include Bonuses in Your Service Packages
Instead of reducing your rates, throw in extra perks. You’ll be giving your clients more “bang for their buck,” but you won’t be drastically reducing your rates.
Here are some ideas for project “extras” you could throw in:
Another round of revisions
Faster project turnarounds
Slightly longer content
Multiple versions of certain things for testing (titles, subject lines, CTAs)
Content or copywriting audits
Images
Image alt text
Google title tags and meta descriptions
Your add-ons should be project specific.
And one note: Only add things that you are actually qualified to do.
Amanda's Story: When I Did (and Didn't) Drop My Freelance Writing Rates
I would be lying to you if I said that I have never experienced a dry spell during my career.
At different times and for various reasons, there were weeks or months when I didn’t have work – and no money was coming in. It was scary!
There were times when I succumbed to the “low-paying writing gigs game” out of desperation.
And, there were other times when I kept my rates, even when my financial advisor strongly suggested that I lower them. There was also some in-between.
Let me just share a little advice about what to do (and not do) when you’re currently experiencing a dry spell.
Strategies That Helped Me Keep My Higher Rates
I made my portfolio look amazing: From the copywriting to the samples to the design, I optimized my site so that it made me look really, really good.
I doubled down on SEO: This is one of my most effective strategies. Not only did I start getting more and more clients coming to me after they randomly searched online, but it was hard proof that I knew what I was doing. “I saw you at the top of the search engine page, you must know what you’re doing!” And it was proof that I was worth my rates.
I expanded my skills: When I hit a dry spell as a content writer, I learned how to do copywriting. When I hit a dry spell as a copywriter, I expanded my knowledge to become an SEO copywriter. I was gaining more and more high-profit skills.
I deleted most of my professional social accounts: And I just kept the most impactful social B2B profile (LinkedIn). I was spending way too much time on social profiles in which I had never earned a client. So instead, I maximized my time on LinkedIn to showcase my unique expertise, which meant that people believed in my skills and were willing to pay for it.
Lessons Learned: What Happened When I Reduced My Rates
I dreaded the work: I don’t know if it was the type of client, or the fact that I wasn’t making as much as I wanted, but I hated the cheapest work. I’d keep pushing off the projects until the very end and didn’t put my passion in it. Then, if there were revisions, I grumbled even more.
I was exhausted and burned out: I was spinning my wheels trying to get all the cheap work done. And then I was too tired to pitch clients or network online. This is one of the biggest reasons that many writers get caught up in cheap rates – simply because they don’t have the energy to work and find better clients.
I had to say no to great clients: Why didn’t I just drop the cheapos? Because it was important for me to deliver on my promises for every client that I commit to. So to me, I had the responsibility to finish what I started and simply tell other clients that I could commit.
So, Should Writers Reduce Their Writing Rates?!
At the end of the day, the choice about when to reduce your writing rates is up to you.
If you have the means, you could experiment with lower rates for a couple of months – just to see what kind of work comes in. For every writer, pricing your services involves a ton of trial and error!
However, before you decide to drop your rates, think about the pros, cons and real-life cases that you read in this post. And don’t forget about some of the tips we talked about above!
