The #1 money mistake copywriters make

How many times have you thought, “What was I thinking?”—especially when it comes to money?

Maybe it was forgetting to set aside enough for taxes and suddenly plotting your midnight escape to a tax-free island. Or screaming into the void as another late-paying client ignored your (still polite) 7th reminder email.

We’ve all been there. But let’s talk about the #1 money mistake copywriters make again and again… and it’s not taxes or chasing payments.

It’s undercharging.

Yep. It’s that simple and that complicated.?

It’s the kind of mistake that quietly drains your bank account and leaves you wondering if this running-your-own-copywriting-business is really for you.?

Oof.

But here’s the kicker: It’s not just about the money (even though, let’s be honest, it is a little about the money). Undercharging slowly chips away at your confidence, making it harder to show up with swagger in your marketing, say no to bad clients, and attract the projects that light you up.

It’s a silent killer of freelance success. But it’s never too late to fix it—and you can start planting seeds for 2025.

Step 1: track your time like a boss

You know the drill—projects always take more time than you think. If you don’t track your time, now’s the time to start. ?Yes, it’s a bit of a faff, but that data doesn’t lie. It’ll show you exactly where your time’s going (and why your quote should be higher).

Step 2: adjust your quotes?

Once you’ve got the cold, hard data, it’s time to make a few changes. Work on being more efficient as a writer and make sure all your effort is actually covered in your quote. No more charging for two hours when it really took eight.

Step 3: assess your client list

Here’s the truth bomb: some clients just can’t afford you—and that’s okay. If your current clients aren’t aligned with your financial goals, it’s time for an upgrade. Which might lead you to upgrade your marketing, your messaging and your lead generation.

It’s reboot your bank account needs.

That might feel a little overwhelming but take a breath and start by checking in with your copywriting rates.

Do they really reflect your time, your value, and your goals? If not, a little tweak now could make all the difference for your business next year.

Cheers to a better bank account,

Belinda