How To Finalize Your Per-Word Charges (Beginner & Expert)?

Aaahh!! The pending newsletter.

Before I talk about how you can finalize your per-word charges, let me first apologize to you for such a delay in sharing this newsletter. I had several pending works from my end and could not sit down and write informative-worthy content for all of you. You can say I needed a minor break from writing the newsletter.

Here is a little update about my life or things that happened since the last time we were here:

• CJ Digitals (my company) acquired three new clients in October
• We also ended a contract with one client because of their behavior towards one of my freelancers. My freelancers or other team members are my responsibility!
• I had a terrible allergic reaction, and all thanks to Cetirizine; I was sleeping and spending most of my hours ogling over different cars that I could/should/must buy.
• Importantly, I finalized the novel idea and started doing the proper research on the same topic!

Now coming to the topic for which you are here. :D

I recently conducted multiple rounds of one-on-one consultations where most aspiring and expert freelancers talked about the confusion they face while deciding on their per-word rate. If you guys have been following me for a while, you know I wrote another newsletter where I revealed multiple tips on setting your freelancing rates . If you haven't checked that one out, please do. It will help you understand how to work on your MAR -- Minimum Acceptable Rate.

Still, if you have doubts, here are some ways to help you understand how to finalize your per-word charges.

First of all, understand that you can have a fixed rate, hourly rate, or variables. In India, most freelancers work on fixed rates. So here I am going to talk about fixed rates only. If you are interested in knowing about hourly rates and variables, please let me know, and I will create a separate post.

Fixed Rates:?This is where you define your per-word charges for all your work. This includes writing, editing, researching, internet charges, and all that comes along when you sit down and write that piece for your client. As I mentioned earlier, remember that every dish at a restaurant will have a different rate. In addition, each hotel or restaurant will charge you a different amount for one particular dish. So, when you start pitching to your client, remember that your per-word charge would differ based on the following:

• Niche
• Deadline
• Target Audience
• Your expertise
• Your financial requirements at that hour

In India, you will have to discuss the mentioned points with the clients before finalizing your per-word charges. I suggest to my participants during my sessions that the correct way is to have at least 4-5 different slabs for your freelancing rates. For instance,

• If you love a particular niche and have at least 3+ years of experience in the same (with a good portfolio to show), create a per-word slab for 3-5rpw, 5-8rpw, and 10-12rpw. The slab would depend on the aforementioned points.
• If you do not have experience in a particular niche and have been in this industry for quite some time, create a per-word slab starting from 1-2rpw, 1.5-3rpw, and 2-4rpw. As I said, this depends on the deadline, audience, client, financial requirements, etc.
• If you have yet to gain experience or a portfolio to show, you should follow my advice, work on creating a portfolio, and then set your rates, beginning from 80ppw.

As I mentioned here, there are different ways to charge your client, and with the right skills, and portfolio, you can easily convince the client to pay what your work deserves. If you need any help regarding this or are having a tough time negotiating your changes with a new client, drop me a message, and I will help you in exchange for a coffee. :D

I hope to share another newsletter by the end of the day today or tomorrow! If you have any other questions regarding client acquisition, freelancing, pitching, and all, DM me.

Until next time!

- V?