Copywriting Fees: What Does It Really Cost to Hire a Copywriter?

“How much will it cost to re-write our website?”

A very good (and popular!) question.

The short answer? It depends. For most businesses, good copywriting pays for itself many times over. But how about asking this instead:

“What’s a website that actually works worth to our business?”

Let’s say you’re a professional services or corporate business and your new website (or even brochure or Homepage refresh) helps you land just one new client or contract. What’s that worth to your firm?

$10,000? $20,000? More?

Now compare that to the cost of your new website copy. Suddenly, it seems like incredible value. You spent on new copy - but your ROI is considerably more.

Here’s what goes into copywriting fees, why prices vary when you’re gathering quotes, and what you’re really paying for when you invest in a professional copywriter like me.

What Are You Really Paying For?

I’ll make this quick: you’re not just paying for text.
When you hire me, you're paying for copywriting strategy, clarity, and words that perform.

Image showing freelance copywriter attracting clients with copy

With over 25+ years in copywriting built on a career in journalism and PR, I shape messaging that gets noticed, understood, and acted on.

Here’s what’s included:

Messaging strategy – What to say, how to say it, and in what order to support buying decisions and remove resistance
Positioning clarity – Identifying what sets you apart and making that unmistakably clear to your audience
Information hierarchy – Structuring your content so people get the message fast and know exactly what to do next
Tone of voice – Ensuring your copy sounds like your business but talks your audience’s language
SEO – Weaving keywords naturally into your site and blogs so your content is discoverable and compelling
Conversion – Building trust, reducing doubt, and prompting action (click, call, enquire).

This isn’t something you get by asking ChatGPT to ‘write a homepage’ or hiring a cheap Fiverr freelancer to write you a piece of marketing collateral. Yes, you’ll get some words - but not the thinking and strategy behind them.

If your goal is to just get it done and tick a box, any writer will do.

But if your goal is to ensure your copy performs, what’s included matters.

Why Do Copywriting Fees Vary?

Because experience, strategic input, and results vary, too. Two copywriters might both spend a day researching and writing your Homepage.

One gives you something forgettable.

The other gives you messaging that lands your biggest client of the year.

Same time. VERY different outcome.

Here’s what typically affects the cost of a project:

1. Scope

A single webpage or two-sided capability statement is very different from an entire website or brochure. More content = more time, thinking, and precision.

2. Research and Industry

Some industries require more technical research, stakeholder input or interviews. These take time and expertise.

3. Strategy Level

Some writers just write. Others (like me) bring big-picture thinking - helping sharpen your messaging, structure your offer, and define your positioning.

4. Experience

Writers with decades of experience cost more - because you're getting sharper insight, fewer revisions, and proven results from the get-go.

5. Urgency

Some copywriters charge more for rush jobs. I don’t. If I can fit you in last-minute, you’re not charged extra. But planning ahead is smart - it gives us time to do it properly.

A Quick Note About Copywriting Fees: Hourly vs Project Pricing

I offer both hourly and project-based pricing, depending on the scope.

For projects such as a press release, a single-page rewrite, or ad-hoc support, I typically quote an hourly rate - it keeps things flexible and transparent.

For larger or longer projects like full websites, in-depth brochures and capability statements, I quote a fixed project fee so you have clarity on cost from the start.

No surprises.

Copywriting is a Business Development Tool

If you’re in law, consulting, or any professional services field, then you’ll know how critical business development is to growth.

Yet too often, copy is the weak link in a BD strategy - and this goes for any business.

Boring bios. Outdated about pages that tell no story. Same-same service pages. Ignorable, vague messaging that undersells what you do and who you do it for.

Copywriting is not a ‘nice to have.’ It’s a core part of your business development strategy, as essential as networking, events, thought leadership, and other business development investments.

Because when your message is clear and compelling, your content starts working for you:

Bringing in leads
Creating trust
Supporting your sales and marketing

It's doing the hard work for you, 24/7 - even when you're not.

And yet, I constantly see firms with websites and brochures that don't reflect the great work they’re doing. If your written presence on and offline isn’t up to scratch, you’re leaving credibility and leads on the table.

So when planning your business development efforts, don’t ask:
“Do we need copywriting?”

Ask this instead:
“Where is our copy poor - and what’s that currently costing us?”

What Does Professional Copywriting Cost?

Hand holding money showing cost of copywriting in Australia

Every project is tailored to the scope, but here’s a rough guide to help you budget:

2-page capability statement – from $1,000+
Full new website (with SEO) – from $5,000 to $10,000+ depending on page and content requirements
Blogs, bios, press releases – hourly rates apply
Brochures or multi-page marketing content – quoted per project

These fees cover more than just writing - they reflect messaging strategy, SEO insight, clear structure, and words that actually help you win business. If you think they seem high, ask yourself: When was the last time someone who really knows their stuff charged bottom dollar?

If you’re looking for bargain or cheap copywriting rates - I’m not the copywriter for you.

A business development consultant I support - who advises top-tier professional services firms in APAC and worldwide - puts it perfectly when talking about the sticky topic of price: Experts don’t charge low fees.

I work with professional firms, household brands, large corporates and established businesses who understand the value of great copy - and are prepared to invest in getting it right.

Am I The Right Copywriter For You?

I'm probably not the right fit if:

You want something done as cheaply and quickly as possible

Price is the most important factor

You're happy with generic AI-style content just to tick a box

But I am a good fit if:

You value clarity, strategy, and expertise

You want copy that supports long-term business growth and positioning - and resonates with your audience

You see copy and messaging as an investment - not an afterthought.

If that sounds like you, I'd love to help.

Is Copywriting Worth the Cost?

If you’re still unsure, think of it like this:

How many leads do you miss when your website or messaging isn’t clear?
How many clients don’t click through, don’t call, don’t enquire - simply because the words didn’t resonate?

Now think about the dollar value of just one of those missed opportunities.

For most businesses, one good client more than covers the investment in professional copywriting.

Which makes it a straightforward, no-brainer decision.

Quick FAQs

Yes. Strong copy drives leads, conversions, and trust. It’s working for your business long after it’s published. For most firms, one client win easily covers the copywriting investment.
Because effective messaging isn’t just about words.
It’s about strategy, structure, positioning, tone and emotion - none of which you’ll get from an ‘I just write’ cheap freelancer or an AI tool like ChatGPT. You’ll get words. But not the thinking, experience or nuance that makes them work.
Yes, it might be cheaper upfront. But it’s a false economy.
If the copy doesn’t reflect your expertise, clearly explain your services, or move people to act, it’s not doing its job. Which means you’ve wasted time, money, and opportunities. Remember - you get what you pay for.
A professional copywriter like me doesn’t just fill a page. I uncover what makes you different, frame it in a way that matters to your audience, and craft clear, confident messaging that supports your business goals and growth.
If business growth is a priority (and it always is), then your messaging needs to match your expertise. Copy is your firm on paper, on screen, and even in audio. It’s what clients see on your website, read in your bios, hear in your podcast intro, and absorb in your proposals and capability statements.

Let’s Chat

Not sure what you need - but know your copy isn’t right?
Let’s have a no-pressure chat.

Whether it’s a full website rewrite, a capability statement, or a single key page, I’ll help you clarify what’s needed and give you a clear, fixed-price proposal.

Get in touch here or email me directly: elizabeth@elizabethwilsoncopywriting.com.