How much would you charge a small business owner for freelance work? Normally I’d charge $150-$200 hourly, but that feels a little wrong to charge an average person trying to get something off the ground.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Remember you are also a small business. Don’t over index on that courtesy

likesmarthelpful

I charge agencies 125/hr min and non-profit clients 50/hr, sometimes even pro bono

likesmart

Go in with what you’d normally charge, then negotiate if you feel like it.

like

Some seasoned copywriters I know adjust their scope to meet the budget. So, you can say, "I'd usually charge X for 1,2, and 3, but I'm willing to charge Y for just 1 and 2". If they are good people, have a business you feel passionate about, maybe lower your rates a bit, knock it outta the park and tell them to give you more work down the road. Potential retainer you can keep pinging every few months.

like

I simply charge anyone / any company based on pain.

likehelpful

That’s tough but it depends on how big the project is, how much you want to help them, how interesting the work is to you, potential non monetary upsides, how much time you have to do it, how easy they are to work with, how much other work you have going on, etc..

like

Don’t forget you may be breaking payments up for them (more manageable, reduced risk). Hypernormal rates for hypernormal times.

I consult with small start ups through an accelerator program. The program itself sets the rate at $100/hr. Way less than I’d charge an agency but I like doing it and it’s flexible.

Are you kidding? Go in reasonable and suggest a retainer. Think long term. Alternatively start at $100. Get the work. Increase yearly.

Related Posts

Is there an appropriate way to turn down an assignment because it is non-billable? Two of the partners I work for keep asking me to write client bulletins and articles with them, which is great, but now I’m starting to worry about meeting my billable hours requirement.

like

Is it feasible to go straight for MBA right after undergrad? Or is it better practice to get some work experience first?

I am looking for advice, what do you guys think of the Google Data Analytic Cert, for someone with no Data experience, do you think it’s a good route to start, have you seen anyone getting a job just by having the certification from Google.

like

Going to Accenture UK at L7 (Manager level - Business and Technology integration) What should I be mentally prepared for? All advise/ pointers gratefully received. Thanks 🙏

like

Is there a way to work part time or close to 40 hours a week average with big 4 in advisory? I don’t really care how much I get paid and just want some WLB and health insurance lol.

like

I've seen people say that if you're underpaid, you can't just outline your contributions because your manager needs a compelling reason for finance to bump your salary and they need to prove you're underpaid. So how do I present my case that I'm being underpaid other than "my friends make this amount in their role" or "Glassdoor says this" when finance can find rebuttals for these arguments?

like

Good morning,

Can someone help me understand the compensation for a Digital Risk Management Agent?

like

Just finished this bench with my girlfriend. Started with an idea and managed to come through! Really pleased with the result. Still need to add some artwork/ plants for above. Any suggestions?

Post Photo
like

Hello Fishes, Can someone please refer me to the job opening that hsbc has. Checked on LinkedIn.

Will send a link to the opening.

Let me know. Thanks in advance.

like

I give the clients gold, but they decide instead, they want me to paint it with sh*t.

likefunny

“Isn’t meth, like, so early 2000’s? Does anyone do that anymore?”

likefunny

I want the juice from the food industry workers 🧐

like

Which consulting firms are hiring for experienced Associate position? Have a friend who got laid off and looking for another job.

like

After a year using my home office setup, especially the 27 inch monitor, how can I ever go back to the traveling life with tiny laptop screen? 😔

likesmart

Have Nvax ran it's course. Up 50% and thinking to book profits and move on. I believe all vaccine stocks are now fully priced in without much upword potential. Any thoughts.

like

KPMG India In kgs, how long will it take to get promotion from associate consultant to consultant designation. KPMG India KPMG KGS

like

Started 18mg concerta last Monday. Got bumped to 36mg today, had two cups of coffee and cannot stop smoking hence feeling jittery, not anxious. Is it the caffeine or nicotine mixing with increased stimulants?

like

Which agencies in chi stay open between 25th and Jan 1?

like

Anyone looking for a designer with illustration and CPG experience? I’m looking for my next gig! Would love to use my illustration and branding chops. (And CPG would be awesome but not totally necessary!)

like

Hi fishes, any openings for SAP consultant in American Express in India

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

Layoffs at Integer Denver today? Somebody spill....

like

CDs. How many brands do you look after? Trying to find out if I'm stretched too thin, or not thin enough.

like

So look, not trying to be a dick here, but legit, why do people who live in nyc always give off the vibe that they’re so proud of themselves? Like they’ve accomplishing something just by being there. I’ve lived in huge American cities before but never felt compelled to aggressively pat myself on the back just for signing an overpriced lease. It’s a great place and all, don’t get me wrong, no need to get defensive, but come oooooon, really? Just curios that’s all :)

likefunnyhelpful

I’ve found a place I love in the Bay Area, have the 20% downpayment needed, and have been pre-approved for a mortgage. Only thing holding me back is the fear of a recession. What to do?

like

If you got fired today would you have a Bach up plan? What would it be?

like

So, I work in an agency, but recently someone reached out to me for freelance writing work. I guess it'll be long form ad copy, as they're asking me for a rate per word...
I have no idea what's standard here

likehelpful

Does anyone feel weird in the DEI space for all the identity politics of representation (which I understand progress is progress!) but it’s still within the system of capitalism because this is still... advertising? - coming from a BIPOC

like

not to ask a stupid question but how do you industry twitter??

do you just start replying to peoples tweets because you think they're cool or is that creepy

likefunny

Practical advice on how to deal with a mansplaining colleague?? 🙄

like

That HP printer ink commercial with the dead grandpa really bums me out.

like

Does anyone know anything good/bad about working at red fuse?

like

Wet mouth noises...😖😖😖🗯🔥

like

Please, make this ad on LinkedIn go away.

Post Photo
likefunny

Laid off, 10 years exp, tired of acct management. Feel so lost. Don't want to go back to agency side. What should I do? I feel like 💩

like

Out of curiosity, how much $ did you start making before buying a pet?

like

I’m starting a new job tomorrow and really doubting myself right now... Help for overcoming first day jitters?

like

Thoughts on the new Vegas slogan “What happens here, only happens here”?Apparently people hate it. I think it’s a good spin on the classic “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

like

Any advice on how to handle an ECD in charge of your salary who says the only way to get a promotion or even a COL raise of any kind is through winning an award? Not consistently reliable and solid performance. Not keeping the client happy and profitable. “You either win an award, or all ya get is to keep your job.”
And yes, I’m aware leaving is always an option, but eager for any other advice how to navigate.

like

how do we increase diversity in leadership positions when there are no job openings?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal