Content marketing pricing varies widely depending on the pricing model used: per word, per piece (project), retainer, and hourly rates are the most common structures.
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Per Word Pricing: Freelance writers typically charge between $0.03 to $1.50 per word, with beginners at the low end ($0.03-$0.10) and experts charging $0.30 to $1+ per word. This model is common for blog posts, articles, and copywriting but often excludes research, SEO, or revisions. Agencies rarely use per-word pricing. For example, a 1,000-word blog post might cost $100 at $0.10/word, while a research-intensive 2,000-word article could be $1,000 or more.
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Per Piece (Project) Pricing: Many writers and agencies offer flat rates per article or content piece. Typical fees for blog posts range from $50 to $1,500+ depending on length and complexity (e.g., $50-$200 for 500 words, $100-$500 for 1,000 words, and $300-$1,500+ for 2,000+ words with SEO and research).
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Retainer Pricing: Agencies often use monthly retainers, charging a fixed fee for ongoing content marketing services such as blog writing, social media management, and SEO. Retainers provide predictable costs and consistent support, often with a set number of deliverables or hours per month. Monthly retainers can range from $500 to $75,000+ depending on scope and agency size. Retainers may offer lower hourly rates compared to ad hoc work.
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Hourly Rates: Freelancers typically charge $15 to $200 per hour, with agencies charging between $150 and $250 per hour. Hourly pricing suits complex projects requiring collaboration across multiple specialists but can lead to unpredictable costs. Hourly rates vary by experience, niche, and location.
Additional notes:
- Social media content pricing ranges from $50 to $150 per post in the US, with bundled packages often available.
- Video content and podcasts command higher prices, starting around $1,000 for videos and $500-$3,000 per podcast episode.
- Pricing models should be chosen based on project complexity, budget predictability, and the level of ongoing support needed.
In summary, per word is common for straightforward writing tasks, per piece/project suits defined deliverables, retainers are ideal for ongoing content needs, and hourly rates fit complex or variable projects. Pricing varies widely by expertise, content type, and agency vs. freelancer status.
