Copywriting services for $1/500 words; Is it decent or desperate move?

[jocelyn]

Hello mates,
I want to solicit your opinion about a copywriting services who charge $1/500 words article. For me it is a desperate move or let say crazy. I think he is not serious.What do you think?

[zephyrwriting]

If you like, you can see a lot of them over at GetaFreelancer and other similar websites. Price competition? Not really.

Last week I had wrote a ~800 word sales copy site for a client from GaF for $160 and she was overjoyed with the results. Later, she confessed that it was the third time she had hired a freelance writer for the same job, the other two being much cheaper alternatives that didn't produce.

-Vish.

[PRandContent]

Depends on where you're coming from.

If you're an article buyer, then of course this will be a very interesting offer.
If you're an article writer, this won't please you.

[zephyrwriting]

Originally Posted by PRandContent

Depends on where you're coming from.

If you're an article buyer, then of course this will be a very interesting offer.
If you're an article writer, this won't please you.

Generally, I would be worried - except that I feel it actually helps article writers.

A lot of article (or sales copy) buyers initially go for cheap options and find that what they get leaves a lot to be desired. Having this type of scenario repeat itself over and over seems to make them more open to paying more for the assurance of better services.

In the long run, I think this spate of ultra-low-priced writing will end up raising the prices that good writers can charge even further.

-Vish.

[Eric Engel]

This might be a good strategy if you're building your site and bargaining for testimonials. But let them know ahead of time that you expect a testimonial.

But if you aren't trying to get something else out of the deal (if all you're getting is $1) then yeah, it's totally an act of desperation.

[John_S]

I think, if you're playing the percentages and it's the internet, the good bet is it's sheer desperation.

If the hypothetical example could sell, they wouldn't charge a dollar -- testimonials or no. It's the inept selling to the clueless, but that's the charm of the 'net.

Charging so low builds a poor customer base (you're training people to value you -- given what's happening with the dollar -- at nothing.)

What exactly do you think your chances are for charging even $2/500 words are in future? That's a one hundred percent price hike for people paying $1/500 words.

The inept don't know it is exponentially harder to get people to pay even a little more once you've trained them that 500 words should cost a dollar. If you can't sell 'em the first time you really, really will not be able to resell 'em.

It really matters little whether it's copy or content writing, it's not helping the writer or the client. You'll get the same quality of testimonials you'd expect paying $1 for -- generic "you get what you pay for" drivel.

And consider who's likely to give you the testimonial. Doctors earning over $150,000 a year? No. Plumbers earning over $80,000? Not likely. Home based business people earning over $50,000 per year? Try again.

You're going to get a testimonial most likely written by someone who 1) Can't write ...including a decent testimonial 2) Can't claim any large income because they have no money or reputation for making money 3) Don't even have the judgment to understand what constitutes a good hard-hitting testimonial

Here's a fun test you can try that I've performed. People have asked me for all sorts of services which would be "good for my portfolio" but which they would pay little.

....With one I said "Fine, just show me any proof of income over $75,000 per year. I'll even accept signed contracts for future potential business which would equal that amount."

....With another I said "Fine, just show me two testimonials you've written for others and where to find them online."

....With still another I asked "That's fine, all I need is the names and contact details for two other people you've worked with who you then went on to do business with at full price."

These bottom feeders dropped me like a hot rock. All I did was call them on their dishonesty.

Finally you couldn't honestly expect any word-of-mouth business. (Bottom feeders hang out with other bottom feeders) You couldn't expect people to even remember your name long enough to do business with you a second time -- you'd expect them to go to a bargain bin website like elance or craigslist to get another scoop full of cheap.

You Get What You Pay For works both ways -- including the testimonials you hope to get from these people.

[Eric Engel]

I know an awful lot of people who have done free work in exchange for testimonials...and now have GURU testimonials on their site.

[Sandor Verebi]

Originally Posted by Eric Engel

I know an awful lot of people who have done free work in exchange for testimonials...and now have GURU testimonials on their site.

Hi Eric,

Yes. This practice is accepted in a business life: something for something. And this is a win-win situation, if you think it deeply. You can afford to lost some money at first but you'll be able to gain more on backend.

Cheers,

Sandor

[MKyle]

Nice suggestions. I'm going to keep those in my back pocket and use them later. I've said similar things, but my question has always been "How much future business can I expect?" Usually, they'll scurry about with some generic answer and then go away.

Trying to compete on price will hurt the market by driving down overall prices, thus squeezing the margins out. It turns the service into a commodity. I'm not a big fan of the $1 service.

However, on the positive side, I have seen consumers becoming more aware that these deals usually mean low quality.

Originally Posted by John_S

I think, if you're playing the percentages and it's the internet, the good bet is it's sheer desperation.

If the hypothetical example could sell, they wouldn't charge a dollar -- testimonials or no. It's the inept selling to the clueless, but that's the charm of the 'net.

Charging so low builds a poor customer base (you're training people to value you -- given what's happening with the dollar -- at nothing.)

What exactly do you think your chances are for charging even $2/500 words are in future? That's a one hundred percent price hike for people paying $1/500 words.

The inept don't know it is exponentially harder to get people to pay even a little more once you've trained them that 500 words should cost a dollar. If you can't sell 'em the first time you really, really will not be able to resell 'em.

It really matters little whether it's copy or content writing, it's not helping the writer or the client. You'll get the same quality of testimonials you'd expect paying $1 for -- generic "you get what you pay for" drivel.

And consider who's likely to give you the testimonial. Doctors earning over $150,000 a year? No. Plumbers earning over $80,000? Not likely. Home based business people earning over $50,000 per year? Try again.

You're going to get a testimonial most likely written by someone who 1) Can't write ...including a decent testimonial 2) Can't claim any large income because they have no money or reputation for making money 3) Don't even have the judgment to understand what constitutes a good hard-hitting testimonial

Here's a fun test you can try that I've performed. People have asked me for all sorts of services which would be "good for my portfolio" but which they would pay little.

....With one I said "Fine, just show me any proof of income over $75,000 per year. I'll even accept signed contracts for future potential business which would equal that amount."

....With another I said "Fine, just show me two testimonials you've written for others and where to find them online."

....With still another I asked "That's fine, all I need is the names and contact details for two other people you've worked with who you then went on to do business with at full price."

These bottom feeders dropped me like a hot rock. All I did was call them on their dishonesty.

Finally you couldn't honestly expect any word-of-mouth business. (Bottom feeders hang out with other bottom feeders) You couldn't expect people to even remember your name long enough to do business with you a second time -- you'd expect them to go to a bargain bin website like elance or craigslist to get another scoop full of cheap.

You Get What You Pay For works both ways -- including the testimonials you hope to get from these people.

[erinwrites]

When in doubt, ask for the reasoning behind the price. Some people just want to build a portfolio and think low pricing is a good way to do that. Others live in areas where the conversion rate of $1 is pretty good. Of course, some people charge $1 per 500 words because they don't want the pressure to write well, they just want to earn a quick buck. These are the people who will write one article and then stick it in an article spinner for everything else that is ordered from them. While the "you get what you pay for" philosophy has a few holes in it, there are instances in which both of your eyebrows should shoot way up and $1/500 words is one of them. Before agreeing to purchase anything, ask for a sample of something they've already written. That will tell you more about the product you are getting than the price at which the product is set.

[Eric Engel]

Originally Posted by erinwrites

Before agreeing to purchase anything, ask for a sample of something they've already written.

Did I see that right? If you're a buyer, it would waste more time for you to ask for something and then read it than it would to simply try the 'service'. Geez - we're talking $1 here. As a buyer, I don't see any reason to be wary of anything. At the very most, you're out $1 and the time it took to pay a guy.

Not that I'm saying a $1 article has any value...I'm just saying you shouldn't be brainstorming over it.

[jedz]

Money matters to every business. The lower the price, the higher you earned. Most of the time buyers and clients first priority is the pricing and the quality and quantity follow.

[John_S]

The lower the price, the higher you earned. ...Most of the time buyers and clients first priority is the pricing and the quality and quantity follow.

I will admit, that seems to be the common opinion on the 'net.

You may find, if you test, a higher price may result in higher profit and even more sales. That's because price and perceived value match in the mind of customers.

So at certain price points you'll have more profit than others. But I would never advise that the lower the price the more you earned, because I haven't seen testing which showed this.

I have seen testing which refutes this, however.

That pricing and quality follow, or that buyers first priority is price is a dubious claim. However, that too is understandable -- and needs some clarity.

Not everyone who buys is a customer. Customers buy for reasons other than price. Customers exhibit loyalty (based on value factors.)

Consumers, on the other hand, know the price of everything and the value of nothing. They aren't loyal and will buy elsewhere based on lower price. If you're only offering low price, of course you're only seeing consumers and customers don't exist.

Finally, price is what you pay. Cost is what you really pay.

Dozens of airline passengers find this out every day when the fall for a low initial price. Then they get nickled and dimed to death with additional charges. They get their luggage lost. They are sitting on the runway for hours, and arriving late.

If quality was going to follow, the airline industry would have the highest satisfaction levels around.

Are the airlines getting rich? No, they're declaring bankruptcy. Apparently the solution is for airlines to charge a dollar.

There is one reason and one reason alone to hire a copywriter. The copywriter's job is to make sure you don't need to sell your stuff for a dollar.

Because, if you could simply lower your price and earn more, you don't need a copywriter, or marketing. No one would.

Frankly I'm surprised you're not offering to pay people money to hire you. Surely you'd be rich in no time. When your only tactic is lowering your price, and quality shows up automagically, I'd say your clients deserve some money.

[icjackson]

I don't even proofread for $1/500 words, much less write something original - and my rates are quite competitive!

I understand paying dues and even underpricing for potential gain, but that's just ridiculous.

I wouldn't trust services that cheap. Not even for bulk articles. You get what you pay for.

[chillingbreeze]

I'll agree with one of John's post about a weak customer base. I understand that a copywriting business may start off with lower prices but not freaking crazy lowest prices. $1 per 500 words pricing isn't worth even a re-write, let alone the original article.

No matter where they come from or how much is their cost of living, $1 is still INSULTING for WRITERS. If one needs to beat this competition, he needs to strive hard and prove the worth of their words and writing skills.

I've noticed a strange but true fact recently. If you offer your services at too lower prices, people may doubt your quality. If prices are too higher, they'll find it beyond their budget and requirements. It's better to offer a balanced pricing that covers at least 50% of your target market.

Cheers!

[John_S]

My question would be 1) Why not use a bottom feeder filter similar to the ones I suggest? 2) Why not try to figure out if there is something other than cash to trade? The testimonial is okay, but that's barely a starting point.

My criticism of this is not so much cash, but lack of imagination. And that is going to speak directly to the quality of the deliverables (content or copy).

Lots of well structured deals can be for little cash. My criticism is reserved for those who think charging a dollar is a "Get Out of Thinking, FREE" card. Charging really low does not replace sound marketing, a coherent business proposition, writing skill, or thought. And while people may say otherwise, that's how the vast majority employ these offers in practice.

It takes much more marketing savvy and thought to properly make this kind of offer -- Not Less

[ecoverartist]

I won't even open Microsoft Word to start typing on a sales letter or article for $1.

I'm building up my writing portfolio on Rent A Coder right now. I think people are learning that good writing ability and research are worth a lot more in long-term profits than any $3 scraper article ever could be.

I charge $15 for a 500 word article. The way I see it, if that article doesn't make you at least that much in profits within the first week of promoting then I haven't done a good enough job!

[Davidgenius]

As a buyer, it's surely better to invest a little extra for an article that's going to serve you over the long term.

An article for $1 is likely to be poorly written, and a poor reflection on your business/website. You do get what you pay for to a certain extent, and from what I've seen of most $5 and even $10 articles, the quality simply isn't there - not to mention the spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc.

[Eric Engel]

I can't remember...I think my first job on Elance got me $25 for a 1000 word article. I think that was the first and only time I used Elance. I started advertising in Adwords for articles, and I was getting $40 for 600 words. Within a month I was up to $55 for 400 words.

Now I don't even write articles (I keep forgetting to take it off my website though).

If you charge $1, you're going to get customers. If you charge $20 for the same content, you'll probably get customers. If it's good content, you'll be able to get $50 - 100 out of it.

If you have a reason to charge $1 (like maybe if you're trying to get something else in the bargain) then go for it.

[Collette]

Just for fun, I crunched the numbers...

Assuming a typical typing speed of about 60 wpm, this guy is writing for less than $7 an hour.

MickyD's in my city starts their workers at $9/hr. WalMart at $11/hr.

[zephyrwriting]

Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises

Those figures are assuming that a person can dash out a 500 word article in under 10 minutes. I envy those who can spit article out like that since it takes me a good half hour anyway, most of the time. Sometimes an hour or more. How can you turn out a well-written piece in less than 10 minutes?

I suppose it depends on what you'd consider to be 'well written'. Once I actually tried timing the absolute fastest that I could write an article and found it to be 12 minutes for 450 words or so.

Of course when I proofread it I was appalled. In a pinch I suppose it might be -passable- quality, but I would never, ever want to write an article like that for a client.

-Vish.

[John_S]

a typical typing speed of about 60 wpm,

That's mechanical typing speed, which has nothing to do with writing.

This isn't keywords stuffing we're talking about here. Many of these people are unknowns, and the articles are there to build your business as an expert.

I've seen a lot of article dumps, purchased by the ton. They occupy space in a layout. The majority of these articles do not portray the site owner as an expert or guru because they are generic content found anywhere.

If it ain't in the articles and reports making up the product, it ain't gonna be in the copy. The vast majority aren't putting up quality information differentiating themselves from the crowd on the cheap. Yes it can happen ...but the percentages are against you.

The people who don't know the difference between typing and writing deserve what they're about to get from both sides of the transaction.

[ericseminara]

What a writer charges for their services is market-based, but also a reflection on what they think their own service is worth (time, skills, talents). When people order articles from us, we take the time to actually research the topic, plan out the article, look at the client's website to ensure consistent message, and then write it and proof it. I guarantee you that someone writing for $1 is not giving you that same level of thoroughness. I would also question the customer service you'll get from such a writer.

[deannatroupe]

I would say run away. That price almost guarantees that you will get an article that you will have to either rewrite or hire someone to rewrite. I would say save your money up front by hiring a quality writer. Just my 2 cents.

[zephyrwriting]

Originally Posted by money2spare

Where can I find this magic article writer for $1 for $500.. If the work is readable I will order 5k articles. Please Pm me thank you.

Commonly, I'd suggest places like getafreelancer.com, DP forums, and so on.

[John_S]

Why work so hard placing a want ad? Just ask the guy squeegeeing your windshield while you're stopped in traffic.

Chances are they're the same people who answer that kind of ad anyway.

[Steve Faber]

You're devaluing yourself and any other writer. There's really no need to create the race to zero. By the time people in need of these services figure out that most of the copy / articles written by those that undercharge are really garbage, many of those that do good work, but actually get paid for it will have had to find other work just to feed their families.

[Rich Currie]

Very well stated.