Freelance Copywriting Rate Card Template (Free, Copy-Paste Ready)
A rate card is the single most useful document a freelance copywriter can have. It eliminates the awkward "what do you charge?" conversation, positions you as a professional, and gives clients a clear starting point for budget discussions.
Most freelance writers don't have one. They quote prices from memory, improvise during calls, and end up charging different amounts for the same work. A rate card fixes this.
Below are two complete rate card templates you can copy, customize with your own numbers, and start using today. We've also included the industry benchmarks to help you set your rates if you're unsure where to start.
Template 1: The Simple Rate Card
Best for: writers who want a clean, one-page document to send to clients or post on their website.
COPY-PASTE TEMPLATETemplate 2: The Detailed Rate Card
Best for: writers who want to show value tiers and help clients self-select the right package.
COPY-PASTE TEMPLATEIndustry Benchmarks: Where Should Your Rates Be?
If you're not sure what numbers to put in those placeholders, here are the current market rates for 2026 based on experience level. (For a deeper dive with more data, see our complete freelance copywriter rates guide for 2026.)
Per-Project Rates by Experience Level
| Project Type | Beginner | Mid-Level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog post (1,000 words) | $150-250 | $350-750 | $750-1,500 |
| Blog post (2,000 words) | $300-500 | $600-1,200 | $1,200-3,000 |
| Email (single) | $100-200 | $250-500 | $500-1,000 |
| Email sequence (5) | $500-1,000 | $1,250-2,500 | $2,500-5,000 |
| Landing page | $500-1,000 | $1,500-3,000 | $3,000-7,500 |
| Sales page (long-form) | $1,000-2,000 | $3,000-7,500 | $7,500-15,000 |
| Case study | $500-800 | $1,000-2,000 | $2,000-5,000 |
| Website (5 pages) | $1,500-3,000 | $3,500-7,500 | $7,500-15,000 |
Per-Word Rates by Tier
| Level | Rate | Who This Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $0.05-0.10 | New writers, general blog content |
| Developing | $0.10-0.25 | 1-2 years experience, niche-aware |
| Mid-Level | $0.25-0.50 | 2-5 years, some specialization |
| Senior | $0.50-1.00 | 5+ years, niche expertise |
| Expert | $1.00-2.00+ | Authority in specialized niche |
How to Use Your Rate Card
When a client asks "what do you charge?"
Send the rate card. Don't quote numbers from memory on a call — it invites negotiation. The rate card is an anchor. It frames the conversation around your published prices, not a number you just made up.
When to send it
- During the inquiry stage — Before the discovery call, not after. "Here's my rate card so you have a sense of investment. I'm happy to discuss during our call."
- On your website — Publishing rates filters out clients who can't afford you, saving you both time. (Controversial, but effective.)
- In your proposal — Reference the rate card, then quote the specific project price. This shows the client they're getting the standard rate, not a made-up number.
When to deviate from it
- Volume discounts — A retainer client who books 4+ blog posts per month can get a per-post discount. Document this in the retainer section of your rate card.
- New niche entry — If you're breaking into a new industry and need portfolio pieces, a temporary discount (10-20%) can be worth it. Set an end date.
- Never discount for "exposure" — Companies that can't afford copywriting don't provide meaningful exposure. This includes "equity in my startup" as payment.
The Psychology of Rate Cards
A rate card changes the negotiation dynamic. Without one, the client asks your rate and you're defending a number you just said. With one, the client is looking at a published document. Published rates feel more legitimate, more fixed, and less negotiable. The same price feels different when it's on a printed rate card versus said out loud on a Zoom call.
Calculating Your Target Rate
If you're starting from scratch, here's the formula:
- Set your target annual income — What do you need to earn? Be specific. Include taxes (add 30%).
- Calculate your billable capacity — Roughly 85 billable hours per month (17 client-work days x 5 hours). That's about 1,020 billable hours per year.
- Minimum hourly rate = Target annual income / 1,020 hours
- Convert to project rates — Estimate how many hours each project type takes you, then multiply by your hourly rate.
Example: You want to earn $75,000/year after taxes. With 30% for taxes, you need $107,000 gross. Divided by 1,020 billable hours = $105/hour minimum. A blog post that takes 3 hours should be priced at minimum $315.
Compare that to the benchmarks above and adjust. If $315 for a blog post is below market rate in your niche, raise it. If it's above, either improve your speed (so the effective hourly rate stays above $105) or target higher-paying niches.
Annual Rate Review
Update your rate card at least once a year. Signs it's time to raise your rates:
- You're booked more than 2 weeks out consistently
- You're turning down more than 1 client per month
- You haven't raised rates in 6+ months
- Your effective hourly rate has increased (you've gotten faster)
- You've added a specialization or notable portfolio piece
When you raise rates: new clients get the new rate immediately. Existing clients get 30-60 days notice. Frame it simply: "Due to increased demand and specialization in [niche], my rates for [project type] are now [new rate]." No apologies.
Rate Card + Rate Calculator + Financial Dashboard
The Freelance Copywriter OS includes a built-in rate calculator that converts between per-word, per-project, and hourly rates with live industry benchmarks — plus a financial dashboard that tracks revenue, outstanding invoices, and tax set-aside automatically.
View the Freelance Copywriter OSRelated reads: Freelance copywriter rates in 2026: what to charge · 5 systems every freelance copywriter needs · Notion vs Dubsado vs Bonsai for writers
More free resources for freelance copywriters. Templates, guides, and systems delivered weekly.