The Real Cost of Words
Let’s chat about something that makes UK business owners squirm more than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs: copywriter fees.
I know, I know. You’re thinking, “But can’t I just bang out some words myself? Or get my nephew who’s ‘good with computers’ to do it?”
Well, you could. But you could also perform your own dentistry. The results would be about as pretty. Here’s the thing:
The Real Price of Words
(Or: Why Your Copywriter Costs More Than Your Latte)
According to the clever boffins at ProCopywriters, the average day rate for UK copywriters in 2023 was £433 and £440 in 2024. Blimey! I hear you cry. That’s a lot of dosh!
But here’s the thing:
You’re paying for:
- Years of experience (we weren’t born knowing how to write cracking copy, you know)
- Industry knowledge (because writing about quantum physics isn’t the same as writing about cat food)
- The ability to make your customers sit up and take notice (and maybe even reach for their wallets)
And let me tell you a secret. These rates aren’t just plucked from thin air. They’re carefully calculated to ensure we can deliver top-notch work without burning out faster than a cheap candle.
It’s about sustainability – both for us copywriters and for the quality of work you receive.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Copy
(Or: Why Penny-Pinching Leads to Pound-Foolishness)
Now, I know it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option. But remember, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. And monkeys, while adorable, are rubbish at writing copy.
Cheap copy can cost you in ways you might not expect:
- Lost sales (because your website reads like it was written by a drunk toddler)
- Damaged reputation (nothing says “unprofessional” quite like a typo-ridden brochure)
- Wasted time (spent rewriting that bargain-basement copy you thought was a steal)
But here’s something else to chew on. I believe that when copywriters underprice themselves, it creates a ripple effect. It’s like a game of limbo – how low can you go?
Before you know it, the whole industry is bending over backwards trying to match unrealistic prices. And that’s not a pretty sight.
Why Quality Copywriting is an Investment, Not an Expense
Think of good copy like a well-tailored suit. Yes, it costs more upfront. But it makes you look smashing, opens doors, and pays for itself in the long run.
As I always say to my clients (and you can see this on my website),
Quality copy does the following:
- Boosts your SEO (because Google loves well-written content almost as much as it loves cat videos)
- Increases conversions (because people are more likely to buy when they’re not cringing at your grammar)
- Builds your brand (because your words are the voice of your business, and you want that voice to be Morgan Freeman, not Pee-wee Herman)
I’m convinced that good copy keeps on giving. It’s not a one-and-done deal. It’s an investment that can pay dividends for years to come.
So when you’re looking at those copywriter fees, remember – you’re not just buying words, you’re investing in your business’s future.
The AI Elephant in the Room
(Or: Why Robots Can’t Replace Us… Yet)
Now, I know what you’re thinking. But what about AI? Can’t I just get a robot to write my copy for pennies?
Well, you could. But AI is like a parrot – it can mimic human language, but it doesn’t really understand what it’s saying. I’ve noticed that it can struggle to capture your brand’s unique voice well and consistently, or understand the nuances of your audience. It can’t make jokes (well, good ones anyway), and it certainly can’t empathise with your customers.
As I like to say,
And let’s be real for a minute. While AI can churn out content faster than you can say “algorithm”, I find that it can lack the secret sauce that makes copy truly compelling.
AI can’t read between the lines, pick up on cultural nuances, or understand the emotional triggers that make people click ‘buy now’. That’s where we humans still have the upper hand.
Why You Should Stop Reading This and Hire a Professional UK Copywriter Already
Look, I get it. Spending money on copywriting feels a bit like buying air. But remember, words have power. They can make or break your business. They’re the difference between meh and shut up and take my money!
So, the next time you’re tempted to baulk at a copywriter’s fees, remember:
By investing in professional copywriting, you’re not just getting better content – you’re supporting a sustainable industry that values quality and expertise. And I believe, that’s something worth paying for.
/ Miriam