First of all, a web writer is a specialist in online writing. That may seem obvious, but the distinction with a "print" writer is crucial. A web writer knows how to optimize their texts so they are visible online and enhance your website. The writing style is therefore different and does not emphasize the same elements.
It is a full-time profession that requires training in many aspects of web-related jobs. Consequently, a web writer's salary varies depending on the client's demand, the visibility sought, and the target audience.
It is difficult to determine a fixed average salary for this profession because it depends on many factors. It notably depends on how the profession is practiced.
The salary of a freelance web copywriter
A web writer can work as a freelancer, directly with their own clients or through online content platforms. They can also be employed by a company.
For a freelance web writer, compensation varies depending on many factors:
- the amount negotiated with their client
- the number of texts they can write each week
- The type of business and its expenses
Indeed, a web writer registered as a micro-entrepreneur will not have the same charges and social contributions as a web writer invoicing through an LLC.
It is therefore not possible to give a realistic range. However, we can give you some insights into the different ways a web writer can bill for their services.
Charging per word
One of the most common billing methods for a web writer is charging per word. This ensures fair and rational payment relative to the work provided. It is estimated that a web writer can be paid between €0.03 and €0.10 per word. The amount varies depending on the technicality of the topic and the writer's skills.
Let's detail the reasons that explain such disparity. At €0.03 per word, the web writer is a beginner and does not necessarily offer SEO-optimized texts. They tend to write fairly general texts, without going into technical details.
As soon as the writer provides an optimized article, even if they are a novice, the per-word rate is higher. The higher the rate, the more the writer can claim to offer qualitative and comprehensive articles (even on very technical topics) to their clients. The subject is then much more documented, analyzed, and aimed at a specialized audience.
For certain technical writings requiring in-depth research, the writer may charge research and documentation time in the form of a surcharge of 20 to 40% on the total article price.
Charging by the hour
A web writer may choose to bill clients by the hour. However, this billing method is not necessarily ideal either for the writer or for the client.
The drawback of hourly billing for the writer is that it does not value all the administrative work that lies behind it. They then need to charge a high rate to compensate. Also, writing small pieces of content (a few hundred words) takes less than an hour. It is then awkward to bill in half-hour increments.
For the client, it is difficult to know whether the time quoted by the writer reflects reality. It is therefore simpler for the client to request a per-word rate. For an experienced writer charging €0.10 per word, the remuneration is often more attractive than hourly billing.
Charging per article or per order
Another option is to bill clients per article or per order. This allows both the client and the writer to have a broader view of the project and the task to be completed. Generally, the billed amount is fixed and the word count is also fixed to +/- 100 words. However, this billing method remains very close to billing by the number of words.
This approach is often more meaningful to the end client. It also makes it possible to negotiate a rate for a large writing project.
Article corrections/edits: how to include them in a freelance web copywriter's fee?
After writing an article and submitting it to the client, the client may have comments and want changes. Revisions are often not included in the price and the writer must ensure they deliver a perfect text to avoid seeing their hourly rate melt away.
Knowing that it is common for a client to request some changes after the text is submitted, offering free revisions can be a selling point for the web writer. In any case, it is important to set in advance how revisions will be handled to avoid any conflict with the client. For example, you should specify the number of possible back-and-forths.
The salary of a web copywriter on a permanent contract at a newspaper
After seeing how a freelance web writer charges, we can look at the salary of a web writer employed by a newspaper or a company. The writer or web journalist receives a fixed salary this time, which does not depend on their activity or rates. It is a fixed salary associated with a permanent or temporary contract, as is typical.
Salary progression of a web copywriter
At the start of their career, a web writer earns on average €1,800 gross per month. This then increases depending on the writer's experience and skills. It is estimated that at the end of their career, a web writer earns around €2,500 to €3,000 gross per month.
It should be noted that this can vary considerably depending on the company and the region where the web writer is employed. In the Paris region, within a major newspaper or a CAC40 company, the web writer's salary can be higher.
A fixed salary that offers significant advantages
Although far from the highest amounts reported by freelance web writers, a salaried web writer employed by a newspaper has the advantage of being able to devote themselves exclusively to writing their articles. In addition, their salary is guaranteed and the web journalist does not need to chase orders like a freelance web writer.
The salary of a salaried web copywriter at a web communications agency
Finally, the last role often sought by web writers is to be employed by a web communications agency. A writer in a web agency has the advantage of being able to write varied texts, from blog posts to product descriptions for a company, as well as press releases and landing pages.
With around €1,800 gross per month as a beginner, the salary of a web writer in a communications agency is not the highest but offers interesting prospects. Indeed, the web writer can then move into a communications officer, content manager or project manager role.
They can also remain specialized in writing while taking on a position with responsibilities. Thus, the salary of a web writer in a communications agency can rise to as much as €3,000 gross per month.
Our tip for setting your salary as a web copywriter
So, how do you choose your employment status when you are a web writer? It all depends on your salary ambitions! If you are willing to work a lot, handle stress and devote yourself body and soul to your profession, being a freelance web writer can allow you to quickly reach real financial comfort while being autonomous. But the start of a freelance career is full of uncertainty, like all freelance activities. If you prefer a stable, comfortable and stress-free situation, the most suitable status is that of a salaried web writer.
The hardest part of becoming a freelance web writer is finding your first clients! With Redacteur.com, find dozens of calls for proposals published every day and hundreds of clients looking for their new web writer! Redacteur.com offers one of the most attractive remunerations for its writers among all online writing platforms. All the cards are now in your hands to succeed in making a living from your passion.
