5 Things I *Always* Keep in Mind When Setting Freelance Rates

Author

Diana Kelly Levey
June 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

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One of the most common questions I get from freelancers?


“How do I price this project?”

My short answer?

There’s no one formula. But there are a few things that experienced freelancers (hi! 👋) often think about when quoting rates.

I once ran a LinkedIn poll asking what freelancers forget to factor in when quoting clients.

The top 2 answers?


→ Edits


→ Research time

(I can’t tell you how often my freelance hourly rate for a project has significantly dropped due to needing to spend more time on research. It stinks!)

Let’s make sure you don’t miss these important considerations in your next proposal.

5 Things to Factor Into Your Freelance Rates

1. Your Experience. It’s What Sets You Apart
When you’re starting out, you may accept lower rates to build clips. Totally fine for beginner freelance writers! But once you’ve got a few solid bylines?

Raise ‘em up. I’ve spent 20 years in media and have worked with recognizable brands. Clients pay for that. (I compare it to other service providers. Will you pay more for a master plumber or master hair stylist? Yep. Same with Freelancers.)

2. The Value to the Client
One of the poll responders said: “Consider the value of the work.” That’s always an important rate component to factor in.


Your newsletter copy might help sell a $2,000 course. Your product page could convert thousands of consumers into monthly subscribers.

Think ROI, not just word count. Pricing should reflect what your work is worth right now and down the line.

3. Research + Admin Time
Writing the article is just one part.


If it requires interviews, reviewing studies, or SEO research, charge accordingly. And don’t forget onboarding time with a new client, which can include calls, contracts, and those complicated accounting processes. It all adds up.

4. Edits (and More Edits)
Be crystal clear in your scope.

I usually include 2 rounds of edits in my rate.

Anything beyond that = extra charges. Once you let them know the hourly rate for a third round of edits, they usually figure out how to make the changes quickly internally.

Set boundaries early so you’re not rewriting for free.

5. Turnaround Time
Tight deadlines? Charge a rush fee.


Fast, cheap, or good. Pick two, right?

If they want it now, they’ll need to pay for the priority. If not? They can wait. (Hint: They’ll usually wait!)

Pro Tip:
Before quoting a new project, take 5 minutes to think through all the above. It’ll save you hours (and headaches) later.

Hit reply if you’ve made any of these mistakes before, or want help pricing your next gig!

Diana

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