Question 1

Should copywriters charge per word, per hour, or per project?

Accepted Answer

Per-word pricing is the weakest model — it penalises efficiency and commoditises your work. Per-project pricing is preferred for defined deliverables like a homepage or email sequence. Hourly billing works for ongoing consulting, strategy work, or when the scope is genuinely unclear. Never charge per word for high-value copy like landing pages or sales emails.

Question 2

How do copywriters price for usage rights or content licences?

Accepted Answer

Most copywriters do not charge usage fees the way photographers do, but you can and should for national advertising campaigns or white-label work where your name doesn't appear. A simple approach is to charge your standard project rate for standard usage and add 50–100% for unlimited/perpetual commercial use.

Question 3

How should UK copywriters handle IR35?

Accepted Answer

IR35 applies when HMRC determines a freelancer is effectively a disguised employee of their client. For copywriters, the key tests are: do you work for multiple clients simultaneously, can you send a substitute, and do you control how and when you work? If you work exclusively through one client's systems for extended periods, IR35 risk increases. Many UK copywriters use a limited company structure and seek a confirmed outside-IR35 status from large clients before engagement.

Question 4

How many billable hours does a Copywriter need to work in United Kingdom to earn £70,000?

Accepted Answer

At £95/hr you need roughly 22 billable hours per week (1056 hours over 48 working weeks). At £70/hr you need 30 billable hours per week. Both figures assume a 26% effective tax rate in United Kingdom and £300/month in business expenses. Most experienced freelance copywriters target 20–25 billable hours to keep time for admin, proposals, and skill development.

Question 5

What is the tax impact on a freelance Copywriter's rate in United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

To take home £70,000 after 26% tax in United Kingdom, you need to bill approximately £99,460 in gross revenue per year. That means £25,860 goes directly to tax — a gap most new freelance copywriters underestimate when setting their rates. Freelancers register as self-employed with HMRC and pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance on top of income tax.

Question 6

Is £70/hr a competitive rate for a freelance Copywriter in United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

£70/hr is a common market reference for copywriters, but whether it works for you in United Kingdom depends on your income goal. To achieve £70,000 take-home at that rate, you would need to bill 1421 hours per year — about 30 billable hours per week across 48 working weeks. Use the calculator above to model your specific situation.

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