Scratching your head when you hear about “PPW” in content writing? You’re not alone! Many beginners face this confusion. In fact, you might be missing out on better pay because you don’t know what PPW (Price Per Word) stands for and how to charge for your services.
But don’t worry; we’ll decode what is PPW in content writing, what content writers charge per word in India, alternative pricing methods, and reveal how you can increase your PPW rates to earn more.
What Is PPW In Content Writing?
The full form of PPW is Price Per Word, which is the amount you get paid for each word you write as a freelance content writer. It’s the basic unit of measurement for your earnings. For example: 30 ppw means 30 paisa per word, 50 ppw means 50 paisa per word.
Let’s break it down with an example:
If a client pays you ₹1 for each word you write, and you write 500 words, you earn ₹500 (500 words x ₹1 per word).
So, your PPW here is 1 Rupee Per Word.
Now that you know what PPW is, let’s explore it further.
Why You Should NOT Charge In PPW?
Charging on a per-word basis works fine for beginners. But, it isn’t the best way to price. Here’s why:
1. Ignores Other Aspects
A lot goes into a piece of content other than words. You need to research, understand the topic, and then write, proofread, and edit it. When you price on a per-word basis, you don’t consider these factors. You don’t even think of the complexities involved in a project, the scope of work and more.
Here’s an example:
You set your price as 1 rupee/word.
Prospect 1: We want 20 blogs of 1k words each in the lifestyle niche every month.
Prospect 2: We want a total of 2 blogs (500-800 words) in tech niche with infographics.
Do you still think fixing your per-word rate will work? These two scenarios are entirely different and demand different efforts. So, you can’t charge the same for both.
2. Sounds TOO Much
For beginners, it’s fine. You tell them you’d charge between 50 paise, 1 rupee or 2 rupees per word. But, if you’re an expert, your per-word rates may be 6 rupees, 10 rupees, or even up to 50-70 rupees. How will you justify this to your client? Their instant reaction will be: WHAT? Do you charge this much for writing a WORD?
And hey! Even as a beginner, can you charge 1 rupee/word for a 50-word ad copy? Will it justify the research you do and the time you spend writing it?
When it comes to short-form content, it’s a bad idea to charge on a per-word basis for the same reasons.
Also Read: 30 FREE Content Writing Tools For Your Blog
3. You Add Unnecessary Words
When you get paid based on the number of words you write, your focus is only on adding words. This is an unfortunate truth because who doesn’t want to earn more? This makes your content full of fluff and doesn’t allow you to make it valuable. This also dis-satisfies the reader by wasting their time.
4. Can’t Charge In Advance
You don’t know how long a piece of content may be. When you don’t have a fixed amount to charge for the deliverable, you can’t estimate the total charges. Hence, you get paid only after completing the work (which can increase the chances of getting scammed).
Also Read: 6 Best Content Writing Courses In India To Make Money
How Much Do Content Writers Charge Per Word in India?
The rates for content writers in India can vary widely, but here’s a rough idea:
1. Beginners
If you’re just starting out, you might charge anywhere from ₹0.50 to ₹1.50 per word.
2. Intermediate Writers
With some experience and a decent portfolio, you can aim for ₹1.50 to ₹3 per word.
3. Experienced Writers
Experienced writers with a strong portfolio can demand ₹3 or more per word.
Remember, these are ballpark figures, and the actual rates can depend on factors like your niche, expertise, and the client’s budget.
Also Read: How Content Marketing Is Changing the Game For Businesses
What Are the Other Ways to Charge?
While PPW is common, there are other pricing methods you can consider:
1. Per Hour
You can charge by the hour, especially if a project’s scope isn’t well-defined. Rates can vary from ₹500 to ₹2000 or more per hour, depending on your experience.
2. Per Deliverable
Some writers charge per deliverable, like ₹2000 for an email newsletter or ₹500 for a product description.
3. Per Project
For specific projects, you can quote a fixed fee. For instance, you might charge ₹10,000 to write 5 blog posts of 800-1200 words monthly.
Choose the one that suits you and your clients best.
How to Increase Your PPW Rates or Charge Higher?
Now that you know what is PPW in content writing, let’s talk about the exciting part – charging more as a freelance writer!
1. Improve Your Writing Skills
Invest in courses or workshops to enhance your writing skills. Better writers can command higher rates. You can check out Freelance Blogging Launchpad and learn how to write quality blogs and get clients to make INR 30 to 50K per month.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
A portfolio showcasing your best work can help you land higher-paying gigs. Add your related, past work and testimonials to your portfolio. Adding case studies or results can also help you charge high.
3. Specialize In a Niche
Become an expert in a specific niche like technology, health, or finance. Specialized writers are in demand and can charge more. However, as a beginner, it’s not a good idea to narrow it down unless you are an expert in something already.
4. Negotiate Confidently
Don’t hesitate to negotiate your rates. If you’ve gained experience and expertise, ask for your worth. Don’t settle for less.
5. Deliver Quality Consistency
Reliable writers who consistently produce high-quality content are valued and can charge premium rates. Do not compromise on the content quality, as it can make or break a deal. Your work doesn’t end when you convert a client. It STARTS. By providing content as per their expectations, you won’t just win them in the long run but also get referrals from them.
6. Network and Market Yourself
Join freelance platforms, attend webinars, and promote your services on social media to connect with potential clients willing to pay better.
Also Read: 10 Content Writing Books to Help You Make $$$
BONUS
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Conclusion
Now that you understand what is the full form of PPW in content writing and what ppw means, you have the knowledge to make informed pricing decisions. Whether you choose PPW or another pricing method, remember that your skills, experience, and negotiation prowess significantly determine how much you earn as a freelance content writer. So, keep improving, keep networking, and watch your income grow!
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