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How much does copywriting cost in the UK?
- Sarah Turnbull
- Apr 20
- 7 min read
How much does copywriting cost and why do rates vary in the UK?
If you’ve ever searched for the cost of copywriting in the UK, you’ll know that prices vary pretty wildly. That’s because copywriting isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. The cost of copywriting depends on several factors. These include the experience of the copywriter and the type of content you need. It also depends how technical the subject is and how quickly it's needed.
But the key thing to understand is that you’re not just paying for words. You’re paying for the ability to influence action. Great copy drives conversions and builds trust. Whether it’s website content, SEO copy or words for a sales page, paying for quality copywriting will deliver serious returns for your business.
So, how much should you expect to pay?
How copywriters charge for their services
One of the reasons the cost of copywriting in the UK seems inconsistent is because there’s no standard pricing model. How a copywriter charges often depends on the type of work, their experience level and how they manage projects. Being aware of this will help you compare quotes more effectively and choose the right copywriter for your needs.
The most common pricing models you’ll come across are:
By the hour
Charging by the hour is sometimes used for ad-hoc editing, consultancy or smaller projects where the scope might shift. It gives the client a sense of flexibility, but it can make budgeting harder as it’s not always clear how long a task will take.
By the day
Day rates are often used by copywriters who take on retained work or are part of a client’s team for a set period. It’s a good model for agencies or larger businesses that need intensive input over one or a few days. It’s particularly useful during product launches or campaign planning.
By the project
This is the most popular approach for strategic work. Think websites, landing pages or sales funnels. A fixed fee is agreed upfront. This is usually based on the scope, complexity and expected outcomes. It’s predictable, scalable and includes planning, drafting, feedback rounds and final delivery.
By the word
Some copywriters, like those working in journalism or blogging, still charge by the word. It's becoming less common for commercial copywriting now. It doesn’t account for ideas, research, structure or persuasion. It also often leads to copy that’s longer than it needs to be to get the word count up and can end up in poor quality work.
Each approach has its pros and cons. The best pricing model will depend on the type of support you need and how closely you want to collaborate. It also depends how comfortable a business is with a flexible vs fixed fee.
If you're exploring copywriting for your business and want an idea of what your project might cost, just get in touch. I’ll give you a free, no-obligation estimate based on your needs.
Typical copywriting rates for projects in the UK
So, what does copywriting actually cost? While prices vary depending on the copywriter’s experience, the brief and the depth of research, it’s helpful to have a ballpark range for common types of work.
Here are some typical figures you might expect to see in the UK market:
Website copy (5 pages): £800–£3,000+
This usually includes homepage, about, services, contact and one additional page.
Landing page: £250–£1,000+
Designed to convert, a landing page requires in-depth audience understanding, a great structure and A/B testing. It’s short-form writing with a long-term impact.
Blog post: £100–£500+
The cost will depend on whether the blog is opinion-based, SEO-driven, interview-led or heavily researched. Thought leadership and SEO-optimised content usually sit at the higher end of the price range.
Product descriptions: £30–£100 per item
For e-commerce sites, effective product copy goes beyond listing features. It brings the item to life with benefits and connects with buyer motivations.
Email marketing sequence: £300–£2,500+
A series of emails (often 3–7) to nurture leads or onboard new customers. This usually includes planning, segmentation, conversion-focused messaging and A/B testing. This fee normally doesn’t include set up and configuration. That would be charged extra or carried out by an internal team member.
Brand messaging/Tone of voice guide: £1,000–£3,000+
This shapes how your business speaks across all platforms. It involves brand evaluation, competitor analysis and developing the voice your team can use consistently.
Press release: £125–£300+
Usually one page in length, press releases follow a clear structure. They strike the right tone for media distribution. Costs vary depending on industry, speed and complexity.
These figures are broad estimates, they’re not set-in-stone prices. They give you a starting point for planning your budget.
High-quality copy should more than pay for itself. Good copy doesn’t just fill space... It drives action and strengthens your brand. Think about the return on investment – that’s what you’re really paying for.
Copywriting price guide for UK businesses
Digging a little deeper into specifics and from my research, businesses can expect to pay the following for professional copywriting services in the UK. Once again, they’re ranges, not fixed. They’ll vary depending on the experience of the copywriter and the amount of work required.
Web pages – £150 to £500 per page
Blog posts – £150 to £300 for 500 words, £250 to £600 for 1,000 words
Emails/newsletters – £85 to £600 per email
Landing pages – £300 to £2,000+ based on how complex it is and the value of the offer
Need a tailored quote? Get in touch to discuss your needs.
Factors that influence the price of copywriting in the UK
Not all copywriting projects are created equal. Neither are all copywriters. The final cost will depend on things beyond just word count or page numbers. Here’s what typically influences pricing:
Experience of the copywriter
A seasoned copywriter with a strong portfolio and proven results will charge more than someone who’s just starting out.
Strategic input required
Some briefs are pretty straightforward. Others need a lot more work. This can include competitor analysis and audience profiling. The more strategic thinking involved, the higher the price of the work.
Research and knowledge
Technical or specialist industries like finance, legal or SaaS usually require detailed research. This takes time, especially if the subject matter is complex or full of jargon.
Changes and collaboration time
Most copywriters include a set number of revisions in their fee, but extra feedback rounds or meetings can affect the cost, especially for larger projects.
Urgency and turnaround
Need it yesterday? Fast-tracked copy often comes at a higher cost. This reflects the changes to the writer’s schedule, or the fact they’ve stayed up half the night to finish the project!
Sector
B2B, technical and regulated industries demand more precision than lifestyle or consumer brands. Pricing for these types of projects reflects that.
What to look for when hiring a copywriter in the UK
When choosing a copywriter, the goal isn’t to find the cheapest price. It’s to find the best value. Good copywriting is an investment, not a cost. Quality copywriting delivers real results. It should deliver more enquiries, better conversions and/or a stronger brand voice.
You’re not just hiring someone to fill a page. You want a copywriter who understands how to influence behaviour. The best copywriters write to persuade, convert and build trust.
Look for someone who gets to know your business, your audience and your goals. A copywriter who speaks your customers’ language will always outperform one who writes in generic marketing speak or complex jargon.
Don’t be afraid to ask for proof. Strong testimonials, case studies and a solid portfolio can give you confidence that the writer delivers results.
Have a project in mind? Let’s find out if we’re a good fit.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing a copywriter
While there are plenty of talented copywriters out there, there are also a few warning signs to watch out for. If something feels off, it’s worth paying attention.
Be cautious of anyone promising cheap and fast copy. Good writing takes time. This is time to understand your business, audience and goals. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
You pay for what you get and you get what you pay for - John Ruskin
Another red flag is a lack of process. Professional copywriters should explain how they work, what’s included and what happens next. If there’s no contract, no agreed scope and no clear pricing, you risk the project falling apart and arguments.
Finally, steer clear of per-word pricing for anything strategic. High-performing copy isn’t about volume. It’s about impact. Think Nike’s ‘Just do it.’
A pricing model that rewards word count rarely delivers the kind of results a business needs.
How to budget for professional copywriting services
If you want copy that drives results, you should see it as part of your ongoing marketing investment. It shouldn’t be seen as a one-off cost. Like design, advertising or SEO, professional copywriting plays a huge role in how your business is thought of and how effectively it converts into action.
And it’s not just about what you pay. It’s about what it saves you. It could be time, energy or missed opportunities. As a business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. You should be focusing on growth, strategy and delivery, not agonising over headlines or tweaking website copy at midnight!
Even with the best intentions, copy or content creation often gets bumped down the to-do list. It feels like something you’ll get to when there’s time. But something always crops up to push it further down the list. That’s where a professional copywriter can step in and take the pressure off. They can focus on their area of expertise, letting you focus on yours.
By budgeting for copywriting as part of your marketing spend, you’re saving time, saving money and strengthening your business.
Why great copywriting is worth the investment for your business
Whether you're updating your website, launching a new product or simply want to connect with your audience better, professional copywriting makes a real difference. Yes, the cost of copywriting varies. But behind the cost is real value: more engagement, more trust and more conversions.
The right copywriter won’t just take a brief and run with it. They’ll ask the right questions, dig into what makes your business tick and shape words that speak directly to your ideal customer. That kind of clarity is hard to put a price on. When it works, you’ll see and feel it in your results.
Ready for copy that actually works? Get in touch to talk about your goals and business. Let's have a chat about bringing your messaging to life!
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