Pricing Blog Posts: Per Word vs. Per Project/Package

Understanding the ‘Price Per Word’ Model for Blog Posts

The concept of setting a price per word blog post is straightforward on the surface. You charge a flat rate for every word you write. For example, you might charge $0.25 per word.

Pros (or perceived pros):

• Simplicity: Easy for both you and the client to calculate a basic cost based on target word count.
• Transparency (Limited): Clients feel they know exactly what they’re paying for based on a tangible metric.

Cons (Significant for B2B):

• Penalizes Efficiency: An experienced, efficient writer who delivers a high-quality 800-word post quickly earns less per hour than a slower writer producing the same output.
• Dis incentivizes Conciseness: It indirectly rewards padding content to reach a higher word count, often at the expense of clarity and impact – the opposite of good B2B writing.
• Ignores Value & Expertise: The true value of a B2B blog post lies in its research, strategic alignment with client goals, SEO optimization, ability to generate leads or authority, and the writer’s industry knowledge – none of which are reflected in a word count.
• Quality Variation: A per-word rate doesn’t differentiate between a simple, low-research post and a deeply researched, expertly crafted article.
• Scope Creep Risk: Clients may push for more words without considering the increased research or complexity required.

For high-value B2B blog writing services, a per-word model commoditizes your unique skills and the strategic impact of your work, making it difficult to scale profitably or reward expertise.

Shifting to Project-Based or Package Pricing

A more sophisticated and often more profitable approach for B2B blog writing is pricing per project or offering tiered packages. This model prices the outcome and the value delivered, rather than just the raw output.

How it Works: Instead of charging per word, you define a fixed price for a specific deliverable (e.g., one blog post of X complexity, including research, writing, two rounds of revisions). Even better, you bundle common services into packages (e.g., ‘Standard Blog Post Package’, ‘Premium Content Article’, ‘Monthly Content Retainer’).

Benefits for B2B Writing Services:

• Value-Based Pricing: Align prices with the client’s potential ROI (leads generated, authority built, traffic increased), not just word count.
• Rewards Efficiency & Expertise: Faster, more skilled writers earn more per hour because the project fee is fixed regardless of how long it takes.
• Predictable Revenue: Fixed project or package fees provide more stable income forecasts.
• Easier Upselling & Packaging: Naturally incorporate add-ons like keyword research, custom graphics, internal linking strategy, or content distribution into packages.
• Attracts Better Clients: Clients focused on outcomes and value are often willing to pay more for quality.
• Reduces Scope Creep: Requires a clear scope definition upfront for each project or package.

Project or package pricing positions you as a strategic partner delivering valuable assets, not just a word vendor.

Comparing the Models: Why Project Wins for B2B Value

While a price per word blog post might seem appealing for its simplicity, it falls short when delivering the kind of strategic value B2B clients need in 2025. Let’s look at a comparison:

For B2B clients, a blog post isn’t just text; it’s a tool for lead generation, SEO, authority building, and nurturing prospects. Pricing per word inherently disconnects the price from this strategic value. Project or package pricing allows you to charge appropriately for the research, planning, writing, editing, and strategic thinking that goes into a truly effective B2B blog post.

For example, a complex, research-heavy 1000-word pillar post might be priced at $1500-$2500+ per project. While this translates to a high per-word equivalent ($1.50 - $2.50+), the client is paying for the deep expertise and potential business impact, not just the word count. Trying to justify $2.50 per word directly is much harder than justifying a $2500 investment for a piece of content expected to drive significant organic traffic or leads over time.

Implementing Project and Package Pricing Effectively

Transitioning from a price per word blog post model to project or package pricing requires a structured approach:

1. Define Your Services & Outcomes: Clearly outline the specific types of blog posts you offer (e.g., introductory blog post, in-depth guide, thought leadership article) and the typical outcomes they achieve for B2B clients.
2. Identify Key Variables: What factors impact the effort and value of a post? (e.g., required research depth, technical complexity, need for interviews, SEO optimization, word count range, revisions included).
3. Create Packages: Bundle common services and features into 2-4 distinct tiers (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold; or Starter, Growth, Premium). This uses pricing psychology like anchoring and tiering, making it easier for clients to choose.
4. Develop a Discovery Process: Implement a brief client consultation or questionnaire to understand their goals, audience, and specific needs for the content. This helps you define the appropriate scope and recommend the right package.
5. Price the Packages Based on Value & Cost: Calculate your costs (time, tools, overhead) and then price based on the perceived value to the client and market rates for similar outcomes. Don’t just guess; research what results your content helps clients achieve.
6. Clearly Outline Deliverables: For each package or project, list exactly what is included (e.g., 1 x 800-1000 word blog post, topic ideation, keyword targeting, 2 rounds of revisions, internal link suggestions).
7. Present Options Clearly: Static quotes or spreadsheets can make complex packages confusing. Consider using a tool that allows clients to interactively see different package options, compare features, and even add optional services.

For businesses looking to present tiered packages and optional add-ons in a clean, modern way, a tool like PricingLink (https://pricinglink.com) can be very effective. PricingLink allows you to create shareable links (`https://pricinglink.com/links/*`) that present your service packages with configurable options, letting clients build their desired solution and see the price update live. This streamlines the quoting process and provides a professional client experience.

While PricingLink is focused specifically on interactive pricing presentations and lead capture, it doesn’t handle the full proposal (including e-signatures, contracts, etc.). For comprehensive proposal software with e-signature capabilities, you might explore tools like PandaDoc (https://www.pandadoc.com) or Proposify (https://www.proposify.com). However, if your primary need is a dedicated, modern way for clients to explore and select pricing options for your blog writing packages, PricingLink offers a powerful and affordable solution.