How To Get Clients To Pay You On Time
You know what is one of the hardest things you’ll have to do as a freelance copywriter?
It’s not writing copy.
It’s not even making deadlines.
It’s getting PAID!
I can’t tell you how much time I’ve spent chasing down clients that were late paying me for
my work.
If you’re like me – and your freelance work is your only source of income – it’s frustrating.
And more than a little scary.
After all, you want to eat. And you have bills to pay and a roof to keep over your head. That takes money.
Besides, you did the work. You deserve to be paid. Period.
Well, I’ve discovered two things that help increase the odds of getting paid in a timely manner…
1) Request 50% of the project fee UP FRONT – and the balance upon completion of
the project.
And don’t start the project until the first payment is in your bank account.
Of course, the percentage is negotiable. At times, I’ve taken 1/3 up front… 1/3 in the middle at a certain milestone… and the balance when the copy is approved. So, nothing is set in stone. However, it’s important you get part of your fee BEFORE you get started.
This shows the client right up front that you are a professional who expects to be paid. And it sets the expectation of payment when the project is completed.
2) Insist that the client sign a contract or copywriting agreement.
I can’t state strongly enough how important this is.
A contract and/or agreement lays out the obligations of both the client and the copywriter in a way that’s legally enforceable. Not only does it clearly spell out when and how you’re paid, but it also gives you a leg to stand on if there is ever a payment dispute.
What should be included in a contract? Glad you asked. It can be as simple and direct as the sample Copywriting Agreement I’ve included below…
COPYWRITER AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made this 19th day of February 2024 between ACME Anvil Company
(herein “ACME”) and Wile E. Copywriter, an individual residing at 135 Falling Boulders Rd.,
Cliff’s Edge, AZ 12345 (herein "Writer"). ACME and Writer shall be mutually referred to herein as the "Parties."
RECITALS
The Parties agree to the following:
1. Copywriting Services
As requested by ACME, Writer shall provide the following services (herein, the "Services"):
- Original copy for a long copy landing page
- Two emails driving traffic to the landing page
2. Compensation
In exchange for Writer's performance as described above, ACME shall pay Writer $10,000. A 50% deposit will be paid prior to February 28, 2024. The balance will be due at the completion of the project.
3. Project Start Date
March 1, 2024
4. Deadline
April 15, 2024
5. Revisions
All revisions must be assigned within 30 days of receipt of the first draft of copy. After that, additional rewrites may be made at a fee to be negotiated separately from this agreement. Minor revisions can be turned around in 2-4 business days. Major revisions may take longer.
6. Kill Fee
If the Project is cancelled through no fault of the Writer, a kill fee of 50% of the total Project Fee is to be paid to the Writer.
Please sign and date below to indicate your full agreement with these terms.
AGREED TO:
By: ____________________________________________ ____________________
Wile E. Copywriter Date
By: ____________________________________________ ____________________
ACME Anvil Company Date
See? The Copywriting Agreement can be that simple. And I’ve yet to meet a client that refuses to sign one. After all, it protects them as much as it protects you.
However, let me add a disclaimer here. I am NOT a lawyer. So, you should have an attorney look over any agreement you create - just to be on the safe side.
Of course, some clients will have their own contracts that they prefer you to sign. That’s fine. Just review the contract carefully to make sure your wishes are properly represented.
Otherwise, feel free to use the above Copywriting Agreement as a guide for your own agreements. Having something like this in place up front has made a huge difference for me in getting paid on time. I hope it does the same for you!