How to Start a Website with Bluehost: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating your website can feel overwhelming, but with Bluehost, the process is seamless, even for beginners. Whether you're starting a blog, launching an online store, or building a portfolio, Bluehost provides reliable hosting and easy WordPress integration. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're up and running in no time.

Sign up for Bluehost here to get started (This is an affiliate link).

Why Choose Bluehost?

Bluehost is one of the most popular web hosting platforms for good reason:

• Beginner-friendly: Easy-to-use dashboard and one-click WordPress installation.

• Affordable pricing: Plans starting as low as $2.95 per month with excellent features.

• Reliable performance: 99.9% uptime and fast load speeds for a better user experience.

• 24/7 customer support: Assistance available via chat, email, or phone.

• Free perks: Includes a free domain name for the first year, SSL certificate, and CDN for enhanced security and performance.

👉 Get started with Bluehost today.

Step 1: Choose a Bluehost Hosting Plan

1. Visit the Bluehost Website:
   Click here to go to the Bluehost website.

2. Select a Hosting Plan:
   Bluehost offers several plans tailored to different needs:

   • Basic Plan: Perfect for beginners starting one website.

   • Plus Plan: Great for hosting multiple websites.

   • Choice Plus Plan: Adds domain privacy and site backups.

   • Pro Plan: Ideal for businesses requiring higher performance.

   Click "Select" under your preferred plan to proceed.

Step 2: Register or Connect Your Domain

1. Choose Your Domain Name:

   • Create a New Domain: Enter your desired name to check availability.

   • Use an Existing Domain: If you already own a domain, enter it here.

   Bluehost provides a free domain for the first year with most plans.

Step 3: Set Up Your Bluehost Account

1. Fill Out Your Account Information:
   Enter your details, including name, address, and contact information.

2. Choose Your Plan and Extras:
   Select the term length for your hosting (12, 24, or 36 months). For the best value, choose the longest term. Consider which extras you need—uncheck unnecessary ones to save money.

3. Complete Your Payment:
   Enter your payment information and accept the terms. Click "Submit" to finalize your accoun

👉 Ready to take the plunge? Sign up for Bluehost now.

Step 4: Install WordPress

1. Log in to Your Bluehost Dashboard:
   Once your account is set up, log in to your Bluehost dashboard.

2. Install WordPress:

   • Navigate to "My Sites" and click "Create Site."

   • Follow the prompts to name your site and choose a tagline (optional).

   • Bluehost will handle the WordPress installation automatically.

Step 5: Customize Your Website

1. Pick a WordPress Theme:
   Select a free or premium theme that suits your website's purpose. Bluehost offers a variety of options during the setup process.

2. Customize Your Design:
   Use the WordPress Customizer to edit fonts, colors, and layouts. You can preview changes in real-time.

Step 6: Add Essential Features

1. Install Plugins:
   Plugins enhance functionality. Some must-have plugins include:

   • Yoast SEO: Optimize your site for search engines.

   • Jetpack: Boost security and performance.

   • WPForms: Add contact forms.

2. Create Essential Pages:
   Build pages like:

   • Home: Highlight your key offerings.

   • About: Share your story and mission.

   • Contact: Provide a way for visitors to reach you.

3. Configure Site Settings:

   • Set up permalinks for SEO-friendly URLs.

   • Enable SSL (free with Bluehost) to secure your site.

Step 7: Launch Your Website

1. Preview and Test:
   Check your site for errors or missing elements. Ensure it’s mobile-friendly.

2. Go Live:
   Click "Launch" in your WordPress dashboard to make your website accessible to the public.

👉 Don’t wait—launch your website with Bluehost today!

(Need resources for your freelance writing business? Check out the templates.)

Tips for Success

• Regular Updates: Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated to avoid security issues.

• Backups: Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to schedule automatic backups.

• Monitor Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics to track visitor activity and optimize your site.

• SEO Optimization: Leverage keywords, meta descriptions, and quality content to rank higher in search results.

Starting your website with Bluehost is easy and affordable, even if you’re new to website building. Click here to begin your journey today.

How much should freelance writers charge? A benchmark report.

When I first started freelance writing, I scoured all the popular copywriting blogs and books to answer my three most pressing questions:

• How much should I charge for my services?

• How much do other freelance writers charge and what is their project rate?

• Am I charging low rates?

While there were some available resources, they weren’t comprehensive or had such wide ranges that the information wasn’t helpful.

My goal in conducting this survey was to reach out to a network of successful freelance writers to get detailed insights and numbers on:

• How people price their writing jobs (e.g., per project, per word, per hour)

• What criteria freelancers use to set rates and charge higher rates

• How much freelance content writers charge for different types of content

With the help of this data, I put together the following report so that other freelance writers and beginners can benchmark their rates against experienced writers (those who actively learn how to become a better writer).

As you read this study, keep in mind these findings aren’t hard and fast rules, and you’ll still find a lot of variation. However, these results will provide insight into where your prices fall in relation to other freelancers, and whether you need to ask your clients for more money (you do).

Participants

Here is a quick overview of how I determined my target sample size, how I found participants, and basic respondent demographics.

Target Sample Size

There are 57 million freelancers in the United States, according to recent research by Upwork. 

When assuming 57 million serious freelancers, a 90% confidence interval, and a 5% margin of error, the suggested sample size was 268 participants.

The response to this survey was far more robust, with a total of 344 study participants.

Participant Selection

My goal was to capture responses from serious and high-quality freelance copywriters. As such, I worked hard to qualify potential participants before asking them to participate in the survey.

I first started by reaching out to my current professional network of freelance writers and SEO writers.

Next, I scoured LinkedIn and Twitter to find active, high-quality, career freelance writers and asked these professionals to participate.

About The Study Participants

I wanted to learn how much per word, per hour, or per project freelancers charged for projects or if they charged a flat rate (or flat fee) for content writing. I also wanted to understand if there were any relationships between how and how much people charged based on various demographics, types of writing, and professional factors.

Before delving too deep into the results of this freelance writer rates report, here is a look into the participant demographics and information about their professional experience.

What is your gender?

Out of the 344 study participants, 67% were female, 31% were male, and 1% preferred not to identify.

Which range best represents your age?

The most popular age range for freelance writers in this study was 26-35, representing nearly 40% of the participants. 

The second-largest age range demographic was 35-44 (24%). The third was freelancers over 45 (23%), and the least prevalent age range was 18-25 (10%). 

Only 1% of the respondents preferred not to disclose their age.

What is your highest level of education?

The majority of the respondents had some form of college education (91%), including a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctorate. Only 6% of respondents had only a high school diploma, and 1% preferred not to say.

The most popular highest form of educational degree for freelance writers was a bachelor’s degree (69%), followed by a master’s degree (20%), and, finally, a doctorate (1%).

How many years of professional writing experience do you have?

Most survey respondents had over 8 years of professional writing experience, representing 46% of the participants, 22% had 5-8 years of experience, 17% had 3-5 years, and 14% were newbies and had 1-3 years of professional writing experience.

What type of content do you produce (select all that apply)?

Not only did I want to know how much experience freelance writers had, but I was also interested in learning the type of content these writers typically produce.

Respondents were encouraged to select as many content types as applied to their freelance writing services. 

The top three most popular content types were website copy (81%), blog posts (80%), and landing pages (63%).

What is/are your niche(s)?

I also asked respondents to indicate their freelance writing niche between twelve popular niches. The most popular niche was marketing/advertising (59%), followed by health and wellness (31%), and entertainment/lifestyle (30%). 

This information was imperative to help me cross-analyze per project, per word, and per hour data.

General Results

Part of learning how much freelance writers charge includes learning how freelance writers price their projects, and what criteria they use to price projects.

To get accurate answers to these questions, I captured both quantitative and qualitative data. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting data points.

1. Most freelance writers (40%) price per project

The most popular way freelance writers price their work is per project. Forty percent of participants indicated they price work on a per-project basis. Considering website copy was the most popular type of content, this isn’t surprising.  

2. Only 18% of freelancers price per word

The data also showed the least popular way to price work was per word (18%), even less popular than hourly pricing (38%). This did surprise me, considering the second most popular type of content was blog content, which seems to be the easiest type of content to price per word.

3.  Most freelance writers work 21-30 hours a week

The distribution between how many hours a week freelance writers work was relatively equal. However, 21-30 hours came out on top, representing 31% of the respondents.

4. 66% of freelancers find new work via client referrals, 57% through referrals from their freelance colleagues, and 46% through networking sites

Sixty-six percent of freelance writers said they find clients through client referrals. The second most popular way to find clients is through referrals from freelance colleagues (57%), and the third most popular method is via professional networking sites (46%).

The power of a freelance writer’s network can not be understated, as the qualitative data in this study showed. Here is some advice about building a network from top-earning freelance writers in this study:

• “Former bosses and coworkers have been my #1 source of future clients. If possible, work full time before freelancing so you can begin building a solid network.”

• “Connect with other freelancers who do what you do or serve similar clients differently (e.g., a designer, business coach, etc.). Get to know them on a personal level and look for ways to support them genuinely. Often, referrals will grow organically from there.”

• “Network like crazy and cultivate good relationships with clients once you are working on a project. You never know where it might lead. Look for interesting opportunities that will help you produce strong work samples.”

5. The majority of freelance writers (63%) juggle between 1-3 clients at the same time

Sixty-three percent of freelance writers have anywhere between 1-3 clients at the same time. This is an important number to know when pricing freelance writing projects. 

When you know how many clients you can expect on average, and how many hours you plan to work, you can determine how much you will need to make from each client to support your new flexible lifestyle. Knowing these numbers will also help you understand what type of clients to pursue.

6. The majority of freelance writers (58%) juggle between 1-3 projects at a time

Fifty-eight percent of freelance writers work on 1-3 projects at the same time. How many projects you can handle at a time is another critical metric.

Knowing how many clients you have, how many hours you want to work, and how many projects you can handle will help guide your prices.

Now that we’ve talked about some of the most interesting data points from the study, let’s get into the nitty and gritty of the study: how much people charge per project, per hour, and per word.

Per Project Results

Overall, the most popular way for all freelance writers to charge was per project (40%). Per hour was the second most popular method for freelance writers to charge clients (38%), and per word was the least popular way to charge clients (18%).

How do freelance writers price projects?

It’s also interesting to note that per project was the most popular way for high-earning freelance writers with 8+ years of experience to price their work.

Type of pricing for freelance writers with 8+ years of experience

Pricing Per Project Overview

Since freelance writing projects vary drastically depending on different variables, I opted to capture and code qualitative data, instead of creating a complicated and potentially misguided questionnaire.

A qualitative approach helped me eliminate my personal research biases, keep the questionnaire shorter for higher completion rates, and tailor my analysis based on natural responses.

Naturally, there are limitations to a qualitative question on a survey, including:

• It’s time-consuming

• It can be difficult to verify results

• Two qualitative questions don’t elicit as in-depth and thoughtful of a response as an interview would

Despite these limitations, I was able to capture, code, and quantify insightful and helpful data on the following:

• Criteria for pricing per project

• Average price per project by content type

• The median price per project by content type

Let’s take a closer look. Drum roll, please…

What Are the Criteria for Pricing Per Project?

Out of the 40% of respondents that price per project, the majority offered robust details on the criteria they used to determine their rates.

I used frequency analysis to determine what factors people consider when pricing their projects. I also used a weighted scale to show the most frequently used criteria to the least. Here is what I found.

What are the most popular criteria to consider when pricing per project?

The top 5 criteria freelance writers use to determine per project prices are:

• Hours required to complete the project

• Research involved

• Total word count

• Scope or scale of the project

• The complexity of the product

If you are new to freelance writing or are considering switching to a per-project pricing model, consider these factors when putting together your proposals.

How Much Do Freelance Writers Charge Per Project?

Freelance writers offered specific monetary numbers on the following types of content:

• Landing pages

• Blog posts

• Website copy

• Email sequences

• White papers/Guides/eBooks

• Case studies

• Ads

• Sales letters

There wasn’t enough qualitative data to show statistical significance for different groups (e.g., gender, niche, experience, etc.), so the following averages represent the data provided by all writers in the study.

Since blog post data was robust and because blog posts vary significantly in scope and word-length, I divided the blog post pricing data into three categories: low price, average price, and a higher price.

I also eliminated any ridiculous outliers. For example, if someone said they charged $25 for a blog post, the data point went out the window.

Here are the average price and median price points for people charging per project.

Average and median rates for per project

Per Hour Results

The second most popular way freelance writers priced their projects was per hour. Nearly 39% of the respondents said they priced their projects by the hour.

Percentage of freelancers that price per hour

Let’s take a closer look at how much freelance writers charge per hour and other interesting data points.

What do freelance writers charge per hour?

The data showed a wide variation in how much freelance writers charge per hour, but here are some of the most notable data points.

1. The largest group of freelance writers that charge per hour charge over $100 per hour.

While the freelance writers that charge per hour, charge different rates, there is good news. The most popular hourly rate for freelance writers was over $100.

How much do you charge per hour?

2. Over 60% of freelance writers charge over $50 per hour.

It’s also worthy to note that slightly over 60% of all freelance writers that charge per hour are charging at least $50 per hour.

Percentage of freelance writers that charge at least $50/hour

3. More experienced freelance writers are charging higher hourly rates.

The data showed that most freelance writers with over 8 years of experience are charging over $100 per hour, which is much more than people with less experience are charging.

How much freelance writers charge per hour by experience level

4. Older freelance writers charge more per hour

No writers between the ages of 18-25 reported that they were charging over $91 an hour, and no writers above the age of 45 were charging less than $30 per hour.

How much freelance writers charge per hour by age

5. Freelance writers with a bachelor’s degree are charging more per hour than those with a high school diploma

The majority of participants in this study (69%) reported that a bachelor’s degree was the highest educational degree attained. Twenty percent said they earned a master’s degree, 6% a high school diploma, and 1% a doctorate.

What is your highest level of education?

The data showed that the largest group of freelance writers with a bachelor’s degree are charging over $100 per hour. 

How much freelance writers charge per hour by education

The data is a bit slim to be truly representative of how much freelance with a high school diploma and a doctorate are charging. 

However, this study shows those with a high school diploma are charging a max of $60 an hour, and freelance writers with a doctorate are charging no more than $80 an hour. Again, these particular data points are slim, so take them with a grain of salt.

Per Word Results

The least popular way for freelance writers to price their projects was per word, with only 18% of the respondents reporting they charge per word.

Percentage of freelance writers that price per word

Let’s take a closer look at how much freelance writers charge per word and other interesting data points.

1. The majority of freelance writers are only charging up to .35 cents per word and 49% are only charging up to .25 per word

Most participants (49%) that charge per word are only charging up to .25 per word, and the majority (over 69%) are only charging up to .35 per word.

How much do you charge per word?

This was surprising considering how much more freelance writers that price per project and per hour are charging.

2. Freelance writers with more experience are charging over $1 per word

While freelance writers, overall, are charging less per word, the data shows that freelance writers with more experience are charging much more per word than those with less experience.

How much freelance writers charge per word by experience level

In fact, the trend in the data shows the per word price progression. Typically, the more experience a freelance writer has, the more they are charging per word.

One freelance writer involved in the study offered helpful insight into how freelance writers can progressively increase their rates as they get more clients.

This writer said, "price based on your demand and experience, and increase your rates by 10% for every three inquiries."

If you plan to price per word, this is a smart strategy for increasing your rates as you gain more experience.

3. 97% of freelance writers that charge per word write blog posts (but not exclusively)

The data also showed that 97% of freelance writers that charge per word write blog posts (but not exclusively). Three percent indicated they wrote “other” content that wasn’t either blog posts, landing pages, ebooks, case studies, email sequences, ads, sales collateral, etc.

Out of all the various content types, charging per word for blog posts makes the most sense. However, many freelance writers that write blog posts mentioned they charge per project and use a word count range instead.

For example, one freelance writer explains blog post pricing as follows. “I use word count ranges, so a 1,000-word post might cost $750, which bumps up to $1000 for a 1250 word post. I charge extra for meetings over 30 minutes a month, and source interviews ($100 a piece).”

Another freelance writer uses a calculator to price projects and typically uses the following range for blog posts:

• 1000-1500 words: USD 600

• 1500-2000 words: USD 700

• 2000-2500 words: USD 800

• 2500-3000 words: USD 900

These ranges aren’t how you have to price your projects, but they are good examples of how a word range model works. If you currently price your blog posts per word, consider looking into pricing blog posts with a range.

Advice from Professional Freelance Writers

As part of the study, I also wanted to include expert recommendations. I received numerous excellent responses, but here are the most exciting and helpful responses from your fellow writers.

I divided the advice up into the following categories:

• Portfolio advice

• Networking advice

• Rates advice

• Pitching advice

Portfolio Advice

“Create a clean, polished portfolio with writing examples. Even if you haven't been published or hired before, create a robust portfolio that shows off your writing chops.”

“Have zero tolerance for typos on your portfolio website, LinkedIn profile, and introduction message to potential clients! Everyone makes mistakes, but not you. You can make mistakes on projects, and your clients will forgive you if you've done the groundwork of making a perfect first impression.”

“I would recommend having a website. A website helps you build credibility and show off your copywriting skills.”

Networking Advice

“I wouldn't recommend people start by freelancing. You gain valuable experience working for companies and can build a side gig with freelancing during that time. A company also gives you insider info, builds your network, and allows you to understand how organizations work internally. All of that knowledge is incredibly helpful for your own freelance business, but also in working with and managing clients in the future. Don't start out freelancing. Start out working in an organization, build empathy for those employees, understand exactly what it is they need and why, and then hit those goals without them asking every single time. When you make your client's life easier, you have a client for life.”

“Diversify your reach. Network on social media and in person. Reach out to acquaintances and let them know what you are doing and see if they know somebody looking.”

“As a writer, anyone can be your new client. Connections can happen in unexpected places. Stay open.”

“Network like crazy and cultivate good relationships with clients once you are working on a project. You never know where it might lead! Look for interesting opportunities that will help you produce strong work samples.”

“Have a vibrant LinkedIn profile with a professional photo. Make at least 20 contacts per day. Post at least five days per week: original articles weekly; post relevant memes; curate and comment on others' articles. Respond to others' posts and articles like crazy. Let people know you're a writer! Have an active presence on Facebook and Instagram. Most of all, though, be professional!”

“If you're looking to freelance in advertising, reach out to creative directors and creative recruiters. Depending on your relationship with them, either outright selling your services to them or a softer approach is ideal.”

“Join a local organization so you can meet people like yourself—and people who work in your industry but not your specific field. The whole of my freelance work comes from referrals from others in my industry—designers, filmmakers, etc.”

“Word of mouth is everything. Keep in touch with old coworkers—not just about work—you'll be top of mind when a project comes up. Never burn bridges. Also, help other people out when you can, not expecting anything in return. It will come back to you.”

Rates Advice

“Don't be afraid to charge the industry standard. When you undercut yourself, you also make it difficult for others to charge reasonable rates. Understand the industry standard and develop your rates from there. When you land on a number you're comfortable with (and you've bounced it off a few people), don't be afraid to say it with your chest.”

“As you learn and get better, raise your rate to reflect this. Don't be stuck taking any project and charging bargain rates. Know that you are worth something and charge for it.”

“Avoid doing free samples. Also, encourage previous clients to share their testimonial/feedback because this could go a long way in winning you more clients.”

“Don't ever offer to do a project for free. It can be a major turn-off when pitching to clients. *Free* often reads: ‘I’m new and don't know what I'm doing’ or ‘I’m going to be a time suck because I'll need a ton of hand-holding.’ It also undervalues your worth. Good copywriting isn't just a skill—it's a talent, an art form, and even a science. Any client that doesn't realize that isn't worth your time.”

“Don't be afraid to charge what you are worth from the very beginning. A lot of new work comes from referrals, and if you undercharge, you may get stuck with a rate that is not sustainable. Don't be afraid to charge what you deserve.”

“Find out what others are charging. Charge 10% more. It's scary, but you'll gain confidence once clients start paying you what you ask.”

“Avoid content mills.”

Pitching Advice

“Consistency is key. Make sure that you send out 20-30 cold pitches a day to keep the pipeline filled.”

“Be persistent. Put out a ton of feelers and don't get hung up on anyone lead, just keep pitching and approaching more potential clients.”

“Be specific. It's much easier to sell blog posts than to sell ‘I’ll write whatever you need.’ Be unconventional on your job searching. Reach out to recruiters directly.”

“If you think you're sending enough cold pitches/LOIs/etc., You're definitely not! Send as many as you possibly can, and then send some more. It's one of the best ways to find new clients, especially if you don't have a network that can refer you out yet.”

“Make your pitch about them, not about you. People care less about who you are and what your experience is and how you can help them. Also, be willing to do a little work upfront pro bono if it will help you land a paying gig.”

“As long as your pitch is well researched and addresses a real need - you'll come across looking like a badass, action-taking, freelancer who isn't afraid to go after what she wants.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Conclusion: How much should freelance writers charge?

Well, it took a lot of time to put together this report, and I got temporarily banned on LinkedIn from sending any more connections. But it was worth it!

The most interesting and shocking findings to me include:

• How many freelance writers are charging per hour as opposed to per project

• How low most per-word rates are (boost those prices, peeps)

• How high hourly rates are (good work)

• How “hours spent” on a project is the most important criteria for those charging per project

• How the majority of new clients come from referrals.

I hope this report provided some valuable insight to help you benchmark your rates.

For more information on how to start a freelance writing business, please visit the products page. 

For freelance tips and jobs, subscribe to the newsletter.

Research by Ashley R. Cummings.

Is content marketing dead as we know it?

Hot take?

2019-early 2023 were the organic content glory days.

The content of "The Great Resignation" was 🔥!

Before 2019, organic content was...fine. Did the job.

Post-2023, organic content has been...all over the place.

So, why were "the content glory days so rad?" A couple of reasons:

1️⃣ A shift in style: Organic content got a glow-up. It maintained the traditional formatting internet-content needs and we still saw stories focused on data-driven insights, but writers also started to borrow sound techniques from journalism—creative reporting, editorial content, SME-led content, and original data. Organic content got a glow-up and people were reading it.

2️⃣ Big marketing budgets: When life went online, companies invested heavily in content. This gave content teams the resources ($) and flexibility to build what's necessary to make great content (e.g., a content director/editor, SEO experts, a team of experienced writers, editors/quality control, etc.).

Once AI exploded, the content world got weird. I'm not a data machine, so I'll have to get anecdotal here. But here's what I've seen over the past 2 years:

🤢 The wrong kind of AI-adoption. Conference after conference highlighted keynote speakers with messages of replacing content teams with cheap AI-generated content machines for increased organic visibility. Then, we saw an influx in bland blogs and articles. We've seen gobs of sites created and supported fully by AI. We've also seen AI-automation littering our inboxes, comments, and DMs. We've entered an era where full AI-adoption (not use) has devalued customer-client relationships and crowded out meaningful content.

(Sidenote: I am not anti-AI. I have found so many uses for it. For example, I use it to help me organize interview transcripts. I also use @strut_ai to organize the writing process. I use it to define easy concepts and check for things I've missed. But, I don't use it to think for me).

Google went whack, and so did strategy. First, it was 100% penalizing AI content. Then, it couldn't detect it. Then, it decided to adopt it. Then, we were introduced to SGE. Then, there was the most recent Google update. Then, tons of sites got taken down. Then, Google doubled down on its helpful content messaging (again). Then, there was Gemini. ??? It's been a bit hard to follow. And, instead of focusing on producing GOOD content for PEOPLE, teams have been clamoring to keep up with Google and hold on to a shred of what may still be working. This seems misguided.

👀 Leaders started slashing content budgets. It's shocking and amazing what AI can do. I never thought I'd see a machine that churned out even semi-coherent sentences. And, when you're not a writer—years into understanding what it takes to produce a good piece of content—it's easy to dismiss researching, writing, and editing as easy tasks that anyone (or a machine) can do. It's easy to assume, "well, AI can do that, so why am I paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to my content team?" And the effects of this mindset have been a huge bummer. Good writers and editors are suddenly "too expensive." We've seen companies lay off internal content teams and freelancers en masse.

🤦🏻‍♀️ Audience research is no longer in 1st place. It's easy to adopt a shiny new tool and plaster messages across the world. It's not easy to make good messages find and resonate with the right people. It's been strange to see "let's do more," instead of "let's do what's right by our audience."

🤖 A lack of professional trust and courtesy. Let's illustrate this with an example. My husband is a professional musician. When he listens to music, he hears things that I can't hear or even comprehend. He hears and understands all the tiny elements that make a piece of music enjoyable. I hear the final product and know that I like it. That’s about it. But, I also know that if music making or music direction were up to me, the end result would be a disaster. No one would want to listen to it because I’m not a musician. This seems like an easy concept to grasp, but this way of thinking is not a luxury afforded to writers or editors right now. Professionals who are not writers don't understand the tiny nuances of writing. I see posts all of the time that say, "Hire an SME and teach them to write," or "AI can do this for you” or “10 easy steps to mastering copywriting." You don't just teach an SME to write overnight. You don’t learn to write without years of practice. And, AI can predict, define, and replicate (it’s great at this), but it can't create. As a result of this, I've experienced more professional discourtesy these past 18 months than in my full 14 years of marketing. Prospects balking at prices. Ghosting. Unreasonable expectations. A lack of understanding of what it takes to produce good content and an unwillingness to listen. It’s been weird.

I'm hoping 2024 is the year content gets normal again. That marketers return to their audiences and start creating things that have never existed before.

For more insights like this, subscribe to the Content Connect newsletter.

What freelance accounting software should I get?

It's that time of year again, folks. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and freelancers everywhere are panicking because tax season is right around the corner. 

You can hear the sound of keyboards clacking as they scramble to get their finances in order, all while trying not to have a nervous breakdown. 

If you're one of these freelancers who's feeling the tax-time crunch, fear not! I’ve got you covered. 

This article is going to help you find the best accounting software out there so you can breeze through tax season and bookkeeping with ease. So sit back, relax, and let's get those finances in order (before the IRS comes knocking).

Overview of the Top 9 accounting software programs for freelancers

1. QuickBooks Self-Employed. Great option for freelance writers needing advanced accounting solution for 15 per month.

2. FreshBooks. Paid accounting software offering time tracking, invoicing, project management for $15 per month.

3. Wave. Free accounting software with easy-to-use, basic features.

4. Xero. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, project management for $20 per month.

5. Zoho Books. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, project management for $9 per month.

6. Sage Business Cloud Accounting. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, project management for $10 per month.

7. ZipBooks. Free accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking.

8. GnuCash. Free and open-source accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, budgeting.

9. FreeAgent. Paid accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation for $12 per month.

A closer look at the top 10 freelance accounting software programs for your freelance business

1. QuickBooks Self-Employed

QuickBooks Self-Employed is a popular accounting software that provides freelancers with a comprehensive solution to manage their finances. It is designed to be easy to use with its great functionality and user-friendly interface that simplifies the accounting process.

Here are some of the main benefits of QuickBooks:

• Tracks expenses and sales tax

• Allows users to upload receipts and invoices

• Users can categorize expenses to simplify tax preparation

• Offers invoicing capabilities for creating and sending invoices to clients

• Provides tax preparation services

• Helps track expenses and income throughout the year

• Saves time and effort during tax season

QuickBooks Self-Employed is an ideal solution for freelancers because it offers a range of features tailored to their needs. Freelancers can track their time, mileage, and expenses with ease.QuickBooks Self-Employed is also designed to be intuitive and easy 

The cost of QuickBooks Self-Employed is $15 per month. Additionally, QuickBooks Self-Employed offers a free trial, which allows users to test the software before committing to a subscription. Overall, QuickBooks Self-Employed is a great option for freelancers looking for an easy-to-use accounting solution. You can also access QuickBooks online.

2. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a paid accounting software that offers time tracking, invoicing, and project management features for business owners. The software is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for freelancers to manage their finances

Features and benefits of FreshBooks:

• Offers time tracking

• Help with Quarterly taxes

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers project management features

• Includes accounting reports to track finances

• Integrates with various payment processors

• Offers a mobile app for easy access

• Payment reminders

• Customer support

FreshBooks is a good accounting software for freelancers because it offers time tracking, invoicing, and project management features specifically designed to meet the needs of freelancers. It allows users to create and send professional-looking invoices, track their time, and manage their projects, all in one place.

FreshBooks is a bookkeeping software that offers three pricing plans: Lite, Plus, and Premium. The Lite plan starts at $15 per month, the Plus plan starts at $25 per month, and the Premium plan starts at $50 per month. Prices may vary depending on the number of clients and features needed.

3. Wave

Wave is a free accounting software that is great for freelancers who are just starting out and need a basic accounting solution. The software is touted for its ease of use, and the free version offers most of the features that a freelancer needs, such as invoicing, receipt scanning, and financial reporting. Wave also offers paid add-ons for payroll and credit card processing for those who need more advanced features.

Wave features:

• Offers basic accounting features

• Includes invoicing capabilities

• Invoicing software

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers receipt scanning

• Ability to take online payments

• Integrates with PayPal and Etsy

• Provides reports on profit and loss

One of the reasons Wave is a good choice for freelancers is its simplicity. The software is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a great option for those who are not tech-savvy. Wave also offers a mobile app, which is convenient for freelancers who need to manage their finances on the go.

The best part about Wave is that it has a great free plan. There are no monthly fees, no hidden costs, and no limits on the number of transactions you can make. The paid add-ons for payroll and credit card processing are also reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for freelancers who need more advanced features.

4. Xero

Xero is a paid accounting software that is ideal for freelancers who need a more advanced accounting solution. The software offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. Xero also offers a mobile app, which is convenient for freelancers who need to manage their finances on the go.

Xero features: 

• Offers invoicing capabilities

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers project management features

• Integrates with more than 700 apps

• Offers inventory tracking

• Provides reports on financial performance

Xero has great automation features. The software can automate many of the accounting processes, such as bank reconciliation and invoice reminders, which saves freelancers time and effort. Xero also offers integrations with over 800 third-party apps, which makes it easy to customize the software to meet the needs of your business.

The price of Xero depends on the plan you choose. The Starter plan costs $20 per month and includes invoicing and expense tracking. The Standard plan costs $30 per month and includes additional features such as project management and inventory tracking. The Premium plan costs $40 per month and includes advanced features such as multi-currency support and enhanced security.

5. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is a paid accounting software that is ideal for freelancers who need a more advanced accounting solution. The software offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. Zoho Books also offers a mobile app, which is convenient for freelancers who need to manage their finances on the go.

Zoho Books features:

• Offers invoicing capabilities

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers project management features

• Offers inventory tracking

• Provides financial reports

• Integrates with various payment processors

Zoho Books is a good choice for freelancers because of its affordability. The software is priced lower than many of its competitors, making it a great option for freelancers who need a more advanced accounting solution but can't afford the high price tag of some other software. Zoho Books also offers a wide range of integrations with third-party apps, which makes it easy to customize the software to meet the needs of your business.

6. Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Sage Business Cloud Accounting is a paid accounting software that offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. It is a great option for freelance writers who need a more advanced accounting solution. The software is easy to use and offers a wide range of features that can help freelancers manage their finances more efficiently. In addition, the software offers the ability to track time and expenses, which can be incredibly helpful for billing clients accurately.

Sage features:

• Offers invoicing capabilities

• Provides expense tracking

• Offers project management features

• Provides reports on financial performance

• Offers inventory tracking

• Integrates with various payment processors

One of the biggest advantages of Sage Business Cloud Accounting for freelancers is that it offers a wide range of features that can help with invoicing, expense tracking, and project management. The software also offers a mobile app that makes it easy to manage finances on-the-go. Freelancers can use this app to create invoices, track expenses, and manage projects while they are away from their computer.

Sage Business Cloud Accounting has a few pricing options. The "Accounting Start" plan costs $10 per month and includes basic accounting features like invoicing, expense tracking, and cash flow management. The "Accounting" plan costs $25 per month and includes more advanced features like inventory management and project accounting. Finally, the "Accounting Plus" plan costs $50 per month and includes even more advanced features like multi-currency support and user permissions.

7. ZipBooks

ZipBooks is a free accounting software that is ideal for freelance writers who need a basic accounting solution. It offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking. The software is easy to use and can help freelancers manage their finances more efficiently. Additionally, the software offers a mobile app that makes it easy to manage finances on-the-go.

ZipBooks features:

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers expense tracking

• Offers time tracking

• Provides financial reports

• Offers a mobile app for easy access

• Integrates with Stripe for payment processing

ZipBooks is free for freelancers. This makes it an excellent option for freelancers who are just starting out and may not have a lot of money to invest in accounting software. The software is also incredibly easy to use and offers a range of features that can help freelancers manage their finances more efficiently.

8. GnuCash

GnuCash is a free and open-source accounting software that offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and budgeting. It is a good choice for freelancers who are comfortable using more advanced accounting software and want to avoid paying for accounting software. However, it can be challenging to set up and use for those who are not familiar with open-source software.

GnuCash features:

• Offers double-entry accounting

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers budget tracking

• Provides investment tracking

• Provides financial reports

• Offers a mobile app for easy access

GnuCash is completely free and offers many of the same features as paid accounting software. It also allows users to track multiple accounts, making it easy to manage finances for multiple projects. GnuCash is also highly customizable, allowing users to set up accounts and reports specific to their needs.

9. FreeAgent

FreeAgent is a paid accounting software that provides a variety of features for freelancers. It is cloud-based and allows freelancers to access their accounting data from anywhere. The software is primarily designed for small businesses, freelancers, and contractors. It has features like invoicing, expense tracking, project management, and tax preparation.

FreeAgent is a good choice for freelancers who need an all-in-one accounting solution. It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. It also provides real-time reports and data insights to help freelancers make informed business decisions. Additionally, FreeAgent has a mobile app that allows freelancers to access their accounting data on the go.

Free agent features:

• Provides invoicing capabilities

• Offers expense tracking

• Provides project management features

• Offers tax preparation services

• Integrates with various payment processors

• Provides reports on financial performance

• Mileage tracking

The pricing for FreeAgent starts at $12 per month, which includes features like invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation. Freelancers can also upgrade to the Premium or Elite plans, which offer additional features like time tracking and project management. The Premium plan costs $24 per month, while the Elite plan costs $50 per month.

Get your taxes done!

Congratulations, you've made it to the end of the list! Now that you've been introduced to some of the best accounting software for freelancers, it's time to choose the right one for you. Just remember, finding the perfect accounting software is a bit like dating - it takes some trial and error before you find "the one". But with these top 10 suggestions, you're one step closer to finding your perfect match.

And who knows, maybe one day you'll look back at tax season with fond memories of organizing your finances with your trusty accounting software. Okay, probably not, but at least you'll have more time to focus on your actual work and less time stressing about finances.

So go ahead, give one of these top 10 accounting software programs a try, and hopefully, you'll find the perfect match that helps you keep your finances in order. Good luck, and happy freelancing!

For more information about how freelance writers can succeed, check out the blog. You’ll also like the 34-page report on benchmarking freelance writing rates.