Nishi, what you say is still true one year down the line. The online copywriter is still seen as the unglamorous cousin of print and television.

Chuck, certain clients view content as not something that’ll add value but something that comes into discussion after everything else is settled: “ok, we also need content”

Nishi, its not the existence of low fee writers that keep those fees low and unglamorous. Its the client’s inability to discern any value in the higher-priced writer.

Can you explain the differences to him, in terms that will benefit him?

If you do work for Biden’s campaign, you should all be sure to listen to today’s podcast interview with Seth Godin.

…or this one from the archives

You might learn a thing or two about how to use new media effectively.

I’ll be emailing Becky and Joshua at the Biden campaign to let them know you’re spamming our readers. (Sorry, everyone.)

-Editor, GrokDotCom

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The good news is that written content is starting to get the same amount of attention that IA was getting five years ago. The momentum is with us. We just need to keep it that way — and make sure the money comes along for the ride. The next time you hear creative directors, web designers, IAs, or UX folks pontificate about how important they think good writing is, ask them if they have a writing budget. Then listen to the deafening peals of embarrassed silence.

Do I think web copywriters should be paid as much as web designers? No. But great web copywriters should be paid as much as great web designers. And great web copywriters bring a different skill set to the table than, say, print copywriters or ad copywriters. They bring tech savvy, IA experience, and a holistic view of the user experience. Just like great web designers. Oh, and they can also write really well.

So, if you want to be a great web copywriter, learn those things. If you want to hire a great copywriter, well, good for you. You’re in the minority. For now.

In the space of information, the design and the technical stuff becomes a commodity, but good content is still hard to produce and valuable.

Brilliant quote Bronwyn Jones!

So thanks, you made this underappreciated writer’s day a little brighter!

How?

We attach more importance to getting published in print magazines and newspapers. An article gets published on an online mag. Big deal! It gets published in ELLE. Wow!!

As Robert says, we are prepared to accept lower pay for online copy. A client recently approached my company Chillibreeze.com to write 1000 word articles for 10 dollars each! Obviously, we said no. But we are sure he found another writer to write his articles at that ridiculous price. As long as such writers exist in the online marketplace, online copywriting will remain an unglamorous job.