Creation Costs: How To Set the Right Charge for Your Content

There are a few key things to consider that will help you set fair prices and build a sustainable content creation business.

1. Time Is Money

Think about everything that goes into a single piece of content. Sure, there’s the final post, video, or article — but don’t forget about all the behind-the-scenes work. 

From brainstorming content ideas to scripting, filming, editing, and polishing the final product, it all adds up. Track your time to understand the number of hours each project truly takes.

2. Every Prop Counts

Do your awesome videos require special equipment? Do you travel to cool locations for photoshoots? 

Maybe you buy props to make your content pop. These extra costs are part of doing business — so factor them into your pricing.

3. Engaged Fans Are Gold

Brands want to partner with creators who have a target audience that actually pays attention. 

Do your followers like, comment, and share your posts? How quickly do they respond when you ask a question in your Stories? This engagement level is super valuable, and you can charge more for it.

4. Relationship Matters

Have you worked with a brand before, and they loved your content? That’s a good sign. If your values align with theirs, it makes sense to work together again. This kind of past success can justify charging a bit more.

5. Stats Don’t Lie

Most social media platforms provide insights into how your content performs. Keep track of things like your reach (how many people see your posts), your engagement rate (how many likes, comments, etc., you get), and who your followers are. All these numbers translate into value for brands.

6. Share or Sell?

Sometimes, brands want content that’s exclusive to them. Maybe they don’t want you promoting other products at the same time. This means you’re limited in what else you can do for a certain period. Exclusivity can mean a higher fee for you.

7. Know Your Platforms

TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn — every social media platform is a bit different. Engagement rates and audience expectations vary from one to the other. Understanding where your content shines best helps you set your price accordingly.

8. It’s All About Timing

Is there a big holiday or a major event coming up? Brands often want special content around those times and might be willing to pay more to get in on the action. Keep the digital marketing calendar in mind when setting your content creation costs.

Consider that it’s not all about the final product, as every single one of these factors plays into the value you offer to brands. Thinking like a true small business owner helps you set prices that reflect the full scope of your amazing work.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff — how to prove you’re worth the cost of the content you offer. This is where your unique talents and the quality of your work truly shine.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

Anyone can claim to be a fantastic content creator, right? But brands want proof. If you can truly prove that your content is successful, valuable, and engaging for users, brands will be more likely to sign on.

Here’s how to wow them:

• Killer Portfolio: Curate a collection of your best work, whether it’s blog posts, photos, videos, or graphics. Make it easily accessible to potential partners.

• Case Studies: Did you help a past client achieve amazing results? Share the story, and include details and metrics to show where your client started and where you were able to bring them. Numbers talk — did your content increase their sales or boost their website traffic? Gather those metrics.

• Testimonials: Happy clients are your best cheerleaders. Ask for short quotes praising your creativity, professionalism, and results.

Engage, Engage, Engage

Brands don’t just want their content to be seen — they want it to spark a reaction. Think beyond likes and comments:

• Do you spark conversation? When someone leaves a thoughtful comment on your post, do you respond in a meaningful way? Engaging in conversation is a great way to boost visibility and get viewers to care. 

• Do you inspire action? Do people save your posts for later or share them widely? Do users click on links in your bio? These are all strong signs of engagement.

• Build a community. It’s about more than just followers. Do you foster a sense of connection with your audience? This shows brands you can turn viewers into loyal fans.

Your X-Factor: What Sets You Apart

The influencer market is crowded, so what makes you special? Having (and highlighting) elements that make you unique is key in order to stand out. 

Here are some things to consider:

• Niche Expertise: Are you passionate about a specific topic like sustainable fashion, home DIY, or travel? This focused knowledge appeals to brands targeting those audiences.

• Killer Skills: Are you a whiz at video editing? Gifted at content writing? Maybe you take stunning photos? Highlight the skills that make your content exceptional.

• Personality Plus: Does your personality come through in your work? Are you funny, warm, or inspiring? Does your content have a witty edge, or is it professional and polished? Brands love creators with a distinct voice.

It’s Not Just About What, It’s About How

High-quality content shines. From crisp visuals to well-written captions, attention to detail shows your professionalism — and not paying attention to the small things can have the opposite effect. If your captions or content are riddled with typos or inaccuracies, you’ll look untrustworthy or unprofessional. 

Take the time to make sure the content you’re producing is clean. Brands notice when you’ve honed your craft, which makes you more valuable to them.

Keep in mind that these methods are a starting point, not the final word. When you understand your unique strengths and deliver engaging content that drives results for brands, you can confidently charge rates that reflect your true value as a creator.

The way you package yourself matters. Do you sell your services together or separately? Or would you create a special combo deal with a discount? Think about how your content creation services should be marketed for maximum impact.

The Power of Packages

Here’s why bundling your content is a win-win:

• Simplifies Things for Brands: They love one-stop shopping. Instead of dealing with multiple creators, they get everything they need from you.

• Showcases Your Range: Packages let you highlight different skills — maybe an Instagram post plus a few engaging Stories to go with it.

• Increased Value: Offering a bundle at a slightly lower price than charging for each piece separately feels like a great deal to brands. It also increases the total amount you earn per project.

• Example Package: Let’s say you’re a food blogger. Your package could include a sponsored recipe post, a quick Instagram Reel showing the cooking process, and several mouthwatering photos for your Stories.

Loyalty Pays Off

Building relationships with brands you believe in leads to amazing opportunities. Here’s why long-term collaborations are beneficial:

• Steady income: Knowing you have work lined up lets you breathe easier and focus on creating your best content.

• Deeper understanding: The more you work with a brand, the better you understand their vibe and what their audience responds to. This leads to even better content.

• Negotiating power: When brands see your deliverables over time, you’re in a stronger position to discuss your hourly rate and get paid what you deserve.

Want an example? Perhaps a skincare brand loves your honest reviews. Instead of a single sponsored post, you agree to a three-month partnership with consistent content featuring their products.

Create Tiers

Offer different package options to fit various brand budgets. A basic package could be a great way to start a relationship, with the potential to upsell them to a bigger package later. This flexibility makes you an attractive partner.

Be Transparent

Be upfront about your pricing structure, what’s included in each package, and your availability for long-term projects. This builds trust with brands and saves everyone time in the long run.

Now It’s Your Turn

Start brainstorming. What unique content bundles can you create? Are there brands you’d love to work with for multiple campaigns? Packaging your services and fostering long-term relationships is a smart marketing strategy to level up your content creation business.

Pricing your content requires thinking like a strategist. When creators get paid fairly, it helps the entire social media world thrive. Remember, your creativity and hard work are valuable. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and set prices with a smart content strategy.

Think like a true entrepreneur, just like we do at Founder OS. By understanding your strengths, packaging your services strategically, and seeking long-term partnerships, you pave the way to financial success and creative freedom.

Want optimization in your pricing skills and a sustainable content creation business? The Founder OS newsletter and programs are packed with insider tips and resources. Take your content career to the next level and achieve true Founder Freedom.