As a freelance copywriter, one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your career is how to structure your work: Should you take on individual gigs (per job) or focus on long-term contracts?
Each approach has its pros and cons, and the right answer often depends on your goals, workload capacity, experience level, and preferred working style.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between working per project and securing long-term contracts—so you can make smarter decisions and grow your freelance career more sustainably.
Understanding Per-Job Work vs. Long-Term Contracts
Before comparing, let’s define both models clearly.
Per-Job (Project-Based Work)
You complete one piece of work or a short set of deliverables for a set price. Examples include:
- Writing a single blog post
- Creating product descriptions for one collection
- Writing a sales page
- Delivering one email sequence
Once the work is submitted and approved, the contract ends unless the client rehires you.
Long-Term Contracts
You agree to work with a client over a longer period—weekly, monthly, or even quarterly. This might include:
- Ongoing blog writing (e.g., 4 posts per month)
- Regular email marketing
- Continuous content support for a brand
- Retainer packages
These contracts often involve consistent work and payment over time.
Benefits of Per-Project Copywriting Work
Working per job offers flexibility and variety. Here’s why many freelancers start this way:
1. Easier to Land as a Beginner
Short-term jobs usually have a lower barrier to entry. Clients hiring for a single task are more likely to give newer freelancers a chance.
2. Faster Turnaround
You can complete, deliver, and get paid quickly. It’s ideal if you need quick cash flow.
3. Variety of Experience
Working on different types of projects helps you build a diverse portfolio. This is especially helpful early in your career.
4. Lower Commitment
If you’re still figuring out your niche or writing style, per-job work lets you experiment without long-term obligations.
5. Opportunities to Upsell
Many one-time clients can become long-term partners if you deliver great results.
Drawbacks of Per-Project Work
While flexible, project-based work also comes with some challenges:
1. Inconsistent Income
Once a project ends, you need to find another. This constant hustle can create income instability.
2. Repetitive Onboarding
Every new client requires onboarding, briefing, and relationship-building—time you don’t get paid for.
3. Price Pressure
One-off clients often focus on budget, which can lead to lower-paying gigs or pricing negotiations.
4. Limited Client Loyalty
There’s less incentive for clients to stick with you long-term unless you actively nurture the relationship.
Benefits of Long-Term Contracts
Securing long-term work brings structure and security to your freelance career.
1. Predictable Income
With a retainer or monthly contract, you know how much you’ll earn. This makes budgeting and planning easier.
2. Fewer Client Searches
Instead of constantly looking for new gigs, you can focus on doing great work for a few reliable clients.
3. Deeper Client Relationships
Working with the same brand over time helps you understand their voice, goals, and audience, making your writing more impactful.
4. Higher Pay Over Time
Long-term clients often offer more lucrative opportunities, like strategy work, editing, or content planning.
5. Creative Efficiency
You save time on onboarding and revisions because you already know what the client wants.
Drawbacks of Long-Term Contracts
That said, long-term work isn’t perfect either. Be mindful of:
1. Less Flexibility
You might need to be available for weekly check-ins or meet consistent deadlines, which limits your schedule freedom.
2. Client Dependency
If one large client ends the contract, it can seriously impact your income.
3. Risk of Burnout
Doing the same type of content month after month can become monotonous, especially if you’re craving variety.
4. Contractual Limitations
Some clients may request exclusivity clauses or restrict you from working with competitors, limiting future opportunities.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Both models can work—but which is best for you right now? Ask yourself these questions:
Are You Just Starting Out?
➡ Per-project work might be the better choice while you build confidence, experience, and samples.
Do You Need Steady Income?
➡ Long-term contracts can offer financial predictability and reduce the feast-or-famine cycle.
Do You Enjoy Variety or Routine?
➡ Per-job work brings creative diversity.
➡ Long-term work offers stability and depth.
How Many Clients Can You Manage?
➡ If you prefer focusing on fewer clients with ongoing projects, go long-term.
➡ If you like juggling quick, different projects, stay per-job.
Do You Want to Specialize?
➡ Long-term work allows you to hone your skills in a specific niche, which can lead to better rates and referrals.
Best Practices for Per-Job Work
If you choose to take per-project jobs, here are some tips to maximize success:
- Vet the client carefully before accepting
- Clarify deliverables, deadlines, and revision limits up front
- Request testimonials after successful projects
- Follow up a few weeks later to offer new services
- Always include a call-to-action at the end of delivery (e.g., “If you need help with your next campaign, I’d love to assist!”)
Best Practices for Long-Term Contracts
If you’re moving toward longer relationships, do the following:
- Offer monthly content packages (e.g., 4 blog posts per month)
- Create service tiers with clear deliverables and pricing
- Use contracts that outline terms, revisions, cancellation policies, and payment timelines
- Schedule monthly check-ins to stay aligned with the client’s goals
- Review the contract quarterly and update pricing as your value increases
Hybrid Approach: Why Not Both?
Many successful copywriters combine both models. For example:
- Use per-job work to test new niches or fill income gaps
- Maintain long-term contracts for stability
- Offer per-project work with the option to upgrade to a monthly retainer
This gives you the best of both worlds—freedom and security.
Final Thoughts: Choose What Aligns with Your Goals
There’s no single “right” answer for every copywriter. The best approach depends on your:
- Experience level
- Income needs
- Lifestyle preferences
- Career goals
Start where you are. Test both models. And remember—what works today might evolve as your business grows.
The key is to stay professional, deliver high-quality work, and communicate clearly—regardless of whether you’re writing a one-time landing page or managing a client’s monthly blog.