You’ve just started talks with a new freelance writing lead, all is sounding good, and then a bomb drops — they ask for an unpaid writing test. By not writing the test, you risk losing the opportunity. However, by writing it, you also run some risks. Here are three points to consider before making the call.
What are unpaid writing tests?
An unpaid writing test is a writing test requested by a potential client that does not come with any compensation. For example, someone may ask you to write a blog, answer a prompt, or write an email for free.
Once you complete the test, the client reviews it and decides if they’d like to move ahead with paid work. The reasoning? They want to ensure you’re a good fit before making an investment.
3 reasons to refuse unpaid writing tests
While an unpaid writing test can remove the risk for a client, what about your risk? Here are three reasons to pause before jumping into that free trial.
1. Paid tests are the norm
Paid writing tests for freelance writers are pretty standard so a request for a “free trial” is a red flag in my book. ?
You don’t go to a restaurant and ask for the first meal for free because you might not like it. You research the place and if it looks good… you pay and see if you like it.
That said, clients do need proof you can do the job so you’ll need impressive and relevant samples.
Tip: If you don’t have any, write some. It’s better to make pieces for yourself that you can use again and again than to write a free trial for each client.
With samples in place, clients can “try you out” through a paid test at your normal rate. If you’re both happy when it’s done, you can talk about an ongoing contract.
Jenna Tidd, a freelance marketing writer, says, “In the beginning, unpaid writing tests can be tempting because you don’t want to miss a possible opportunity. However, they are telltale signs of someone you don’t want to work with in the long run. Professionals and reputable businesses understand the value of your time and willingly compensate you for it.”
As a website owner that occasionally hires freelance writers, I would feel sleazy/disrespectful requesting free writing trials. It puts all the risk/cost on the writer for my business. Plus, scam alert, the owner could be getting free work from tons of writers and building their business with it.
2. Unpaid tests set the wrong precedent
Next, if you start off a working relationship by giving away your writing, you set a precedent that can be problematic.
Why?
It plants a seed in the client’s mind that you don’t mind working for free under certain conditions. That can grow into scope creep, rate challenging, and other actions that hurt your bottom line (and mental peace).
Even the best clients will push the limits sometimes, and you have to be ready to draw the line immediately. However, if you start out compromising and giving away free work, it can make that process harder.
“Pricing sends signals. Doing unpaid work also subconsciously communicates your value,” says Morgan Kenyon, owner of Skyline Growth Marketing.
3. Writing unpaid tests is not sustainable
Lastly, as a freelance writing business grows, the writer will usually have more work than they can do. When you get to that point, every unpaid writing test you write will literally cost you money. It simply is not necessary or a cost-effective use of your working hours (which we all want to make the most of).
Tiffany Thibodeau, a freelance communications consultant, says, “I did unpaid tests when I first started as a freelance writer and quickly learned that it wasn’t sustainable for moving my career forward, or feeding my dogs. If I were advising my past self, I’d say time is such a valuable commodity so don’t do it.”
What should you say if a client requests an unpaid writing test?
If you’re interested in negotiating, you could say something along the lines of, “Hey, Thanks for the opportunity but I don’t currently write unpaid tests. I am open to writing the trial assignment for $x and you’re welcome to review examples of my work at the links below. Let me know if that works for you. Thanks!”
On the other hand, if the request for a free trial is a deal breaker, you could go with something like, “Thanks for the opportunity but it doesn’t look like we’re a fit. All the best!”
The bottom line: Your portfolio and samples should be enough
I understand writing an unpaid test can seem like no big deal once in a blue moon. I also understand it can feel necessary when building a client base.
But I wouldn’t recommend it as a regular practice because:
✏️Most clients are willing to pay for trials
✏️It puts too much risk on your shoulders
✏️It’s not sustainable as you grow
✏️And it sets a precedent that doesn’t work in your favor
But that’s just me! The beauty of freelancing is we all get to make our own rules. ?
What’s your take and your experience?
P.S. Want to learn more about the ins and outs of freelancing? Check out How to Become a Paid Freelance Writer in 12 Steps!