How Much Does Organic Content Cost?
- Eric Wong
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Let's take a look at organic content and its costs. Have you ever wondered if "free" content is actually free? Spoiler alert: not really. In this post, we’ll explore the nuances of organic content, the costs associated with it, and how it stacks up against paid content.
What Exactly Is Organic Content?
So, what is organic content anyway? Organic content is the stuff you put out there—articles, social media posts, videos—without directly paying for ads. Think of it as the opposite of those annoying pop-up ads. The goal? To get people interested enough to check it out on their own. You're creating content that folks stumble upon naturally, whether through a search engine or a friend's share.
Organic content can be anything from a blog post to a social media update or even a YouTube video. The idea is that customers will find the information on their own, maybe when they're scrolling through their social feeds or searching for something on Google.
Why Bother with Organic Content?
Why should you even bother creating organic content? Well, it comes with a bunch of perks:
Brand Recognition: It's a fantastic way to build brand awareness by educating people about your products or services.
Advertising Costs Low: You don't have to shell out cash for ads.
Higher Rankings in Search Engines: Good content can boost your website's ranking on search engines.
Customer Confidence: Thoughtful, helpful content builds trust with your audience.
The Hidden Costs of "Free" Content
Okay, so organic content isn't technically free. The real cost comes in the form of time, effort, and resources.
Time Investment
Creating great content takes time. Seriously, a lot of time. You've got to research, draft, refine, and maybe even add some visuals. According to Orbit Media research, the average blog post takes nearly 4 hours to write.
Tools and Resources
You might need special tools, like photo or video editing software. There could be costs for stock photos, music, or even domain registration.
Expertise
The expertise and experience of the content creator also have a big impact on cost. High-quality content often requires expert writers, designers, or videographers.
Free vs. Paid Content
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: free vs. paid content.
Organic Content (Free)
When we say organic content is "free," we're really talking about the absence of direct ad spend. However, as we've discussed, there are still significant investments in terms of time and resources.
Pros:
Builds trust and authority over time.
Can lead to long-term traffic and engagement.
No ongoing ad costs once created.
Cons:
Takes time to see results.
Requires ongoing effort to maintain visibility.
May not reach as wide an audience initially without promotion.
Paid Content
On the flip side, paid content—like sponsored posts or ads—can get you immediate visibility but at a cost.
Pros:
Instant reach and visibility.
Targeted advertising options allow you to reach specific audiences quickly.
Can drive immediate traffic and conversions.
Cons:
Ongoing costs can add up quickly.
Once you stop paying for ads, visibility drops off sharply.
May not build the same level of trust as organic content over time.
Breaking Down Organic Content Costs
Different types of content come with different price tags:
Blog Posts: Basic posts (500-1,000 words) can range from $50-$150, while expert-level posts (2,000+ words with substantial research) can cost $500 or more.
Videos: Short clips might be $200-$500, but professional videos can range from $500-$2,000. High-end productions can be even pricier.
Infographics: Basic designs run $100-$300, but detailed or interactive infographics can jump to $1,000 or more.
Social Media Posts: Individual posts might be $10-$50, while monthly packages can range from $300-$1,000.
Making the Most of Your Content
Alright, so how do you make sure your organic content is worth the investment? Here are some tips:
Valuable: Make sure your content offers solutions, knowledge, or helpful information.
Trustworthy: Show that you know your stuff.
Engaging: Keep it fun and interesting.
Customer-Focused: Focus on helping your audience.
Have a Content Plan: According to the Content Marketing Institute, 62% of the most successful content marketers have a defined content plan.
Final Thoughts
So, is organic content really free? Not quite. But when done right, organic content can pay dividends in brand recognition, customer trust, and search engine rankings—often at a lower long-term cost than paid options.
Now I’d love to hear from you! What are your experiences with organic versus paid content? How do you make the most of your marketing budget? Let’s chat in the comments below!
Or if you would like a consultation with us then get in touch to schedule a content strategy consultation call.