Hiring A Copywriter: What To Expect

So you have decided that now is the right time to invest in a copywriter. Congratulations! There are many reasons why this is a great idea, and now your business will have the wording it needs to stand out from the competition, increase sales, and develop a connection with your target audience.

However, you may be wondering how you get from deciding to hire a copywriter to actually having the finished wording ready to communicate with your current and/or potential customers.

First of all, your chosen copywriter will want to get an idea of what your project will involve. This may involve you creating a creative brief together or sharing one that you already have. You may also have some inspiration and ideas of your own to share. These conversations usually take place over a video call, but they can take place via ordinary telephone call or email instead.

Whichever approach you decide to take, your copywriter will need to clearly understand the following before they can begin their work:

• Who are your target audience?

• What do you want the reader to do?

• How will taking the desired action benefit the reader?

• What kind of tone would you like the writing to have? (E.g. friendly, helpful, excited, professional, informative)

• What would you like your copywriter to deliver? (E.g. copy for X number of emails, copy for a landing page, a completed eBook). If you have any word limits in mind be sure to discuss these too

If you would like advice about any of the above, your copywriter can help. They have most likely worked on a similar project before so if you would like any guidance just let them know.

Once the above points have been decided, you will need to agree on a deadline and a budget.

Your copywriter will provide you with a quote based on what has been discussed. Then you can both agree on a deadline for them to submit the first draft. This will usually be in a Microsoft Word document with each element of the copy clearly laid out ready for you to use. However the copy can be delivered in a different format if you prefer.

The project will be submitted on (or before!) the agreed deadline. Remember, this is only the first draft, so if there are any changes you would like to make or you aren’t entirely happy with one element just let them know and they can make the necessary changes. Depending on how many amends you would like it may be worth talking them through and agreeing a deadline for the second draft to be submitted. However, if there are just a few small tweaks these can usually be done fairly quickly.

Once you are happy with the copy it is time to make payment (a part payment is sometimes taken upfront as a deposit depending on the project) and start to reap the rewards of communicating with your audience using well written and engaging copy.

Don’t forget to keep your copywriter in mind for next time you need any similar work done, or if your family, friends, or colleagues decide that they could also use some copywriting services.

Looking to work with a copywriter who makes the process as straightforward as possible? Get in touch today.