Questions To Ask When Hiring A Copywriter

Congratulations! You’ve found a copywriter you think you are going to love working with and who seems like a great fit for your project. Here are a few things to consider before you take the next step and hire them.

When Can They Start Work On Your Project?

It isn’t unusual for copywriters to get booked up in advance. Some copywriters may be able to make a start within the next day or two, whereas others may have to schedule your project in for the following week or month. If your project is urgent let them know as if their other projects have a longer deadline they may be able to move you up the list.

Even if your project isn’t urgent, it is useful to know when the work on it is likely to start. This is so that you can keep an eye out for any queries and know when to expect the first draft.

What Experience Do They Have?

Have they worked on similar projects before? Whether this is in the form of writing for other clients within a similar industry or completing similar deliverables (e.g. a landing page), experience is definitely an advantage.

However, if you think that their knowledge and skills will make them a great fit and you feel they will be a pleasure to work with, don’t necessarily overlook them in favour of someone who has done the exact same thing before. Check out their portfolio and ask for additional samples of their work if required.

Can They Meet Your Deadline?

If you need the copy finalised in order to begin work on the rest of your project or have a deadline that needs to be met, whether or not your copywriter can meet this will make the difference between hiring them or going for someone else.

Discuss your deadlines for the first draft, the completed project, and any other milestones along the way. Most freelancers will be happy to move things around to be able to accommodate your project if necessary. However, if they are not able to move anything around and are unable to meet your deadline they are unlikely to be the right fit for you.

When Are They Available?

When would your copywriter be free to reply to messages or have a call? Do they work a standard 9-5 or do they work more flexibly? Some copywriters freelance during the evenings and weekends, but even if they are not available 9-5 they can still reply to your messages and you can pick them up the following working day.

If your project is long term or you are likely to need more work from them in the future it may be worth asking what their holiday plans are. For example, if you have a new product launching in April and they won’t be available in the run up to this it is worth taking into consideration.

And Finally...

It is worth bearing in mind that every copywriter has walked a slightly different path to get to where they are today. If you find one who you think is a good fit, and none of the above questions bring up any issues, then you may have found someone who can support you and your business for a long time to come.

If you are looking to hire an experienced and professional copywriter, learn more about me or get in touch. I would love to hear from you.