11 Things You MUST Know Before Hiring a Copywriter

Jan 2
03:06

2024

Alexandria Brown

Alexandria Brown

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

So you're ... hiring ... help for your ... Web site, or ... project. ... You should get great results if you hire a pro to do it ... business owners

1. Define Your Objectives

Before engaging a copywriter,11 Things You MUST Know Before Hiring a Copywriter Articles it's crucial to identify the key points you want to communicate. Who is your target audience? What is your unique selling proposition? What tone do you want to use? What response do you want from the reader? Having this information beforehand can minimize unnecessary revisions and keep costs down.

2. Set a Realistic Timeline

Avoid rushing the hiring process and imposing tight deadlines on your copywriter. This could compromise the quality of the work. Most copywriters require a few weeks to develop your content, so allow sufficient time for the creative process. Expect to go through one or two revisions as your writer fine-tunes the content.

3. Ensure the Writer is Experienced in Your Desired Medium

If you need someone to revamp your website copy, a writer who has only written magazine articles may not be the best fit. They may lack the skills to create engaging web content, integrate hyperlinks, and design a user-friendly site. Take the time to find the right person for the job.

4. Industry Experience is Not Always Crucial

A writer's ability to write effectively for the medium is more important than having prior experience in your industry. Many writers are versatile and can produce compelling content for a wide range of businesses. However, for technical B2B projects, you may want to hire a writer with experience in both your project's medium and your industry.

5. Request and Contact References

A good copywriter should provide a list of references. Contact at least two of them to get a sense of the writer's strengths and weaknesses.

6. Quality Comes at a Cost

Investing in quality copywriting is as important as spending on design. Good copywriting does not come cheap, but it's worth the investment. Some writers also offer editing services and can arrange for a final review by a professional proofreader.

7. Establish a Formal Agreement

A professional writer will provide a contract outlining the project scope, number of revisions, timeline, and fees. Be sure to clarify what's not included, such as in-person meetings, research time, and rush work. An upfront retainer is usually required.

8. Provide Background Information

Provide your writer with all relevant background information at the start of the project. This can save time and money.

9. Appoint a Project Captain

Designate one person in your company to liaise with the writer. This can prevent confusion and unnecessary revisions.

10. Offer Constructive Feedback

Make your criticism constructive. Be specific about what needs to be improved and also highlight what you like about the work.

11. Consider the Chemistry

A good working relationship with your writer can lead to high-quality work that will help your business thrive. Take the time to find a copywriter you can work well with.

In conclusion, hiring a copywriter is a strategic decision that can greatly enhance your business communication. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful collaboration with your copywriter.