Tips for Hiring a Copywriter
From the perspective of a copywriter, it would be fantastic if customers could consult a crystal ball to choose which writer is most suited for their assignment. Few people have the first-hand experience necessary to recognize the differences between the many forms of written expression. In fact, we’ve run into customers who assume we’re responsible for crafting the material for their websites. Not many people bother. It’s logical. Developers of the web create. Web developers create the framework and code (such as HTML or PHP) for your website. Now it’s just you and the material on your website. Who creates your content, and what processes do you use to publish it so that it successfully draws in site visitors and persuades them to make a purchase?
It appears self-evident, but in reality, it isn’t. Several years ago, a guy I knew asked me, “What does anyone need a copywriter for?” Indeed, this is the case. Copywriters were unnoticeable, a silent partner in the creative process. At one time, advertising companies were among the few venues where copywriters could consistently find work. Take a good look at Hollywood. There was a long period of time where writers weren’t even acknowledged. Writers are now not just widely acknowledged, but celebrities often go out of their way to sing the writer’s praises. This shift in perspective, combined with the rise of the Internet, has helped to highlight the importance of screenwriters.
I’m delighted to inform you that as the Internet continues to grow, so does the need for skilled copywriters. Copied content is ubiquitous on the web. The content you post determines the success or failure of your website, email campaign, PPC campaign, banner ad, or autoresponder. Companies that have their own marketing teams or hire outside agencies know when and why they need a copywriter. This is the hidden factor that pushes entrepreneurs to hire a professional writer. The words on your website can be read by anyone. If your homepage copy is garbage, the world will know it immediately. That’s so incredibly mortifying.
Despite this, there will always be the occasional inexperienced client who has no idea how valuable a competent writer can be. Here are some suggestions for finding and working with a copywriter, from the perspective of a copywriter.
When to get a pro for copywriting or scriptwriting, A.
- In the corporate world
- If you’re not a good writer and are worried about the consequences of having poorly written work published,
- If you don’t have access to a professional writer within your organization
- Anticipated time of reply
- When posting written content online,
Tips for working with a seasoned writer
The first thing to do is find a good writer to work with. Find a technical writer if you need help with a software user guide. Get in touch with a PR writer if you need a news release. Hire a commercial scriptwriter or advertising copywriter if you want to increase sales. Direct mail writers and scriptwriters, by the way, are the top two writers in business and industry.
If you’re searching for an expert in a specific genre of writing, you generally shouldn’t hire a writer who claims to be proficient in all of them. After all, even copywriting has its share of mediocre authors. An old proverb says that if you can write anything, you’re good at nothing.
Find a copywriter whose efforts are laser-focused; this will ensure that their writing talents are finely tuned. Sales copywriting, also known as advertising copywriting, business writing, or simply writing, encompasses a wide variety of formats, including but not limited to: direct response advertising, direct mail, mail order, web pages, email marketing, and video scriptwriting.
Manuals, directories, novels, press releases, and short tales are not typical jobs for advertising copywriters. The goal of every advertisement copywriter is to generate sales.
Read some sample writing, but keep in mind that opinions on writing can vary. Even if some people weren’t happy with the results, the initiative was a big success overall. The availability of writing examples is not conclusive evidence of a writer’s quality. They serve as evidence that the writer is competent and capable, having finished a number of projects. The point is to make sure the writer has experience with your preferred citation style. A writer who has published several short stories is likely to be a competent wordsmith, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be effective at writing a direct mail letter.
Bringing up past examples isn’t likely to help much. I’ve placed a few calls personally and haven’t encountered any complaints. To my knowledge, not a single writer would volunteer the name of a reference unless they were positive that person would speak highly of both the writer and their work. However, you are free to skip the brand name. You know you’ve won the jackpot when a writer boasts a Fortune 100 firm among their referrals, unless their rates are prohibitively expensive. So, let’s talk about charges.
When it comes to payment, it’s important to remember that copywriting, like any other service, is worth what you pay for it. Low rates usually indicate a lack of experience. Professional writers are in high demand and can command higher wages than $15 per hour. The price of high-quality copywriting is higher. However, keep in mind that there is typically a range within the ‘high fee’ group. The hourly rate of a professional copywriter might range from $30 to $120. There may be no discernible difference in writing quality between an independent writer with little overhead and a writer working for an ad agency with significant overhead costs. Consider the costs and benefits of hiring a professional advertising copywriter.
Research the author’s background. I do not suggest intruding on their privacy. Learn about their previous clients. Examine a database of customers. If the writer is freelancing, you should inquire about their work history. Which brings up the question of where the author gained their expertise.
When you’ve found the right copywriter for the job, make them feel like they belong on your team. I feel compelled to mention this since I have dealt with some exceptionally difficult customers who have tested my good graces. Which of us hasn’t? Your copywriter is a key member of your sales team and deserves to be treated as such. Give us your honest opinion. Promptly. Pay promptly. The result is the best potential outcome for you.