Never worked with a copywriter before? Whether you’re hiring someone with expertise in SEO and writing sparkly words for the web, or a content marketing guru to help create your next dazzling brochure, be sure to ask them these questions before you hire them.
1.What is your process?
A good copywriter should outline this for you anyway; some might even have it described on their website. But, if they don’t, be sure to ask so you have a clear understanding of the main steps involved in getting from your initial query to a completed project which you are happy to pay for.
2. Do you have a sample of your work I can view?
Some copywriters might also have this on their website. But plenty don’t (often because clients prefer them not to, or because the copy might have been changed since they submitted it). Just ask and a copywriter should be more than happy to send you a sample of what they can do. Some might even offer to rewrite an existing piece of copy for your business as a sample.
3. Do you complete a competitive analysis when putting together my business’ content?
Worth asking. You want to ensure your copywriter checks out your competition when researching your business to get a broader understanding of the industry. They can then create compelling copy for your business which exceeds that of your competition.
4. How much will the project cost?
Many copywriters will charge a project fee, rather than work to an hourly rate. Though this might be the first question you want to ask (totally understandably), it’s more useful for both of you if you can describe the project you need researched and written to give the copywriter a better idea of what needs to be done. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask though; they should be able to give you a ballpark figure by the end of the conversation.
5. Do you charge extra for keyword research?
This is an SEO question about writing for the web. And the answer is usually ‘yes’. The reason is that keyword planning research is an essential but time-consuming part of writing Search Engine Optimised content. If the price is too high, you can always complete the keyword research yourself using Google Keyword Planner. Present it to your copywriter in a spreadsheet and they will use it to write your website copy and make it Google-friendly.
6. Can you create a content calendar for my business?
These calendars are excellent for planning social media or blog posts over a particular period of time. You can discuss ideas and themes for each week or month with your copywriter and they will put together a calendar before going ahead and writing all the posts for your social media platforms or blogs. Content calendars are also great for planning packages of e-newsletters.
7. How many posts to a package?
If you need blog articles or e-newsletters or social media posts written, most copywriters will charge in packages. The reason for this is simple: it takes time to thoroughly get to know your business through a briefing with you, competitive analysis and market research, plus (potentially) keyword planning and SEO research. It’s not in your interests for your copywriter to do all that and write you one single 300-word blog post; your time is also involved in the creative briefing and reading over revisions. So why not get 5 or 10 done in one go? Often it’s better value for money anyway. And get them to create you a content calendar as part of planning the content package (see number 6 above).
8. Can you recommend a web developer / graphic designer?
Often, a copywriter will be able to refer you on to one of their contacts if you need other services to enhance your business’ content, like building or refreshing a website.
9. Do you format and source images for my brochure?
Some do, some don’t. Some will if you ask, but it will most likely cost a little bit extra for the extra time they spend on it. Again, if you want to save on cost, just ask your copywriter to write the words and you can source images and finalise the formatting yourself.
10. How many revisions are included in your price?
It’s worth checking since it varies from copywriter to copywriter. Often it’s two (that is, the original draft, plus two rounds of revisions). For others, it might be one revision.
Want to work with us? Feel free to contact us to ask us these (and other) questions.
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