How to Hire Your Next Copywriter

Director: melissa Series: Business Lessons, Business Processes, Design

Let’s get straight to the point: Every entrepreneur needs an amazing copywriter on speed dial.

And let me be clear: I’m not a copywriter.

And there’s nothing more intimidating writing a post recommending that you hire a copywriter, when you’re not a copywriter. 🙈

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, you should know that I always recommend that my premium sales page and branding clients work with a copywriter.

And as a designer, I always recommend that if you only have a budget for design OR copy, that you invest in the copy. 😱

Right now, there’s a designer whose eye balls popped out of their head reading this.

I digress.

Before I ever agree to create someone’s sales page, I ask to review the copy first. And if I think it needs work, we bring on a copywriter to work their magic so that the sales page actually converts.

A good design with words that no one will read and that doesn’t connect with your ideal clients is kinda pointless.

Easy-to-read copy that helps your audience relate to a problem you’re solving for them on a sales page, opt-in page, website, in an email or anywhere, is an invaluable tool in your business.

If you’ve been looking for a sign that you should hire a copywriter, here you go!

Anyways, I’ll get off my soapbox now and tell you how you can find a copywriter for your next project.

Let’s be honest.

Hiring ANYONE to help you with tasks (for the first time) in your business is scary, and handing over your hard-earned money is not easy.

One of my biz buddies sent me this FB message about her sales page just two days ago:

I’ve gotta Q I’m hoping you can help me with. Is there a formula for building a sales page? and who holds this key? Is it the designer or the copy writer? I need to figure out the formula in order to put together the copy… I feel like I”m spinning. Can you point me in the right direction here? Thank you sooooooo much ❤ Any help is super appreciated. xoxoxoxoxox

My answer: You hold the key!

Once you find the perfect copywriter for your project, you’ll be so glad you did that you’ll never want to write your own copy again. And if you don’t have the budget to outsource all of your copy, try outsourcing one project to a copywriter first.

When you inquire with potential copywriters for your business, it can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’m here to make things easy.

The first thing to remember is that you hold the key to setting the stage for the project, and finding the most ideal copywriter for you.

Here are some important things to consider when you’re looking for a copywriter:

  1. Do you like their work samples?

    Ask for work samples and review them as if you were a potential customer. Do you like what you read?

  2. Do they communicate well during the inquiry process?

    If they don’t, then you won’t want to know what it’s like to actually work with them!

  3. Are they available during your timeframe?

    Most of the good copywriters I know are booked and not available for rush jobs. Always schedule your projects early!

  4. Do they have references or testimonials?

    Read the testimonials or ask for case studies. I also like to ask my peers in the industry who they love to work with, and who gets them results.

  5. What does your gut say?

    You hold the key. Never forget that.

  6. Do their fees match your budget?

    Figure out what a comfortable budget is for you. Find out what their pricing and process is and then decide if you can take the leap.

  7. Does their style match your next level goals?

    Always make sure that your copywriter’s style matches the direction you want your business to take, not where you’ve been.

And since I’m not an expert copywriter, and my advice will probably help in some way, I want to help you all the way.

I asked a few of my favorite copywriters to share their best advice for hiring your next copywriter. Here’s what they had to say:

Sarah Grear, Conversion Copywriter at Creative Copywriting International

 

“I’ve written copy for online businesses from startup to earning 7 figures, they all want to know when they should write their own copy and when they should hire out.

When you’re starting out, hire a copywriter where the conversions matter the most. Get support on your free training opt-in page, so you get as many subscribers as possible. Then get help on the sales page so you can convert those subscribers to buyers.”

Kira Hug, Conversion Copywriter at Kira Hug Media

 

“Make sure you like their style & voice. Seems obvious, but clients often hire without reading ANY copy. You want to know how well a copywriter can handle the type of content or sales copy you need. Ask for case studies!

Find out their process, as well, because every copywriter does things differently. You need to feel comfortable with your copywriter, because it can be an intimate relationship. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, it’s not going to work out.”

Jamie Jensen, Founder and CEO of Your Hot Copy

 

“Pick someone who already kinda sounds like you and feels very “you” when you read their writing. This will make things easy. Know your audience inside and out and really do your part with market research so you have plenty of info to bring to the table.

Make sure to be honest with feedback. Don’t be afraid to give honest notes if something feels off or was miscommunicated. The most valuable thing you can do for yourself and the project is to communicate! Your participation and presence in the project is necessary.”

Hattie Brazeley, Copywriter for Digital Entrepreneurs

 

“As a copywriter, it’s always super-reassuring to be asked something along the lines of ​”What do you need from me in order to produce copy that we’ll ​both​ be proud of?”​

This kind of question signifies that you understand that copywriters don’t have magic conversion wands, that you​ know you’re​ ​integral to the success of your project and​,​ fundamentally, that you’re ​probably going to be pretty awesome to work with.”

Jennifer Myers, Copywriter at Jennifer Myers Creative Communication

 

“Many of my clients hire me in part because on my website I outline exactly how we’ll be working together and what they can expect. Hire a copywriter whose process makes sense to you. Don’t forget to ask about the process, turnaround time, deadlines, revisions, and more.

You have the right to feel completely in-the-know and comfortable, from the very beginning!”

Lacy Boggs, Director at The Content Direction Agency

 

“My biggest soapbox when it comes to hiring a copywriter is that they must be able to sound like you or your brand. They could be the best copywriter in the world, but if they don’t sound like you, it’s not a good fit. This is both because your customers won’t love the cognitive dissonance of jumping to a sales page that sounds nothing like you and because if you and that copywriter ever part ways, you won’t be able to replicate their voice.”

There you go. And if you’re wondering why I’m writing about why you should and how to hire a copywriter, the answer is simple. Good copy is an invaluable, necessary tool in your business.

It doesn’t matter if you’re building a new website, a new sales page, a new email funnel or anything where copy is an ingredient. The right copywriter can help you make it better.

I’m a big believer in the work they do, and the results that good copy can produce. Profitable results lead to more sales, expanding your reach, and gives you more freedom in your life and business. 😀 Who doesn’t want more of that?

And now, I’d love to hear from you. What other questions do you have about working with a copywriter? Do you have a story to share about working with a copywriter to share?

Tell me in the comments. 😀


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