Top 7 Things To Do Before You Hire A Copywriter

Now that you've decided to hire a copywriter, how do you go about finding one? Here are seven things to look for to make sure the match is a good one.

#1 ? Define your expectations. Are you looking for a copywriter or a technical writer? Do you need a writer that can take a project and run with it or do you need someone who will follow strict guidelines? Do you want a writer with the ability to make technical material readable for the general public or do you need a writer who specializes in retail? Are you looking for a writer you can build a long-term relationship with or will this be a one-time, one-shot deal? Before you start looking, make sure you know exactly what kind of writer you need. Not only will it make the review process go that much faster, but also it help ensure you find exactly what you want.

#2 ? Check the writer's marketing materials. Are they done professionally? Do they inspire confidence that the writer can complete the project to your expectations? Do you like the way they're written? A writer's promotional materials is a reflection of the writer ? make sure you like what you're seeing.

#3 ? Read samples of the writer's work. Yes, I do mean actually sit down and reading them. You don't have to read every word, but make sure you read enough to determine if you're going to like the writer's style or not.

#4 ? Check references. Take a look at any testimonials the writer has provided, or if you still have doubts, take the time to call and talk to any references. Don't forget to ask about the relationship the reference had with the writer.

#5 ? Interview the writer. It's not necessary to do this in person, though. I've been hired plenty of times on the basis of a phone interview only and it's worked out perfectly. But whether in person or on the phone, do take the time to do this. Not only can you find out about the writer's policies and work ethics, but you can also learn about more intangible things, such as a writer's confidence and if you and the writer "click."

#6 ? Read the fine print. Whether it's a proposal or a contract, get it in writing and make sure you know what it does (and doesn't) include. Don't forget to read any terms and conditions (such as a deposit) and make sure you're comfortable with them before you start the project.

#7 ? Trust your gut. When all is said and done, make sure you feel good about your decision. Listen to that little voice inside you telling you if this is the right person for the job or if you need to keep looking.

Michele Pariza Wacek owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting, a writing, marketing and creativity agency. She offers two free e-newsletters that help subscribers combine their creativity with hard-hitting marketing and copywriting principles to become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. She can be reached at http://www.writingusa.com

---

Your Article Headlines will Make or Break Your Business

Most people with an online presence will have to regularly... Read More

Write Hard-Hitting Headlines With Magic Words That Sell

Writing a killer headline for your copy is simple! You... Read More

Website Promotion: 10 Secret Motivational Triggers That Make People Buy

Unless you know the secret motivational secrets that make people... Read More

Hook Your Direct Mail Sales Letter Readers With Good Transition Sentences

Anglers in Maine catch trout using dry flies with barbless... Read More

Its Not What You Say But How You Say It

Copy is all about words. Or is it?Copy is about... Read More

Tomorrow?s Clichés Today

I went to Google and entered a couple of different... Read More

Accelerate Your Freelance Copywriting Master Business Plan!

Ever wish for your own copywriting business?Ever wish you could... Read More

Ghostwriting: Your Questions Answered

Many people feel they have a story to tell or... Read More

Quotations as Expressions in Life

Quotations are expressions, usually in the spoken form or in... Read More

5 Rules for Effective Written Sales Communications

Most salespeople have great ideas, but when it comes to... Read More

How to Write Profitable Ads

Regardless of how you look at it, the most important... Read More

Writing Effective Sales Copy

Whether you run a home-based business or Microsoft, one thing... Read More

3 Keys to Better Online Copywriting

Doing the copywriting for your own website without the proper... Read More

?Super Adjectives? Boost the Power of Your Copy

Pretty or elegant? Good or scrumptious? Nice or delightful? There... Read More

Kick-Start Your Juices

Listen, consider this scenario.You have a deadline to honour. Time... Read More

Step One for Copywriters: Understand WHAT to Say

Find a passage of poorly written copy, and chances are... Read More

10 Things You Should Expect From Your IT Copywriter

Anyone who's ever tried marketing IT products or... Read More

How Your $2-an-Article Ghostwriter is Like a Cheap Pair of Pants

Web marketers: have you figured out that article marketing is... Read More

Promote Your Business and Get Paid for Doing It!

How can you gain credibility and exposure for you and... Read More

How You Can Become A Freelance Business Plan Writer

As with any business, becoming a freelance business plan writer... Read More

Freelance Copywriting Advice #1: Take the Scary Jobs

From time to time you will be faced with an... Read More

8 Tips for Writing Headlines that Grab Attention (and Keep Prospects Reading!)

Effective headlines make all the difference in whether your prospect... Read More

The Formulas Freelance Copywriters Employ When Creating Web Content

What is it exactly that copywriters DO when they produce... Read More

The Lost Art Of Fundamental Copywriting

What ever happened to good old fashion, fundamental copywriting? Has... Read More

Why You Should Write To Inform And Not To Sell

Advertising is key! Unfortunately most people waste their money on... Read More

So Youve Decided to Hire a Freelance Copywriter - A Guide to the Collaboration Process

Whether you're an executive or a small business owner, chances... Read More

Website Advertising: 10 Tactics To Make Your Ad Copy More Impactful

If your ad is not generating a lot of sales,... Read More

Are You Asking the Right Questions in Your Copy?

It's a common approach to writing copy. You begin by... Read More

Yale University Researchers Reveal The 12 Most Powerful Words In The Human Language...

In this article, I am going to reveal a dozen... Read More

Working on the Internet: Role of Proofreading and Copy editing OnLine

When one is in a creative state, rarely can one... Read More

Calls-To-Action: Making Them Fit Makes All the Difference

It was going so well, so what happened? Many copywriters... Read More

How to Develop a Killer News Hook

When you are going to write a press release probably... Read More

10 Tips for Aspiring Freelance Copywriters

Every week I receive a couple of emails from people... Read More