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
COPYWRITINGAfter determining what we are going to sell, the next... Read More
Have you ever had the experience of hiring a freelance... Read More
I do not pretend that a one-stop shop solution to... Read More
Subhead..How to bundle for valuable results without devaluing your productI... Read More
The field of proofreading is not as easy to get... Read More
Site visitors generally stay with you for as long as... Read More
"Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause... Read More
Your goal is to land a few nice, secure freelance... Read More
One of the keys to writing good marketing copy is... Read More
For the e-book, Advice from Successful Freelancers: How They Built... Read More
The difference between good copy and great copy is the... Read More
Hands up if the title to this article made you... Read More
I imagine you are the type of person who really... Read More
Lately, I've been getting emails from other copywriters who ask... Read More
Nothing can turn strong copy into a 97-pound weakling faster... Read More
Whether you're selling a product or service, the 10 tips... Read More
Why Some People's Ads Almost Always Make MoneyDiscover the Master... Read More
Is it out there? The chance to be a freelance... Read More
New to tech-writing, or thinking about starting? The key to... Read More
The art of writing profitable classified adsEverybody wants to make... Read More
Have you ever wondered how your copy sounds to your... Read More
Internet Marketing- Forget the experts, latest software program or even... Read More
Now that you've decided to hire a copywriter, how do... Read More
Ask any copywriter what the first commandment of copywriting is... Read More
When making a purchasing decision, people have their "rip off... Read More
Writing copy has sometimes been compared to an "art." While... Read More
Where can you find out about freelance technical writing pay?... Read More
Have you seen those copywriting gurus, working it on the... Read More
These days, you don't have to traverse the dark forest... Read More
WHAT'S THEIR PROBLEM?How do you begin a dialogue with a... Read More
Freelance children's writing positions are always advertised. Rather, the schooling... Read More
Do you possess the qualities of a good proof reader?... Read More
Knowing how to write, and write well, is a skill... Read More
People tend to read your ads and sales letters in... Read More
Site visitors generally stay with you for as long as... Read More
A significant reason behind websites that fail is the lack... Read More
I've seen this ongoing debate debate jump up again recently... Read More
In order to maximize your sales efforts and fully seize... Read More
All the world's a story. Video games have storylines; newspapers... Read More
Nothing can turn strong copy into a 97-pound weakling faster... Read More
Each weekday during my Red Hot Copywriting Bootcamp, attendees (or... Read More
Once a upon a recent time in a galaxy not... Read More
Today I am having a rant inside of my own... Read More
"It's the headline, stupid," is the sign that hangs over... Read More
Web copy that's intended to sell or generate leads needs... Read More
As a freelance copywriter in New York, your work is... Read More
"Melissa" invaded our computers in late 1999, then "I Love... Read More
The sales letter is the key; the sales letter is... Read More
Think about how much you read about and spend on... Read More
A subscriber to my newsletter asks: "Got any good pointers... Read More
Did you ever wish you could afford to hire one... Read More
In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More
If you're hunting for a good freelance copywriter and have... Read More
Every day, more and more of us begin new online... Read More
One thing all successful Internet marketers have in common is... Read More
One statistic shows that over 80% of all buying decisions... Read More
If you find that your progress is blocked by a... Read More
Hone your writing skills to project a more professional business... Read More
Copy is all about words. Or is it?Copy is about... Read More
A passionate debate is currently raging in the Copywriters Forum... Read More
Just as great fiction is an art, so is great... Read More
This is a question that can be answered in a... Read More
One of my most powerful marketing weapons costs me less... Read More
You're ready to launch that new product or promotion, &... Read More
In part one of this article series we began looking... Read More
Much of today's accepted copywriting wisdom comes from old books... Read More
Copywriting |