It’s a common question that business professionals ask when they decide they need help with their content writing, but just don’t have the time or the expertise to do it themselves.
“I want to appoint a copywriter, but I have no idea what do expect.”
Most people know of copywriters and may even know that they need one, but are curious about what it’s like working with a copywriter.
So, let’s explain the process of working with a copywriter and what’s in store.
The latter tends to be a more financially effective decision as you can use a freelance copywriter only when you need them, and they also bring a wealth of experience about content writing with them.
So, do you need a copywriter in the first place?
Luckily, I’ve made this so easy for you! Click here to see my ‘do you need a copywriter’ checklist to decide if you need a copywriter.
What are the advantages a copywriter brings?
Click here for the full list of benefits a copywriter offers your business.
But, what’s the copywriter experience like?
Just like there are different designers, artists, builders, lawyers and plumbers, everyone works differently. Each copywriter will offer you different levels of customer service, skills, qualifications, and results.
The experience starts with choosing the right copywriter, which you can find a complete checklist here. Selecting the right copywriter can make a big difference to the experience you have.
Once you’ve chosen the ideal content writer for your business’ needs, it’s time to start working together. This is when the experience begins.
Step One – meeting to consolidate your ideas
This will do wonders and will help you both get comfortable with the project and each other by building a solid foundation. I, for one, prefer long term happy clients, which is why I always encourage this particular step.
You don’t have to meet physically in person – it is the 21st century after all! Just so long as you can communicate in real time and talk freely with each other. This way, you can delve into your branding and aspects of the upcoming project’s requirements, as well as your expectations.
Be open to questions at this point, and don’t be afraid to ask them too.
No question is too silly – remember this. While you know your products and services back to front, chances are, your copywriter doesn’t…yet. The more you get to know each other, the better. Think about it: they are helping your business achieve its goals. You don’t want them to guess or just hope for the best – you want them to get up to speed quickly so they can make a significant difference for you.
Step two – briefing your job in
This means solidifying exactly what you need, what deliverables you want, what the time frame deadlines are, the expected results and so on.
A copywriter (just like a member of your staff) is not a mind reader, which means that if you don’t specify details, you can’t assume they will deliver what you were envisioning.
For example, if you brief in a project, and don’t mention a time frame, the copywriter SHOULD prompt you, but if none of that happens, then you can’t turn around and say, “I needed that done by today. Where is it?”
It goes with every aspect of your project. Be as specific as possible.
As a copywriter, I actually provide a brief form to my clients which covers all of the information I need to undertake a project. I will also always clarify every detail so that nothing is missed.
The more you both communicate at this stage, the happier you will be when you get the first draft as it will be far closer to your expectations.
Step three – the quote
This copywriting quote should include payment terms, (usually 50% up front and 50% on delivery), the rounds of changes, their time frame for delivery and the scope of work included.
The copywriter should also reconfirm the deliverables that are covered by the quote. This way, if the scope of work changes after the quote is agreed to, a new quote needs to be written up and agreed to. But equally so, mid-way through the project, you shouldn’t be getting requests for a higher quote if the deliverables are exactly the same.
A quote is a great way of managing your budget and controlling your spending.
This stage offers you the chance to agree or disagree, discuss costs further and be certain you are happy to proceed. Once you accept, this is a binding.
Now, this sounds more complicated than it actually is! With me, I scope out the work, provide a quote and my terms, the client agrees and off we go! Easy.
Step four – during the work
You may be asked a few more questions here as they work through, but generally speaking, we have all of our instructions by this point, and we’re busy crafting copywriting chemistry for you.
I like to keep my clients in the loop of my progress, especially on larger projects – just because I understand that the project I’m working on for you is part of the bigger picture, and you probably want to know where all of the pieces are up to.
Step five – content delivery
Just like any work you get people to do for you, there are probably going to be edits needed.
This is your chance to read through and evaluate the work to ensure it meets your standards and expectations.
Copywriters usually offer an included round of reasonable edits and changes to accommodate for this.
I usually include notes within the work so you can see how I approached the project and what I’ve done with the copy. The beauty of using someone external is that they are thinking differently and may come up with a refreshing new approach to your problem.
However, both parties have to be reasonable here.
If the writer has delivered on the agreed scope, exactly as briefed, then the changes should only be minor.
This is completely normal and the writer is expecting some sort of feedback from you. Take your time to go through the whole document and add your edits and comments to each part as needed – the more detail here, the better.
Sometimes, no changes will be needed (and that’s the best situation for us both!).
A complete re-write should be rare and only needed if the copywriter got it completely wrong.
To give you an idea – as an experienced copywriter, I’ve never had a situation where a full rewrite was required.
However, if you realise you need something else and completely change your mind on the project, this requires a new quote because what you ordered was still delivered.
Both the client and the copywriter can discuss this through to get each project to the final stage.
Step six – project conclusion
You organise payment and then put the content to good use to achieve your business’ goals.
The entire copywriting experience should be absolutely pleasurable and if it’s not, perhaps try a different copywriter.
Step seven – repeat business
This comes from me working hard to earn your trust, which is a very important element for me as a business professional. I always aim for a high level of customer service and satisfaction.
This is an ideal circumstance for you to find yourself in too, as using a trusted copywriter time and time again means you both now understand how each other work and you don’t have to spend a lot of time redoing those initial introductory stages.
If your copywriter has done a great job, then it makes it really easy to continue to use them for future work.
And that’s the copywriter experience!
I hope this had shed some light and equally removed some fear of the unknown if you were considering using a freelance copywriter.
We’re not scary and we’re definitely here to help your business achieve your content goals. So contact a professional copywriter today and experience it for yourself.
How Can Melotti Media Copywriting Help You?
You’re time poor and spread thin, and writing isn’t your expertise. So, focus on what really matters, while we take care of all of your copywriting and content marketing needs!
For more information or to speak to a quality copywriter to get the results your business deserves, contact me now at chris@melottimedia.com.au.
I can sharpen your words to achieve your goals, today!
Christopher Melotti
Melotti Media Copywriting and Marketing Solutions
www.melottimedia.com.au
Click here to view the Copywriting FAQ page for all you need to know
