How does it work when you hire a freelance copywriter?

Hello and welcome!

This is a question clients ask me a lot. A question that you might be asking yourself right now.

How does it work when you hire a freelance copywriter?

Maybe you’ve never hired a freelance copywriter before. Or perhaps you’d like to know what to expect when you work with me. Read on to find out how the whole process works from the first time we chat to the moment you hit publish on your shiny new copy.

But first, let’s talk about what might have led you to hire a copywriter.

Why hire a copywriter?

It’s a good question. After all, everyone can write, right? Yet plenty of people like you are hiring copywriters left, right and centre.

So, why?

I chatted with my clients, and they gave a whole load of reasons they chose to hire a copywriter. Here’s what they said.

• To get a fresh perspective on their product or business

• To boost their search engine ranking and the number of people visiting their website

• To stand out from their competitors

• To explain their selling points or bring their brand’s personality to life

• To sell more stuff

They all knew hiring someone to handle the copy would save them time, energy, stress and guarantee a better result.

Because when you hire a freelance copywriter, you don’t just get great copy.

You get the freedom to focus on your own area of expertise. You get a brand new member of the team as and when you need her. Someone who writes all day every day. Someone who knows her oxford commas from her run-on sentences. Someone who’s passionate about helping you succeed.

Let’s get started

Okay, so you need a copywriter. Like, right now. What’s the process?

First off, you’ll get in touch via email or my contact form or book a call with me. I’ll reply to you within two business days. (Usually faster.)

We’ll jump on a Zoom call so you can tell me all about your business and your project. We’ll talk about the type of content or copy you need and what you want to get out of our collaboration. If you have an idea about subject matter, word count and whether you’re thinking about SEO, let me know.

Using this information, I’ll prepare a proposal that outlines the work you need doing, the outcome you want, the price and the timeframe.

Hire a freelance copywriter

Once you’re ready to get going, I’ll send over a contract which we’ll both sign to agree on the details and deadline of the project. You’ll send me a deposit to lock in the time I’ll be spending with you working on your business.

Then I can get to work bringing our ideas to life.

The fun part!

To kick off, I’ll ask you loads of questions about your business, brand or product. We’ll discuss who your customer is, who your competitors are and the voice that’s right for your brand. Are we going for professional and educational or informal and relatable? Smart and funny or bold and sassy? If you aren’t sure, that’s cool. We’ll work it out together.

I’ll ask you for any data or documents you already have, plus I’ll do loads of research of my own. I’ll look at what your competitors are doing, dig out market research and chat to your target audience. If we need to arrange interviews with you or members of your team, we’ll do that now too.

Read more about how to brief a freelance copywriter.

The ‘What’

If we’re writing a longer piece of copy or content, say a blog post, the first document you’ll see from me will be an outline. This is a blueprint what we’re going to say and in what order. Think of it as the tent poles of the piece; the messages, ideas and concepts on which we’ll later hang the beautiful copy canvas.

The ‘How’

When you’re happy with the structure, I’ll get to work on the first draft in your brand’s voice: how we’re going to convey your message. If we’re working on something short like a tagline or banner heading, I’ll rustle up a few options for you to choose from.

Along with the first draft, you’ll receive a video to explain the thoughts and ideas behind the copy. Every word, phrase and comma is there for a reason.

That said, you probably won’t love every single bit of your first draft. There’ll likely be a word here or a sentence there that needs a little bit of attention. Until they invent telepathy, this is totally normal and the reason we have this round of edits. Think of it like checking the seasoning halfway through cooking your signature dish. Maybe it needs a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon.

So, you’ll review the draft, noting down any comments. Then I’ll use your directions to produce a final draft I’m confident you’ll love.

When you’re totally happy, we’ll sign off on the copy and I’ll send you a final invoice. Your copy is ready to go live.

Tried and tested

Clients love this process. They love it because it produces great copy or content. They love it because they always know what I’m up to. They feel involved and in control and know we’re steering the ship into the right harbour.

And with that final metaphor, we’re done. Let me know if you have any questions or feedback in the comments below.

If you’re thinking of hiring a copywriter, read what my clients have to say about working with me here.

Or, if you’re ready to get started, let’s arrange a call.