Are you inexperienced at knowing the best way to get your message across to your audience? Do you simply lack the time to write your business’s content well? Are you unsure of where to start when it comes to hiring a freelance copywriter?
Making the choice to work with an experienced copywriter can provide you with huge benefits – as long as a great working relationship is established from the beginning. Here’s what to keep in mind after hiring a freelance copywriter.
Find Someone Suitable
Your business is unique – and so, too, should be the copywriter that you choose to work with.
There are countless industries out there and each uses their own jargon. Because it’s difficult (albeit impossible) to become an expert on every type of industry, many experienced copywriters choose to specialize in certain ones. They market themselves as a specific type of writer – for example, a “tech writer,” or “B2B writer” rather than a writer who can write for any industry.
Once you find a writer who has experience working in your realm, check out their reputation. Do they have Google reviews on their services? Testimonials listed on their site? Samples in their portfolio similar to what you will be requiring? Don’t be afraid to ask your potential freelance copywriter for any additional information that will help make your decision easier.
When you have a potential freelancer in mind, have them complete a sample project. A one-off project can provide you with major insight about how this relationship could work on larger, more regular projects.
Clarify Your Expectations
Remember: freelancer copywriters aren’t mind readers! Providing them with as many details as possible at a project’s onset will save time (and money) regarding the number of revisions required.
At the start of your working relationship, onboard the copywriter similar to how you would a typical employee. Education them on your target audience, your key products and services and what type of tone you would like portrayed throughout their copy. Provide them with information on the desired length of projects and your intended goals of their copywriting. Also, agree upon payment terms and project deadlines, providing enough time for revisions, too.
When a project is assigned, be as clear as possible with the direction you want the piece to take. For example, if you’re a plumber assigning a blog topic on “plumbing renovations,” you may want to narrow down which renovations to mention in particular.
Trust Their Judgement
So you’ve chosen to work with a freelance copywriter and provided him/her with your expectations? Now, you just have to trust the process.
After a deadline has been set, provide your freelancer with some breathing room. Many copywriters have years of experience. Be confident knowing that he/she is an expert with a vetted process in place.
You will have an opportunity to review your freelancer’s work, so until then, sit tight and patiently wait for the first draft of your copy.
Provide Feedback
Especially at the beginning when your freelancer is learning about your business, he/she may need clarification from you. To avoid any delays throughout the writing process, ensure you respond as soon as possible to your freelancer’s requests. Doing so can help avoid extensive revisions.
Many freelancers include a set number of revisions before charging additional fees. Once you receive the first draft of your copy, take the time to review it thoroughly. Provide feedback (both positive and negative) to your freelancer. This helps make the copywriting process easier for both parties going forward.
conclusion
To avoid the chances of miscommunication from happening, clear expectations and ongoing feedback are needed after hiring a freelance copywriter.
At Sarah McKenzie Copywriting Services, we work hard to establish a solid relationship with business owners right from the beginning. Contact our Toronto copywriter team today to learn more about our writing process!