What to expect when working with a copywriter – Q&A

When is the right time to hire a copywriter? Should you get a copy or a content writer? And how much is this all going to cost???

If you’re reading this post, it probably means you need some copy.

But maybe you’re hesitant about hiring someone to create your copy.

Or, you don’t know what to look for in a new copywriter.

Or, maybe you just need to know how the whole process works and what to expect.

I get it.

I’ve been on both sides of the hiring process, and I know that you might feel overwhelmed right now by too many options, lots of questions, and not too many answers.

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That’s why I’ve created this short video.

(Check out my Work With Me Page here.)

It’s meant to help you feel at ease, get your questions answered, and move forward in a way that feels best for you.

Some of these questions apply to working with copywriters in general, others are about working with me specifically.

Let’s get started –

Who is your copy for?

You know it’s time to work with a copywriter when one of two things happens…

1. You don’t have the time to make the funnels that you’d like…
2. You’re not capable of creating funnels that convert at a high enough rate that you’d like…

Or, it might be a combination of the two.

If you’re still testing a lot of market ideas, you might consider a less experienced copywriter who can just pump out a bunch of copy to see what sticks.

But once you have an idea that’s gaining traction, it’s time to move to someone more experienced who can hone in on your idea and maximize your conversions.

Here’s where I fit into that equation…

You’ll likely benefit from working with me if…

• You’re a small business, lifestyle business, or solopreneur with a healthy database OR healthy influx of leads.
• You have a clear sense of direction for your business, products, and services.
• You aren’t afraid to ask for the sale (or at the very least, are comfortable with me asking for the sale via compelling copy).
• You rely on direct response and sales copy to generate leads and revenue.

Who my copy services are not for…

• Corporate clients or those who want to speak in a corporate voice (my copy is more of a conversational style).
• Businesses who don’t want to ask for the sale (my copy is friendly, and will follow your brand voice. But it’s tough to raise your conversion rate without ever selling).
• Businesses with little to no traffic or leads (I work best in that sweet spot between lead acquisition and lead conversion).
• Businesses still finding their way (I’ll help you with market strategy, but you’ll need to clearly understand how you fit in the market, why your customers would want to work with you, and what makes you stand out among your competition).

How does the process work?

Each copywriter has their own process (or should). Here’s mine:

1. First, we’ll connect for a 15-minute chat to see if we’re a fit or not. I prefer voice to text as we can both get a “vibe” from one another and quickly address questions.
2. Once we decide to move forward, I’ll send you a brief questionnaire. This is how I learn about your business. You’ll fill me in on who your customers are, what you do, what your goals are, their pain points, your biggest promises, and benefits, pricing for your products, etc.
3. At this time, a down payment is required. Either we’ll use an escrow service, or do half up front and half upon delivery. This is also the time when the contract is due.
4. Once payment and the contract are collected, I’ll schedule you in my calendar. There is usually a week’s worth of wait, but this varies by season.
5. Between the time I have scheduled you in my calendar and now, I will review your responses and create an “Essential Copy Template.” This is like a “first” draft of all the important copy elements for your project – the headline, call to action, email subject lines, etc. You’ll have plenty of time to review this before I begin writing and give me feedback. This is a huge help in getting us a great final product that you’re happy with (without too much back and forth).
6. On the day that your project is scheduled, you’ll be able to reach me via Skype at (just about) anytime throughout the day. My focus will be on your project, and I’ll communicate throughout to keep you posted.
7. Once the work is complete, I’ll submit to you via Google Docs where you can make comments and request revisions until you’re satisfied.

Do I need a content writer or a copywriter? What’s the difference?

A good rule of thumb is that the closer you get to the sale, the more likely you are to want a copywriter.

A content writer is good for creating your regular blog posts, newsletters, social media posts… the daily stuff.

A copywriter is good for sales and direct response marketing material. Here’s a little chart to help you decide.

How much input do you need from me?

Unfortunately… that depends.

Although I am happy to create your entire funnel from scratch, not everyone is comfortable with that.

So, here’s my rule of thumb….

If you have expectations, communicate those clearly up front.

For example, if you absolutely would like a particular question answered in your FAQ, let me know.

If you absolutely would like 3 emails on cart close day, let me know.

If you absolutely have a formula to follow for your landing page, let me know.

“But should you know these things already?”

Here’s the thing – There is no “one” right way to market your business or sell your products. And although I have my own go-to favorite formulas, they likely won’t be your go-to favorite formulas.

That being said, if you have no idea where to start, that’s ok too. I’m happy to make suggestions or completely take the reigns.

For some clients, this is a much-needed weight off their shoulders.

For others, they want a bit more control.

It’s up to you – as long as you communicate that clearly at the start of the project, we’re good!

What will the copy look like when it comes back to me?

Unless we discuss otherwise, you’ll receive your copy via Google Docs. It will be a plain text document with some (when appropriate) direction for the developer. If you’d like it in another format, or if you’d like me to oversee the design process as well, just bring that up and we can discuss.

What’s this all going to cost me?

Because all projects are unique, I can’t give you an exact quote without first understanding the scope of the project.

With that being said, I also want you to have realistic expectations.

A well-executed sales page, email sequence, landing page, and other copy assets are important assets for your business. Together, they have the ability to bring in many times the cost to create the copy.

For that reason, I do spend a good amount of time on each project which means not overbooking, setting time aside to ask and answer all questions, and giving myself enough time to both think carefully about your copy and edit and revise it carefully.

Typically, this means that sales pages start at $800 per page, and email campaigns start at $400 per campaign.

(Prices, of course, are subject to change. Check my work with me page for the most updated information.)

I do offer discounts when doing multiple copy pieces for the same project. If you want pricing information about your specific project, feel free to reach out.