The right messaging elevates your brand, fosters a connection with your ideal clients, and drives measurable results in your business. But hiring the right copywriter for your business can feel like a daunting task. To avoid choosing the wrong copywriter, start by clarifying your copywriting needs and the expected outcomes you want to achieve.
For instance, are you looking for:
- Brand messaging that compels visitors to take action
- SEO-optimized website copy that improves ranking
- Keyword-rich blog articles that build brand awareness and authority
- Lead generation that results in an engaged email list of potential clients
- Social media marketing that increases sales
Clearly identify what you need and expect before looking for a copywriter. You can use those terms in an online search or when requesting recommendations.
Here are 8 questions to ask during the initial consultation to hire the right copywriter for your business:
Do They Have Experience Writing for Your Industry?
If you own a business in the finance or legal field, you want a copywriter who understands the implications of language-specific rules and restrictions. An experienced copywriter in your field will have in-depth knowledge of industry trends and understand the nuances and legalities of your specific industry. Hiring a copywriter who is familiar with your industry ensures the copy they provide is relevant to your audience and adheres to industry standards.
Do They Have a Portfolio You Can Review?
An experienced copywriter has a professional portfolio showcasing the diversity of their work. For example, if you are hiring a copywriter for keyword-rich blog articles, they should be able to provide examples and how those articles impacted their clients’ business growth.
What Results Are They Getting for Their Clients?
A professional who excels at what they do is eager to share those results. Ask if they have client testimonials or case studies that showcase the effectiveness of their work and the impact on clients.
Are They Invested in Your Success?
During the initial consultation, observe if they ask insightful questions about your business goals, your audience, your pain points, and your aspirations. Do they seem genuinely interested and invested in your success? Do they offer a one-size-fits-all service, or do they take a more personalized approach by offering tailored solutions to meet your specific goals?
Can They Adapt Their Writing Style to Match Your Brand Voice?
You aren’t looking to hire a copywriter for what you can do in AI on your own. You’re looking for copy that’s relatable and written in your voice so it resonates with your brand persona and your target audience. Ask how they adapt their writing style for different tones and voices. What’s their process for capturing or honing your unique brand voice? Do they use AI, and if so, what’s their AI use policy?
Do They Have SEO Knowledge?
At the very least, an experienced copywriter will have knowledge of SEO and how to write copy using relevant keywords in titles, headings, and paragraph tags. Ask if they use SEO best practices to enhance your online visibility and if keyword research is part of their copywriting process.
What’s the Turnaround Time and Process?
You don’t want to get caught in a never-ending project loop. Ask if they provide a clearly outlined process with target deadlines. Will they make it clear what you need to provide in advance to meet deadlines? What happens if you or they miss a deadline that disrupts the project completion date?
How Does Their Pricing Structure Work?
Their pricing should be transparent and include a detailed scope of work. Is a deposit required to begin work? Will you be invoiced at set intervals as pieces of the project are delivered? Is the pricing project-based or hourly-based? How many revisions are included? What if you’re not satisfied with their work?
Hiring the Right Copywriter is an Investment in Your Business
By asking these questions, you’ll choose a copywriter who not only meets your needs but also contributes to your business’s growth and success. Remember, the goal is to find a copywriter who doesn’t just write well but who becomes a valuable asset in telling your brand’s story, connecting with your audience and generating more revenue in your business.
If you’re looking for an experienced copywriter and marketing consultant you can count on, we should talk. Schedule a consultation today to learn how I can help support you or your marketing team in reaching key objectives.