As a service-based solopreneur, I don’t have to tell you every dollar counts. Investing in a copywriter can feel scary. You’ve tried writing copy on your own, but you’re not seeing the results or ROI in time, energy or impact.
You know your marketing message is holding you back from making the money and the impact you want. But you’re worried you’ll waste money or hire the wrong copywriter. But there’s a way to save yourself thousands of dollars and get results that matter most to you and your business. And that’s by answering just 5 questions before hiring a copywriter.
Of course, the best copywriters do in-depth research to answer these questions, but by providing your insight, you’ll set yourself and your copywriter up for a successful partnership to get the results you want.
5 Key Questions to Answer Before Hiring a Copywriter:
Question #1: What Clear and Measurable Outcome Do You Want to Achieve as a Result of Hiring a Copywriter?
Before you even start Googling “best copywriter near me,” ask yourself: Why am I hiring a copywriter? Think in terms of ROI. Do you want to boost sales by 20% with effective ads in 90 days? Drive 25% more organic traffic to your website in 30 days? Or grow an email list of ideal clients within 120 days (opt-in to your newsletter or lead magnet)? Stating a clear and measurable outcome you want to achieve will not only help you choose the right copywriter but also ensure you get the results that matter to your business. What clear and measurable outcome do you want to achieve, and in what timeframe, as a result of hiring a copywriter?
Question #2: What’s Your Budget for Hiring a Copywriter?
Do you have a budget set aside to hire a copywriter? If not, what budget would you like to dedicate to your copywriting needs and goals? What is it worth to you to hire a copywriter that actually gets the results you want? Setting a realistic budget for a copywriter related to the outcome you want to achieve can make the ROI more tangible and meaningful. Remember, the most expensive doesn’t always mean the best. Look for copywriters who have experience writing in your field, have a portfolio you can review, and testimonials that speak to the client results you’re looking to achieve.
Question #3: Who are Your Top Competitors?
A quick search of your top competitors can help you find gaps only you can fill. This exploration also gives you insights into what your competitors are doing better. For instance, is it their benefits-focused service offerings, enticing website copy or blog, or engaging social media posts? Understanding what your top competitors’ strengths and weaknesses are gives your copywriter a clear vision of where your business is heading. This information also helps a copywriter highlight why your services are the best solution for your ideal clients.
Question #4: What Sets You Apart and Above Your Competitors?
Identifying what makes you or your business unique – whether it’s the quality of your service, your story, or your approach – is the key to standing out. If you aren’t sure what sets you apart, you can find out by asking your previous and current clients a few simple questions like these in a follow-up email. Share this information with your copywriter so they use your clients’ words to describe what makes you or your business unique or better than your competitors.
Question #5: Who Do You Serve (or Who Do You Want to Serve)?
Having a basic understanding of who you serve or want to serve is critical for a copywriter to write messaging that resonates with your audience. This ideal audience guides the tone, style, and direction of your brand messaging and ensures that the words on your website, on social media, and in your ads engage the clients you want to work with. If you’re not sure who you serve, you can hop on over to this article, How to Create Stellar Client Persona Profiles for simple and creative ways to clearly identify the people you want to work with.
Still feeling uneasy about investing in hiring a copywriter?
Consider starting with a small project like rewriting your About page copy. This gives you a taste of the copywriter’s process, style and effectiveness so you’ll feel safe investing in larger projects. You can also schedule a consultation to get a feel for who they are and how they work.
Yes, hiring a copywriter feels scary, but investing in the right copywriter can make your business money. By taking these steps, you won’t just save money – you’ll set yourself up for a more impactful, targeted, and successful partnership with a copywriter who is as invested in getting the outcomes you want and that matter most.