When it comes to working with a copywriter, most people want to know how to engage a good one.
If you’ve ever contemplated hiring a copywriter, your main concern was probably quality and cost: ‘How can I find a brilliant copywriter who won’t cost the earth’.
Am I right?
As well as wanting someone to deliver high-quality copy at a reasonable rate, you probably want to work with someone who will deliver it fast, be flexible to your needs, and provide excellent service along the way. You may even interview a few different people before you find what you are looking for.
Well, what you may not realise, is that good copywriters screen potential clients in the same way that you screen your copywriters.
Yep, that’s right. We screen our clients.
The question is, would you pass the screening test?
Good copywriters screen potential clients in the same way that potential clients screen their copywriters. Click To TweetWorking with a copywriter
Many people assume that freelance writers are continually on the hunt for work. While that’s true in some cases, or at certain times of the year, it’s often not the case at all — which is why we can be fussy when it comes to entering a partnership with a client.
The ideal client can mean different things to different copywriters, particularly as many of us specialise in different areas. However, there are a few key things we look for, when taking on a new client. Read on for my top tips on working with a copywriter.
You are pleasant to deal with
If we’re going to have an ongoing, or even short-term relationship (and of course I mean business relationship), then you need to be friendly and pleasant — both via email and phone. First impressions really count in this instance.
You know what you want and why you want it
It may sound obvious but many clients don’t really know what they want. You need to be specific and be able to provide us with as much detail as possible. Some copywriters will provide you with a questionnaire/briefing document to garner information. Please take the time to fill it in. ‘Copy that pops’ or ‘Information for my webpage’ is not sufficient detail.
You do not, I repeat, DO NOT haggle with a quote
Our quote is based on many things, including the complexity of the job, the hours we anticipate it will take, and the level of expertise we bring to our craft. We are professionals. Clients who haggle with a quote usually screen themselves out. If you wouldn’t haggle with fees set down by a doctor’s surgery or a legal practice, then please don’t do it with us.
You happily sign a contract of agreement
Don’t worry, this isn’t a document promising your first-born. It’s simply a contract outlining the scope of the project, the agreed deadlines and fee structure — all of which has been discussed. By signing this, you are simply agreeing to engage us for the work required. This is standard practice when working with a copywriter.
You think of us as professionals
Copywriters might be a strange bunch to you, but at the end of the day, we are professionals. We have chosen to write for a living, which means we are probably pretty good at it, and have invested time and money in developing our skills. If you recognise and understand that, you already have one foot in the door!
You meet all deadlines
That’s right — you have deadlines too! In order for us to meet your deadlines, you need to be able to provide us with information and feedback in a timely manner. Very rarely is your project the only one we are working on, so in order for us to meet your deadline, please help us by responding to us when we contact you.
You don’t hover
You know those parents labelled ‘helicopter parents’? Well, there are such things as ‘helicopter clients’. These are the people who email their copywriter several times a day to ‘see how the job is going’ or to ‘remind you we need the work by next week’. We’ve got it! It’s all in the brief! And no, you don’t need to leave a message to make sure that we received your email! Sheesh!
You pay your invoice, including any deposit required, by the due date
I’m sure most copywriters have been burned by clients who haven’t paid their bills. I certainly have. That’s why one of the screening tools we use is an upfront deposit before any work begins. If you pay that, we know you are serious about us working with you. We also know you are likely to pay the full amount at the end, and we won’t have to waste precious time chasing money. If you baulk at paying a deposit, then don’t be surprised if we baulk at working with you.
You provide referrals and testimonials
What if a copywriter says ‘no’ to you?
Sometimes we may elect not to take on your job. It can be for a variety of reasons — we can’t complete it within your time-frame, we don’t have the expertise that you require, or you simply haven’t passed one of our screening tools.
If we don’t take on your job, know it has nothing to do with you personally. It’s simply a business decision that we’ve made. However, where possible, we will refer you to someone else who may be able to help you.
Copywriters sometimes say 'no' to jobs for a variety of reasons. Don't take it personally if they say 'no' to you. Click To TweetSo you if you are ready to work with a brilliant writer (who charges reasonable rates), contact me today….but only if you pass the screening test above!
Cheers
Nerissa
