I’m going to be brutally honest for a moment and I hope I don’t offend anyone.
Everyone is not a good writer.
*ducks for cover and waits until it’s safe to re emerge*
Truth is, the majority of us struggle with words. Be it crafting white papers or web copy, most people struggle with not only finding the words, but finding the RIGHT words. This is where outsourcing comes in handy.
Outsourcing your copywriting is a great aid to those who could use help with their writing needs, however that’s only half the battle. Choosing the ideal copywriter is a task within itself. Before you just hand over your copywriting and hire the first person you Google’d, make sure you get clarity on these three things:
1. Know All You Can About the Copywriter
Copywriting skills can be so different from one writer to the next, so it’s important to know what exact style you need for your project. For example, some copywriters have journalism backgrounds and are fluent in copy editing. While others come from PR roots and are savvy in digital strategy and marketing to drive sales. Both styles are effective, but which is right for you?
Before you settle on just any copywriter, do your research. Begin the vetting process by taking a look at their social media presence and their website. That is the most accurate way to get a glimpse into their writing style and voice. Then, ask for writing samples. Writing samples are a good point of reference for helping to choose the perfect copywriter, but be aware that a writing sample is usually written to accommodate that specific client’s voice. Lastly, ask for references. If possible, connect with other customers/clients that have used their copywriting services for first-hand knowledge of their work.
2. Price Match the Skill Set
If after thorough review of the copywriter and their work you’re comfortable to move forward, the next step would be discussing their cost. This part can be a little difficult. In general, hourly rates for a copywriter can be anywhere from $25-$500 an hour – but don’t fret! When choosing a copywriter you can’t purely look at how cheap or expensive their prices are. Consider if what they will bring to your project is worth the price. Compare their experience and the amount of work for the project to the value they offer. But for numbers sake, it’s worth mentioning that a copywriter who charges $25 an hour is either VERY new at copywriting or won’t be that involved in the writing process. Likewise, a copywriter who charges $500 per hour is more inclined to be concerned with strategy as apart of your writing needs to launch your brand messaging to a higher more successful platform.
The majority of copywriters post their pricing on their website under sales. That page is a good spot to reference when having the initial conversation about pricing their services.
3. What’s Your Work Timeline?
If you’re looking for a good copywriter, you’re looking at someone who has a very busy schedule. Good copywriters are in demand and typically have assignments booked in advance with wait times of anywhere from 2 – 4 weeks out. So one of the first things to ask is what their timeline is in comparison to the work you need completed. Your availability must match up.
If after you’ve found the perfect copywriter, with the perfect skill set, who’s willing to work on your assignment at the perfect price, then now it’s time to pull the trigger on your project. Choosing a copywriter is a process and we at Nao Media know that process very well. Since 2010 we’ve been rocking it as an agile content creation agency and the best provider of copywriting services in Atlanta. As copywriters we masterfully use your distinct voice and work to accommodate your writing needs. By combining our writing expertise with our knowledge of digital marketing, wesuccessfully bring your story to life.
For more information on how to trust Nao Media to be the people behind your story email us at connec(at)naomedia(dot)co
