How to Hire a Writer? 7 Tips for Working With a Copywriter
> How do you hire a copywriter? Before you work with a copywriter/content writer like me, there is a lot you need to know first.
When you hire a copywriter/content writer, there are guidelines. You can’t give them a topic and expect them to create the masterpiece you want. Like a carpenter, the writer needs the blueprint and all the right tools to build the house. Like a chef, the writer needs all the ingredients to make the meal.
A little preparation goes a long way.
What happens when there isn’t any preparation? Say you leave it up to me to write the content for your website. You give me a topic(s), and then I get to work. Sometimes it works. Your readers love the content, and so do you. But, most of the time, it doesn’t work. Your writer didn’t know the target audience or the goal of the content. They also didn’t have enough information about your company to convey your voice (tone).
7 Tips When Learning How to Hire a Writer
Provide a Boat Load of Information
A writer can have all the talent in the world. But, if they don’t have all the information, how can they succeed? You need to provide your writer with as much information as you can. Go beyond the information on your website. They need to know all about your business, your product, and your target audience.
Recommended Assets:
- Testimonials
- Case Studies
- Product Reviews
- Research Studies
Understand Your Target Audience
Do you have a customer persona? Describe them in as much detail as possible. Age, education level, occupation, goals, motivations, and challenges.
> It’s like hiring an artist to paint your portrait without looking at you.
Be Crystal Clear About Expectations
What is the goal? More shares? Email subscribers? Sales? Authority? A "yes" isn't enough. Be specific.
- Vague: Increase web traffic
- Strategic: 1,000 unique visitors per month
Give Them Your Time
A project will always fall flat if you don’t give the writer the time needed. Communication is the key that starts the car and builds the relationship.
Subject Matter Expertise
Not all writers are the same. Do you need a generalist or a specialist? For instance, I parlayed my holistic nutrition honours into a career crafting authoritative content for medical giants.
> Not many writers have education in both journalism and holistic health.
Know the Project Scope
Revisions, meeting counts, and unforeseen changes. Be realistic about the time involved per project. Revisions are inevitable—they allow the writer to refine the vision.
Establish a Real Budget
A tight budget doesn’t mean you should hire a writer with less experience. The work of a newer writer may need more editing and work for you or your staff. An experienced writer works within budgets, but they also won't take on projects that aren't set up for success.
Are You Ready?
I offer a FREE copywriting and content analysis to potential clients. It has a value of $297.