Jon Yaneff
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
Whether it is a blog post, website page, or email newsletter, I need to know your business. I need to get into the shoes of your customers to provide them with content most beneficial to them.
I want you to know how to hire a writer. Here are six tips to prepare before hiring a writer.
1. Provide Them With a Boat Load with Information About Your Company!
A writer can have all the talent in the world. But, if they don’t have all the information, how can they succeed?
A writer may also not know what specific questions to ask you.
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.
Have these files ready via file-sharing platform or email.
Also, provide evidence that your product or service is as good as you say it is. This can include:
- Testimonials
- Case studies
- Product or service reviews
- Research studies
2. Help Them Understand Your Target Audience.
Do you know everything about your target audience? Do you have a customer persona? You need to describe them to your writer in as much detail as possible. You want the writer to know everything. This includes their age, education level, occupation, goals, motivations, and challenges.
A writer can then write content tailored around what your audience wants to see. This has a bigger impact than giving your writer a list of topics, and telling them to write something spectacular.
It’s like hiring an artist to paint your portrait without looking at you. They need to see you, you describe what you want, and then they paint the picture.
3. Be Crystal Clear About Your Expectations.
When it comes to learning how to hire a writer, also consider the goal for your content.
- Is it more shares?
- More email subscribers?
- More visitors to your website?
- More sales?
- Or, do they want to become an authority in their industry?
Unfortunately, a “yes” answer to these questions isn’t good enough for your writer. You also want to be very specific with what you want to achieve. You want to do more than, “increase web traffic” or “get more email subscribers.” Here are some more specific examples:
- 10 shares per article.
- 100 new email subscribers per month.
- 1,000 unique page visitors per month.
- For more sales, the writer may suggest content that better explains their product or service.
- Want to become an authority in the eyes of your readers? Content with up-to-date research or case studies will help.
Once the writer knows your goal, they can then help you reach those targets. Or they may suggest a more realistic approach for your current marketing strategy.
If a revision or two is necessary, no problem. That’s normal. Give them further direction or suggestions.
A good writer is not a magician. Or, a mind reader. They do their best with the information at their disposal.
Ask yourself, what’s a win for you with the content? The writer will then aim to hit that win.
4. Give Them Your Time for the Project.
A great writer wants to deliver results. But, a project will always fall flat if you don’t give them your time needed to complete the assignment.
The writer needs to be able to ask questions without feeling like they can’t.
Communication is important. Whether that is a meeting to go over the scope of the project, or giving valuable feedback on the assignment. It’s the key that starts the car and builds your relationship with your writer.
5. Do You Need a Subject Matter Expert?
Not all writers are the same. There are certain types of content writers and copywriters. Some also have different levels of experience writing about certain niches.
A copywriter can craft strategic brand messaging. They use website copy, product description, and infographics. A scriptwriter has experience writing podcast scripts, video scripts, and even radio advertising. A blogger specializes writing blog posts, articles, research, and interviews.
A long-form content writer has no problem writing 2,000+ words for assignment. They write long-form blog posts, E-Books or special reports, white papers, and newsletters.
Don’t get me wrong. Many freelance copywriters and content writers that can be the generalist and take on different types of projects. That is because, over the years, as a freelancer, you learn many skills.
But, a writer may not know your subject matter. It may take the writer longer to learn your company or subject. You pay for a writer that specializes in a specific subject matter.
For instance, I have more than six years of experience as a health and wellness writer. Over the years, I have become the expert on many health topics. These include holistic nutrition, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, yoga, and Ayurveda. I have even written about conventional medicine.
I also have a background in the field of holistic nutrition, live-cell microscopy, and laboratory diagnostics. As a result, I can better relate to the topic and be more familiar with the research. Not many writers have education in both journalism and holistic health.
6. Know the Scope of Your Project.
When you learn how to hire a writer, the scope of the project will also play a factor.
It is important to be clear what you expect
It is important to be clear on the list of items you expect the writer to complete before your writer begins the project. Things to consider with the scope include:
- The time involved per project. The writer needs to know how much time to set aside for a project. Likely they have several writing projects on the go.
- The number of revisions involved. Please be realistic and expect revisions. They are inevitable. You can change your mind about the details previously discussed with your writer. Revisions allow the writer to make necessary changes.
- Meetings involved per project. When you hire a writer, you’ll likely need to jump on calls with them. You need to answer their questions and give them greater clarity on projects.
- Unforeseen changes in scope. The scope of the project can change. Projects can take longer than first estimated. Additional revisions may be needed. Your writer will discuss these changes with you.
7. What’s Your Budget?
You speak with a copywriter. You love their portfolio and knowledge about your company and subject matter. They are the perfect fit, but now it’s time to talk about money.
What’s your budget? Keep in mind that 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 copywriter and content writer have their rates. But, they will often work within a client’s budget to an extent. That said, your budget may only get so far. The writer may also not take on a project when the budget doesn’t allow the client to reach their goal.
For instance, a client wants to increase their unique page visits on their blog. But, they can only afford one blog post per month. They also need a blog strategy. This client isn’t ready to hire a writer.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for a Copywriter?
Do you have a good product or service? Do you have a large email list and a great marketing strategy? If so, a copywriter and content writer can help.
When you learn how to hire a writer, more goes into it than giving them a topic and telling them to go to work. You need to help me build your sturdy house. I need all the ingredients to create the most delicious meal.
Here’s the checklist you need for working with a copywriter like me:
- Give me all the information you can to get started.
- Understand your target audience.
- Be clear about the goal of your content.
- Can you give your copywriter/content writer the time they need to get the project completed?
- Do you need to hire something that specializes in your subject matter?
- Understand the scope of the project with your writer.
- Consider a budget. Also understand, the more work you need, the bigger the budget you’ll need.
Are you ready to work with a copywriter?
I offer a FREE copywriting and content analysis to potential clients. It has a value of $297.
To get started, click the link below: