The good news is …your business is booming. You don’t have time to do everything on your own. One of your biggest challenges has been creating content. But now you’re too busy working with paying clients.
Or your website hasn’t been touched for five years. You’re in. a whole different place now. So’s your audience.
Or you’re planning a launch and need a sales letter (with maybe some autoresponder sequences) and you’re too busy – or too close to the project – to write your own copy.
You’re looking for a copywriter. You’ve gotten a name or two and it’s time to start.You’re looking for a copywriter. You’ve gotten a name or two and it’s time to start.
How do you approach the copywriter? What do you say in your first email?
(1) How did you find the copywriter? What appealed to you in your initial impression? Why did you decide to write now?
Visit the copywriter’s website. Often you’ll find all the information you need to know if you want to pursue the possibility further.
Copywriters want to know how you found them. They’ll appreciate your sharing.
(2) Be skeptical about samples. They weren’t written for your audience. Mainly see if you generally like the tone. It’s usually better to start with a small assignment to test the waters.
(3) Decide what you need from the copywriter.
(a) Do you want to DIY your copy and need some coaching?
(b) Do you want to turn over your project to a copywriter and get Done-For-You copywriting?
(c) Do you have a rough draft and just need editing? (Editing is not copywriting. A good copywriter will make suggestions and changes to your message and will offer a drastic rewrite. A few copywriters will edit for grammar, punctuation, etc., but most of us are too busy.)
(d) Not sure what you need? Budget for at least one consultation with at least one copywriter. In the long run, you’ll be more productive because you’ll get exactly what you need.
(4) Come up with a budget range. If you need a website, you might say $750-$2000 for someone to write for you.
(5) Establish your timeline. Prospective clients sometimes say, “I’m just shopping around. It’ll be a while before I’m ready to move.”
If that’s you, wait till you have a date in mind. If we talk today, I can’t commit anything for the indefinite future. You want to start in three months? I might no longer be available. Your needs may change. You might discover a close friend or relative can do the work.
If you’re not prepared to start immediately (assuming your copywriter is available), and/or make a non-refundable deposit, use the time to study copywriting and work on your message.
When you send a query to your copywriter, include answers to these 5 questions. Don’t be afraid to talk time and money on your very first inquiry.
Just one tip: Hire your copywriter before you hire a designer or finalize your program materials. Copywriting usually changes your direction, sometimes significantly. You’ll usually find new opportunities that can impact your profits favorably.
Experienced copywriters will ask for your budget very early in the process. It doesn’t mean we’re greedy. We don’t want to waste your time or ours. We also want to see if you’re a real professional. Professionals have budgets.
Don’t be put off by fears that your budget is too small. You might qualify for special rates or you might decide to DIY with coaching to stay within your own comfort zone.
My clients usually begin with the Strategic Intensive. If they move on to a larger product, we deduct the cost from the larger project.
FREE: 3 big ways a copywriter can help your small business. Click here to learn more.
