You’ve got a website that needs sprucing up, or you’ve got a new business/app/nonprofit that needs a new site built and written from scratch. That’s great! But before you hire a web copywriter, here’s a little homework that will help you find your perfect match.
Know what you want. Take the time to look at sites you like, writing that makes you say, “That’s it. I want my business to have that same quirky/fun/friendly/buttoned-down style.” You know your customers, and you know how you talk to them one-to-one. That’s how your site should sound—just like you.
Ask about their approach to SEO. Good content isn’t about algorithms, it’s about writing content that’s original, that you own, and that builds trust and authority. Sure, keywords matter, but make sure you use them naturally to create content that’s interesting and relevant to your customers. However, every writer has his or her own approach to SEO copywriting. It makes sense to find out how they write for search, and what’s included in the project fee.
Get in touch at the beginning of the project. Sometimes I’ll get a call from a prospective client who has a freshly designed website that’s ready to go live, it “just needs the copy.” What that means is that content is an afterthought, and it shouldn’t be. Most writers, including me, want to collaborate from the get-go. When you’re hiring your web designer, hire your writer. When you bring us in together, you’ll know that the design and the content work hand in hand.
More is better. Send me the link to your website, a PDF of your brochure, whatever you have that’s already written about your business. If your business is brand spankin’ new, send me links to sites you like, so I can get a feel for what the voice you have in mind.
Have a budget. I know this is can be tricky, especially if you’ve never hired a freelance copywriter before. But be upfront about how much you’re willing to spend. There are plenty of copywriters, with a range of experience and fees. If I’m not the one for you, I’m happy to direct you to someone better suited to your budget. No hard feelings, I swear.
Have a deadline. Think flexible but realistic. I’m fast, but I also like to have time to dig deep into your business before I write copy. And if it’s the first time I’m working with you, I’ll probably want to give you a page or two to make sure you’re happy with the writing, before I dive in to the whole site.
That’s it. Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?
