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How To Hire A Copywriter
From a copywriter's point of view, it would be great if clients had a crystal ball that they could use to see which copywriter best suits their project. There are different types of writing and first-hand experience proves that only a handful of people really know there's a difference. To digress for a moment, we've even come across clients who think that web designers are supposed to write the copy for their web pages. Most don't. It makes sense. Web designers design. Web developers develop or write code, html or php, and build the structure of your site. So... that leaves you with your web content. Who writes your copy, and how do you publish web content that is going to attract web traffic and then persuade your web visitors to buy?
It seems so obvious, but the fact of the matter is, it isn't. A few years ago, I fellow I met said to me, "What does anyone need a copywriter for?" It's true. Copywriters were invisible, a behind-the-scene professional. Ad agencies used to be one of the only places you could find copywriters working, or at least working steadily. Look at Hollywood. For years and years, writers were not even recognized. Now, writers are not only recognized, but celebs go the extra mile to praise the writer associated with their project. This change in attitude toward screenwriters -- along with the Internet -- puts the spotlight on the value writers bring to a project.
When it comes to the Internet, I am happy to report that a professional copywriter is in high demand. The Internet is all about copy. Whether for web pages, email marketing, pay-per-click advertising, banner ads or autoresponders, the words you publish make or break the entire investment. Big companies with inhouse marketing departments and agencies know when and why to call on the copy writer. But, here's the cause that no one talks about driving small business people to the professional writer. Everyone and anyone sees the words on your website. The world knows if the words on your home page are junk! How embarrassing is that.
With all this, there still comes the novice client who doesn't have a clue what the value of a good writer is. So from a copywriter's point of view, I have some tips on when and how to hire a copywriter.
A. When to hire a professional copywriter or scriptwriter
1) When you are in business
2) When you can't write and might be embarrassed publishing poorly composed text
3) When you don't have anyone working in your company that is a professional writer
4) When you expect a response
5) When you publish text on the Internet
B. How to hire a professional copywriter or scriptwriter
1) The first step is to hire the right writer for the project. If you want a writer to work on a software manual, look for a technical writer. If you want a news release, find a writer who specializes in public relations. If you want to sell, engage the services of an advertising copywriter or a commercial scriptwriter. By the way, the top two writers in business and industry are the direct mail writer and the scriptwriter.
A writer who is a jack-of-all types of writings is a writer who probably isn't an expert in the type of writing you're looking for. After all, even the profession of copywriting includes less than capable writers. Rely on that old adage, if you can write anything, you are good at nothing.
Look for a copywriter who concentrates on one objective and because of that, the writing skills are honed to perfection. Sales copywriting does include several formats, such as direct response advertising, direct mail, mail order, web site pages, email marketing, video scriptwriting - all formats intended to sell - and that's the domain of the sales copywriter -- also known as an advertising copywriter or business writer or just writer.
Advertising copywriters generally don't accept writing assignments for manuals, directories, books, news releases or short stories. Advertising copywriters write to sell!
2) Review writing samples, but keep in mind that copy is sometimes subjective. What's good for one may not suit another, but the project was still a huge success. Copywriting samples are not the end all for deciding who is a good writer. They serve to prove that the writer is a professional writer with several projects completed. The goal is to check that the writer has actually done work on the type of format you need. For example, a writer with a portfolio full of short stories is probably a good writer, but may not have the mindset or skills to write a direct mail letter.
3) Calling references is probably not going to bear much fruit either. I've made a few calls myself and have never heard one bad word. Actually, I can't think of one writer who would name a reference unless they weren't absolutely sure the referral would say glowing things about the writer and the work. But you can look over the company name. When a writer has a Fortune 100 company in their referral list, you've hit the jackpot unless writing fees are too high. And that brings me to the topic fees.
4) The thing about fees is that with copywriting like any other service, you get what you pay for. Low fees generally mean inexperience. Top writers are in demand and don't need to work for $15 an hour. If you want quality copy writing, higher fees are the price. But, that said, consider that in the 'high fee' category, there is generally a range. Top copywriter fees may vary from $30 - $120 per hour. The quality of writing may be the same, but the difference might be an independent writer with no overhead, as opposed to a writer who works for an ad agency with hefty overhead. Weigh all factors when considering your investment in an advertising copywriter.
5) Finally, learn about the writer. I don't mean pry into their personal life. Find out who they've done work for. Review a client list. Ask about previous employment if the writer is independent. Where did the writer get the experience.
When you find a copywriter that suits your needs, treat your writer like a valued part of your team. I'm adding this because I have experienced a few demanding clients who exceeded good will. Who hasn't? Your copywriter is a top salesperson, and should be treated with respect. Provide detailed feedback. Promptly. Pay on time. What you get in return is the best outcome possible.
BONUS : How To Launch A Part-time Freelance Writing Career
In the industry of freelancing, among the most in demand are writers. This is especially true with the birth of the Internet, which tripled the need for writers because of the various websites and online content that are constantly being updated.
There are actually lots of work a freelance writer can go into especially if they have established the right contacts. Freelance writers are needed for writing online content to boost website viewership. In fact, online content is fast becoming one of the major sources of freelance assignments, not only for writers, but also for other freelancers, such as photographers, web designers and graphic artists.
Even though there are lots of assignments and freelance jobs waiting on the sidelines, this does not mean youll be getting a fair share of them. You still have to compete with a lot of freelance writers for these jobs. To make sure you stay competitive, here are some tips:
MARKET YOURSELF
If you plan to freelance, make sure people know you do freelance. How else will they know unless you tell them? When you meet people, dont hesitate to give them your business card and tell them that you do freelance work. Self-marketing is essential as this will give you the contacts you need to start a freelance career.
ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
It is important you always do your best and make sure you take care of your work reputation. Your work, whether they are PR write-ups or newspaper articles, will be the basis for clients hiring you for future freelance work. So make sure you always give your best in every assignment.
ESTABLISH A SOUND AND SOLID REPUTATION
It is not only your work you should take care of, but also your attitude in dealing with people. You can be the most brilliant writer, but if you are known in the industry as difficult, you will find it hard to get freelance jobs. Take care of your reputation especially in terms of work ethics and meeting deadlines, as these are important factors that employers consider in hiring freelance writers.
LOOK FOR JOBS
Of course, it is not also right that you just wait for people to give you work. You can actually look for assignments yourself, just to tide you over before actual assignments come in. There are many ways to look for freelance jobs.
You can log on to job sites where they have a special section that posts freelance jobs or part time jobs. Some are even located in different states, which you can actually accept since most just require telecommuting and not your actual presence.
Another way to look for jobs is to ask people you know for referrals.
An excellent resource to learn about launching a freelance career is Andy Andersons book or audio book, How to Make Money from Home as a Freelancer, published by www.PaydayPublishing.com.
HOW TO BREAK INTO FREELANCE WRITING
One of the best things about being a writer is you can hold a permanent job and still write on the side. That is the good thing in having a creative profession. You can do freelance jobs in your spare time while still being employed. In fact, many magazine writers and journalists accept writing and editing jobs on the side, while others who can afford not to have a permanent job will settle in with freelance jobs.
There are some freelancing jobs that can pay a lot and can even exceed a persons monthly pay. Permanent writing jobs, however, provide the security. You wouldnt want to wake up one morning without money to pay the rent, right?
Freelance writing jobs are a dime a dozen especially with the advent of the Internet. Writers are frequently commissioned to do online content to keep websites updated and informative. Still, one needs to know where to look and how to look if you want to get regular assignments. I find many of my paying freelance writing jobs at www.FreelanceWriting.com.
Below are some tips to get freelance writing jobs:
GO ONLINE
There are a number of writing jobs you can find on the Internet, and you can do most of these freelance jobs at home. You can submit most of your finished projects to the client by e-mail, and get paid the same day.
ESTABLISH A NETWORK
Being a writer, you have to establish a network of people who will recommend you for jobs and writing assignments. PR professionals, for instance, look for writers who can do assignments for them. The same goes with owners of companies who advertise on the Internet or those who maintain websites which you can write for. Editors of magazines and newspapers also regularly seek freelance writers for articles and editorials.
There are a lot of individuals and companies who look for part-time or freelance writers. The bigger your network is, the more people can help you find freelance work.
ASK FOR A REFERRAL OR A RECOMMENDATION
The first step in asking for a referral is to do such an outstanding job that your client will want to refer you to his colleague. Although writing is big business, the industry is actually pretty small. Chances are your boss will also know someone who is doing a similar project. Ask for a recommendation to another person who needs a writer. This is one way to get assignments.
WRITE WELL
The key to having a great freelance writing career is to take care of your reputation, not only in terms of your writing, but also in the way you deal with people. For instance, you can write so well but if you are always missing deadlines, no person would want to deal with you. Remember that writing involves deadlines and you have to keep up with it if you want to succeed in the industry.
In the industry of freelancing, among the most in demand are writers. This is especially true with the birth of the Internet, which tripled the need for writers because of the various websites and online content that are constantly being updated.
There are actually lots of work a freelance writer can go into especially if they have established the right contacts. Freelance writers are needed for writing online content to boost website viewership. In fact, online content is fast becoming one of the major sources of freelance assignments, not only for writers, but also for other freelancers, such as photographers, web designers and graphic artists.
Even though there are lots of assignments and freelance jobs waiting on the sidelines, this does not mean youll be getting a fair share of them. You still have to compete with a lot of freelance writers for these jobs. To make sure you stay competitive, here are some tips:
MARKET YOURSELF
If you plan to freelance, make sure people know you do freelance. How else will they know unless you tell them? When you meet people, dont hesitate to give them your business card and tell them that you do freelance work. Self-marketing is essential as this will give you the contacts you need to start a freelance career.
ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
It is important you always do your best and make sure you take care of your work reputation. Your work, whether they are PR write-ups or newspaper articles, will be the basis for clients hiring you for future freelance work. So make sure you always give your best in every assignment.
ESTABLISH A SOUND AND SOLID REPUTATION
It is not only your work you should take care of, but also your attitude in dealing with people. You can be the most brilliant writer, but if you are known in the industry as difficult, you will find it hard to get freelance jobs. Take care of your reputation especially in terms of work ethics and meeting deadlines, as these are important factors that employers consider in hiring freelance writers.
LOOK FOR JOBS
Of course, it is not also right that you just wait for people to give you work. You can actually look for assignments yourself, just to tide you over before actual assignments come in. There are many ways to look for freelance jobs.
You can log on to job sites where they have a special section that posts freelance jobs or part time jobs. Some are even located in different states, which you can actually accept since most just require telecommuting and not your actual presence.
Another way to look for jobs is to ask people you know for referrals.
An excellent resource to learn about launching a freelance career is Andy Andersons book or audio book, How to Make Money from Home as a Freelancer, published by www.PaydayPublishing.com.
HOW TO BREAK INTO FREELANCE WRITING
One of the best things about being a writer is you can hold a permanent job and still write on the side. That is the good thing in having a creative profession. You can do freelance jobs in your spare time while still being employed. In fact, many magazine writers and journalists accept writing and editing jobs on the side, while others who can afford not to have a permanent job will settle in with freelance jobs.
There are some freelancing jobs that can pay a lot and can even exceed a persons monthly pay. Permanent writing jobs, however, provide the security. You wouldnt want to wake up one morning without money to pay the rent, right?
Freelance writing jobs are a dime a dozen especially with the advent of the Internet. Writers are frequently commissioned to do online content to keep websites updated and informative. Still, one needs to know where to look and how to look if you want to get regular assignments. I find many of my paying freelance writing jobs at www.FreelanceWriting.com.
Below are some tips to get freelance writing jobs:
GO ONLINE
There are a number of writing jobs you can find on the Internet, and you can do most of these freelance jobs at home. You can submit most of your finished projects to the client by e-mail, and get paid the same day.
ESTABLISH A NETWORK
Being a writer, you have to establish a network of people who will recommend you for jobs and writing assignments. PR professionals, for instance, look for writers who can do assignments for them. The same goes with owners of companies who advertise on the Internet or those who maintain websites which you can write for. Editors of magazines and newspapers also regularly seek freelance writers for articles and editorials.
There are a lot of individuals and companies who look for part-time or freelance writers. The bigger your network is, the more people can help you find freelance work.
ASK FOR A REFERRAL OR A RECOMMENDATION
The first step in asking for a referral is to do such an outstanding job that your client will want to refer you to his colleague. Although writing is big business, the industry is actually pretty small. Chances are your boss will also know someone who is doing a similar project. Ask for a recommendation to another person who needs a writer. This is one way to get assignments.
WRITE WELL
The key to having a great freelance writing career is to take care of your reputation, not only in terms of your writing, but also in the way you deal with people. For instance, you can write so well but if you are always missing deadlines, no person would want to deal with you. Remember that writing involves deadlines and you have to keep up with it if you want to succeed in the industry.
