So, you're ready to hire a freelance copywriter to update your website content, take care of your blog, or come up with new marketing material. With so many to choose from, how do you know which one to go with?
If this is where you're currently at, here are 7 questions that can help you better determine if the particular copywriter or ghostwriter you're considering is the right fit for you...
1. What experience do you have in my field?
While a writer doesn't necessarily have to be an expert in your particular field to create good content, if he or she has a basic idea of what you do and/or the terminology you typically use, it's easier to create high-quality content. That said, if the writer has no experience but is willing to take the time to learn more about your specialty, you might want to give him or her a shot.
2. What does your process look like?
Every writer has a process, a way of working with clients. Additionally, some are rigid and unchanging with this process and others are more flexible and willing to alter it to better serve their clientele. With this in mind, how does this particular freelance writer typically operate and, if you have a different process in mind, is that an option?
3. How quick is your turnaround time?
Even if you don't have a specific deadline for when you need your content, it can be extremely frustrating to assign a project to a writer only to have to repeatedly ask for it or receive it months later. So, what is that writer's normal turnaround time? For instance, generally I can get a blog post or short bit of web content back to a client within a few business days. Of course, larger projects (such as ghostwriting eBooks) take longer.
4. What is your writing style?
Some writers write conversationally (which is when the content reads like the writer is speaking directly to you) and others have a more academic approach (avoiding the use of "you" and oftentimes speaking in third party). Neither is right or wrong, but it's important to choose a writer who writes in the same style that you want for your content.
5. What are my options regarding payment?
How does that freelancer get paid? By check? PayPal? Some other invoicing system? Additionally, when does the writer expect to be paid -- upon delivery of the article, within one week, within 30 days? It's best to know this type of information up front so you also know what is expected of you.
6. Do you have any writings I can look at?
It's not uncommon for potential clients to want to review some of my past work to get a better idea of the content I'm able to create. While the specifications for each of those projects may be a bit different than what this particular client wants, I'm usually able to provide links to online articles that are somewhat close. If not, I try to come up with other solutions that will still provide a brief snippet of what I'm capable of in that area, such as writing a paragraph or two about that specific topic and submitting it.
7. What information do you need from me?
I can't stress how important this question is. The more information you can provide a freelance writer about the content you need and the project specifications, the easier it is to determine whether that is the best writer for you. (To learn more about what info a writer needs to give a proper quote, click here.)
Ask these 7 questions and you'll be well on your way to finding the best copywriter for you!
