Top 7 Things To Do Before You Hire A Copywriter

Now that you've decided to hire a copywriter, how do you go about finding one? Here are seven things to look for to make sure the match is a good one.

#1 ? Define your expectations. Are you looking for a copywriter or a technical writer? Do you need a writer that can take a project and run with it or do you need someone who will follow strict guidelines? Do you want a writer with the ability to make technical material readable for the general public or do you need a writer who specializes in retail? Are you looking for a writer you can build a long-term relationship with or will this be a one-time, one-shot deal? Before you start looking, make sure you know exactly what kind of writer you need. Not only will it make the review process go that much faster, but also it help ensure you find exactly what you want.

#2 ? Check the writer's marketing materials. Are they done professionally? Do they inspire confidence that the writer can complete the project to your expectations? Do you like the way they're written? A writer's promotional materials is a reflection of the writer ? make sure you like what you're seeing.

#3 ? Read samples of the writer's work. Yes, I do mean actually sit down and reading them. You don't have to read every word, but make sure you read enough to determine if you're going to like the writer's style or not.

#4 ? Check references. Take a look at any testimonials the writer has provided, or if you still have doubts, take the time to call and talk to any references. Don't forget to ask about the relationship the reference had with the writer.

#5 ? Interview the writer. It's not necessary to do this in person, though. I've been hired plenty of times on the basis of a phone interview only and it's worked out perfectly. But whether in person or on the phone, do take the time to do this. Not only can you find out about the writer's policies and work ethics, but you can also learn about more intangible things, such as a writer's confidence and if you and the writer "click."

#6 ? Read the fine print. Whether it's a proposal or a contract, get it in writing and make sure you know what it does (and doesn't) include. Don't forget to read any terms and conditions (such as a deposit) and make sure you're comfortable with them before you start the project.

#7 ? Trust your gut. When all is said and done, make sure you feel good about your decision. Listen to that little voice inside you telling you if this is the right person for the job or if you need to keep looking.

Michele Pariza Wacek owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting, a writing, marketing and creativity agency. She offers two free e-newsletters that help subscribers combine their creativity with hard-hitting marketing and copywriting principles to become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. She can be reached at http://www.writingusa.com

---

42 Deadly Ad Copy Sins That Ive Made

I have read thousands of ad copies online and offline... Read More

How To Become Qualified As A Proofreader

The field of proofreading is not as easy to get... Read More

Freelance Copywriters on the Internet: How to Tell the Difference Between Heaven-sent and Hack

If you're hunting for a good freelance copywriter and have... Read More

Dissolving Buyer Scepticisim ... A Lesson In Copywriting

When making a purchasing decision, people have their "rip off... Read More

Long Copy versus Short Copy

When I show some people my advertisements, I sometimes get... Read More

Four Things Every Web Site Headline Must Do

As you know, I'm constantly making the point that the... Read More

Why Copywriting Is The Secret To Your Online Success

Over the last decade, the number of companies selling their... Read More

Copywriter Rates, Getting The Facts Beforehand

Have you ever had the experience of hiring a freelance... Read More

3 Reasons why Content is Still King

Back in the late nineties, the phrase 'Content is King'... Read More

Hey, Client, This Is Me! Sell With Your Writing Voice

In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More

10 Eye Popping, Jaw Dropping Ad Copy Secrets

1. Use a hand written letter on your ad copy... Read More

Real Estate Professionals Need You to Write for Them!

Ask yourself these questions:Are you an experienced writer?Do you want... Read More

Copywriting Makeover: Making An Emotional Connection - Part 2 of 2

In part one of this article series we began looking... Read More

Three Tips For Magnetizing Your Copy

The difference between good copy and great copy is the... Read More

The Truth About Negative Commands (Dont Read This!)

Everyday when I read promotional emails and advertisements, or listen... Read More

So Youve Decided to Hire a Freelance Copywriter - A Guide to the Collaboration Process

Whether you're an executive or a small business owner, chances... Read More

Ghostwriting: Your Questions Answered

Many people feel they have a story to tell or... Read More

How To Be Creative

Network marketing is an art as much as it is... Read More

Writing for People and Search Engines

Writing for the search engines is much different than writing... Read More

How To Become A Freelance Copywriter In New York

As a freelance copywriter in New York, your work is... Read More

How to Write Adverts that Forces People to Respond

Think for a moment some day and consider the kind... Read More

How to Hold Peoples Interest throughout those Long Copy Sales Letters

People tend to read your ads and sales letters in... Read More

Internet Marketing 102: Copy What Works

Internet Marketing- Forget the experts, latest software program or even... Read More

Give Me $1 And Ill Have A Powerful Marketing Weapon

One of my most powerful marketing weapons costs me less... Read More

Increase Freelance Sales With an Online Resume!

Freelancing is a competitive business, especially in today's fast-paced, e-focused... Read More

Bullshit Avoid the use of the word Bullshit

It is important in this new paradigm of political correctness... Read More

Can Anyone Succeed as a Freelance Copywriter?

This is a question that can be answered in a... Read More

Impulse Writing for Better Ad Headings

Writing headlines for your ads is the most important part... Read More

How To Write Headlines That Get Attention

No doubt, the headline is the most important part of... Read More

Hook Your Direct Mail Sales Letter Readers With Good Transition Sentences

Anglers in Maine catch trout using dry flies with barbless... Read More

Deciding What Voice to Use in Copy

You have to choose a character or an angle that... Read More

Hooks, Lines & Sinkers

Hands up if the title to this article made you... Read More

How To Find A Copywriting School

Have you heard the good things about the field of... Read More