How to Hire a Freelance Copywriter

A freelance copywriter is an expert in the art of written persuasion. This wordsmith is hired by marketing departments and business owners to communicate specifically to a target demographic. The range of experience and breadth of work differs with each copywriter. From SEO writing to white papers, here are 5 things you should look for when hiring a freelance copywriter.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make a list of the type of writing you need. Before you hire a freelance writer, examine your current writing requirements. Do you need website or brochure copy? Take time to think about your long and short term writing needs. Analyze your total marketing communication strategy before you contact a freelance copywriter for a quote.

2. Determine your writing budget. Separate your writing costs from your graphic design needs. Call several copywriters for estimates. Peruse the sites of copywriters on the internet for rates and fees. It is harder for a business owner to negotiate a rate without determining what the standard copy writing fees are for experienced and established writers or novices.

3. Hire a copywriter with experience in your industry. Find a freelance copywriter who is familiar with the language of your particular demographic. A copywriter, for example, who crafts messages for the financial and banking industry, might not be the best candidate for a high-end fashion boutique.

4. Examine the copywriter’s samples. The freelance copywriter’s portfolio will reveal their creative ability and marketing know-how. Check for a variety of copy writing samples: web copy, direct mail, outdoor, sales letters, tag lines, email campaigns and advertorials. Before you make a decision on hiring the freelance copywriter for your campaign, determine if their tone, approach, experience and style will best serve you target audience.

5. Ask about the type of results their advertising copy received. The goal of great advertising copy is to increase sales and raise brand awareness. Think about what your business goals are, and how a freelance copywriter will meet those requirements. Determine if the freelance copywriter you are hiring has the skills to meet business goals beyond your expectations.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your local chamber of commerce to get their recommended list of freelance talent.
• Get a referral from a graphic designer whose work you admire. Normally graphic designers and freelance copywriters work together to design advertising for the web and magazines.
• If possible meet with the copywriter in person, to determine their demeanor and personality.
• A seasoned copywriter will never work for free or accept speculative assignments.

Resources

• How to Choose a Good Copywriter

[coreyblake9000]

on 1/18/2009 This is some great information. Also consider that writers, like doctors and lawyers have their areas of expertise. You probably shouldn't hire the same writer to handle your brochure copy as you would hire to write your press release. There are many writers who write across many genres, but when you need serious writing, hire people who specialize in what you're after. Ebooks, articles, marketing copy, PR copy, manuscripts, book proposals, social networking, web copy. There are also companies you can hire that have writers in each of these disciplines. That way you can maintain a single point of contact while also having a base of experts to work with. For more on hiring writers, visit my blog: http://blog.writersoftheroundtable.com/