F.A.Q.
If this is your first venture into outsourcing your copywriting needs, you no doubt have some questions. Perhaps a few of them are addressed here:
Exactly what does a copywriter do?
The answer is as simple as breaking down the word, as follows:
Copy= the text featured in any form of advertising
Writer=one who writes
You guessed it: A copywriter writes the text featured in any form of advertising. In the modern marketplace, this encompasses both print materials and Web content.
However, the term “content writer” has come to replace the “copywriter” title when describing those who write copy for the Web. There is some debate as to whether these terms should be used interchangeably (as they are here).
What services are offered in Web copywriting?
I suppose it depends on who the writer is; I can only speak for myself. Some content writers lure clients in by offering a plethora of online services, an arbitrarily high search engine ranking, and everything but the moon itself.
In my case, I offer well-written, grammatically correct copy (believe me, this matters!), optimized with keywords that are designed to target a client’s specific audience and increase search engine visibility.
I’ve heard a lot about SEO (search engine optimization), and I’d like to choose a content writer who can help me rank on the first page of Google. Can you do that?
I don’t guarantee a client’s search engine ranking. Why not? Because it’s dishonest, by virtue of the fact that experts attest to its impossibility. I repeat: It is impossible to guarantee a search engine ranking. But don’t take it from me…read what Google has to say about search engine optimization guarantees (and then, come back!).
If search engine ranking cannot be guaranteed, why bother with SEO?
The same experts who decry guaranteeing a ranking also contend that SEO still matters. The strategic placement of targeted keywords throughout your website text can – and typically does – significantly heighten your visibility on the Web, including Google and other search engines.
An honest Web content writer who does not guarantee search engine ranking – but does apply SEO principles in their services – will perform basic research on your field, talk to you about your client base, and devise a simple keyword strategy to implement into your content. With this method, you are more likely to be found by your prospects than you would be if no SEO techniques were used at all.
How will a content writer know what to write? You know nothing about my industry or its clients.
Don’t be so sure. After all, content writers are consumers, just like your clients. Therefore, we may have the same amount of knowledge regarding your industry as your audience. Obviously, this is not a hard and fast rule – particularly if you are in a niche market, or if you provide a B2B product or service. If this is the reality, a good copywriter (like me!) will conduct the research necessary to complete the job accurately – without compromising the turnaround time.
Fortunately, researching an unfamiliar industry has never been easier than it is today. Content writers have a wealth of data at their disposal by way of the Internet; but, before you panic at the notion of your copywriter scouring obscure websites for information that may or may not be accurate, rest assured that an expert copywriter will conduct at least one question/answer session with you to learn more about your business.
It’s also worth noting that sometimes, a copywriter has already composed text for another company in your industry – perhaps even one of your competitors.
I already have some content written. Can you edit it, add to it, or simply look it over?
Yes, yes, and yes! I am a copywriter and copyeditor. Many business owners have their own content written, and simply want to ensure that it is free from distracting grammatical errors. Typically, once I have identified said errors and removed/replaced them, the copy is significantly improved – and the client receives the product in less than 48 hours.
That reminds me; what is your turnaround time?
As stated, copyediting projects are normally completed within 48 hours. Most copywriting and content writing projects are completed within one week of our initial contact. When you request revisions, they can be completed within 24 hours.
I ask that my clients reciprocate my timeliness by remitting payment within 24 hours of project completion.
I’m old school; I feel like anyone with whom I do business should be willing to meet with me in person. What do you have to say about that?
If you shop around, you’ll find that virtually all content writers conduct business remotely. Addressing your copy requests can take place through phone, e-mail, or both.
In my case, our contact will be thorough enough to address the parameters of the task, and brief enough so as not to waste your time. After all, by the time you spend an hour or more discussing your business with a copywriter, you could have written the copy yourself!
I ensure that our conversations are adequate — not excessive. In most cases, our initial phone chat will last no longer than 30 minutes. Beyond that, most questions can be addressed through e-mail (unless you request otherwise).
Even if you’ve never worked with an off-site contractor before, hiring a writer is typically a very easy process – and in my case, most business owners are highly satisfied with the results.
When necessary, I am available to meet with Southern California-based clients.
I’d like to hire someone to write a letter/proof my assignment/check my resume for errors…can you do that?
Yes! Please visit my services page.
What are your rates?
Most of my services are rendered for a reasonable, per-page fee. Some types of jobs may warrant a per-project fee; in these cases, the amount is calculated within a pre-determined range, based on a projection of hours to be devoted to the project.
Payments are handled securely through PayPal, a service that does not charge you an additional transaction fee.
There are no hidden fees, and potential revisions are included within the initial quote.
Why is your site so awesome?
Because I had Jeff, from Awkward Genius Web Design build it!
Thanks for asking!