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

Evade the Copywriting Text Trap TheStreet.com - Oct 15, 2008 Here are five ways to avoid the Text Trap in your copywriting: Remove filler words. Extraneous words should be deleted from your copy. ...

SNIF Labs selects Prompt Communications as its public relations ... MarketWatch - Oct 15, 2008 Using highly targeted marketing, PR, Analyst Relations, social media and corporate copywriting initiatives, Prompt helps its clients gain the visibility ...

Icopywriters Launched to Provide Web Content Writing, SEO ... Press Release 365 (press release), FL - Oct 14, 2008 NEW DELHI, INDIA -- SEO Copywriting or in other words Search Engine Optimization copywriting is the name given to the art or technique of writing search ...

New Copywriting Membership: Unlimited Sales Letters Each Month for ... Emediawire (press release), WA - Oct 13, 2008 Administrators with No Limit Copy, an Internet marketing copywriting firm, however, say that they have the answer to both saving online marketers thousands ...

Copywriting for All Ages: Is Your Communication Kid-Like? Chief Marketer, NY - Oct 13, 2008 Kids and great copywriters have something in common: they both understand the power of clear and simple communication. Getting their point across loud and ...

Emirates wins website award micebtn, Australia - 17 hours ago ... copywriting and ease of use. www.emirates.com provides passengers with a host of features and options when making their travel arrangements online. ...

SEO India Designers offering SEO Copywriting Services PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - Oct 10, 2008 Even specialized writing like Business Writing, E-mail Writing, Slogans, Punch lines, SEO copywriting, Technical Writing and other writing services are also ...

Career ladder: Greg Kirsch of Intouch Solutions Kansas City Star, MO - Oct 13, 2008 Kirsch has consulted and delivered seminars pertaining to advertising, marketing, creativity and copywriting to hundreds of companies. ...

Direct Marketing Officer Third Sector (registration), UK - Oct 15, 2008 Excellent copywriting skills are needed to communicate our key fundraising priorities, (like cancer and the environment) and to engage and motivate our ...

Marketing Pilgrim

Win Copies of Jon Wuebben’s Book “Content Rich: Writing Your Way ... Marketing Pilgrim, NC - Oct 14, 2008 “Packed with valuable advice and real-world case studies, Content Rich really does live up to its claim of being the complete SEO copywriting guide. ...