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
![]() Google News Updated : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:55:22 GMT McCain Battles a Nemesis, the Teleprompter - New York Times
New York Times - Mary Altaffer/AP By MARK LEIBOVICH LAS VEGAS —Senator John McCain was performing relatively smoothly as he unveiled his energy plan. McCain Campaign, in Relaunch, Seeks Tighter Message Focus McCain Campaign on Obama and Iraq Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:31:52 GMT Argentine Lower House Passes Grain Export-Tax Plan (Update3) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Eliana Raszewski July 5 (Bloomberg) -- Argentina's lower house of congress approved the government's plan to increase taxes on exports of grains and oilseeds, risking a resumption of three months of strikes by farmers. Export Tax That Angers Farmers Advances in Argentina Argentina lawmakers approve farm export tax hike Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:41:30 GMT Smallest planet shrinks in size - BBC News
BBC News - The smallest planet in the Solar System has become even smaller, studies by the Messenger spacecraft have shown. Data from a flyby of Mercury in January 2008 show the planet has contracted by more than one mile (1.5km) in diameter over its history. First Results From Messenger's Mercury Flyby Mercury is shrinking, NASA craft finds; a cool clue: 'lobate scarps' Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:45:26 GMT Hippie Arrests Draw ACLU’s Attention - New York Times
New York Times - By AP CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union said on Saturday that it would investigate the actions of federal officers who had arrested five members of the Rainbow Family in western Wyoming during the group’s annual gathering. ACLU plans to investigate Rainbow Family treatment ACLU to investigate Rainbow Family treatment Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:40:38 GMT Obama "puzzled" by Iraq comment frenzy - Reuters
Reuters - By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Saturday his plan to end the Iraq war was unchanged and he was puzzled by the sharp reaction to his statement this week that he ... Obama struggles to thread needle on Iraq Obama Refines the Blame on Iraq Miscue Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:08:23 GMT Ore. man completes flight of fancy _ in lawn chair - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - CAMBRIDGE, Idaho (AP) - Using his trusty BB gun to help him return to Earth, a 48-year-old gas station owner flew a lawn chair rigged with helium-filled balloons more than 200 miles across the Oregon desert Saturday, landing in a field in Idaho. Video: Ore. Man Uses Balloons and a Lawn Chair to Fly Believe it or not, he's lounging on air Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:50:31 GMT Analysis: McCain struggles to regain footing - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - WASHINGTON (AP) - John McCain calls himself an underdog. That may be an understatement. The GOP presidential candidate trails Democrat Barack Obama in polls, organization and money while trying to succeed a deeply unpopular fellow Republican in a year ... Rural voters lean to the GOP Neither Obama nor McCain meets Energy Party standard Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:40:55 GMT Website Traffic Promotion |
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