As a business owner, you are stretched in various directions every day, and sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough hours to get it all done. That is why having a copywriter in your corner can make a big difference to your schedule and your business growth, too.
What is a copywriter?
A copywriter is a professional freelance writer. They write all sorts of items for print and online. For you, the best part is that a copywriter writes for their clients and the client takes ownership of the work.
Copywriters have a lot of different backgrounds that increase their value. They may have worked in the private sector in corporate business, journalism, teaching, medicine, information technology, fitness and a host of other disciplines before beginning their writing career. The wealth of knowledge they possess because of their past experiences is why they will become so invaluable to you.
As for my experience, I worked in the building trades for over 15 years before branching out as a professional copywriter. I worked for a sprinkler contractor while in college – handling everything from answering the phones to estimating to working in the field. Once I graduated from college, I spent over four years with the Pennsylvania Builders Association in their governmental affairs department and then another eight years with the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Lancaster County, eventually becoming their Assistant Executive Vice President. I live and breathe the industry, and this experience makes me a valuable asset to my contractor clients.
What can they do?
For your business, a copywriter can handle most (if not all, depending on their specialties or range of skills) of your writing needs. The immediate need you probably have is website content and/or blog posts. Readers and customers want fresh articles on a consistent basis. The worst thing you can do is to have a static, stagnant website. Readers can be fickle if they visit more than twice a week and your content hasn’t changed.
Writing is not your only commitment as a business owner. There is marketing, networking and product creation, amongst other areas to think about if you want to reach your highest level of success. If someone else can handle the content, you are free to deal with the rest. Speaking of products and marketing, there are copywriters who create sales copy, articles, newsletters, press releases, special reports, eBooks and more. It can be a one-stop-shop if you find the right person.
Hiring a copywriter
Just like any other interaction, working with a copywriter is a business relationship. As such, it’s a good idea that the writer you hire share common ideals with you. If you are an assiduous professional, they need to pay as much attention to detail.
Don’t be afraid to approach them as you would a potential employee in the offline world. You can conduct interviews over the phone or by email questionnaire. Good copywriters will be full of questions; this helps them know your business goals, strategy and direction. They will also ask you for samples of materials you’ve created in the past so they can learn and imitate your writing “voice.”
Remember, this relationship will be long and fruitful so take your time in finding someone. Once you do find a copywriter who meets your needs and is motivated to increase their skill-set, you’ll be an unstoppable combination.
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