+ So, what does a copywriter do?
When I say, ‘I’m a copywriter’ most people think I have something to do with protecting people’s intellectual property.
It’s not that. That’s copyright.
Copywriters use their writing skills, language skills and creativity to craft engaging ‘stories’ to sell your product/boost your business. A quality copywriter will spend time with you to get to understand your needs business and your point of difference. They’ll conduct extensive research to understand your industry, and your competitors. They craft SEO copy to turn readers on your website into buying customers.
They write the words that promote your business. Words that get your business on Google page 1 and keep it there.
Copywriters tap into their creative juices, skill base and expertise, conduct time-consuming research into your industry, and then write three copies for before you publish it. They’ll also put in the time to expertly proofread and edit for spelling, grammar and any ‘not-quite-right’ language.
+ Why shouldn’t I write my own copy?
You could.
Let’s say you’re renovating your bathroom. It needs some plumbing work. Unless you have plumbing skills (possible) you could look up a You Tube video and have a go yourself but after a while your lovely new shower starts leaking. Worse, you live above another apartment … it leaks into the apartment below you. Your lack of skills meant that you missed an essential seal on a pipe. You didn’t know. Your DIY shower is going to cost you a lot more now.
It’s the same with copywriting. Maybe you think, ‘It’s just words. I can do that.’
Running a business is, as you know, extremely time-consuming. Say, you run a restaurant.
Your time is taken up with multiple tasks including, sourcing produce, creating menus, advertising for/interviewing/employing/supervising staff, cleaning, customer service, accounts etc.
Oh, you might also have a family. You need sleep. An occasional run or a visit to the gym.
Could you find time to write creative pieces to promote the restaurant?
Besides which, do you like writing?
Let’s imagine you decide to write your copy but having written it you’re over it and you don’t proofread or edit it. It’s full of mistakes. It could look like spam. You’re going to lose income.
It could be the most expensive piece of copy your business ever has.
Copywriters have the skills you need to help your business. That’s why copywriters exist.
+ What is SEO?
SEO = Search Engine Optimisation
It’s the science of getting your copy on Google page 1 and keeping it there.
It uses features like key words, links and structure to drive business.
It’s written for humans but keeps Google and other search engines happy.
SEO and copywriting cross over but you can only find SEO on websites. Copywriting can be seen in print media, video media, billboards etc.
Both are forms of persuasive writing.
+ How do I engage your services?
The 10 steps
1. Contact me either by phone or email and tell me what you’re looking for. We’ll have a brief phone chat.
2. If you decide to engage my services, I’ll set up a phone time to take your brief (what you want me to do for you). I’ll also want to know about your business, industry, competitors, point of difference, target market and some more. It’ll take up to 1 hour.
3. We’ll agree on a fee.
4. We’ll agree on a deadline. Normal deadlines are 5 business days excluding public holidays. Rush fees apply for quick turnaround deadlines less than 5 business days.
5. 50% of the agreed fee is payable before I start the project.
6. We’ll establish what your call to action (CTA) will be. What you want your potential customers to do to move them through their buying journey. I’ll show that clearly on each page of your copy.
7. I’ll give you two revisions so you can approve or make changes.
8. When you are happy with the 2 nd revision, I’ll write the final copy.
9. Your final copy will be proofread before you receive it.
10. The remainder of the agreed fee will be due before I send you the final copy.
+ What if I want to change something after the final copy has been published.
No problem. After publication, you own the copy. It’s yours to do what you want with.
However, if you want me to change something, we can discuss that. We would agree on an additional fee.
+ What writing style will you use?
That would depend on you. What you want your copy to sound like. What your business target market is.
I generally write in a conversational style, as if we’re having a chat about your business.
But I’m happy to write in whatever style you need. I’m writing for your business.
+ How much do you charge?
Super important question!
It depends on the project. I charge by the project not the hour.
I will always ask you for 50% before I start work on the project and the balance before I send the final (agreed) copy.
The fee is always agreed on before I start a project.
+ I’m looking for other services such as graphic design or a virtual assistant, can you help?
I can put you in touch with other services.
+ Can you write a blog or a series of blogs for my website?
Of course! Just get in touch through my website and you can tell me what you need.
+ Can you read over blogs or copy I’ve written and give me some feedback?
Go to my Proofreading and Editing page. I’m happy to help others out with their writing
but I need to make a living.
Let’s talk!
+ Where are you located?
I’m Melbourne based. I live within a coowee of the CBD. Richmond.
I like local! I love this beautiful city and I know her older self and her younger changing face. I buy local and walk or tram everywhere. That gives me lots of local exposure. I’ve possibly been into your place.
