Here are answers to some frequently asked questions
What if we need other forms of marketing copy to go along with our B2B or B2C email campaign?
Though I do specialize in email copywriting, I also write a variety of marketing copy for the B2B industry (see my services page for details).
What is your process?
After the formalities are out of the way (contract negotiations, project deadlines, and so on), I adhere closely to the following process:
- Complete an Information Worksheet. This step provides most of the crucial information necessary to write effective copy for your product or service. It covers everything from "expected results" to how your product/service differs from that of your competitors.
- Dig in and research, research, research. This includes looking at your previous marketing material (if available), understanding your competitor's sales messages (to give you the edge), and interviewing your sales reps for invaluable customer insights (if relevant).
- Study the target audience in detail. Who are they? What do they care about? Why would they be interested in your product or service?
- Understand your product inside and out. How does it work? What are it's features and benefits? What makes your product unique? What differentiates it from your competitors?
- On complex projects, I will write up an outline and run it by you for approval before writing a single word. That way I'm on the same page that you are. It wouldn't make much sense to write up an outline for blog posts or email copy. Right!
- Write the draft. I will write the strongest copy possible, then send it to you for review. I provide two free rounds of minor revisions.
What are your terms?
A 50% deposit is required up front for most non-retainer copywriting projects. The balance is due upon receipt of the initial draft. Please note that you're not being charged for the two rounds of minor revisions. They're always free. The draft is the work you paid me to write.
Small projects may require full payment up front (i.e. a series of emails).
Revisions must be requested within 30 days of receipt of the first draft of copy. After that, any rewrite will be subject to an additional (negotiated) fee, separate from the project's initial agreement.
This is also true if the scope of your project changes once work has already begun on it.
How much do you charge for your copywriting services?
I quote every project individually based on the scope and complexity of the work. Aside from creating your content, a sampling of essentials I consider are:
- project goals, deliverables, and deadlines
- the breadth of research required to produce great copy
- the number of interviews necessary to bring your project together smoothly
I've found that clients appreciate knowing the upfront costs of their project. Not only does it eliminate surprises, it makes budget management easier for everyone involved.
As a professional, my fees are refreshingly competitive.
However...
In the spirit of being transparent, if you're looking for a "mix of experience and value" as is often sought on content mill bidding sites, we'll probably never be a good fit.
How soon can you start on my project?
I can generally start your project within 1 to 3 weeks (sometimes sooner). But there are times when I may be booked out a month or two.
If you need a faster turnaround, I may be able to juggle my schedule to meet your needs.
I have a tight deadline to meet. Can you start on my project right away? Do you charge more for rush jobs?
The short answer is it depends. It's not uncommon for me to be booked out a month or two. If there is a way to move you ahead of another project, expect to pay more than my standard fees.
I’m happy to accommodate rush jobs if my workload permits. With that being said, I will not compromise the quality, nor timeline, of a current client's project by inserting a rush job ahead of them.
Imagine how you'd feel if it was your project being impacted...
Let’s discuss what you need – we may be able to come up with something that will work for you.
Would you consider working on retainer?
Yes, but generally for ongoing copywriting projects such as:
- the need for a steady stream of email copy
- e-newsletters
- blog posts.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, nor is it etched in stone.
So the obvious follow-up question is...
Do you have a project where a retainer agreement makes sense? If so, let's get together and work out the details.
Can you rewrite a piece of copy for us that someone else has written?
Yes, I can rework and improve any existing copy.
This process involves strengthening headlines, subheads, and performing minor alterations to the existing copy without additional material or research.
Visit my services page for more details