We’re all writers. We’ve been writing since the first grade, so by the time we’re adults we should be pretty good at it, right? Well, not necessarily. For casual writing needs like personal email or correspondence, you’re probably doing well with your writing skills. If you need to do something on a professional level, however, think again. When creating a website, advertising copy or marketing communications project, consider hiring a professional to write the copy rather than doing it yourself. It will be noticeable in the final product.
Here are some things you should think about when you’re hiring a writer:
DO:
• Check out their website
• Ask for samples of their work
• Investigate their social presence online
• Ask for testimonials or recommendations (which should be posted on both their website and their LinkedIn page)
• Talk to the writer – do they ask the kind of questions necessary to find out what you want written?
• Find out how long have they been writing
• Ask what experience they have
• Find out how diverse the types of projects are that they’ve worked on and for what kind of clients
• Ask if they are adaptable to working on different things
• Insist that they include at least two rounds of revisions in their quote
DON’T:
• Expect a professional to write for free
• Change the parameters mid-way through the project and expect the deadline to be the same
• Belittle their talent by telling them a student could do a better job
• Hire a writer to write something if what you really need is an editor to edit what you’ve already written
• Be surprised if they request that you sign an agreement and provide a deposit before commencing the job
There are many more things I’m sure, but these are what jump out the most to me. I think the biggest DO is to chat with the writer and see if they ‘get’ what you’re trying to do and if they are the kind of person you feel that you can work closely with. The more in tune they are with your needs, the more likely they are to write in a style that appeals to you.
Have you had any challenges finding a writer? Share them here!
We’re all writers. We’ve been writing since the first grade, so by the time we’re adults we should be pretty good at it, right? Well, not necessarily. For casual writing needs like personal email or correspondence, you’re probably doing well with your writing skills. If you need to do something on a professional level, however, think again. When creating a website, advertising copy or marketing communications project, consider hiring a professional to write the copy rather than doing it yourself. It will be noticeable in the final product.
Here are some things you should think about when you’re hiring a writer:
DO:
• Check out their website
• Ask for samples of their work
• Investigate their social presence online
• Ask for testimonials or recommendations (which should be posted on both their website and their LinkedIn page)
• Talk to the writer – do they ask the kind of questions necessary to find out what you want written?
• Find out how long have they been writing
• Ask what experience they have
• Find out how diverse the types of projects are that they’ve worked on and for what kind of clients
• Ask if they are adaptable to working on different things
• Insist that they include at least two rounds of revisions in their quote
DON’T:
• Expect a professional to write for free
• Change the parameters mid-way through the project and expect the deadline to be the same
• Belittle their talent by telling them a student could do a better job
• Hire a writer to write something if what you really need is an editor to edit what you’ve already written
• Be surprised if they request that you sign an agreement and provide a deposit before commencing the job
There are many more things I’m sure, but these are what jump out the most to me. I think the biggest DO is to chat with the writer and see if they ‘get’ what you’re trying to do and if they are the kind of person you feel that you can work closely with. The more in tune they are with your needs, the more likely they are to write in a style that appeals to you.
Have you had any challenges finding a writer? Share them here!
Photo: graur codrin of www.freedigitalphotos.net
MarnieHughes is an SEO copywriter, author and online marketer. She works with small and medium-sized businesses to develop their marketing and communications and expand their customer base.
How is your business growing?
For free 30 min consult contact marnie@communicationartistry.ca or call 905-702-4266
