The Copywriting Process: How Does it Work?

By Nathan Jeans | June 24, 2020 | Comments Off on The Copywriting Process: How Does it Work?

Following on from last week’s blog about finding a good copywriter, I thought I’d shed some light on the copywriting process and how it all works here at To Your Heart’s Content.

If you’re new to the world of outsourced copywriting or have not worked with a freelancer before, these are some of the questions I’m often asked about the copywriting process by new clients to get you up to speed.

What can you write?

Since 2013, I’ve helped hundreds of businesses, from startups to household names, write the copy they need to build a brand and sell their goods and services online. That includes:

So, whatever copywriting assistance you need, I can help.

How do you work?

All the copy we produce is written by me – here I am, look. In the past, I’ve tried using other freelancers, but I’ve never been consistently satisfied with the work they’ve produced, so now I keep everything in-house. That keeps the standard high and helps to avoid awkward conversations with other writers.

Although I have my specialist topics, such as finance and insolvency, I have written copy for recruiters, property consultants, travel companies, ecommerce sites, and even fertility clinics and international schools in the UAE.

Take a look at my copywriting portfolio for examples of a few of the clients we’ve worked with in the past.

What are the first steps in the copywriting process?

Just get in touch, tell me about your project, we can discuss how best to approach it and I’ll send you a quote. If you’re happy to go ahead, I’ll mine you for information about your business, either by sending you a questionnaire or scheduling a call. You can also send me style guides, competitor information, USPs, etc. via email, so I have everything I need to get your copy on the money on the first time of asking.

What information do I need to send you a quote?

The more information you can provide, the better. I need to know the type of content you’re looking for – webpages, on-site/offsite blogs, white papers, etc. – the quantity and a rough word count (I can provide a recommendation if you’re unsure).

My turnaround times are quick, usually within a week or two depending on the size of the project, but if you need the copy urgently, please let me know as I can usually move things around to accommodate you.

How much do you charge?

Take a look at my copywriting rates, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’ll send you a flat rate quote for the project (unless an hourly rate is more appropriate given the nature of the work). The price will include unlimited edits so you’ll always be delighted with your shiny new copy.

My rates compare favourably with many other professional copywriters, and that’s no reflection on the quality of my work.

Can we meet?

I’d love to! I’m a little socially awkward, but that’s part of the fun. I’m based in Fleet, Hampshire, but I’m happy to travel to central London and further afield, and to work on-site with a client for larger projects.

How do you know what to write?

Good question. You’re the expert in your industry, so I’ll pick your brain, research your competitors, discuss your USPs, get to know your brand and ask as many questions as I can to understand your target audience and what matters to them.

Coming to an industry fresh can be beneficial, as it allows me to identify areas you might have overlooked or information crucial to customers in the early stages of their buying journey that you haven’t provided.

Can you help me find the SEO keywords and phrases my customers are using?

Absolutely. I can perform keyword research to reveal the search volume and competition for the keywords and phrases people use to find your products and services. I then strategically incorporate those terms into the most relevant pages across your website to increase your visibility for relevant searches.

What I will receive?

You’ll receive either a Word doc or a Google doc (whichever you prefer) by email, which includes the body copy, optimised headings and subheadings, meta tags, hyperlinks, and high-quality images with alt tags that are suitable for commercial use (if requested).

Can I request edits?

You can request as many edits as you need to make sure you’re completely happy with the finished content. Almost every client I’ve worked with over the past 12 years has been delighted with their content when it lands in their inbox. But if there’s anything you’d like to tweak, just let me know. No request is too small, and I’ll keep refining it until it’s right for you.

Any more questions?

If there’s anything else you’re not sure about, just get in touch, and I’ll happily discuss the finer points of my copywriting process and how it relates to your project.

Posted in Interesting SEO Stuff, Sage Copywriting Advice, TYHC News and tagged , ,