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Copywriter FAQ

Why do I need a copywriter?

You need a copywriter for the same reasons you hire any outside professional for a project. You’re an expert in your particular business or niche, but you lack the time or skill to produce effective copy.

Perhaps you’ve started a blog for your business but it’s fallen stale. Perhaps you’d like to see a higher conversion rate on your website, or your last direct mail campaign didn’t bring in as much business as you’d hoped. Maybe you feel your catelogue descriptions lack that certain ZING.

I’m that zing. I take your words and ideas and bring them new life and vitality.

How much will this wonderful copywriter cost? And how long can I expect the job to take?

The cost varies widely among copywriters. You can buy website content from writers in India from 5c an article. A professional copywriter costs anywhere from $40 an hour to $200 an hour.

Because of our weak dollar against the US and Europe, hiring a New Zealand copywriter (such as myself) means you pay significantly less than an equivalent professional from your own country.

Project lengths vary depending on the scale and complexity of the brief. I will always quote you a timeframe and will inform you forthwith if any event outside my control prevents me from completing the project within that timeframe. I complete ‘urgent’ projects all the time and have no problems juggling tight deadlines.

I’ve decided I need a copywriter. How do we go about a copywriting job?

The first step is the brief. You provide me with as many details as you can – the nature of the job, the word count, the audience, the products, the aim of the copy, etc.

If you’re having difficulty defining a brief, I can work with you to help you assess exactly what copy you need.

When we’re both satisfied with the brief, I will provide you with a quote. You can request a per project fee or an hourly rate. (Or both, if you’re feeling generous )

Once you’ve agreed to the brief and quote, I will get to work, perhaps coming back to you with one or two further questions. I will present you with a first draft, which you can read and comment on, and I will edit per you requests. Most projects go through three drafts before both you and I are satisfied with the final product.

What if I need a copywriter for extremely sensitive or controversial material?

Extremely sensitive you say? Not a problem. I pride myself on providing discreet, professional copywriting services. I am happy to sign a confidentiality agreement if necessary.

Controversial material is another matter. While I love a challenge, I only accept projects I consider ethical and inoffensive, and I prefer not to work for businesses in direct competition to my other clients. If I think there could be a problem I will state this upfront in our initial correspondance, and can provide you with contact details for copywriting colleagues who may be able to help you.

What are your specialties?

The thing I love most about my job is that I’m always confronted with new and interesting projects. No two briefs are the same, and I love the challenge of researching unknown subjects and broadening my knowledge. I’ll take on anything you can throw at me!

However, I am particularly well-versed in certian subjects, and assignments falling into these categories will make me a very happy coprwriter:

Small Business: especially niche subculture businesses, home business and craft businesses.
The Internet: especially how it’s used for business, promotion and marketing or SEO.
Blogging: I’m addicted to blogging Send me more blogging, please!
The Environment: especially sustainability, eco-friendly living and business solutions.
Music: especially heavy metal, rock, alternative, folk and anything that fits into a small niche or subculture.
Travel: I used to be an archaeologist, so I confess a love for mysterious lands and exotic adventures.
Museums/Heritage/History: Also because of my archaeological past.

Don’t fret if your project doesn’t fit any of these categories. I’ve written about practically every other subject known to humankind, and I’m not about to stop. If in doubt, send it along!

Small Business Copywriter

Copywriting solutions for small businesses and non-profits

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