9 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Copywriter

If you’re a small business owner or a marketing manager seeking to outsource the copywriting for your business for the first time, chances are you have many questions. In this blog post, I break down 9 essential questions to ask before hiring a copywriter. From what kind of copywriter you need (we all have different skills and expertise) to what’s your budget, business goals, and what does success look like to you? So, without further ado, let’s jump into it.

9 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Copywriter (for business owners and marketing managers)

1. What specific goals do I want a copywriter to help me achieve?

Before you get into the hiring process, clarifying your objectives and determining what you hope to accomplish by hiring a copywriter is a great idea. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, boosting conversions, or improving engagement, having clear goals will help you evaluate if working with a copywriter aligns with your needs and goals.

Of all the questions to ask before hiring a copywriter, this is the most important one. Without knowing what your goal is, it can be difficult for you to measure your success at the end of the copywriting project.

2. What type of copywriter do I need?

Individual copywriters specialise in different industries and various types of content. Some copywriters (like me) only work with service-based businesses. Others prefer to work with product businesses, while some offer a mix of both. I specialise in website content, SEO copywriting, sales content for service businesses and writing marketing content for the real estate industry. Other copywriters are specialists in writing white papers or email sequences.

Before contacting a copywriter, evaluate the type of copywriting projects you need assistance with, such as website copy, blog posts, social media content, or advertising campaigns. Identifying your specific requirements allows you to find a copywriter with relevant experience and expertise. Plus, you won’t waste time approaching a copywriter who is not the right fit for your business and goals.

3. What level of experience am I looking for in a copywriter?

Like any profession, copywriters come with different levels of experience. Some are fledgling copywriters just starting out as a writer. Others, like me, may have worked in marketing for many years writing content before launching a copywriting business.

Consider the level of experience you expect from your copywriter. Are you open to working with a less-experienced copywriter who may offer a fresh perspective, or do you prefer someone with extensive industry knowledge and a proven track record? Sometimes a newbie copywriter might offer their services at a lower price to build up their portfolio. So, if your budget is tight, you might want to try someone new to the industry. Understanding your expectations regarding expertise and budget will assist you in finding a copywriter who meets your requirements.

But sometimes, it comes down to finding a copywriter whose writing you like. Explore potential copywriter’s websites. Check out how they write via their portfolio pieces, website content, and social. See what kind of clients they have worked with. If you can see they’re a good writer who suits your needs, then how long they’ve been in the industry doesn’t matter so long as they can do the job.

4. What is my preferred deadline for my copywriting project?

It’s essential to figure out your deadline (i.e. when you need the copywriting project to be completed) before approaching a copywriter. Many copywriters can’t start a big project like a website rewrite immediately. We’re usually already hard at work on other client projects.
Make sure you factor in that a copywriter might not be available straight away to start your project. Or, if they can somehow accommodate a last-minute deadline, you might be asked to pay a “rush fee” if your copywriter needs to pause their current work to accommodate your project.

A copywriter needs a deadline to see if they can fit you into their current schedule or whether they can book you ahead of time. When a client says they don’t have a deadline, I make a deadline. Or else the project can keep going indefinitely. It’s always a good idea to book your copywriter ahead of when you need them, make a deadline, and then make sure you’re ready to collaborate with your copywriter when the time comes to start your project.

5. What level of communication and collaboration do I expect from my copywriter?

Are you looking for a copywriter who can work independently with minimal guidance, or do you prefer a copywriter who collaborates closely with you throughout the process? Understanding your preferred communication style will help you find a copywriter who can meet your expectations and work effectively with you.

Also, what’s your preferred mode of communication? Do you thrive on email and hate picking up the phone? Or are you all about Zoom calls? Different copywriters have different preferences when it comes to collaboration and communication modes.

I’m happy to be available via email during office hours throughout the project. But I limit the calls I include in my packages to the start and the end. Too many “quick calls” can prevent me from getting on with the writing. And I’ve had many a quick call turn into an hour-long conversation. When it comes to the writing stages, I just want to put my head down and write your content without distraction.

So, be open with your potential copywriter about how you wish to be updated throughout the project so everyone is on board from the start. Finding a copywriter whose communication style and availability align with your needs leads to a smooth working relationship.

6. What is my budget for copywriting services?

This is one of the curlier questions when hiring a copywriter. It’s important to consider your budget before you look for a copywriter. Do some research. Look at copywriting websites; many copywriters include rates or project prices. I have prices for projects like website copywriting on my website, but for other bespoke projects, I need to create packages based on a client’s needs.

Consider your budget constraints and determine how much you are willing to invest in professional copywriting. This will help you narrow your options and find a copywriter who fits your parameters. But remember to balance cost with quality and experience.

There are some great copywriting pricing guidelines in Australia that can give you a rough idea of how much copywriters can charge for a project. Check out Kate Toon’s Recommended Rates for Copywriters .

7. How important is the copywriter’s familiarity with my industry or niche?

Do you want someone familiar with your industry or niche? Perhaps a copywriter who specialises in the health industry or real estate industry? Or a copywriter who works exclusively with business coaches? While most copywriters can write on any topic, some often niche down and become experts in specific industries. Working within a particular industry means they deeply understand the associated terminology, target audience, and market dynamics.

So, work out if industry-specific knowledge is crucial to your project. Do you need a copywriter who can hit the ground running as they thoroughly understand your industry, or are you okay working with a generalist?

8. What are the key metrics of success for my copywriting project?

What do you want your copywriting project to achieve, and what does success look like to you? Defining your success metrics at the start of a project can help your copywriter do the best job for you. For example, do you want to increase traffic to your website, get more client enquiries, improve conversion rates, or increase social engagement? A copywriter can help with all of that.

Having an outcome to work towards benefits both you and your copywriter. You can then evaluate your success at the end of the project. But remember that a copywriter is often just one piece of the marketing pie. Words on a website are nothing without a fantastic design to accompany them. A copywriter can’t guarantee more traffic to your website via their contribution alone. That also depends on your SEO and marketing strategies which may involve working with an SEO or Marketing Agency.

So, set goals for your copywriting work. Just be mindful that working with a copywriter is all part of a larger marketing strategy.

9. What are my long-term plans and future needs for copywriting?

What’s your long-term vision for your business or plans that may require using copywriting services in the future? If you anticipate ongoing or additional copywriting needs beyond your current project, finding a copywriter who can support your long-term goals is beneficial.

For example, you may have worked with a copywriter to write your new website. But now, you need regular blog posts to help drive more traffic to your site. You’re happy with your website, so why not get the same copywriter to help with your blog?

Some copywriting projects are a one-time collaboration. But if you’re a time-poor business that needs a lot of marketing content, forming a retainer arrangement with a copywriter could be a beneficial long-term solution. The choice is yours.

In Conclusion

Answering these 9 essential questions before hiring a copywriter can save you time, money and hassle. By figuring out your requirements, preferences, and expectations before approaching a copywriter, you’ll be much more informed and empowered when making a hiring decision.

Are you looking for an experienced copywriter to partner with on your next project? Feel free to check out my various copywriting services. I offer website SEO copywriting, content writing, real estate copywriting and more. Check out my website and then send me an enquiry.