10 Essential Copywriter Skills to Look for When Hiring

More businesses see the value of copywriting because of its power to influence and impact people’s purchasing decisions. Your business will need a copywriter sooner or later because you want to increase sales. To do this, you need to find someone with copywriter skills to boost your sales for any campaign.

In this article, I discuss the top ten essential skills your copywriter must possess. Plus, know how and where to find a reliable copywriter.

1. Adapts to different tones

One of the essential copywriter skills to possess is they can adapt to different writing styles and tones. As copywriters, they should always use their client’s or business’ tone of voice in mind. This will maintain consistency across different platforms and channels. Plus, it’s how they can connect with your target audience without losing your overall branding.

2. Collaborates with others

A copywriter can work independently. They might compose a copy based on the task by themselves. But a skilled copywriter knows to ask for help when needed. Plus, they’re a reliable team player as well. Before they submit their final output, they ensure to ask their editor or another person to review their work. This way, they could see how to improve their work. Maybe, for promotional-related tasks, they might even collaborate with other writers or designers.

3. Observes writing techniques

Most copywriters have years of experience and expertise under their belt. They observe writing elements like grammar and punctuation. Sometimes, they break the rules once in a while due to some limitations or brand-related guidelines. It’s a common thing that copywriters do. 

They ensure that they will write a grammatically correct copy to make your brand sound professional. This way, your target audience can perceive you as a trustworthy authority in your industry.

4. Understands basic SEO

Since most businesses have transitioned into digital marketing, a copywriter should have at least a basic knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO). They need to drive traffic to your site so that you could make a sale. They should write articles that direct your target audience to the product or services page. They must also write a compelling copy on different pages on your website.

It has become one of the most necessary copywriter skills because SEO can increase your visibility online.

5. Takes Feedback Well

A seasoned copywriter knows they shouldn’t take feedback personally. They know that the feedback they receive is to improve their writing skills. Plus, once they receive feedback, they know how to apply it effectively and create a more compelling copy.

Also, expect that you won’t have a perfectionist copywriter. A professional copywriter is aware that there’s always room to grow when they receive feedback.

6. Enjoys reading and learning

A copywriter continues to practice their craft through learning and experience. A vital copywriting skill that copywriters must master is to read. Most experts would agree that copywriters should have a wide range of vocabulary. For writers to discover new words or phrases, they could get it from reading books, articles, writing magazines, and other media. From there, they could apply new techniques or use new words they’ve learned into their copies.

Plus, they learn from copywriting masters through different courses or download educational resources. This way, they power up their copywriting techniques and become better at it each time they write a copy.

7. Knows persuasive techniques

A copywriter’s primary role is to sell or promote products through written content. One of the essential copywriter skills is to hone their persuasive tactics.

They use different techniques like using power words, telling stories, or engaging with emotions. They also emphasize the benefits of what you’re offering rather than features. Plus, they could also persuade in a couple of words. Copywriters have a way with words and know how to convince your target audience to take action.

8. Stays curious and researches

Copywriters don’t stick to one perspective or angle when writing their copies. Since they’re curious, they explore different standpoints. It’s how copywriters get different ideas.

To add on reading and learning, they don’t stop researching either. If they’re unfamiliar with a topic or need to learn more about a product or service, they’ll research instead of writing a copy blindly. Plus, they make sure to get context about it, so that they don’t publish wrong information and get the business in trouble.

Another one of their essential copywriter skills is they know how to address customer pain points. Since your products or services can solve people’s problems, copywriters get to the bottom of their issues. They would tap into the customer mindset by going through your social media profiles or engaging with customers directly.

From there, they formulate a copy that would not only engage your audience but get them to buy your products or avail of your services.

9. Has an eye for detail and is organized

A copywriter knows not to miss any details regarding the copy they create. On the surface level, they’re detail-oriented in terms of grammar, syntax, spelling, etc. However, they ensure that details about your project or campaign are integrated into every part of the copy regardless of length.

Since they’re also organized, they know what details to arrange in the copy like catchy headlines, headings, subheadings, text, and so forth. Through organization, they can convey a message well, which would be easy for your target audience to follow.

10. Works under pressure

In most cases, you might need a copy urgently. This could be for a presentation, an ad, an email newsletter, press release, or other written content. A skilled copywriter can write a copy when needed and prioritize it. They have this sense of urgency, so they’ll produce a copy whenever you request it. Plus, they ensure quality, even under pressure. They’ll have it checked first with an editor or software before publishing it.

How to Hire a Copywriter?

Once you have all the information on what makes a great copywriter, it’s time to hire the copywriter to be the best fit for your business. Here are four easy steps in hiring your copywriter.

1. Finalize all detail

Before you hire a copywriter, you need to ensure what type of copywriter you might need. Since copywriters may specialize in a field or niche, you should choose an expert copywriter on your campaign or project.

Here are the types of copywriters you can hire:

• Website copywriter (e.g., product pages, landing pages)
• Ad copywriter (e.g., social media, PPC, Google)
• Email copywriter 
• SEO copywriter
• Technical copywriter

You should also note how long you will need the copywriter since you may have short-term or long-term projects.

Once you’ve straightened out all your requirements, you can find a copywriter that could fulfill your expectations.

2. Find your copywriter

Once you’ve finalized the copywriting requirements, search for copywriters on different types of sites.

You can check on Upwork, Freelance, or Fiverr, where you can find freelance copywriters. You could also browse on Indeed or Monster to find a full-time copywriter. One of the best options to find your copywriter is through writing services like Content Fuel.

It’s also how you can gauge how much you’ll also have to pay your copywriter based on your budget. This way, you know what to expect if you choose to hire a copywriter or tap a writing service to provide you with content or copy.

3. Ask for their previous works

If you choose to hire a freelancer or full-time copywriter, have them present examples of their previous work. You can gauge if they’re an excellent copywriter through their writing skills. You can read through their samples and determine if they have the chops to back it up. After all, you want a professional copywriter to be part of your team.

For writing services like Content Fuel, you can check out the blog page. It’s a preview of what you can expect to receive as outputs for any of your writing requirements.

4. Choose the best copywriter for the role

This step depends on what type of copywriter you choose. For example, if you want a freelancer or a full-time copywriter, they’ll undergo an interview or screening process. This way, you can assess not only their writing skills but if they’re a suitable candidate.

Once done, you can choose based on their interview.

You won’t have to undergo a screening or interview process with Content Fuel. The writing service has an expert team of writers to tackle any writing challenge. They possess all the copywriter skills listed. Plus, the team will provide high-quality, written content for any project or campaign. Click here to learn more about Content Fuel plans.

Final Thoughts

Copywriting has become an on-demand skill due to the nature of marketing, sales, and advertising in the technological age. Your business will get the spotlight if you have a copy or content that attracts website visitors or prospects to take action. An excellent copywriter can achieve that goal. Their copywriter skills will come in handy to make your business the leading source and authority for your target audience.