We Scoured the Web to Help You Find a Copywriter for Your Business

Reaching out to your audience in today’s digital age requires copies that stimulate the mind and evoke emotions. Creative copies help ensure that the ad sticks. It also ups the chances of conversion. If you don’t have an in-house marketing team, you’ll need to find a copywriter who can help you achieve your brand goals.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of how to find a copywriter, specifically, the following topics:

• What are the types of copywriters?
• Where can you find one online?
• What are the pros and cons of each hiring option?

If you want to make an informed decision before you hire a copywriter, sit back, and read this article to the end!

Types of Copywriting

Before anything else, people who don’t have any knowledge of marketing might ask, what is a copywriter? In a nutshell, copywriters are in charge of writing materials for an ad, promo, or marketing purposes. Here are some of the materials they typically write copy for:

• Digital materials such as social media posts, website posters, online ads, and marketing email
• Print materials such as flyers, brochures, and newspaper and magazine ads
• Outdoor ads such as billboards and posters
• Scripts for broadcast and new media ads including radio and TV

Pro writers are well-versed in writing various types of copies. Here are some of the fields they might focus on:

• Sales. These copies have one aim: conversion. For instance, real estate copywriters create listings for properties that are for sale, for lease, or for rent. While an advertising copywriter is focused on writing copies for print, broadcast, or new media ads.
• Web Content. Visit brand websites, and you’ll probably come across this type of copy. This usually applies to lead generation efforts, such as landing pages.
• Email Marketing. An email copywriter is mostly in charge of crafting a series of emails that guide prospects on their journey to becoming a member of the brand’s community.
• Public Relations. This category includes press release writers as well as those who craft promo articles for print and new media. 

Where to Find a Copywriter

Traditionally, ventures would hire an in-house copywriter for their marketing needs. But, this isn’t always a practical solution for small businesses or startups. Here are some of the disadvantages of employing an in-house writer:

• Screening applicants can be a tedious process.
• Onboarding and training newly hired employees can be too costly for startups.
• In smaller cities, most top talents are already connected with a company.
• Quality talent would expect dental and medical benefits, as well as a 401(k) plan match. 

Luckily, you can find just about any and every service provider, including copy and content writers online. Here are some of the options if you want to find a copywriter, but can’t afford to hire in-house.

Freelance Writers

There are many freelance copywriter services available on the web. Freelance job platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer.com, and Fiverr have a long list of writers waiting to score a project. 

Pros

• Hiring freelance workers can be the most affordable online solution for your marketing needs.

Cons

• Most job platforms don’t have strict standards for applicants. So, you’ll have to devote your efforts to screen a ton of applicants to find qualified people to shortlist. This can be a time-consuming process.
• Affordable services may come at a price. Many freelance writers who offer services at such a low price might not be able to deliver a good quality of writing.
• You’ll be dealing directly with a freelance writer. So, if they go MIA in the middle of a project, there’s not a lot you can do but to look for another writer. Such situations can result in draconian problems if you’re on a tight schedule.

Agency

Hiring a marketing agency can be a good option if you’re taking on a big project. An agency will have the expertise you’ll need not just in copywriting, but also in graphic design, campaign planning, and other related efforts.

Pros

• Agencies will only hire the best writers to deliver high-quality materials.
• An agency can offer more than copywriting and can be a reliable one-stop-shop for all your promo needs.

Cons

• The majority of agencies require a monthly retainer fee. According to a report, an average monthly contract across U.S. regions ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. This amount may not be practical for small ventures.
• You might not get your money’s worth if you only need copywriting services.

Subscription Services

Subscription writing services can offer the same solid service as agencies at a more affordable rate. Content fuel, for example, offers a flat monthly rate for multiple copies. The package also comes with a dedicated writer and an account manager.

Pros

• Service providers have a strict screening process for writers and only hire the best applicants.
• Service providers already have a system in place, so you won’t have to worry about a copywriter abandoning an on-going project. 
• These platforms won’t lock you into a contract. Services are offered on a month to month basis, so you can cancel any time.

Cons

• Services are only confined to writing. Other assets such as graphic design would have to be made by someone else.

Whether you decide for freelance, agency, or subscription copywriting services, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be clear about what you want to get out of the project. Before assigning a task to the writer, create a brief about what the campaign is about. You can also include sample materials that are akin to what you want to achieve.
• Give your writer enough info about your brand identity and what you want the tone of the copy to be. 
• When asking for changes, be precise about the parts you want to be revised and how you want it to sound instead.

In conclusion, hiring a copywriter isn’t all about finding the best and most poetic wordsmith there is. It’s about finding someone who will be diligent enough to know your brand identity inside and out. Your copywriter must also know how to best connect to your market and foster support for your brand.