How to Work With a Freelance Copywriter

The other day a prospective client asked me, “How will we work together?”

No two businesses are alike when it comes to their marketing. However that doesn’t mean I re-invent the wheel each time I write copy for a client’s website, brochure or direct mail.

To ensure the success of each copywriting project, I follow these four key steps:

1. Confirming the brief and writing a quote
First we need to establish a brief which outlines the scope of your copywriting project. I need to know about your goals, target market, timeframes and budget.

I’ll then email you a proposal and quote that covers deliverables, deadlines and fees. If you sign off on that we’re in business.

2. Research
High quality copywriting is built on a foundation of understanding your business, marketing goals, and products and services. To that end I have developed a discovery process that enables me to write persuasive copy that meets your objectives.

I gather as much information as I can about your industry, product or service and the target audience, using a combination of questionnaires and interviews.

3. Drafting the copy
I spend a lot of time studying your information and writing notes. Once I have a thorough understanding of your target audience, your products or services and your purpose I begin drafting your copy.

If I have any more questions – and I will – I’ll contact you via phone or email. I’ll usually write two or more preliminary drafts of your copy, fine-tuning as I go.

4. Client review and revisions
Once I am happy with the copy I email a first draft in a MS Word document for your review. You provide your comments and feedback and I revise the copy until you’re 100% satisfied with it.

To find out more about how I work please read my copywriting FAQ.

How long will it take you to write my copy?
That depends on the size of the project. If you let me know when you want it, I can tell whether I can work with your timeframe. If I take on your job I guarantee you will have the copy by the agreed deadline.

Who is this guy?
You might want to find out a bit more about me, Charles Cuninghame. Am I the real deal or just another hype merchant? Find out here