FAQ – Copywriting/Copyediting
I am so glad you are considering working with me! I know many different copywriting and copyediting techniques. I am sure you have questions and I will answer them in our Get Acquainted Call but I wanted to cover the most Frequently Asked Questions that I get here as I’m sure it will answer a lot of questions ahead of time:)
“How Do I Know You Are Qualified?”
I have been a professional freelance writer for 15 years. I have studied copywriting with some of the best in the industry including Lorrie Morgan of Red Hot Copy, John Carlton, Dan Kennedy, The Children’s Institute for Literature, and American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI). I am certified with AWAI as a 6 figure copywriter and also took their training on copyediting. You can see that verification logo on the bottom of my website.
I have been writing for as long as I could hold a pen and written many different forms including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, blogs, and copy for business growth. I continually increase my knowledge in the writing world in all different formats and I write daily. I am not just someone that writes when there is a project to do. I love writing so much that I spend time daily doing it for fun as well as for clients.
“Why is Copy Such a Big Deal for my Business Growth?”
Copy is what your prospects see first when they go to your website, or when you send an email or a newsletter. Copy is everything and when you have compelling copy that sells what you are offering, you will have success over and over no matter what you do as a business. Your copy is what your prospects see to get to know you first before they talk to you or work with you or buy your product. It is what gets them to take that next step to learn more and ultimately buy from you or work with you.
Copy is how you are able to build a lasting relationship with your potential clients. I’m sure you know that repeat business is what keeps you in business right? Good copy is what keeps that person coming back and purchasing your next offer and the one after that. Your copy is friendly and informative. It establishes rapport, grows trust and builds loyalty.
Another fact is that the content on your website is what helps rank you in SEO. That isn’t necessarily your blog content, but rather the content on each page of your site, for everything you offer. It is important to get that right so people can easily find you when they are searching for someone that has your expertise.
Also, copyediting is important in a different way. It is the work that ensures you are putting your best foot forward. It isn’t just about spelling and grammar, it is also about fact checking, alt tags so your copy is accessible to anyone, making the copy tighter and fresher. There are a lot of elements that go into copyediting as well.
“Do you have experience in my industry?”
I may, but it doesn’t matter either way. When I work with you, I research your business and gather all types of information so that I can write for your industry and in your voice. That is a gift I have…to find your voice and write in a style that reflects you and easily builds that know, like, trust factor with your audience. I look for what will make you stand out from your competitors. I put in the time to get to know you, your business, your industry and what is working and not working to get you results.
If I am editing for you, I also take the time to get to know all of the above because I want to make sure the copy stays in your voice and goes by the guidelines of your industry.
“What Makes You Different From Other Copy-Writers?”
In order for me to write excellent copy for you, I think it is important to have a good relationship. If we don’t have compatible personalities, things don’t run as smooth as they could so only if we connect and I am confident that I can help will I work with you. I will review your copy from time to time and also suggest new ideas and changes that could be made to have better results. If I find information in your industry that I think you would find valuable I will pass it along. I am always thinking of my clients and keeping an eye out for new ideas that will benefit them. With my editing skillset as well, I am always looking out for things that could be updated on your existing documents and making sure there are no glaring errors as well. I consider my clients friends and will look out for you and your success just as I would for any friend of mine.
“Why Work with You Rather Than Having my Virtual Assistant Write my Copy?”
The reason you want to work with an experienced, well trained copy-writer is that I have the knowledge to make your copy compelling and get you the results you are seeking. While your virtual assistant may enjoy writing things up, they most likely have not had the extensive training I have had in how to write compelling marketing copy that produces results. I strongly believe in delegating tasks to the person that is most qualified to do them. You wouldn’t ask your veterinarian to give you the annual physical you need because they are trained in working on your pet not a human. In the same sense, your virtual assistant is trained in many different areas but if copy-writing is not one of those areas, you don’t want them to be responsible for crafting your marketing message and hoping it works. (Kinda like throwing spaghetti at a wall…)
“Who Do You Work Best With?”
I work best with clients that are open to ideas and suggestions. I work best with clients that understand the importance of good communication and can get me the information I need from them in a timely fashion so that I can move forward on my end to ensure any deadlines are met. I am always open to feedback and questions. I feel that if we don’t openly communicate results won’t be what they should be.
“What Results Can I Expect?”
It all depends on what type of project we are working on. I will always make sure you are happy with your copy and when I write for you, I submit the first draft for you to review then do revisions based on your feedback. I want you to be proud of what is going out in the world as your message. Results will depend on you as well and what you are doing to get the copy out in the world and in front of people. I don’t guarantee any specific results but I do promise that you are getting great copy that you will be happy to get out there and that is up to your standards and what you are looking for as far as your message.
“When Will My Copy Be Ready?”
It all depends on what type of project we are working on but generally 2-4 weeks minimum. That way I have time for research and to write the first draft or if it is an editing project, to read through and do all the levels of editing required. Once I have your feedback, I complete the project. If there is an absolute hard deadline let me know and I will make sure it is completed by then. If you are on a monthly retainer I will have your projects all scheduled out ahead of time.