Did you know that hiring the wrong copywriter can cost your business thousands? Before hiring a copywriter, you need to know these 10 crucial tips to avoid wasting time, money, and opportunities. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Understand What Copywriting Really Is
Copywriting isn’t just about writing pretty words. It’s about persuading people to take action. Whether it’s buying your product, signing up for your newsletter, or clicking a link, good copywriting drives results.
Why does this matter? Because if your copywriter doesn’t understand this, your marketing efforts will fail. You’ll end up with content that looks nice but doesn’t sell.
To ensure your copywriter gets it, ask them about their experience with conversion-focused writing. Do they know how to write headlines that grab attention? Can they craft calls-to-action that make people click?
For example, a great copywriter might turn a boring sentence like “We sell shoes” into “Step into comfort: Discover the shoes that make every step feel like walking on clouds.”
See the difference?
2. Know Your Goals Before Hiring A Copywriter
Before hiring a copywriter, you need to know what you want to achieve. Are you looking to boost sales, grow your email list, or improve your website’s SEO?
Why is this important? If you don’t know your goals, your copywriter won’t either. And without clear goals, your project could go off track, wasting time and money.
To set clear goals, ask yourself: What’s the #1 thing I want this copy to accomplish? Write it down and share it with your copywriter.
For instance, if your goal is to increase email sign-ups, your copywriter might create a lead magnet like “Download our free guide to doubling your productivity in 7 days!”
3. Check Their Portfolio (And Look for Results)
A flashy portfolio is nice, but what really matters is results. Before hiring a copywriter, ask to see examples of their work and the outcomes they achieved.
Why? Because anyone can write words, but not everyone can write words that drive action. You want a copywriter who can prove their work delivers real value.
When reviewing their portfolio, look for metrics like increased sales, higher engagement, or improved conversion rates. Don’t be shy about asking for specifics!
For example, a good portfolio might show: “This email campaign increased open rates by 30% and generated $10,000 in sales.” Now that’s impressive!
4. Make Sure They Understand Your Audience
Your copywriter doesn’t just need to understand your business—they need to understand your audience. If they don’t, the copy will miss the mark.
Why is this crucial? Because great copy speaks directly to your audience’s needs, desires, and pain points. If your copywriter doesn’t “get” your audience, your message won’t resonate.
To ensure they understand, provide them with detailed customer personas. Share insights about your audience’s age, interests, challenges, and goals.
For example, if you sell eco-friendly products, your copywriter should know your audience cares about sustainability and might use phrases like “Save the planet, one purchase at a time.”
5. Ask About Their Research Process
Great copywriting starts with great research. Before hiring a copywriter, ask how they plan to research your industry, competitors, and audience.
Why does this matter? Because without research, your copy will sound generic and uninspired. You want someone who digs deep to find what makes your business unique.
A good copywriter might review your website, study your competitors, and even interview your team to gather insights.
For example, if you run a fitness brand, they might research trending workouts, popular fitness influencers, and common customer frustrations to create compelling copy.
6. Discuss Their SEO Knowledge
If you want your copy to rank on Google, your copywriter needs to know SEO. Before hiring a copywriter, ask about their experience with keyword research, meta descriptions, and on-page optimization.
Why is this important? Because even the most persuasive copy won’t help if no one can find it. SEO ensures your content gets seen by the right people.
A skilled copywriter will seamlessly integrate keywords like into your content without making it sound forced.
7. Set Clear Deadlines and Expectations
Nothing kills a project faster than missed deadlines and unclear expectations. Before hiring a copywriter, agree on a timeline and deliverables.
Why? Because you don’t want to be left waiting for weeks (or months!) for your copy. Clear deadlines keep everyone accountable.
To set expectations, create a detailed project brief. Include deadlines, word counts, and any specific requirements.
8. Ask About Their Revision Policy
Even the best copywriters need to make revisions. Before hiring a copywriter, ask about their revision policy. How many rounds of edits are included? What’s the turnaround time?
Why is this important? Because you don’t want to be stuck with copy that doesn’t meet your standards—or pay extra for revisions.
A good copywriter will offer at least one round of revisions and clearly outline their process.
For example, they might say: “I’ll deliver the first draft within 7 days, and you’ll have 3 days to request revisions.”
9. Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone
Cheap copywriting can cost you big in the long run. Before hiring a copywriter, consider the value they bring, not just the price.
Why? Because experienced copywriters charge more for a reason—they deliver better results. Skimping on quality could hurt your brand and sales.
Instead of focusing on the lowest price, look for a copywriter who offers a fair rate and a proven track record.
For example, paying $500 for copy that generates 10,000 in sales is a much better investment than paying $100 for copy that flops.
10. Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. Before hiring a copywriter, ask yourself: Do I feel confident in their skills? Do they understand my vision?
Why? Because a good working relationship is built on trust. If something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking.
To test your gut, have a discovery call or ask for a small trial project. See how they communicate and deliver.
For example, if they’re responsive, enthusiastic, and full of great ideas, you’ve probably found a winner!
FAQ Section
Got questions about hiring a copywriter? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions business owners ask before hiring a copywriter:
1. Why should I hire a copywriter instead of writing my own content?
Great question! A professional copywriter brings expertise, creativity, and a fresh perspective to your marketing. They know how to craft words that sell, save you time, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Plus, they’re trained to understand your audience and write copy that drives action.
2. How much does it cost to hire a copywriter?
Copywriting costs can vary widely depending on experience, project scope, and deliverables. Some copywriters charge by the hour ($200+), while others charge per project ($5,000+). Remember, investing in a skilled copywriter often pays off with higher sales and better results.
3. What should I look for in a copywriter’s portfolio?
Look for examples that show results, not just pretty words. Did their copy increase sales, boost engagement, or improve conversions? A strong portfolio will include metrics and case studies that prove their work delivers real value.
4. How do I know if a copywriter understands my industry?
Ask them! A good copywriter will take the time to research your industry, competitors, and audience. They might even ask for examples of brands you admire or content you like. If they’re asking thoughtful questions, it’s a good sign they’ll “get” your business.
5. What’s the difference between a copywriter and a content writer?
Copywriters focus on persuasive writing that drives action (like buying a product or signing up for a service). Content writers, on the other hand, create informational or educational content (like blog posts or guides). Both are important, but you’ll want to hire a copywriter for sales-focused projects.
6. How long does it take to get my copy?
It depends on the project and the copywriter’s schedule. A simple email might take a few days, while a full website rewrite could take weeks. Before hiring a copywriter, make sure to agree on a timeline that works for both of you.
7. What if I don’t like the copy they write?
Most copywriters include at least one round of revisions in their process. Before hiring a copywriter, ask about their revision policy. A good copywriter will work with you to refine the copy until it’s perfect.
8. Can I hire a copywriter for just one project?
Absolutely! Many copywriters take on one-off projects like website copy, email campaigns, or sales pages. If you’re happy with their work, you can always hire them again for future projects.
9. Do I need a copywriter if I already have a marketing team?
Even if you have a marketing team, a copywriter can bring specialized skills to the table. They can help with high-stakes projects like launching a new product or rewriting your website. Think of them as a valuable addition to your team.
10. What if I can’t afford to hire a copywriter?
If hiring a copywriter isn’t in your budget, consider investing in a copywriting course to learn the skills yourself. The Complete Copywriting Course teaches you how to write persuasive, high-converting copy—saving you money in the long run!
Ready to Master Copywriting Yourself?
Hiring a copywriter can be a game-changer for your business, but what if you could write killer copy yourself? With the Complete Copywriting Course, you’ll learn how to craft persuasive, high-converting copy that drives results.
Why spend thousands on a copywriter when you can become one? Enroll today and start writing copy that sells!
Maku Seun is a direct-response marketer and copywriter. He helps brands boost sales through proven direct-response digital marketing strategies, generating over $1.2 million for his clients.