How Do You Work with a Copywriter?

Learn how the copywriting process works so you’re informed from the start.

If you’re looking for a copywriter to help you with a project, you’re in the right place! I’m a copywriter, so I know a thing or two about how it all works.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of working with a copywriter from start to finish. Now, let’s assume your copywriter is a total pro who doesn’t possess any copywriter red flags.

How to Work Well with a Copywriter

I wanted to create this post because I often come across clients who don’t know what to expect when hiring a copywriter. They often ask me to describe the process, and I’m here to do exactly that!

Now, every copywriter may not operate exactly as I do. However, if your copywriter really veers off track, they may not know what they’re doing...

Step #1 Search for the Best Copywriter

This is where you’ll have to do most of the work. Once you find your perfect copywriter, you can pretty much just sit back and see what they come up with!

However, you’ll want to shop around for different copywriters. Search the Internet or try sites like Upwork. Once you start searching, take a look at each copywriter’s portfolio and get their contact information.

Step #2 Discuss Project Scope and Deadlines

Start contacting a shortlist of copywriters. All you have to do is say that you’re looking for someone to write a landing page, email, etc. Or, you can also ask for help with a larger campaign. 

If you’re not totally sure what you need, it may be best to get on a discovery call. There, you can see if your needs will be met by a copywriter – and if this copywriter is the right one. Discovery calls are pretty standard in the industry, and it’s a great place to address mutual benefits. 

An experienced copywriter should ask you the questions they need to move onto the next step. They’ll want to talk about project scope and deadlines. From there, they’ll generate a quote for you. 

Step #3 Agree and Confirm Pricing

Once you see the pricing and want to move forward, some copywriters will ask for money upfront. It’s not really my style, but to each their own. I tend to ask for payment after completion of the project, or at least, after completion of a few mini projects. 

However, you both want to know the exact scope and the exact pricing before moving forward. From here, sign contracts, NDAs, confirmations, etc. – whatever paperwork needs to get done.

Step #4 Kick Off the Project

It’s time to get started! And luckily, the workload is dwindling for you. During this phase of the project, your copywriter should start learning everything about your brand, your goals and the specifics of the project. 

This investigation may be in the form of a kickoff call. During the call, the copywriter asks you a bunch of questions. Basically, it’s whatever they need to write the best copy for you. You may also get a questionnaire. This questionnaire may be used instead of a kickoff call, but every copywriter is different. 

Step #5 Wait for the First Draft

After the kickoff, all you have to do is wait for the copywriter to deliver the copy. Deadlines for this should have been discussed upfront or during kickoff. 

They are diligently researching, writing and editing ahead of sending it to you. Once it’s ready, they should send you a crisp and clean “copy doc” (usually a Word doc). 

This first draft should be anything but rough. It should be error-free, clean and easy to follow. They will often use prompts in a copy doc to tell you what copy is a headline versus subhead versus body copy versus a CTA.   

Step #6 Give Feedback

If the copy is everything you wanted it to be, and more, the writing part is finished! Move on to the next step. 

Now, don’t panic if you look at the copy doc and you don’t like what you see. If they did a thorough kickoff questionnaire and completely understood the scope, the writing can be saved.

This is when you go back and forth with revisions. You look at the copy, leave comments and send it back to the copywriter. Many clients like to comment directly in the doc and will highlight lines they want changed. If there are more extensive revisions, a feedback call may be in order. 

Although a copywriter will ultimately want to make you happy, keep in mind that they are writing for the target audience. They are writing in a way that will resonate with the target audience. They are writing in a way that will get the target audience to take action. 

Step #7 Close the Project and Pay

Once you go back and forth with revisions, and you’re completely satisfied, it’s time to close the project! The copywriter will send you the final document and the invoice. You may have a partial remaining balance or you may have to pay in full.

From there, the copy is yours to keep! Go ahead and use it and see how it performs. If you notice that you want to make minor changes after project completion, it’s your property to do so. 

However, keep in mind that if you make major changes to the copy after the project is over, the copywriter can’t guarantee that it will be equally as effective. So, think twice before revising a subject line or rewording a headline! 

In Summary

As a client, it’s not your job to understand the copywriting process, but I hope this post gives you a better idea about what it’s like to work with a copywriter. I’ve been a copywriter for years, so this is how I like to move through projects with my clients. 

Feel free to contact me with questions about your projects!