Every copywriter, client, and copy project is different, but, by and large, the overall process of the projects should stay the same.
And while it’s very likely that your copywriter will explain the process and guide you through it, it certainly won’t hurt to already have an idea of what it will look like going into it!
So, with that, here’s a quick overview of the copywriting project process:
Discovery Call
This is the first call you’ll have with a copywriter, before you hire them. This is the time for you and the copywriter to discuss potential projects, discuss timeliness, discuss your wants and needs, and for your and the copywriter to evaluate whether the two of you might be a good fit. By and large, the copywriter should lead this conversation by asking you plenty of questions, as well as giving you the information you need to know.
Proposal
Your copywriter won’t give you a price for the work on the call—they’ll need to review their notes and review their schedule and workload first. But, they’ll send through their proposal to you within 24 hours at the most. Within this proposal, you’ll find the details of the project(s) you two discussed, the cost of the project(s) and when you can expect the first round of copy. NOTE: this deliverable date can change if you take several days to respond to the proposal and/or if you add in a copy test. (See below).
Copy Test (Optional)
If you’re talking to multiple copywriters—or even if you’re just not sure about the copywriter you’re interested in hiring—it’s completely reasonable to ask the to take a copy test. A copy test is a small copy project that will give you a sense of how they write, as well as how they understand your business and interpret your brand voice. Since copy tests are short and can be very illuminating, it’s worth at least considering paying a small fee for their time to take the test. (Want more tips about how to run a copy test? Get our free guide here.)
Kickoff/Input Call
When you’ve decided on your copywriter and agreed to the proposal, the next step will be to have an input call: a call to kick-off the project in which your copywriter will ask you anything and everything they need to know to produce the best possible work. Likely, your copywriter will schedule an hour call with you and will, again, lead the call by asking plenty of questions. A good copywriter will ask you questions about your business, brand, audience, and strategy that you may never have thought to ask yourself. A good way to prepare for this meeting is to gather any previous materials and projects that you’ve liked and that have performed well, as well as anything that you didn’t like or that didn’t perform well. Talking through these pieces can help give your copywriter additional insight and can help them hit the ground running with your brand voice.
Check-ins
If your copywriting project is a longer/larger one–say, longer than a month or so—you can expect periodic check-ins from your copywriter to keep you abreast of progress. They will always hit the deadline you two agreed upon, but many clients just feel more comfortable hearing from their copywriter to know that things are on track versus not hearing a thing until the deadline. If your project is a shorter one—perhaps a week or two weeks until the deadline—you may not get the same status calls (unless you request them, which is perfectly reasonable). And, of course, if your copywriter has questions, they’ll reach out at any point in the process.
Creative Review
When the first round of your copy is done, it’s time to review it. However, this shouldn’t just be a task that’s all on your; your copywriter should be taking this opportunity to walk you through the work and explain choices that were made. Most copywriters will prefer to do this via a live call if this is your first project together. (Future projects may come with a Loom video explaining a few things and giving you time to review the copy on your own schedule.) This is a good time to review the goal of the project and use that to help evaluate and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Feedback
First of all, you should never feel pressured to give all of your feedback during the creative review. It’s natural that you’ll want to spend some time thinking about it. As long as you provide your feedback in a timely manner (within a few days), you shouldn’t impact the timing of the project. Remember that feedback is a completely natural and expected portion of the process—your copywriter will put their best foot forward but they also can’t read your mind. If you’re not quite sure how best to give feedback, check out this post right here.
Rounds of Changes
If your copywriter was thorough in asking you questions in your input call and you’ve been clear in your goals and thorough in the information and feedback you’ve given, you can expect up to two rounds of feedback before the project is done. (More than that tends to indicate a breakdown in the process somewhere! Often, either the copywriter didn’t get enough clarity in the input call OR the business owner has changed their mind or forgotten to pass along key information.) As with the first round of feedback, be sure to be specific, timely, and explain your thinking (the “why”) behind your request.
Complete Satisfaction (and Payment)
The goal of any copywriter worth their salt is your complete and total delight with the project and they’ll work hard to get you there. When you’re happy with the project, you can let your copywriter know that it’s finished and that they can send along their invoice. And, of course, be sure to pay your copywriter in a timely manner; they’ve provided the work and now it’s your responsibility to compensate them for it.
On to the Next Project!
One of the exciting things about business is that there are always new projects to launch and new initiatives to try. Assuming you’re happy with your copywriter, now’s the time to sit down and discuss which project you’d like to tackle next. In fact, you can feel free to bring all of your plans to the table. A good copywriter will be a marketing partner who can help you strategize and prioritize any and all marketing plans you have.
Hiring a copywriter is so much easier when you know the right steps to take!