How to Hire a Good Copywriter

1. Know What You Want

One common mistake is to hire a copywriter who claims they can write about anything. Great copywriters specialize in specific areas, so it’s important to identify the services you require before starting your search. Make a list of priorities and highlight the types of content you want them to work on, narrowing down your options.

2. Choose the Right Level of Skill

Not all copywriting projects require top-tier professionals. If you need a copywriter for hire for a one-time project, consider hiring a freelance copywriter. A freelance copywriter for hire offers the advantage of allowing you to handpick the specific person you want to work with. However, for ongoing projects, you have two options: hiring a full-time copywriter who will become familiar with your brand’s identity (but might be more expensive), or bringing someone on staff with a monthly stipend.

3. Avoid Asking for Analytics

Remember that copywriters are writers, not data analysts. Avoid asking them about A/B testing results or conversion rates. Keep in mind that copywriters may not have specific data to support their claims about their work. Instead, the next point will help you assess their proficiency.

4. Don’t Fall for SEO Experts

It’s better to hire a seasoned copywriter with solid SEO knowledge than to choose a self-proclaimed SEO writer. What you need is a talented copywriter who can produce excellent content without solely focusing on keywords. If you want to incorporate keywords into your articles, simply instruct your writer to include them.

5. Review Previous Work

It’s always a good idea to review a copywriter’s previous work. Ask them to show examples of projects they have completed for other clients. Pay attention to their contributions and how they enhanced the brands they worked for. While statistical data may not be available, this exercise can provide you with convincing information about their abilities.

6. Carry Out Two Tests

To assess a copywriter’s skills and compatibility, conduct two tests. The first test should resemble the type of work they will be doing for your organization. Tailor the test to the specific area you want them to handle. For example, if you need help with email campaigns, provide them with a task to write compelling copy for a homepage banner. This will give you a better understanding of their expertise.

The second test aims to determine if the copywriter is a collaborator and editor. Review their completed work and provide feedback. Ask them to revise and improve according to your suggestions. This exercise will reveal how responsive they are to constructive feedback.

7. Conduct Interviews

Copywriters come in different flavors, each with their own strengths and interests. Some excel in storytelling, while others are skilled at writing scripts for videos. During interviews, use an interview cheat sheet with exciting questions that allow copywriters to express themselves fully. Ask about their experiences with challenging headlines or stories that were not well-received by the organizations they worked for. These questions will help you gauge their passion and performance under constraints.