I may be biased, but I think I’ve cracked the code for how to hire a copywriter. (And don’t worry, that code isn’t simply: Hire The Literary Co.) The truth is, I’ve sat down with several savvy business owners who admit that they have no idea how to hire a copywriter—and I’m always happy to walk them through the process. After all, the best partnerships are a mutual fit, so I want to ensure that I’m the best copywriter for anyone who’s thinking about hiring me. But before you even sit down with a copywriter, there are a few key things to consider that will make the hiring process so much easier. 

What to Consider When Hiring a Copywriter

So, you want to hire a copywriter! (Yay! I’m so excited for you.) Here are some things you should consider as you set out to find the one. 

• Expertise: Most copywriters have some sort of a specialty. When you decide to hire a copywriter, you’ll want to focus your search on copywriters that do their magical, high-converting thing in your industry— or at least one that’s adjacent to it. Example: If you’re a wedding planner, you probably don’t want to hire a writer who specializes in pharmaceuticals (and vice versa!) Even more importantly, look for past examples of work the copywriter has done in your field. Which leads me to the next point …  

• Portfolio: Be sure to check out the copywriter’s portfolio. Browse through website copy, emails, social posts, and anything else you can look at to get a sample of how they write—and how they’d write for you. Do you like what you see? If so, it’s very likely worth having a discussion with this copywriter. If not, it’s time to say: thank you, next. 

• Budget: Of course, we all have a budget to keep. As you interview copywriters, make sure to ask about their rate—but if you can, keep an open mind. Price is important, but it’s not the only thing you should consider as you’re deciding who to hire. I charge a premium rate for my services because my clients have had stellar results (like, better conversions, more inquiries, more bookings, increased pricing overall, etc.). I can tell you from years of behind-the-scenes experience in the industry: You really do get what you pay for when it comes to copywriting. If you find one you fall in love with who charges slightly more than what you had in mind, just think of it this way: If you book just one customer because of the words a copywriter writes for you, you’ve already made your investment back. Your copywriting will continue to do so for years to come.

• Customer Voice Research: At the end of the day, you’re looking for a copywriter who not only speaks to you, but to your customer. Some copywriters (including all of us at The Literary Co!) conduct extensive voice of customer research before writing any copy for clients. This is how we ensure that every piece of communication we create will truly speak to the customer. See, the point has never been to have *words* on your website. The point is to say something meaningful, to the point, and driven by both your clients’ needs and the heart of your business.

What are your goals in hiring a copywriter?

Hopefully, the pointers above will help you find the writer who’s right for you. Before you hire that copywriter, let’s get crystal clear on what you’re hiring them for. 

Do you need a copywriter who can elevate your voice and your message for a website rebrand? Are you launching a new product, and you need sparkling copy to support it? Do you want to roll out an evergreen sales funnel that will welcome customers into your world—and ensure that they stay? 

Get clear about what you’re looking to do with your business, and how copy can support that vision.

Something else to keep in mind? Copy comes before design, so you’ll need to plan accordingly if you’re intending a visual rebrand, too.

How to hire a copywriter

Now that you’ve singled out the best writer for you, and identified how their copy can boost your business, let’s talk about why to hire a copywriter in the first place. Hint: It’s not just for the words! 

Copywriting leads to direct prosperity in your business—in more ways than one. 

Here are the three main things a good copywriter can do for you. I call this the three C’s! 

• More Customers: The right copy can turn browsers into buyers.  A good copywriter can lead to more conversions. 
• More Commitments: Be warned: You’re about to get busy! As your copy improves, you’ll start fielding more inquiries, putting more calls on your calendar, and booking more clients. This all leads to one thing: An increase in revenue. 
• More Clout: Good copy gives you cache. When you have the right words to capture your brand and convey your vision, people will start seeing your business in a more elevated way.

3 things you could be doing better with your copy professionally done

As if more customers, more commitments, and more clout isn’t enough, here are three more things you can be doing better if your copy is professionally done. 

• Raise Your Rates: The right copy will elevate your career by helping you draw in the right clients. You’ll be able to raise your rates and ultimately have fewer, more ideal clients. 
• Let Your Copy Speak for You: Let your copy do the heavy lifting! When you have professionally done copy, you can hold back from hustling too hard on sales calls. You don’t need to sell yourself anymore—the copy will do that for you. 
• You’ll Have Copy Ready to Send to Potential Clients: Even when you’re not in a meeting or on a call, your copy can do the talking for you! It pays to have professionally done copy that you’re proud to send out to clients (not to mention, it saves you a lot of time when you can hit send and explain everything in less than a minute, rather than hopping on a long-winded call!) 

Need proof that your whole business can change for the better when you hire not only a copywriter, but the right copywriter? Check out what my past clients have had to say about working with The Literary Co. 

“I have a whole new sense of what really makes me unique in my industry! Kayla’s process was simple and seamless, and I always felt heard and understood. She took all of my long-winded ramblings and turned it into something streamlined, straightforward, and truly beautiful. The messaging and copy is still serving me SO well!! That rebrand was g’damn game changer. I still reference the messaging guide all the time!” – Carly Teigler, Schematic Design Co.

“Kayla created copy for my brand and website that feels effortlessly me. She has provided me with way more than just producing the copy for the website, she has given me a brand clarity and a dictionary that guides every piece of copy I create. The experience was seamless and fuss free! Kayla has developed my confidence and ease in writing for my brand. I feel so much more at home with what I want to say. Honestly it’s been such a key moment in my business’s growth.” – Freya Rose Tanner

“Since launching my new copy, I have had an influx of wedding inquiries! I really loved the client interviews that Kayla did! It was nice to see what my clients thought about me and read through their feedback, but also see it incorporated that into my copy on my website! I also really loved the brand messaging guide – it provided so much clarity on my business!” – Lindsay Long, Lindsay Elaine Photography

Of course, you can read all about how to hire a copywriter and test out my proven methods for finding a writer that’s right for you. But the very best way to hire a copywriter is to talk to one.

If you’re interested in building up prosperity in your business thanks to your copywriting, let’s chat! Take one step in your quest for a copywriter by booking a call with me—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.