How to choose a professional

copywriter

You already know that professional copywriting is worth its weight in gold. You know that a good copywriter can help both to drive traffic to your website, and to keep it there once it arrives.

What you don't know is how to find that copywriter.

Don't worry, you're not alone. The problem with copywriting is that, unlike, say, soda or bathroom cleaner, it's not something you buy every week, or even every month. And unlike the products and services you're familiar with, it can be difficult to know what to look for - or to spot a good thing once you've found it.

Luckily, as with most things in life, finding a copywriter is easy once you know how. And this article is here to show you how.

What to look for in a copywriting service

If you're like most people, the first place you'll turn to in your search for a professional copywriter is a search engine like Google. Wise move. Your copywriter's website is probably the biggest clue of all as to just what kind of service you can expect. Here's what to look for:

1.Client testimonials

Any good copywriter will know that testimonials are one of the most powerful sales tools you can use to create copy that converts site visitors into buyers. (If they don't know this, then they're not a good copywriter. Hit that "back" button fast...). You'd expect your copywriter to use testimonials on their own site too, then, wouldn't you? Look for a link that states "testimonials" or "customer comments" or similar. If it's not there, ask yourself why...

2.A portfolio

No decent copywriter will expect you to commission them for a project without seeing some examples of their work. A copywriter's portfolio is his or her calling card: without it, they're going nowhere. Spend some time looking at the portfolio on your copywriter's website. How does the copy read? It should be crisp, clear, and easy to understand. It should also prompt you to take some kind of action once you've read it, whether that action be making a purchase, joining a mailing list, or simply reading on. If the copywriter's portfolio doesn't persuade you they're worth using, nothing will.

3.Client list / resume

There are no particular qualifications a copywriter needs to begin practicing. Some copywriters have English or journalism degrees, others are completely self-taught, having learnt their craft from the ground up. Instead of asking your copywriter about their qualifications, then, ask about their experience. Who have they worked for in the past? What have they done for those other clients? The answers to these questions should tell you all you need to know about how well-equipped the copywriter is to work on your project.

4.Fees

Some copywriters state their fees up front, others prefer to give quotes only on enquiry. No matter how your copywriter prefers to reveal their rates, though, make sure you have something to compare them to. Shop around. You wouldn't buy the first house or car you laid eyes on, and neither should you settle for the first copywriter you find either. Once you have some quotes to look at, however, don't make the mistake of assuming that the lowest quote must be the best value. Make sure you're comparing like with like. Beware of "article mills": companies who sell articles for just a few dollars per time. These companies tend to employ amateur writers, many of whom don't even have a good grasp of English. Remember, you get what you pay for, and if a quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The going rate for website copywriting is around £30 GBP / $60 per hour. If you're being quotes significantly less than this, ask yourself - or your copywriter - why.

Website Copywriter Tips:

Web Copy 101

You already know how to create great web copy. Just remember your childhood nursery rhymes. As silly as it sounds, "3 Blind Mice" will show you the way.

For some reason, "3 Blind Mice" paid me a visit. As I heard the 100th replay, it hit me - this would make great web copy. As a matter of fact, this simple little ditty contains 10 elements of Web Copy 101. In case you’ve forgotten, here’s how it goes.

"3 Blind Mice; 3 Blind Mice.
See how they run; see how they run.
They all ran up to the farmer’s wife;
She cut off their tails with a carving knife
Have you ever seen such a sight in your life
As 3 Blind Mice?...

Let’s see how this children’s nursery rhyme is a model of Web Copy 101.

Web Copy 101 #1, 2, 3 "3 Blind Mice" (title or heading)

1) Try singing "A trio of visually impaired rodents." Catchy? Formal writing doesn’t sell. Write the way people speak and you will be heard. The title does something else for this song.

2) If you had to choose between songs entitled "Cows," "Ducks," or "3 Blind Mice," which one would you choose? The title in all web copy has to grab the attention the reader. There’s more.

3) This alluring title makes the content clear right away. How many times do you stumble on a website only to find you’re not sure what they are selling or how it relates to you? Be sure your web copy uses the title or headline to set the table for the visitor.

Web Copy 101 #4 "3 Blind Mice, 3 Blind Mice" (first line)

4) This song is going to be about little rodents, not geese. Does the first line of your web copy highlight what you offer, or at least whom your site is for? Good web copy is not mystery writing. Instead it says, "We’re here to sell you something and here’s why you need it today."

Web Copy 101 #5, 6 " See how they run, See how they run"

5) Repetition is the key to any message track and a staple of effective web copy. From a psychological point of view it lets your message become familiar and safe. From a search engine point of view repetition builds your keyword density and raises your search results. From a net reader perspective repetition in your web copy reinforces your message for the superficial reader who is scanning your site quickly. Repetition works on many levels. Let me say that again - repetition works on many levels.

6) The invitation to watch how the mice run around is also a clever way to involve the readers by getting them to do something. Does your site invite some kind of reader activity in the body of the web copy?

Web Copy 101 #7 - They all ran up to the farmer’s wife; she cut off their tails with a carving knife

7) A good way to stitch your ideas together and build more active involvement in your copy is to use pronouns (they, she). By forcing the readers to build connections between previous and current information pronouns keep your site visitors more engaged.

Web Copy 101 #8 - Have you ever seen such a sight in your life?

8) Do you know the best way to keep someone interested in what you are writing? What is 3 times 3? If you thought "nine" you proved my point. If you thought "eight" try night school. If you thought anything at all, you demonstrated the power of questions to generate reader participation. Everybody loves and needs to answer questions. Does your web copy provide thought provoking questions that get your reader thinking and involved?

Web Copy 101 #9, 10 - As 3 Blind Mice

9) Brilliant web copy. More repetition. Plus, the story ends where it started. One of the advantages of writing with search engines in mind is that keyword focus helps you stay on topic. The glancing reader needs this controlling idea to get the essence of why they need what you have, now. Is your site's central idea consistently expressed all the way through your web copy?

10) True, the song is written for children, but notice the use of short, crisp sentences to tell the tale. How are you telling your tale? You want your web copy to be clear, smart and direct.

I hope they get stuck in your head - the 10 lessons that is, not the lyrics. By the way, no animals were hurt during the writing of the article about web copy 101.