Are you a small business owner on a tight budget, looking for professional copywriting? This guest article by Denise McGill outlines a few things to consider. Following her advice, you may be able to enlist the help of a talented copywriter for less than you might think. There’s a lot to be said for making your copywriter’s life easier! Thanks for the article, Denise!
Tips for Business Owners to Get the Most for their Copywriting Dollar
By Denise McGill
Is the present economy stretching your budget to the limit? As a business owner, you may find yourself putting projects on hold because financial resources are limited. Projects such as writing a sales promotion to generate new leads or updating web content often get placed on the back burner…when now is the time to promote your business. Engaging, sales-generating copy gets your company noticed and increases sales.
According to the Census Bureau and Small Business Administration, well over half of private (non-farm) industry is made up of small businesses. Forget Fortune 500 companies…small business owners have a lot to offer!
To get the most for your copywriting dollar, here are some suggestions to develop a working relationship with a copywriter on your budget.
1. Know what you would like to achieve and be upfront about your budget. Vague ideas or too many ideas dilute the process (and end up costing you money as the copywriter spends valuable time trying to pin down the main idea). Give specifics to the copywriter. Are you looking to rewrite and freshen your web copy, create a flyer to generate sales leads or write a press release to announce an exciting new product?
2. Provide the copywriter with company material that will make their job easier. Things like company profile, previous sales letters and brochures provide insight into your company. Also, let the writer know who your target audience is. Do you primarily sell to upscale retirees or outdoor enthusiasts?
3. Do some of the work yourself. You want the copywriter to spend his time writing. After all, that is what you are paying them for. Business owners can help cut their copywriting costs in areas such as research, providing spec sheets for product descriptions, gathering their own testimonials, etc.
4. Get it in writing. Put the agreed upon fee and details of the copywriting project in writing – even if it is a simple email. This avoids misunderstandings and complications half way through the project. (For example: Write one press release and one 2-page sales letter, create 50 product descriptions, write one 4-page newsletter, etc for $XXX)
To gain exposure or generate more sales for your business, seek a writer that is willing to work with you and grow with your business. Provide them with the necessary materials and project specifics to succeed. Rewrites due to miscommunication is costly for both parties.