Thinking of Hiring a Professional Web Copywriter? Here Are Some Questions to Ask

Are you thinking of hiring a professional web copywriter? If so, congratulations! A good copywriter can generate more website traffic and more conversions while making life a lot easier. Before hiring a professional web copywriter, here are some questions to ask.

1.    Are you a writer or a copywriter?

Writer is a broad term. It encompasses journalism, poetry and bodice-ripping fiction (and maybe even bodice-ripping non-fiction). If you’re looking for copy to market your business, then you need a copywriter.

 2.    Do you specialize in communications or marketing communications?

Again, communications is a broad field. It covers not only marketing communications, but internal company communications too – like employee newsletters and memos. Marketing communications is more specifically focused on sales, marketing, and promotional copy. If you need content for your company website, landing page, client newsletter or business blog, you need someone who understands marketing communications.

3.    Have you written search engine optimized content?

If you’re going to create a new website or revamp an existing one, it makes sense to optimize your content for search engines. SEO content will help your site rank better with Google and other search engines – so when people search keywords relevant to your business, your company ranks highly in the results.

4.    Have you written online content?

There’s a world of difference between writing for print and writing for the web. People don’t read on the web, they scan. And no one (or almost no one) “surfs” the web just for the heck of it. People are looking for specific information. Consequently, good web writing differs from most print writing. Sentences and paragraphs need to be short because solid blocks of text put readers to sleep. Bullet points and “chunking” help readers quickly find what they are looking for. A good hook is also important, as it takes only a few seconds and a single click for your audience to go elsewhere.

5.    What other types of service do you provide? Editing? Proofreading?

Some writers only write. If you want someone to help with writing, editing, and proofreading, you’ll want a copywriter who’s able to handle the job from start to finish.

At Copperplate Communications, our focus is online marketing communications. We provide writing, editing and proofreading services – and we can even research your topic and schedule your posts into WordPress. To learn more, contact us.