How To Choose a Copywriter: Read This Before You Hire a Copywriter
Hiring a copywriter is one of the best business decisions you can make. A copywriter helps you refine your messaging, increase conversions, and get valuable time back. But finding the right copywriter means more than doing a quick Google search. You need a plan and clear goals.
Maybe you’re wondering how to choose a copywriter for a one-time project. Or, you’re looking to bring one on your team to deliver copywriting services consistently. Either way, you’re in the right place!
I wrote this guide to help you navigate the hiring process and avoid common pitfalls. You’ll also know if you’re ready to invest in professional copywriting. The right fit copywriter makes sure you get compelling, strategic messaging that drives engagement and sales for the long term. Working with a copywriter should feel like a big win for you and your business!
What makes a great copywriter
Experience and industry knowledge
A skilled copywriter understands how to write copy that converts, even if they haven’t worked in your industry before.
Copywriting techniques, like message clarity and a mindful approach to persuasion, apply across the board.
But how do you find the right copywriter?
Instead of focusing just on niche experience, look for someone who has a:
strong process,
storytelling ability,
research mindset, and
strategic-approach.
Start your search by asking business friends for recommendations. Be specific about what you’re looking for and your goals.
You can also search Google and LinkedIn. Or ask a copy coach (they know great copywriters! 😉). Once you have a shortlist, check their portfolio, read testimonials, and book an intro call to meet and talk about your project.
Process and strategy
Great copywriters don’t just write. They research, plan, and make sure your message aligns with your marketing goals.
They ask questions about your brand, target audience, and competitors so they can write copy that actually moves your marketing and business forward.
And this 👆 is what makes a great copywriter!
Portfolio and results
The copywriter you choose should have a portfolio that showcases past projects and testimonials. This gives you insight into their style, experience, and the results they’ve helped clients achieve.
Want to see my work in action? Download my portfolio below to see real examples of strategic, high-converting copy I’ve written for clients.
If a copywriter is just starting out and doesn’t have a portfolio yet, a paid sample project is a great way to see their style and fit for your brand.
Understanding your brand voice
Your brand voice is what makes your business different from your competitors.
Your copywriter should be able to adapt their writing style to match your tone — whether it’s friendly and casual or polished and professional. They’ll take the time to understand your brand while making sure your copy sounds like you and knows your audience.
What to look for in a professional copywriter
An investment in quality copy
Skilled copywriters put time and effort into research, strategy, and messaging.
If a price feels surprisingly low, it could mean they don’t have the bandwidth to offer the deep level of strategy and collaboration that great copy requires.
Great copy — that works hard for you! — takes time, technique, and creativity.
A clear process and expectations
A great copywriter (and collaborator!) outlines everything upfront, like deliverables, timelines, and revisions. There should be no surprises along the way!
If a contract or process feels unclear, have a conversation about that to make sure both sides align before starting the project. You set the stage for a smooth and successful project when you have clarity from the start.
A strategy-first approach
Strong copy doesn’t just sound good — it actually works to bring you aligned clients.
A professional copywriter knows that getting details about your brand, target audience, and competitors is key before writing a single word. They take the time to make sure your message and brand align, so that your copy speaks to your ideal clients and delivers the results you want.
Open communication and transparency
A professional copywriter values collaboration and keeps you updated at every stage. Whether through regular check-ins, shared project trackers, or quick calls, they’ll make sure you always know what’s happening.
For example, I send my clients weekly project updates every Thursday. They know what’s been completed this week, what’s coming up next week, and anything I need from them to move their project forward.
I also include a custom copywriting project tracker, so they have all the latest links, action items, and due dates on hand. The last thing I want is for my clients to waste time searching for their copy deck, marketing materials, or something else.
Clients have told me how much they appreciate these weekly updates because they know the project status without having to dig through their inbox for pieces of information. Good communication saves everyone time!
Professional copywriting services: How to know if you’re ready to hire a copywriter
You have clear goals
Before hiring a copywriter, you need to be super clear on what you want and why.
Is it website copy, a sales page, an email sequence, or blog content?
Is your goal to promote a new offer with a launch email sequence — or to nurture long-term visibility and engagement with evergreen blog content?
The clearer your goal, the better the outcome.
Your budget aligns with your expectations
High-quality copy is an investment and one that should pay for itself many times over.
Consider your return on investment (ROI) because strong copy helps convert visitors into loyal clients on repeat, making it well worth the initial cost.
You have some clarity on your brand voice
You don’t need a perfect brand guide. But, having a general idea of your messaging and style helps your copywriter create content that feels authentic to you.
For example, is your tone friendly and approachable or more technical and to the point?
You’re ready to collaborate
Copywriters aren’t mind readers… I wish! It would make projects sooo much easier! 😆
We work best when clients share specific insights into their brand, target audience, and goals.
The more details you share, the better your final copy will be!
Every project I work on starts with a detailed copywriting brief where I ask questions about your brand personality, tone of voice, target market, and more on all the juicy details. This helps me get to know you and what your business is all about.
Next, we have a 60-minute briefing call, during which I ask clarifying questions that give me even more juicy details so that I can write copy that works for you!
Questions to ask before choosing your copywriter
What’s your process like?
Understanding how a copywriter works — from research to revisions — helps determine if they’re a good fit.
I share my process on my service pages so that prospective clients know right away what it’s like to work with me.
Can you share samples or testimonials?
Reviewing past projects and client feedback gives you confidence in their ability to write good copy for you, too.
How do you handle revisions?
Clarify how many rounds of edits there are and what an out-of-scope request is. It's helpful to know what happens if you need out-of-scope work (which is typically extra).
Knowing this right off the bat helps you avoid unexpected costs and delays.
What’s the timeline for deliverables?
If you have a specific deadline, make sure your copywriter can meet that.
If you need copy like yesterday, they’ll likely charge a rush fee.
Do you offer strategy or writing only?
Some copywriters include conversion strategy, SEO research, or brand messaging insights.
If you need more than the copy, make sure to ask about their approach and process.
Next steps: Finding the right copywriter for you
If you’re ready to grow your business intentionally, the right copywriter makes all the difference.
How to choose a copywriter: Here’s what to do next…
Research and shortlist potential copywriters based on experience, testimonials, and portfolio.
Book an intro call to discuss your needs and see if their approach aligns with your vision.
Clarify pricing, deliverables, and timelines before signing a contract to make sure it’s a smooth, stress-free process.
And if you’re ready to work with a copywriter now, let’s make this easy for you! I help online brands get copy that attracts and engages their ideal audience — without needing to spend hours a day on social media.
Sound like you? I’d love to chat!
Book a free, no-obligation, 30-minute intro call with me, and we’ll chat about your goals and how I can support you.
“If you want someone who will create copy that’s authentic to your brand, connective to your niche, and SEO-driven, so you can grow... no one will take better care of your business than Stéphanie!”
Is it time to hire a copywriter?
By knowing what to look for and asking the right questions, you set yourself up for an awesome experience that keeps paying off! The right words can transform your brand, attract your dream clients, and boost conversions — while you focus on the bigger picture stuff.
Imagine having messaging that speaks directly to your ideal audience and turns website visitors into loyal clients (and you won’t even have to post on social media every day!).
If you’re still unsure about hiring a copywriter, check out my blog post, Myths Debunked: Hiring a Copywriter for Business Growth. In this post, I separate fact from fiction to help you make an informed and confident decision about hiring a copywriter!
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