Eh…what?
“I’ve seen it all now; why is a professional copywriter telling me to write my own content?!”
Well, I pride myself on my honesty and I won’t let you spend your money if…
You’re Already Doing a Great Job
Have a penchant for words - and putting them together in an entertaining and informative way?
Is your website already gaining enough traction? Or perhaps your social media posts never fail to take off, regardless of the fact you haven’t used the services of a freelance copywriter.
Lovely jubbly, if either of the above applies to you.
In your case, a copywriter can help if you’re short of time, or if you find that you’re no longer enjoying writing your own stuff. We all have days where we struggle to string a sentence together, never mind a 500-word blog post.
Hey, I know this looks like I’m saying a copywriter’s value might only be in helping you free up some time - and that’s because I am. As the old saying goes, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”.
True, a copywriter may help you claw back some hours in your day - and that’s ace, isn’t it?! More time to do the things you want to do in your business.
A copywriter can also provide a unique perspective on your marketing efforts or your target market. They may be able to simply freshen up your current content, when needed. That blog post you’ve been meaning to repurpose. Or that social media status that could well become a longform article.
Everyone can benefit from an extra pair of eyes on their copy (or someone else’s ideas) sometimes - even copywriters. So, we’re here when you need us.
You Don’t Have the Budget
Don’t have the dosh just yet to use a freelance copywriter? Don’t hire a copywriter just because you see fellow business owners using one.
If you really feel that the difference between your brand doing well and not so well is a professional copywriter, consider it. If you’re doing well enough as you are and your budget won’t stretch to a copywriter, there are plenty of resources out there that could help you write your own content in the interim.
Alternatively, many freelance copywriters (including me) offer a payment plan for those who need or want to spread the cost. You might also find that a retainer-based copywriting service (whereby you sign up for a set amount of work or hours per month) is the route for you. This often means that the rate you pay works out cheaper in the long-run; reliable, regular work for your freelance copywriter = a cost saving for you.
Or just wait until you have the dosh. Sure, good copy is nice to have, but it isn’t a matter of life or death.
Something Else Demands Your Attention
Is your website in need of some TLC? Or perhaps you need to invest in a new email marketing service this month.
If something else demands your attention in your business before employing a freelance copywriter, you should prioritise that.
One thing at a time, and all that.
You Have Bags of Time
Fledgling business? Or perhaps you have plenty of free time to write your own content - and use all the resources available to you to make sure it hits the right mark. It might not be as good as the copy a professional can put together, but it may well be ‘good enough’ - and that will do for now.
You Have Trust Issues
Control freak? Hey, I don’t blame you. I’d probably be reluctant to let someone new loose on my website.
You might prefer to have autonomy over your web copy - it’s your business after all.
Have you considered a content audit copywriting service, in that case? This involves you writing the copy and a professional copywriter (i.e. me! “coo-ee!”) taking a look at it, making some minor edits, where needed, and offering some suggestions for improvement. You can then go away and make the edits at your leisure. Guess what? It’s a fair bit cheaper than it is to have your website written from scratch too.
If you’d like to explore how working with a copywriter will benefit you, say hello - if not, keep on keeping on (doing exactly what you’re doing!).
Have you considered writing your own content? Or perhaps you have already and it’s live on your site. Let me know how you found the process by commenting on this blog post (below).
Until next time…