Frequently asked questions about copywriting
Read on for just some of the questions about copywriting I’ve heard over the years… Perhaps they’re the same as yours. If not, get in touch.
What is copywriting?
According to HubSpot, copywriting “consists of the words, either written or spoken, marketers use to try to get people to take an action after reading or hearing them.” It is quite simply the art of using words to drive people to do something, whether that is to sign up to a newsletter, phone your sales team or click on that Buy button. Copywriting is all about converting people’s perspective, shaping how they see and value an organisation. But there’s even more to copywriting than that. It is also often about telling a story and defining a brand tone of voice that defines a company more memorably in its marketplace.
How can you support my organisation?
If you’re looking for unique, carefully crafted content that gives your business an authentic, industry-relevant voice, you’re in the right place. I don’t do generic and I don’t do one-size-fits-all. As a highly experienced freelance copywriter is create unique content for blogs, websites, industry magazines, brochures, flyers, reports, advertising and anything else that involves words. Why not get in touch to see what I can do for you?
How do I know if I need a freelance copywriter?
The right copywriter could help you in many ways. For example, you may have a shiny new website (looking good!), but you just don’t have the time to complete the content. Or you might need some regular copywriting support to make sure your business is better-known. It all depends on what’s going on with your business and where you want to get it to.
Here are some other signs that hiring the right copywriter could be a great move for you…
- A general dissatisfaction with your marketing content or a sneaking suspicion that your content could be better
- The newsletter or blog project which has been sitting on the backburner for far too long
- A sense of frustration with the way your website content sounds
- Perhaps you’ve been working with a copywriter for a while but you’re not achieving the response – or the results – you want from your content.
These are all signs that it’s time to try working with the right freelance copywriter.
Can’t I just use ChatGPT or some other AI solution to create content?
There’s little doubt that ChatGPT and the like may potentially provide some marketing value. AI can provide a useful starting point for organisations in terms of creating article structures and bringing together key points. But beware: AI is no copywriting silver bullet and could create more problems than it solves. Content created by AI rather than a copywriter is bland and generic, and unable to provide a clear messaging hierarchy. While ChatGPT has a place in marketing, it can’t replace original thinking and it can’t strategically develop and maintain a company’s tone of voice as a copywriter can. There’s no doubt that AI will keep evolving so I’ll be writing more about this in due course on my blog.
Where are you located?
Based in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands, Green Light Copywriting provides copywriting services to organisations around the UK and further afield. That means you can access expert, flexible support with content creation from wherever you are. Learn more.
How much background information do you need from me?
It’s all about the brief! Because great copywriting results rely on the quality of the initial information provided. But don’t worry. Making sure that I get all the context I need for your content is a critical part of my process, as outlined in my answer to the next question. I’ll ask plenty of questions and provide lots of opportunities for you to share the key info with me, in a way that suits you and your organisation.
How does the copywriting process work?
Having worked as a copywriter for more than 20 years, I’ve carefully honed my approach, both to creating content and to working with businesses.
In my experience, a direct, personal approach makes for the best copywriting results. That’s why I take time to get to know how you work and what you want to achieve. Unlike other content people out there, I don’t believe that one-size-fits-all. Every business is different. Your business is unique – shouldn’t your content be too? I don’t just rush into the writing stage. I spend time asking questions about your business and your goals for your marketing content.
I’ve been doing this copywriting thing for a long time. So I understand the realities of business. I appreciate that you don’t always have the luxury of spare time or the capacity for in-depth meetings to run through copywriting questions. Don’t worry, I’ve helped many, many companies under pressure to develop their marketing content. So I have a process to work around short timescales too. Whichever way we do it, a clear briefing process ensures that you get the content you want. I’ll complete your copywriting project according to a clear schedule agreed between us. I understand how important it is to deliver what I promised when I promised it.
Once I’ve created your draft content, I’ll work with you to make any required amendments and ensure that the copywriting process is completed with content which works for you. And that you’re happy with the result.
Why should I work with you?
I’ve been working as a copywriter for more than 20 years. That’s a big chunk of my life spent planning, writing and delivering marketing content to each client’s specification and schedule. I have created marketing content for everyone from a leading energy company to an award-winning author.
So far so good, but you need to be sure that you’re entrusting the important job of copywriting for your business to someone who cares about putting what you do into words as much as you do. I get it. Here are some more reasons, plus a few words from some lovely people. They might help you decide whether you and I would work well together.
What is your pricing model for copywriting services?
Every business is different. That’s why I quote on a project-by-project basis for copywriting services. Before we get into costs for your content, I’ll make sure I fully understand your project requirements, any specific issues and your timescales. Then I’ll provide you with a cost for the work. That way I make sure that you achieve the best possible value and the results you need. Want to chat pricing? Let me know.
Is it necessary for a copywriter to have in-depth knowledge of my industry?
A good copywriter should have the skills and experience to be able to quickly gain a good understanding of your organisation and its industry. However, while it is important to be able to understand the key issues and the core messaging, in-depth industry knowledge isn’t always required. Actually, having a fresh perspective on your particular sector can be very valuable. In general, the level of knowledge needed by a freelance copywriter will depend on the nature of your content. Having said that, being a copywriter with a two decade-long track record means I have extensive experience within many sectors. Too many to mention here! What’s really important is that your chosen copywriter understands what you want to achieve from your content and what is required to make that happen.
What makes you different?
From what has been said to me by clients over the years, what makes me different is that I create truly unique content which bridges the gap between where an organisation is and where it wants to be. I’m obsessed with unearthing that unique tone of voice and message which tells the world what’s special about you. With drawing out the message that you want to communicate – not simply creating nicely constructed sentences or a chatty tone of voice. And that, I think, is what makes me different. At least, that’s what my clients tell me.
Looking for unique content precisely aimed at bringing your business to life in words? Let’s talk!
