Yes, that’s all about the difficult relations between the freelance writer and the client. Can they live in harmony? Actually does happy and long-term collaboration really exist?
The fact is that both parties may expect different things from their partnership. What does the client want? – To get the best quality at the lowest price, that’s all. As for the writers, the reasons they look for an engagement vary greatly.
Some of them ghost-write without any self promotion just to earn quick cash, others think long-term and aspire to build their reputation in the Web community to attract more readers to their blog/site, but there are also people who have neither skills nor intention to write, but are ordinary scammers, only very active in self-promotion. These guys surf freelancer forums and dupe potential clients by selling them some copy-pasted junk or even by disappearing, payment received, without saying good bye. That’s because of these “writing experts” many clients are so suspicious about online copywriters, urging them to pass all kinds of copyscapes, qualification tests etc.
All in all, how to tell a professional copywriter from a scammer and to get your order done timely and properly? Let’s explore the issue step by step
Step 1. You choose a pro.
The easiest way to find one is to use web search. It is more efficient as copywriters who have invested their time and money to build a website usually provide better-quality results and are more reliable. Look through their samples and testimonials, apply for a free quote, use live support to discuss the order – long story short, take advantage of all options the website provides.
You can also search online business related forums, like Digital Point, where dozens of writers post their offers daily. Learn more about writer’s experience and reputation by requesting a portfolio. Some writers have samples of their work on their sites or blogs; others may give you links to their previous projects. Each forum is a community, so you can also easily check the writer’s reputation by reading the feedback on his/her services.
Although there are enough pros among independent writers, copywriting agencies are more preferable, as they feature higher output and a wider range of niches to specialize in.
Step 2. You place an order.
Outline the task as precisely as you can. It would be very helpful if the quote request included the following:
– service you need (e.g. SEO writing, copywriting sales letter, blog entries writing etc);
– number of articles/posts and words per each of them;
– target audience description;
– further project details (like keywords to use, (brand) names to mention, desirable style of writing, format etc);
– timeframe (how soon you need it to be done);
– and supporting documents/link to the website where the copy will be published, if any.
Even if you discussed everything online, you’d better make up an invoice where all these points are clarified, and send it to the writer’s email. Many people don’t want to trouble themselves by concluding legal contracts, but sending an invoice is easy and always works as a kind of guarantee.
Apart from the technical aspect of placing your order, there are also some delicate issues that you shouldn’t avoid however. As a rule, the most sticking point is the uniqueness of content. How can you be sure it will be 100% original?
– Make it clear when placing your order, say explicitly, “unique SEO articles”. Do explain what you mean by “unique content”, for example: “I need custom researched copies written from scratch.”
– Notify the writer that you will check the content using plagiarism tools. Although some elite authors may take it as a grievous insult, this method makes sense while hiring a new writer with whom you have never dealt before.
– Ask to provide you with a list of sources the copywriter used for the copy.
– Keep away from going too far, as the freelancer may think you don’t trust him/her and just refuse to work with you. Your goal is not to sacrifice the credibility and good relations with your writer for some strict rule being obeyed, but to build them.
Another important consideration is to settle beforehand who will have the full rights for the copy, whether the copywriter wants to leave his/her signature or agrees to work as a ghost writer.
Step 3. You check the result.
Make sure you can contact the writer via instant messenger or phone. Use your email inbox for receiving materials, and choose more effective communication facilities to know how your project is moving forward.
You might also ask to send the work in batches, so that you can revise the first one and make remarks, if necessary.
A professional copywriter will usually allow up to 3 proofings without charging an extra fee for editing.
If you really liked the result, don’t be lazy – take time to leave a testimonial on the writer’s website, add a positive feedback to his/her forum profile or just send a thank-you letter; it will help you to build harmonious and confiding relations with your writer.
Do you agree that the above is enough to ensure you’ll be getting high-quality results? Please feel free to share your opinion and thoughts!
Image by Pink Sherbet Photography