When I first started writing this article, I realised it’s been over a year since I posted the last one. Pretty slack, given it’s my profession!
To put it simply, 2020 was a crazy busy year for me. When COVID hit, organisations shifted their event budgets to content which meant a lot of work for copywriters.
With all industries experiencing rapid acceleration of their digital transformation strategies, content is playing a crucial role in:
- reaching potential customers
- driving customer intimacy
- enhancing company culture
With this in mind, a much higher portion of my clients are now viewing content for the strategic advantage it provides. Where they may once have done a few articles or case studies, they’re now looking to leverage and repurpose content across the board for whitepapers, lead generation pieces, videos, and more.
Where has this left me? Extremely busy to say the least! And I know this is the case for many fellow copywriters.
If you’ve been struggling to find an experienced copywriter, there are a few things you can do to maximise your chances of securing one…
Don’t wait until the last minute
Content is ever-changing, so I know it’s hard to plan for what you’ll need months in advance.
However if you have a month up your sleeve, you’ll greatly increase your chances of securing the copywriter you really want to work with.
Ask for a referral
If you can’t wait, reach out to your favourite copywriter anyway and ask for a referral. I only refer new clients to excellent writers and editors who I know will do a great job and for one reason or another are able to accept new work.
When I can’t take on a job, my first referral is to Sharon Phillips at Ginger Up Communications. Sharon has worked off referrals as a freelancer for 20 years because she is incredible at what she does, and the feedback certainly confirms it.
If Sharon is booked solid too, I can always recommend another copywriter depending on a client’s unique needs.
Build a relationship
If you have engaged a copywriter and they’ve delivered content you really like, let them know in advance that you want to work with them in the future. This may allow them to carve out time in their calendar that is reserved exclusively for you.
For example, I know my regular clients require X amount of hours from me each month so I pre-schedule time for them. If they don’t need me there’s no hard feelings – I can easily fill the spot. But if they do need me then they are already booked in, and that gives us both peace of mind.
I hate to say no and I never like to turn clients away. But I have to be honest about availability so I can meet deadlines, and I find clients appreciate this too.
Where to from here
If you need a copywriter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. When I can’t meet the deadline, I will refer you to another copywriter you can trust. And if I can, I look forward to working with you!