What are Some Copywriter Green Flags? (and Big Scary Red Ones!)

You know you need to freshen up your copy and content.

You also know you don't want to (because you’ve got better things to do), or you know you’d happily write everything, but you just don’t have time.

That means it's time to work with a copywriter.

Handing over information about your business, and your money, to someone else is a big step.

You want to know that you’re in safe hands.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make sure you’re working with a great copywriter.

Here’s a list of 20 good signs- or green flags- to look out for:

1) You already like what the copywriter has produced for their own business.

2) They’ve got great testimonials. Even better if they’re on Google or LinkedIn!

3) Their website is clear to navigate.

4) You can see examples of their work, either from a portfolio or their blog.

5) They have packages or services clearly explained on their website.

6) There are prices listed on their website. How else do you know if you can afford them?

7) They respond quickly to your inquiries.

8) You have a good gut feeling.

9) They explain the process of what happens when you work with them.

10) You’ve had a discovery call and you found them easy to talk to. You feel listened to.

11) They belong to a professional body, such as ProCopywriters.

12) You’ve filled out a brief, or a questionnaire, and the questions were relevant.

13) They send documents when they say they will.

14) When you’re talking, sharing ideas, making a plan, it feels like you’re a team.

15) They’re comfortable making suggestions of what you might need, and it’s clearly explained. If you say no, they respect your decision and don’t push you!

16) Communications are respectful, professional, and warm.

17) The deadline for the first draft is met.

18) If you want to make revisions they respond with enthusiasm and positivity. (Revisions are supposed to happen!)

19) The revisions are delivered by the deadline.

20) You’re happy with the copy, you’re happy to pay the invoice and you want to work with them again!

How about some red flags?

1) Anyone who cannot produce examples of their own work is to be avoided.

2) Anyone who cannot provide testimonials also should be avoided.

3) Spelling, grammar or punctuation errors in their emails to you is an issue. Sure, we all have a typo now and again, but it should be pretty rare for a professional writer. Writing riddled with mistakes is a big red flag.

4) Promises of a certain number of followers, or a certain number of sales simply cannot be guaranteed and people making those claims are probably untrustworthy.

5) Low prices! You get what you pay for. If you’re paying less than £50 for a blog, how much time do you think they spent writing it, proofreading it, researching it?

6) Anyone who pressures you into making a decision quickly does not have your best interest at hearts. (Not just copywriters, btw. Also true for car salespeople and builders.)

7) You asked for a website refresh, and they’re aggressively pitching a whole rewrite? Or a social media package? That’s pressure selling and they’re being scumbags. (See number 15 above to see how it should be done.)

8) If you don’t feel like they are listening to you, then definitely walk away.

Delegating your copy and content writing is truly a gift to yourself and your business. Take your time, do a bit of research/ ask for recommendations from your peers, and enjoy the process.

If you’d like to know more, or you fancy booking a discovery call, contact me here.