A great project brief is a vital part of ensuring you receive great content from your copywriter.
If you are delegating content writing to a copywriter for the first time, you might have some questions.
How can you make sure you get copy that is bang on point?
How will the copywriter know what you need?
How much time should you invest now in terms of briefing the copywriter,to ensure a great outcome?
How do you manage the project from the start?
And, as the client, do you simply sit back and wait for the first draft to come back to you?
Building a great relationship with your copywriter
As an experienced copywriter I know how to craft copy that converts, and I will have many ideas for how to present your copy.
However, you are the client - and absolutely allowed to put forward your opinion about the way the copy is presented, the tone, and the wording.
Ideally we both see things the same way! There is a proven process that works when it comes to creating great content. You can read all about my process in this blog here.
But back to the briefing session..
Briefing and discovering
The briefing session is often called a 'discovery call'. It's where the client and copywriter talk through some of the bigger strategies your business is working with.
It's a good idea to come to the phone call or Zoom meeting with an open mind. All we need to do at this point is start a conversation about what you need, what your audience needs, plus get an idea of time-frames etc. We do not need to have all the answers now - this is a starting point.
Tip #1 - Be prepared to answer a few questions
Firstly, we just chat. It's as simple as that!
You tell me all about you and your business, and what copy you want.
Then I will ask a few questions...!
If you do not know all the answers yet, that's okay. These questions can prompt you to get thinking - and I can help you narrow it down if necessary.
What is it you need this piece to achieve?
Do you know your target audience - who exactly are we writing for?
What do you want your audience to do with this copy? What should they do now?Email you? Sign up for a course? Download something? Or is this simply a brand building exercise (making people feel you are an expert in your field)?
Do you know what tone and style you want this piece to have?
What is the project deadline and are there any specific formatting issues (such as word count or design?)
Does this piece need to achieve some SEO results? Have you invested any keyword research?
Tip #2 - Get clear on communication methods
I mostly work over email, Zoom, and phone, but we can use other applications as required.
The main thing is to keep up the communication throughout the project.
If you have any questions during the project, just flick me an email.
Likewise, if I need to clarify something with the project, I like to know I can get in contact with you.
Tip #3 - Understand it's a two way relationship
Good things come from collaboration. I love using my experience and knowledge to write content for my clients. And I can do it much better if I have some help from you. Clients that have an opinion and a clear goal, yet are equally happy to listen to my ideas, are my favourite!
If we can work as a team, the results will be greater. This means both of us knowing our responsibilities.
A little bit of effort and investment from you now to give a clear brief, will ensure I can create copy for you that is awesomely perfect!
Are you ready to work with me on your copy and content? Contact me on email at rachel@sbcreations.com.au or via the contact form on my website.