How to get great content by outsourcing to a freelance copywriter

If you are thinking about hiring a copywriter but are not sure how it all works, then read on.

I am passionate about making the relationship between client and copywriter a great one - and I understand that as the client, you might be keen to know how the content writing happens before you start.

People typically hire a freelance copywriter for three main reasons:

1. They don't like writing or they don't think they can write well

2. They don't have the time to create content, even though they might enjoy writing

3. They have an overflow of work - i.e. an agency or larger marketing business that has *too many clients*

Whatever the reason you might be looking for help with your copy and content, here are some tips and ideas for how it can work.

My role as a Freelance Copywriter

As a freelance copywriter, I am lucky enough to work with a wide range of clients.

I work with small business owners, I work with agencies, I work with the marketing departments of larger organisations, and I work with governments.

My role is to write content for my clients: blogs, social media posts, website copy, adverts, newsletters, brochures.. and lots more!

But that's not all I do.

• I also help you take things off your To-Do List.

• I can help you develop your ideal tone of voice

• I can help you to create a style guide

• I can offer higher-level marketing advice

• I can help with the promotion of your content

How it can work for you

Typically, clients work with me through one of the following set-ups:

Regular and Specific

If you are keen on a regular content plan, such as monthly blogs or regular social media, I can offer you a package rate.

I invoice you at the start of each month with your package rate which is the same every month, and you pretty much leave me to get on with it!

While there is always room for flexibility, typically we agree on 1/2/3/4 blogs per month, and the topics discussed and agreed on perhaps two to three months in advance.

Ad-hoc and As Needed

If you often have ad-hoc writing projects, such as emails, updated products, events, newsletters, staff announcements etc, then it could be a good idea to hire a copywriter on an ongoing basis.

Great news! You can have my time, expertise, and experience on a monthly basis. This way, 10-min jobs as well as 10-hour jobs can all be sorted by me, and ticked off your To-Do list!

I just tally up my hours and invoice you at the end of the month (we can agree on a rough number of hours, or we can go on a fortnightly agreement if you'd rather).

Sub-contractor Arrangement

This is usually for agencies or larger marketing/copywriting businesses that have an overflow of work.

I offer a "white label" service. You can sub out content work to me, helping you keep your business ticking over and your clients happy.

We'll agree on a rate for each piece or project, and I'll invoice you each month.

The writing process

My new client process typically goes like this:

1. When a new client comes to me, we first have a quick chat on the phone or Zoom. I listen to what the client wants... I ask questions to narrow down the intended audience and we discuss the types of content you need.

2. Then I send over a proposal and quote, along with a brief but important 'new client questionnaire' plus the non-refundable 50% first installment invoice.

3. We get to work!

4. My computer and my brain fire up, ready for me to write, edit, write, edit, and produce the content.

5. You get to see the content and ask for edits - or simply approve.

Ask any questions you like, we can speak on the phone again if needed or simply via email.

6. The final invoice is issued.

7. The final copy gets published (social media posts get scheduled, blogs get uploaded, web copy gets saved).

8. I often ask for a quick testimonial if you've been happy with my work, as this really helps with 'social proof' in my business.

Often, you might have other projects on the go or in the pipeline so we start from point 2 or 3 all over again!

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Keen to get started?

Thanks to technology, we can work together whether you're in Perth or Sydney; London or Rome! Are you ready to work with me on your copy and content? Contact me by email at rachel@sbcreations.com.au or via the contact form on my website.