Why Not Offer Something in Return for a Copywriting Critique?

[Mark Andrews]

There seems to be a never ending stream of people lately asking for critique after critique and many of them it's obvious that not a lot of thought or care and attention has gone into the sales copy.

Just a suggestion but if you're after a critique from the copywriting professionals in this forum - why not offer them something in return for their trouble and time?

They don't get a cent out of providing you with their expert opinions, they're giving their time away and to boot... some killer tips often which in some instances have taken years of knowledge to pick up.

Yet too many times this expert knowledge is being taken for granted. Hell's teeth, quite a few individuals don't even say please anymore. As though it's a given that we've got to give our knowledge away free of charge.

I would have thought that the least a lot of you could do would be to say something along these lines...

"Please, I'm looking for a critique of my sales copy, would you mind having a look at http://www.???.com (or whatever) and give me some constructive criticism to boost my conversion rate? I'll tell you what I'll do since I'm asking you all to give away your time and expertise, if you offer me some advice, I'll give you my product in exchange free of charge for your advice."

I think this would go a long way with many of the more experienced copywriters here who these days hold back from giving their knowledge away because quite frankly, there's nothing in it for them to do so.

It's a two way street asking for a free copywriting critique.

Show these copywriters you appreciate them more.

And at the very least... do have the minimal courtesy to thank each poster when they do offer you their advice.

Simply click on the Thanks Button.


Pete Walker

[Joe Ditzel]

Bruce had some good ideas on this strategy here:

A Wacky Idea For Those Wanting Critiques

[Mark Andrews]

Thank you Joe, nice one and thank you Bruce Wedding too for the thread.

[damjan]

That's why I offered graphic design in return one of you help me re-write my sales letter but haven't received many responses.

[Cam Connor]

Originally Posted by damjan

That's why I offered graphic design in return one of you help me re-write my sales letter but haven't received many responses.

That's because this thread is asking people to offer something small, but rewarding in exchange for a small critique, not to actually have a Copywriter, who typically goes for a couple hundred dollars per hour, do some serious work for you in exchange for some graphic design work, which can be had for 1/10th that amount

[Mark Pescetti]

Originally Posted by damjan

That's why I offered graphic design in return one of you help me re-write my sales letter but haven't received many responses.

Damjan,

Crafting copy that converts often takes times. The amount of value you're asking for pales in comparison to what you're offering. Besides, this thread is talking about critique, not what essentially boils down to FREE copywriting.

[Mark Pescetti]

As I think about this more, I get a little angry.

I think it's great to give. There's tremendous value in doing that for copywriters.

What bothers me is what Pete pointed: that so many people post their copy and it's obvious they put ZERO effort, research time, rewriting, revising, re-doing... It's fine to ask for help. It's something entirely different to just be lazy and ungrateful.

People call me EVERY SINGLE DAY and take advantage of my free half hour consults. Out of every 100 people, I take on maybe 5 people as clients. I'm fine with that (even though now I'm more picky on who I give consults to...)

I just can't help but notice that there's a lot of people wanting a lot for nothing.

I wonder why they never get anywhere? Hmmm.

[Mark Pescetti]

Argh! Nevermind. It's good to give. Great practice anyways.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by damjan

That's why I offered graphic design in return one of you help me re-write my sales letter but haven't received many responses.

A few of us on the quiet noticed the offer you made and believe you me the very fact that you made the offer in the first place was appreciated by a few of us.

The offer wasn't really tempting enough but it was a move in the right direction. And we do appreciate it.

Perhaps if you made the offer more attractive you might get a few more responses. Where is your portfolio? Let's have a look at it.

Best,


Pete Walker

[Alex Cohen]

Originally Posted by Reflection Marketing

People call me EVERY SINGLE DAY and take advantage of my free half hour consults. Out of every 100 people, I take on maybe 5 people as clients. I'm fine with that (even though now I'm more picky on who I give consults to...)

You're spending 10 hours on the phone to get 1 client?

That's quite an investment of time. Assuming your time is worth $25 - $100 an hour, that's somewhere between $250 and $1,000 to get 1 client!

Paid client acquisition is much less costly.

Alex

[cynthea]

Pete, thanks so much for your OP on this.

I'm wondering if it would be possible to have a subsection under copywriting or in another location where folks could post the docs or websites they want reviewed. A separate section.

At least then, those who are requesting free critiques could see how many others are requesting free critiques.

I don't know what the solution is; the problem is only going to grow.

Anyone have some creative ideas re: a solution?

Would it help at all to require Warriors to have a little bit of history on WF before asking for a hand-out?

While we're all in this together and need to be helping each other out, at the same time, one would think that the posters could at least offer something in return, at the very least, a little bit of please and thank you!

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by cynthea

Pete, thanks so much for your OP on this.

I'm wondering if it would be possible to have a subsection under copywriting or in another location where folks could post the docs or websites they want reviewed. A separate section.

At least then, those who are requesting free critiques could see how many others are requesting free critiques.

I don't know what the solution is; the problem is only going to grow.

Anyone have some creative ideas re: a solution?

Your suggestion Cynthea IS the perfect solution.

[Mark Pescetti]

Originally Posted by Alex Cohen

You're spending 10 hours on the phone to get 1 client?

That's quite an investment of time. Assuming your time is worth $25 - $100 an hour, that's somewhere between $250 and $1,000 to get 1 client!

Paid client acquisition is much less costly.

Alex

I used to joke that I spent more time on the phone than writing. I really wanted to help people, and did... at my own expense. Fortunately, I've learned and no longer "consult," unless a potential client meets my criteria.

I firmly believe the more you give, the more you get. However, you have to be selective with who you give to...

[Steve The Copywriter]

Couple of thoughts..

I think the best idea is a sub section.

Or people asking for a critique could pop a few dollars into a PayPal account.

Or make a charity donation

Maybe there could be a link.

Not sure about getting stuff in return - I just don't have the time to spend another $29,797.00 a month that I'll make using the "latest" info product.

And now that I own 3 (or is it 4) pacific islands thanks to all the money I've made on the internet it's becoming a bit of a pain.

I've had to organize parliaments, police, health services, hotels and tourist guides.

One positive thing about doing "critiques" is - your potential clients do see how good you are.

[Scott Lambency]

Originally Posted by Pete Walker

A few of us on the quiet noticed the offer you made and believe you me the very fact that you made the offer in the first place was appreciated by a few of us.

The offer wasn't really tempting enough but it was a move in the right direction. And we do appreciate it.

Perhaps if you made the offer more attractive you might get a few more responses. Where is your portfolio? Let's have a look at it.

Best,


Pete Walker

See? That's the kind of help Damjan needs... Making an enticing offer!

[michaelhearne]

people don't appreciate what they get for free... i've never given a free critique to anyone and never will because it would be a waste of time and energy... so the solution is to stop giving free advice

unless of course you're really bored and don't start another project till monday and it's a saturday night and you're already settled in to your vacation rental - but then only if it's to other copywriters