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The copywriting process?

by Sara1983
10 replies
So I'm fairly new here but have spent some time reading through previous threads.

I've been working as a writer (informational products and articles) for the last 8 years and am really looking to get started into copywriting now.

One thing I feel kind of 'stuck' on is the general flow of the procedure. Say after a client comes to you (or you approach a client) and schedule a job, what are the steps that take place in most cases?

I realize it would vary from copywriter to copywriter and on the type of project it is, but can someone outline to me the overall process?

I'm assuming most copywriters have the client fill out a questionnaire?

Then research and writing... then do you do split testing or does the client and come back to you if they want changes? Or is that even included?

At this stage I feel a little timid to even approach a client and look unprofessional because my process isn't correct.

Any advice would be really great.
#copywriting #process
  • Profile picture of the author maximus242
    It would help if you knew how to write copy...
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    xResponsive Advertising Agency | Direct Marketing | Online Advertising | Create Breakthrough Campaigns for Your Business http://xresponsive.com

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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    If you're going to be a copywriter, one thing you should get comfortable with right away is research.

    Start by checking out the stickies at the top of the forum. If you've already done so, then you have great resources at your disposal in the form of books and info products already available from the top copywriting minds out there. Often, these can be had for cheap or for free (thank you, local library!).

    It's OK to ask for advice, so don't let this discourage you. Basically, everyone here has their own interpretation of what makes copy work, what makes for a smooth process for acquiring and working with a client, and much more. Your only real option is to try a bunch of things, fail at some of them, succeed at some of them, and come up with a solution that works best for you.

    And the best methods to start trying? The ones that have been tested by other expert copywriters - hence why you should get thee to a library and start studying.

    Good luck!
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    Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

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    • Profile picture of the author seanicasia
      Hey Sara,

      You can start approaching clients once you have somewhat of a draft process flow created for yourself.

      The thing is, we can never wait for things to be perfect, if not we will never get started.

      What you've outlined is a good skeleton to start with, then just tweak and adjust from there.

      Sometimes, what works for one writer may not work for another. And oftentimes you might come across a particular step in the process that never occurred to you earlier.

      Find out what works, keep them, ditch the rest.

      One suggestion I can offer, based on the concerns you've expressed, is to maintain balanced control.

      What I mean is, don't let the client climb over your head. Determine upfront what some of the 'rules of the game' will be, such as how many hours you will spend on each project for the client, how many words you can commit too and more importantly, be firm on the number of revisions agreed upon.

      Be as clear as you can, and be firm (although not painstakingly inflexible).

      There's a fine line, but after awhile, you'll develop your own style, gain recognition and even start charging more down the road.

      Take action, get your hands dirty

      Sean L.
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      Make a sale in 30 days or I'll Paypal you $500 >> Details here <<
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  • Profile picture of the author camitran1
    I think there 4 steps for copywriting process:
    1. Knowing your target audience
    2. Research
    3. Relevant info
    4. Organize your copy
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    healingsinmotion.info & gladescofl.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Makota
    Banned
    You also want to make sure you have an in-depth understanding of spelling and grammar. Not just that, but every client has a different preference when it comes to grammar. One client might reject your work, where another would love it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Makota View Post

      You also want to make sure you have an in-depth understanding of spelling and grammar. Not just that, but every client has a different preference when it comes to grammar. One client might reject your work, where another would love it.
      Strange, pretty much every copywriter I know breaks every grammar rule in the book, including me.

      And spelling, yep it's important but not all the time. Intentionally this guy breaks every spelling rule our there (and grammar rules too) but still does extremely well nonetheless: Enchanted NLP


      Mark Andrews
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  • Profile picture of the author Czorny
    Well, grammar-nazi customers suck. No, really, a copywriter should follow most of the rules, but proofreading in its turn should not become his/her task, I suppose. In the best case there're other guys that correct occasional mistakes and get money for that.
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    El'Kazoo.ru - mumblin' about country music/музыка кантри in Russian
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    • Profile picture of the author Sara1983
      Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to be trying to specialize in one industry as it's where I've worked for the last 10 years, so I'm hoping that will help me out in terms of building up a client base. I already have quite a number of clients from the informational writing, so with any luck I can break into doing some copy as well to get started... either for free initially, or at a reduced rate.

      At this point it's the experience I need.

      And yes, I wasn't so much referring to the actual process of copywriting - I'm reading a number of books/sites on that and have noticed the stickies... more just how to take a client from point A to point B (finished project).

      With information based writing it's a little easier; they give me their topic, I do research if necessary, they review and I make revisions.

      With copywriting I had a feeling it may be a bit more involved.

      Originally Posted by seanicasia View Post


      What I mean is, don't let the client climb over your head. Determine upfront what some of the 'rules of the game' will be, such as how many hours you will spend on each project for the client, how many words you can commit too and more importantly, be firm on the number of revisions agreed upon.

      Be as clear as you can, and be firm (although not painstakingly inflexible).
      Thanks for this - I never even thought about that. That's an incredibly good point. I will make sure to factor that into my agreements.
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  • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
    I recommend you read the Wealthy Freelancer by Steve Slaunwhite, Ed Gandia and Pete Savage. Excellent info. on how to run your copywriting business.
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  • Profile picture of the author knish
    If you want to be really good at this...
    Write everyday.
    Read books, course, newsletter on writing.
    Study great copy from world-class copywriters.
    Work hard.
    Believe in yourself.
    Have someone to check your work.
    Have a master critique each time is possible.
    And finally, learn to sell your work.
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