Don't Want to Get Screwed When Hiring a Copywriter? Read this first...

1. Ask them to tell you about a recent successful project. Any true copywriter is passionate about their work, and even more passionate about their successes. Ask for them to show you some recent work, and give you some metrics (stats) on how the copy performed.

A good copywriter will not only be able to provide at least 1-2 recent examples (consider recent within one year, as some copywriters take months to complete a project), but will be happy to talk with you about their latest successes.

Feel free to ask questions about the project(s), and ask for contact information from the client so you can talk with them if you wish.

2. Ask the copywriter if this is their full time occupation, or if they have another job outside of copywriting/IM. While some part time copywriters may be able to do a fantastic job with your copy, for the most part any experienced and successful copywriter will be writing copy full time. There are of course exceptions to that rule, but they are just that - exceptions.

Those who have not dedicated to it full time will have a reason. Either they aren't established enough yet, they don't get regular work as a copywriter, or their health benefits or something similar are keeping them in their regular job.

It is a personal decision whether you use a part-time or full-time copywriter, but keep in mind the hours you would like to be able to reach your writer, and the amount of time they can dedicate to the project if they have other daily obligations.

3. Ask the copywriter whether they will be taking on the project themselves, or having a subcontractor do it. This is important! You want to know who is writing your copy.

Yes, many high level copywriters outsource their work to their students, but this is often very different from the "outsourcing" you'll typically see. You may notice some writers (like myself) do have outsourcers they use to do some of their work.

In my business, outsourcers only handle research, editing, and proofreading for content work, and nothing to do with writing sales copy at all - but this isn't always the case. Ask your copywriter which services they outsource, and which services they do personally.

4. Ask to see your copywriter's blog. Honestly, frequency of posting and how recent the last post is isn't as important as the content.

Most copywriters won't have hours upon hours of time to spend writing a blog post every single day, but they should be passionate enough about their profession to write on marketing or copywriting once in awhile when the mood strikes. (Same goes for articles, if the copywriter doesn't have a blog.) This is also an excellent way to see if the copywriter's "voice" meets your expectations and resonates with you.

5. Ask if they have worked for any real world ("offline") businesses.

Corporate websites are OK, as is catalog work. Even content work counts. Whether the copy is online or offline doesn't matter, either. It is whether or not they've reached outside of the freelance sites and IM forums to market their services that counts here.

In a way, this will show you how serious they are in their marketing. If they have only ever worked for online ebook promoters and have never made that leap into working for other types of businesses, this may be an indicator that either their careers are underdeveloped OR they're not as dedicated to a career in copywriting (and therefore to your project) as they should be.

There are exceptions to this as well (I know there are Warriors here who have never reached outside of this forum for work, they've never had to!) but be aware, these are exceptions. Most copywriters will, at one point or another, get a referral or find a client that is outside of the typical forum/bidding site circle.

6. Are they available by phone? Another big credibility indicator. If they have invested in a business phone line, or are willing to put their real life contact information out there, chances are they are serious.

You don't even have to actually call them if you're uncomfortable (although that does help). But having a published phone number and even mailing address (even if it is just a PO Box) shows a serious investment and commitment to business that a website and email address just can't match.

7. Last, do they fit your budget? I know this is a real concern for many of you, so it had to be on the list. It should not be your primary deciding factor, however. In fact, your best bet is probably to find a copywriter that you like that you think MAY be in your budget.

The worst case scenario would be, you find out after speaking with them that they meet all of your criteria and you get along well, but you can't afford their services.

Not a big deal! Most copywriters who meet the criteria above will be able to refer you to a reputable colleague who meets your budgetary requirements. Of course, do your due diligence with them as well - but if they're recommended by someone you already like and trust, chances are you're probably safe.