It really depends on the copywriter, but myself personally and many others I know, help clients through the split test process. If serious about your clients, then you should obviously want your clients to have the best possible success.

However, if it's not your copy personally but a clients copy you created for them, then let them do the split testing and you help. But it shouldn't be you spending the money to split test the clients copy unless they paid you to do that as well. They pay for the split test and traffic and again, unless they paid you to do that as well.

For example, after my clients copy begins to run and he gets x conversions or results after a short period of time, then I will suggest using alternative headline or headlines I created when was writing the original copy anyways.

This way myself and the client can see if generates better results. Then can go on to test other things like offer, lead, and so on. After you been doing it a while, you will begin to see quick things that can be adjusted and boost your results fast.

It's not only great to help the clients with their split testing efforts, but also if you have invested interest such as a royalty agreement plus upfront fee like I usually set up when I create copy for clients, then you are putting more money in your pocket also. It makes it a win/win.

It's great when clients want to split test and that's the right thing to do, but sometimes you need to educate clients on why they should be split testing because they don't.

Just beware of the time you are investing in split testing and make sure the client doesn't take advantage of that as well.

And for the last question, yes I use certain questions that I email or ask the client before starting to not only help myself write the copy, but also help the client reach their goals as well.

The key really with the questions is to learn as much as possible about the product or service and the target market. Hope that helps.

Thanks very much for the responses on this - that's very helpful to know.

On a further note, related to working with clients on an ongoing basis, if they come to you and tell you your copy isn't converting, do you offer free alterations with it to try and get it converting better?

I'm sure with more experience you become better and the copy will naturally convert well, at least that's the hope, but a big fear of mine would be charging someone for copy when just starting and not having it sell.

Since many of my clients have been online, I usually stay with them for about 2 weeks after the copy goes live. This way, we can measure results and make necessary changes.

If you're just a copywriter, nobody expects you to stick around after the copy is delivered. However, if you want to bill yourself as a consultant and expert/advisor, then it's almost expected for you to stick around.

Generally, I'll just keep working until the results are satisfactory. Bump the response rate, etc.

And how you "get" them to do it is by...

1) Being selective and make sure they're the kind of person/client who will

2) Reminding them they've paid you $XXXX - it's in their best interest to try and maximize that ROI by taking your advice

That's really all their is to it. Have them keep you up to date with what's going on. If it's online, get access to the software that measures clicks and such.

Let me summarize it this way: be involved. The more involved and hands on you are, the more clients will admire you for taking their project seriously. And that kind of admiration leads to referrals.
Cheers,

Angel