Looking to Hire a Copywriter

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Hi folks. I realize the importance of copywriting, but it just isn't my forte. So, I'm looking to hire a copywriter for a small gig. If I'm happy with the results, there will likely be bigger projects to come.

Some details of what I need:
I'm sending out a direct mail piece to new businesses (in the US) trying to sell them graphic design services such as business cards, flyers, logo design, etc. The businesses I'm targeting are brand new. In most cases, they've been conducting business less than 1 month. The majority of the businesses I'll be contacting are small sole-proprietorships owned by individuals. Oftentimes they work from a home office.

I have the following information for each prospective client:
  • Business name
  • Business address
  • Owner name
  • Owner address
  • The date they started conducting business

What I envision:
I envision a simple 1-page sales letter where I attempt to get them to call me. That being said, I'm definitely open to a different sales funnel if you believe it is warranted.

What info I want from you:
  • Project cost (obviously)
  • Samples of your work
  • Your recommendation as to the length of the sales letter and what the best sales funnel would be (i.e. have them call me, send them to a webpage and capture their email, etc)
  • Anything else you feel I should know

Looking forward to some responses.
#copywriting #copywriter #hire
  • Just a suggestion, you should try to write your own copy.
    It will be the best copy because it's YOU who already knew what is your strength, Unique Selling Point, benefits, etc.
    Copywriting is also one of the basic and most usefull skill in online marketing because except audio and videos, your potential customers will read your copy.

    I can share few great copywriting ideas and guide you to write your own sales letter for free if you want.
    This is not a coaching, this is just a suggestion from WF member who concern about people write their own sales letter.

    Thanks!
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • I'm not pitching your opportunity as I am swamped--but I've worked on hundreds of sites like yours. I know you just opened but my suggestion is to first determine a USP. It could be your delivery time, high quality, low prices, local ties, or anything. Right now I don't get a sense of why I should choose you over a competitor. Good luck.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • If you do decide to write your own lead generation letter, check out the powerful samples in Bob Bly's Encyclopedia of Business Letters, Faxes and Emails.

    Best,

    Thomas O'Malley
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Thanks for the tips guys. I did write my own letter, but I'm not all that happy with it. Rather than throw money away on expensive direct mail campaigns while I develop my copywriting skills, I thought the wisest course of action would be to seek professional counsel.
  • Just to let you know that your statement above is a red flag
    to any copywriter who has been in the business for a while.

    It's quite obvious that if I make money for you that you will
    use me again, so why mention it? The only reason is to
    lower my fees.

    You may think this is a way to attract copywriters but only
    the rookies would fall for that line.

    -Ray Edwards
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • You're reading in to something that isn't there. There are no jedi mind tricks going on.
      • [1] reply
  • Sample freshlistbank(dot)com

    My job as your personal freelance copywriter is to convert browsers into buyers (after all you don't want a bunch of readers do you?).

    If I'm the sort of thing you're looking for, let's talk.

    Thanks,
    Chris
  • Ray, most experienced copywriters just become immune to that line, it's so overused in our eyes, but not to the person doing the hiring, i think they're just writing what they think and feel.

    i used to hire copywriters in the past for my businesses, and i'd use the same damn line! and now that i am a copywriter, i see that line and think "yeah, right, seen that before"
    but i can never take fault with them... cause i used to use it!

    now what i do, with prospects who say that... is I just write back... "well, that's awesome you have many projects coming up. If I'm happy working with you, then I may say "Yes" to help you out in the future, we'll have to wait and see.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Well, I apologize if I offended any copywriters. I was just trying to accurately define the parameters of the project. There was no intentional subterfuge. If I was so adept at subtlety in print, I wouldn't have need of a copywriter.

      To those that have responded via PM, please keep in mind that my post count does not allow me to reply to PMs, so you will have to give me an alternative way of contacting you.
      • [1] reply
  • Wow this forum has gone awol. Its probably the only place in the world where people raising their hands saying they want to give you money get yelled at.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • The professional counsel is this:

    You're in the graphics design business. One letter isn't going to cut it.

    Consider a multi-step postcard sequence. One that snap, crackle and pops. It should PROMINENTLY show off your talent and skills.

    The copy can be minimal. Why? Because all you're trying to do is get them to call you. But it has to be direct and strong.

    You can try an over-sized postcard for more of bang.

    Good luck.

    - Rick Duris

    PS: Consider lumpy mail.

    DOUBLE Your Direct Mail RESPONSE RATES with LUMPY MAIL
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • Hi,
    I think you can write a good sales page yourself. But it is your choice if you want to hire someone.
    I've just posted new article about copywriting on my new blog (you can have a look if you want at erwinmentel.com)

    All the best Erwin.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I want to thank everyone for the helpful tips, particularly the copywriters who took the time to PM me. After considering everybody's suggestions, and analyzing the offers I received, I've decided to write the letter myself. I'll let you know how the campaign goes. Thanks again everyone.
      • [1] reply
  • Plenty of good advice here, not to mention the meta analysis (we do tend to see sales pitches everywhere, don't take it personally).

    My advice is to focus on depth. Low cost, fast delivery and all that make nice USP's, but the biggest issue with start-ups is insecurity. If you can at least partially address that, you'll have a winner on your hands.

    So how can you do that?

    Best way I can think of is to sell a subscription marketed as a one time payment. These guys are looking for solid ground under their feet, so if you offer them professional web-design services with the guarantee that you'll update it "for free" up to 5 times for the next 2 years, you'll be closer to a deal. I'd even throw a discounted rate for every update after that.

    Give them security and they'll give you the cash.

    By the way, this is also a great opportunity to build a customer portfolio that will last. The most sought after commodity (on the web even more so) is reliability. Live up to this pitch and you'll be a success story.
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    Looking to Hire a Copywriter

    Hi folks. I realize the importance of copywriting, but it just isn't my forte. So, I'm looking to hire a copywriter for a small gig. If I'm happy with the results, there will likely be bigger projects to come. Some details of what I need: