How to find a copywriter

So, you need to rewrite your website pages to encourage visitor action, draft an email drip campaign to land sales, produce blog content that improves your Google search rankings, develop effective advertisements, or do other tasks that require a word wiz.

You need copywriter, and unless you’re hiring for a full-time salaried position, you need a freelance copywriter.

Here’s how to find a good one.

Ways to find a copywriter

First and foremost, if you’re looking for a full-time in house copywriter, you’re going to post the position on your website and on your typical job boards like LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, or Indeed — just like you would with any other full-time position.

But finding a good freelance copywriter can look a bit different. Here are a few ways to find your writing wiz:

1. Google search.

   • Pros: Usually, most copywriters who rank well in Google are experienced, have a great SEO strategy, and have been around the block a few times.

   • Cons: With their awesome skills and experience come a heftier price tag and some selectivity.

2. Post to freelance-specific job boards (ex. Fiverr and Upwork).

   • Pros: Hire writers on a budget and have many options to choose from.

   • Cons: You should spend time thoroughly vetting your writers (look at portfolios and reviews!). With so many writers from around the world on these platforms, some writers may not be professional or have experience. Writing may be a side-hustle rather than a core focus for some on these websites.

3. Post a freelance or contract position on regular job boards (ex. LinkedIn).

   • Pros: Many full-time copywriters with varied experience check these job boards for contract positions. You’ll have decent luck finding a great professional to hire at a moderate or higher budget. It’s also great to scan LinkedIn profiles when considering applications, and some of these job boards will actually match you with good candidates.

   • Cons: You’ll get a LOT of applications — some great and some not-so-great — to filter through.

4. Ask a business (or non-business) friend for a referral.

   • Pros: Your pal has first-hand experience with the copywriter they’re referring, so you already have an idea of how good the copywriter’s work is. Unless they hold something against you, a friend isn’t likely to refer a bad copywriter to you. (Us copywriters actually love referrals!)

   • Cons: Rather than perusing all the copywriter options, you’re going with the one tried-and-true writer your friend has used.

5. Post on social media.

   • Pros: This method is easy, quick, and a great way to reach out to your existing network.

   • Cons: Get a few awesome leads or no leads at all!

6. Reach out to an agency or recruiting company.

   • Pros: Other professionals will do the searching and vetting for you.

   • Cons: These services cost money and sometimes pull from the writer’s pay. You also don’t get to scan possible writers yourself.

Making sure you’re hiring the right copywriter

You’ve gotten the word out about wanting a freelance copywriter. You now have a bunch of applications and options to search through. How can you make sure you’re hiring someone who’ll do a great job? Here’s what I recommend:

1. Find their portfolio/website and scan their previous work.

2. Look for positive testimonials.

3. Check for blog content or LinkedIn posts that demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

4. Make sure they fit your budget.

5. Have a conversation with them and ask questions.

6. Do a short paid trial/sample.*

   *It’s unfair to expect experienced or skilled copywriters to do a free trial, as their writing work is their living! The paid trial should only come as the final step in your review process. Basically, you should be confident their sample will blow you away and that you will use it.

You might also consider starting with a short contract, and then extending that contract if you like how you’re working together.

TL;DR

• If you’re looking to hire a freelance copywriter, there are many different ways to find one. Each strategy has its own pros and cons.

• There are some easy, basic steps to help ensure you’re hiring the best freelance copywriter for your needs.

Ready to chat about copywriting needs? Let’s start a conversation, or you can check out my other blog posts (like this one) to learn some copy strategies of your own.

Best,

Megan