Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Writer

Writing effortlessly good copy is both a skill and an art. Finding a good copywriter doesn’t have to be calculus. Here are some things to avoid when hiring your next writer.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. If they write like they text, you should probably reconsider. Impactful writers can speak to an audience without blurring the message in the process. It's a game of communication! If their work isn’t clear and easily understandable to you, there’s a good chance it’ll be the same to your audience.

That’s why it's a great idea to ask for examples of their past work. How does it read? Does it feel engaging and informative, or does it feel like the textbook from a class you hated? Can they show quality work that’s similar to what your business needs? Their previous clients might even be able to answer this for you. Asking a writer for testimonials will tell you a lot about what it's like to work with them. 

But the best way to know how a writer might fit in with your brand is to talk to them, and listen to your gut. If it's through a screen or face-to-face, ask yourself how the communication feels. Does it feel like they’re really listening to your ideas and concerns? Do they come back to you with solutions and progress? Do you feel like they get it? A bad fit might feel like running into a wall. Maybe your feedback isn't being understood. Maybe there’s an issue writing with your vision in mind. Maybe they don’t have the research skills and curiosity to create the story you want to tell.

Your vision is important, and the way it gets communicated is too. But, communication goes both ways. So while you search for your next writer, make sure you know exactly what you’re asking for. A writer can only understand your vision as well as you can explain it.

Good copy is a marriage of your expertise and a writer’s curiosity. Finding that balance doesn’t have to be so hard. Let’s make it easy- reach out to me today!