Online Copywriting and Marketing Consulting FAQs
Could you please explain your process a bit? The most effective way to begin is with an initial telephone consultation during which we discuss your copywriting and marketing needs, goals, and timeframes. After that, I send you a proposal outlining what we discussed along with pricing. In cases where there are multiple requirements, I will break out different projects so that you can choose which ones you want to start with.
If you decide you’d like to work with me, I will email, mail or fax you a Copywriting Agreement that confirms our business arrangement. Once you’ve signed this document and returned it to me, the project can begin.
I will send you a 25-question questionnaire asking you to provide as much background material as possible which I will use as the basis for my writing. In addition to your questionnaire responses, it is always helpful if you can send me brochures, flyers, marketing emails, reports, case studies, web content, or any other kinds of company information. The more I know about your business, the more effective the results.
After I review your responses, I will send you some preliminary ideas about how I’m going to approach your project. This helps eliminate surprises. Once we agree on the approach, I provide you with the first drafts. I will ask that you thoroughly review it and organize your comments, questions and revisions for discussion. Getting your sales message right is a push and pull process. We work together to make sure your message is communicated effectively.
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I am located in Vancouver and you are in the Toronto area. Can we still work together effectively? Definitely! Although I operate my marketing copywriter business out of Ontario, my clients are scattered all over the Canada and the US as well as overseas. Email and flat-rate long distance telephone service make it easy for us to work productively and efficiently – wherever you are.
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I have a tight deadline to meet. Can you start on my copywriting project right away? Chances are, when you contact me about my marketing writer services, I’ll be juggling several projects with a mix of deadlines. How quickly I can deliver your project really depends on how busy I am at that point in time. That doesn’t mean I can’t get started on your project in short order but it’s important to understand that creating marketing strategies and compelling copy takes research. And research takes time. The more time you can give me, the better. My suggestion is this: if you have a “rush” project, give me a call or shoot me an email as soon as you have made up your mind you have a need. Then, we can determine if I can meet your timeline.
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I have a small budget. Do you provide cheap copywriting services? I will always try to find an arrangement that works well for both parties. However, I have invested lots of time and energy into learning the marketing and copywriting strategies and techniques I create for my clients. If you just want someone to slap some words on a web page or in an email, I’m probably not the one to do it. My clients invest in my services to get results. I feel that my copywriting/marketing consulting fees are extremely reasonable and fair. If you implement the strategies I recommend. my copywriting/marketing consulting fees almost always pay for themsleves with the results they generate.
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What are your freelance copywriting fees? I typically determine my copywriting fees on a per-project basis. Each project is unique. If you contact me and provide me with some details regarding your needs, I’d be happy to get back to you with a fee quote. Be sure to take a look at my Starter Package option if you want to get a taste of my services for a relatively small investment.
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Do you require a percentage of your fees up front as a deposit?
I require an initial deposit of 50% prior to commencement of a project. The balance of all freelance copywriting fees (plus applicable taxes) is due upon completion of services.
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What do your freelance copywriting fees include?
My copywriting fees include telephone discussions, email communication, copywriting, and two rounds of copy revisions. If an on-site meeting is required after the project has begun, I charge an additional, per-hour rate for my time.
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What if I don’t need copy created “from scratch” … what if I just need a makeover of my existing web site copy or other copy? Do you still charge your full copywriting fees? No. All fees charged are on a case-by-case basis. If you simply need a “editing” and “reworking” of your current copy, I adjust my fees to reflect the actual amount of work required.
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How can you write about my business if you don’t have direct experience in my industry? I have a lot of experience in many industries. If it happens that I have none in yours, I will make up for it with research. Research is an integral part of the process for any marketing writer. I have a journalism degree as well as 20 years sales and marketing experience. That background trumps experience every time. Of course, I will count on you to help me understand the nuances of your business and what sets you apart, but before I write one word of copy or create any marketing strategies, I spend time getting up to speed on your business, target market, and products. I am naturally curious and enjoy the whole process of research which is included in my fee.
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Do you require a freelance copywriting contract before you begin work? Yes. I require a signed Copywriting Agreement which confirms our business arrangement and outlines the copywriting fees. All you need to do is sign it, include your deposit cheque and mail it back to me – keeping a copy for your records.
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Are you available for on-site meetings?
I am available to attend meetings in the Greater Toronto area. For on-site meetings, I generally charge an additional, per-hour rate for my time unless we pre-arranged for them at the time we agreed to work together.
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What happens if I have to cancel my project before it is completed, or if I change my mind about the direction of a project midway through it?
Once the project is in progress, and if you wish to cancel for any reason, payment will be pro-rated only for the work that has been performed up to that point. If the project changes significantly in direction or scale, a new proposal and cost estimate will be provided.
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Do I own all rights to the copy you’ve written for my business?
Once copywriting fees for the project have been paid in full, you own the rights to all work I created for you.
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What’s the best way to contact you?
Email at gerry@marketingwriter.ca or by cell 905-716-7130 anytime between 7:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. EST