You need a copywriter, but not sure if you can get it right? How do you avoid getting scammed, or worse, wasting months searching for copywriting online? It’s easy, just follow my 5 easy tips and you’re good to go:

1) Skip the freelancer market completely!

Avoid websites that resemble large meat markets outsourced to foreign workers. Did it and done it. You will waste a lot of time looking for a semi-decent copywriter. I’m not saying you won’t benefit from it, I’m saying you will lose profit because of all the time, energy and money wasted on these sites, and there will be no turning back.

2) Ask around instead…

Ask colleagues, partners, friends… anyone with copywriting experience. Personal recommendation is always better than random search online.

3) If you don’t have time to call…

Then see what copywriting is mentioned on random sites or blogs on the internet. If a blog or website lists a copywriter, he must be a happy creator. Just google for the appropriate phrase. Or better yet, join a marketing forum, make friends with some marketers, and then ask them. Don’t ask real copywriters on the forum as they will only try to sell themselves to you. Make friends with other entrepreneurs like you and ask them for advice.

4) Once you have a list of potential copywriters to consider…

See what advice gives and throw the rest away. Call these copywriters now to see if they are interested in you and your business, or just want to sell you? Focus on seeing which copywriter gives advice, and then do it.

5) Go picky

If the copywriter only accepts work, he might just be mediocre. For you, a good copywriter is the one who chooses you (it sounds ironic). He only does work that he knows he can do a great job. However, keep in mind that picky people actually charge (refundable) fees in their consultations because they are only interested in talking to serious prospects. This is what you want. If he is picky, he treats you very well.

Freelance Writing Rates

Many freelance writers worry about what to put on their website. I have been a freelancer since 1993 and here I will list four things that I think should definitely be included. One of the many questions I get on this topic is, “Should I list my free writing rate on my website?”

Here are the biggest pros and cons for doing so.

Pros: You get rid of boredom. If your rate is $50 per 300 word blog post, but potential customers are only willing to pay $5, then the person will know in advance that they can’t pay you if you list your rate on the site.

As with any business, time is money, so when you list your rates and you come across such a scenario, it can save you time dealing with low players and tired people.

Cons: You drive potential customers away. Now suppose you have a lead with a budget of $40 per 300 word post, but they see your rate of $50. But… for batch jobs (e.g. ordering 5 or more posts at once), you might be willing to lower the price per message to $40. For you it all depends.

In this case, you might scare off a good potential customer who thinks they can’t afford you.

I always make mistakes when listing my free writing rate. The main reason is that I like to give potential clients all the information they need to make the decision to hire me.

If you decide to go this route, create a very detailed page listing any volume discounts you might be able to offer. This will not alienate those who may be able to afford you.

Now, as for the things you should list on your website.

4 things you should put on your freelance writing website

(i) Writing example: how much? Three to five is enough. These should be in the market segment you are targeting, for example if you focus on health content, writing health related questions. Make them 400 to 700 words long.

(ii) A Brief Personal Profile (Across the Page): While many freelance writers do it online these days, people still enjoy interacting with people. That’s why a professional resume is important; it makes you human.

(iii) Services Provided: List any services you provide (for example, blog posts, eBook writing, online articles, social media account management, etc.); and

(iv) Contact Details: List all the ways to contact you such as phone, email, Skype, social media account, etc.

Whether you list your free writing rate on your website or not, these four things should be included.