You should see the shocked expressions when I say "the worst thing you can do is hire a copywriter to create your website copy"! This may shock, but the very best advice I, a writer and Editor with over 25 years experience, can give anyone creating a website is "don't hire or use a copy writer!" It may seem like the easy option but it will eat into your time and your budgets and the end result will probably be disappointing.
Most copy writers will waste your time and money It's sad but it's true. It is made even worse as no-one until now has had the guts and the honesty to say copy writers are the worst people to help you with your web copy! This is what will happen if you hire a copy writer to create your website.
1. You'll waste time finding a copy writer that you're happy with
2. You'll waste more time briefing that copy writer
3. You'll then be disappointed at what is produced
4. You may ask for changes but they lack the knowledge of your subject and just don't seem to understand.
5. You get a website that isn't yours.
The copy will be lifeless and lack your passion
The main problem is even the best copy writer doesn't know your subject or niche as well as you do. They certainly don't have your interest, passion or knowledge of the subject area and a few hours (at best) research can't match your depth in the subject.
Also a symptom of a greater problem - lack of ownership
Wanting to hand over your website copy writing is a worrying sign. To give away that much control shows a lack of ownership and if it's not your website, that's owned and driven by you then it runs the serious risk of failure.
Your website needs your passion and personality
To succeed your website needs your passion, knowledge, experience and personality that will create a unique bond with your potential customers. No-one else has that and no website copy writer can mimic it. Why would you want to give your customers such a pale imitation of you?
There is a better way
The best way to create excellent and compelling web copy is for you to write it yourself. Once you've got over that first hurdle and created your first page then the rest will follow. Step by step you'll build up a site your visitors will love because it has your passion and personality.
If you still feel you need help then write what you can yourself and get an Editor to quickly lick it into shape. That will cost a fraction of the cost and will show you how to improve.
Good luck and remember that by taking control of your website copy writing you take control and that your website success is now safe in your own hands.
