What is a Copywriter?

A copywriter is the person you need to hammer out those catchy words, phrases and paragraphs that sell your product. A creative copywriter is someone who can do this in a unique, compelling and inspirational way. Have you ever found yourself singing a jingle that you heard on the TV or radio, with others around you swiftly joining in for the last few words? Or renting out a movie at the DVD store because that slogan on the cover makes it sound awesome, despite what you actually know about the film? Well those words and lyrics were thrown together by a creative copywriter. The product slogans, jingles, and adverts that you don't remember were most probably rustled up by business owners who wanted to cut costs and so did it themselves. Either that or they hired a not-so-awesome, not-so- creative copywriter.

Can't you just do it yourself? It would save those pennies afterall...

True. It would save you a few bucks initially. And plus you do know your product better than anyone else... But in the long run, after your copy fails to hook-in those all-important customers, you will of course lose money. Hiring someone from outside the company brings a fresh perspective to your product or service. A creative copywriter will be able to look objectively at your business and see it with the eyes of a potential customer. More importantly, they know all the right words and tricks of the trade that will lure clients in like moths to a flame, charm them, seduce them and MAKE THEM BUY!

So where can I find a creative copywriter and what should I think about before hiring one?

A freelance copywriter should have a decent website. You can find them scattered all over the web. So how do you know which one to pick? This is up to you. But the best way to choose is by looking through their portfolio. A creative copywriter should give access to some of their previous work. Experience is important, but don't jump to the assumption that a more experienced copywriter will necessarily be more skilled than a newbie. Some of the best copywriters can be fresh new talents and can bring a raw new energy and vibe to your product.

Do they know they're SEO? If you need a creative copywriter for website content, they must know their SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). This may seem a given, but make sure you check before hiring as some copywriters may only be experts in other forms of copy - brochures, jingles, posters etc.

Pay for quality not quantity. Is it worth outsourcing the project to a low-cost copywriter in Pakistan with limited knowledge of the market you're approaching and shabby copywriting skills, just to avoid spending that extra slice of the budget that you've been keeping for fancy crackers at the christmas party? No. In my opinion it is very worthwhile investing in quality. You don't need to blow all your funds on a copywriter, but take the time to select one who is proffessional, creative, has experience and is flexible. And be prepared to pay them what they're worth.

A really creative copywriter can do wanders for a business.