Hiring A Professional Copywriter Can Make The Difference Between Success and Failure …
Choosing the right word is a very important part of writing effective marketing copy. No one makes this point more effectively than Mark Twain, who once wrote, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is what lightning is to the lightning bug.”
“Copywriting: All the words in your message, sales letter, or advertisement assembled to speak to your target prospect. Words assembled to connect with your readers deeply held desire … moving them to take immediate direct responsive action to get, and possess what you are offering. These words delivering you predictable results on demand.”
Direct Response Copywriting …
(Done-For-You-Services) Explained …
When you want to really connect, sell more, or promote your new location, someone just like you has sought me out to bring your unique message to life or find what’s missing in the message you already have with one or more of these ‘done-for-you’ services:
- a print sales letter,
- a print post card,
- business card… not just a ‘tombstone’,
- a resumé to get that dream job or promotion,
- a video sales letter – VSL,
- a sales message for radio,
- a magalog,
- catalog copy,
- email sequence,
- text/SMS messages,
- website digital copy,
- DRTV – direct response TV – also known as infomercials – long copy or short copy,
- Classified Ads for: GumTree.com.au or craigslist.org,
- And so much more!…
As Your Direct Response Marketing Consultant…
… you can expect our relationship to start initially with a chat on the telephone or Skype after you have sent me your confidential contact information and any other details you can offer about your project in STEP #1. All information offered with my NDA – Non-Disclosure Agreement is to ensure your privacy. During our first call/Skype we chat about your copywriting/advertising needs, goals, and time-frames.
After our first chat, if we are moving forward, you are then directed to a detailed online questionnaire to better define your project, your target prospect and many more details. Filling in the details in this next longer, more detailed questionnaire is essential for us moving forward.
Next… you’ll receive a proposal or ‘statement-of-work’ by email PDF, postal mail, or fax, outlining what we discussed, including an estimate for your copywriting project fees as well as a Letter of Agreement (see below) confirming our business arrangement. All of this you will need to read over, sign and return a copy to me with your first retainer payment.
Our Agreement then…
Once you’ve agreed and signed this proposal and Letter of Agreement, returned it to me with your retainer payment, the project can begin.
You will be asked to provide as much background material (previous ads, videos, mailers, packages, etcetera) as possible which will be used as the basis for writing of your project.
Research…
This includes (but is not limited to) previous ads, brochures, flyers, marketing e-mails, reports, case studies, digital web content, your company history, product history, or any other kinds of company information. And any competitors work in the same category or niché.
After many years as a successful marketing consultant in direct response revealing research knowledge is the key to assembling responsive effective copy!
Then with all that helpful info some time passes before your receive your first draft. (this time period is revealed in your agreement)
After you have received
your first rough draft …
… you’ll be requested to thoroughly read, review and organize your comments, questions for discussion within 5-days.
You might expect that your first draft copy will need revisions. While this may be the case, it is not always necessary nor required. Although, be aware that the task of assembling or writing your ad copy is essentially a collaborative process.
Communication Follow-Up Is Vital…
Open communication, a partnership of sorts is absolutely crucial if I am to perform successfully as your copywriter.
Timeliness of communications and responses is essential to the completion of your project and you being on the way to seeing the increasing monetary profits of the responsive copy assembled for you.
Got Questions? Here’s your answers…
Good, Fast or Cheap…
In the world of service you may have heard this statement, but this is not what you expect from me. The statement goes something like this:
“Good service Cheap won’t be Fast;
Good service Fast won’t be Cheap;
Fast service Cheap won’t be Good.”
Here’s little video that shows how some people (clients) view the payment for services rendered. Sorry, payment for our services are not negotiable after completed. Your payment according to our mutual written agreement is a legal binding contract. (see FAQ)
P.S. If You Prefer You May… CLICK HERE to schedule your own risk free consulting session now via telephone or Skype.
Copywriting Services …
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Jonathan … What’s Your Guarantee?
Oh Yes! Of course! Your complete satisfaction with the copy delivered to you BEFORE your advertisement/sales letter is printed, BEFORE you mail the advertisement/sales letter, BEFORE you distribute the e-mail or text message, or BEFORE you launch any VSL, landing page or web site.
In other words… I GUARANTEE YOUR SATISFACTION with the copy you agreed to have written and all BEFORE you have ANY medium show it. (Only *Exception with testing, see below)
If for any reason you do not feel 100 percent satisfied with what is written, you will receive your copy revised all based upon your specific guidelines… and at my expense.
Please, just let me know what specifically you want added, changed, tweaked, improved, or removed and we’ll get that fixed. Any revisions are listed in detail in our agreement.
Also there is NO GUARANTEE with your advertisement/VSL/sales letter once… it is used to promote your product/service to the marketplace due to all the issues beyond my control: the economy, the stock market, the delivery or not of the product or service, price, target list, market demand, world events, cultural preferences, language, acts of war, local laws,
So… What Is Not Guaranteed…
1. No specific result(s) or response rates(s) are guaranteed nor implied;
2. Your results will NOT be typical nor comparable to ANY other current or previous clients results;
3. No guarantee is given nor implied you will achieve current or previous clients results or income;
Importance of TESTING…
Because of the conditions of the market, clients use my copywriting services because of the financial returns they get. Each company understands that the copy is only as good as it is tested. Hence, the testing process employed by each company for their product or service will determine their own financial return on their investment.
If you using a testing process with your project, your project fees are DUE IN TOTAL BEFORE your testing begins. You are guaranteed to get the best copy for your project, you will receive your agreed revision(s) within 14-days of the first test… BEFORE your advertisement/VSL/sales letter is officially distributed/launched.
Again… NONE of the results achieved by ANY other clients are typical. And nothing your advertisement/VSL/sales letter results will be typical.
How do I qualify as a client for marketing consulting services and/or copywriting services?
It is important to note here that NOT all who apply qualify as potential clients for marketing consulting/or copywriting services. The size of your business income, employees, the size of your mailing or in-house list, time in business, product(s) and/or service(s) to be sold, are ALL criteria for qualification. If you are new to the business you are in, we would pass. If you have little or no income… we would pass. If you have no employees… we would pass. If you are selling a questionable product or service… we also would pass. So… qualifying is vital to moving forward. To see if you qualify please visit the details page, type your info into the empty boxes and send it off.
So two important clauses in your agreement you should understand:
- Exactly what I as your marketing consultant/copywriter will and will not do for you and…
- A statement stating that any change in the agreed assignment after the agreement is set is considered a new project and will be charged at a new, and/or, extra fee.
Approval of Work
You as the Client are responsible for written approval of work ordered required for the completion of this project. The approval can be in the form of a signature on this contract. Upon acceptance of the completed project, client accepts responsibility for any further processes in which this work is used ( i.e. printing, etc.) Writer is not responsible for errors occurring in this work or projects related to this work after acceptance of this project.
When can I expect to have my finished piece?
If I’m not completely booked, then it will vary depending on what I’m writing. Remember, I put in a minimum 30-days doing research for each new project before I begin writing copy. Again, when my schedule permits, I can start within 1-2 weeks. I complete the jobs in the order scheduled and pre-paid. Deadlines are always part of the copywriting process, so you can be assured of receiving your copy complete within reasonable time constraints.
*NOTE: For RUSH projects, ADD 25% to overall fees.
I am located in ______ and you are in California. Can we still work together effectively?
Absolutely! Though I run my consulting/direct response copywriting/marketing business out of offices in: San Diego – California – USA, and as such my clients are scattered all over the globe. Conveniences such as video chat on Skype, VIBER or Google Hangouts, texting, email and telephone make it easy for me to work productively and efficiently as your copywriter/marketing consultant – no matter where you are located.
Do you require a percentage of your copywriting fees up front as a deposit?
Yes, I require an initial retainer fee of 50% prior to commencement of any project, NO EXCEPTIONS. The total balance on all project copywriting fees is due upon completion and delivery of original agreed services. All fees paid late will have a daily fee of 1.5 percent interest added on to the total due. All returned checks (in the States) have a fee of three times the amount of the check due (California statute).
*CANCELLATIONS: Any cancellation after work has begun, but before first draft is provided to Client: your 50% retainer fee is kept by Company; ANY cancellation after your first draft is provided to you: 100% of your total project fee is retained by Company.
What if I change my mind about my agreed project? Cancellations…
*CANCELLATIONS: Any cancellation after work has begun, but before first draft is provided to you, the Client: your 50% retainer fee is kept by Company; ANY cancellation after your first draft is provided to you: 100% of your total project fee is retained by Company. No exceptions.
Do you require a ‘fee agreement’ to begin a project?
YES. Client accepts full responsibility for ALL fees agreed to be paid and ALL royalties or percentage commissions to be paid on any/all sales on products or services made from the use of ANY METHOD using word(s) added or changes including but not limited to sales copy (postal or print), postcard copy, marketing copy, digital electronic copy (websites/emails/texts), audio copy (radio or any recorded material), long or short video copy (videos or DRTV) written by this copywriter.
How are royalties/commissions paid to you?
All agreed royalties/commission percentage of sales are paid on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis accompanied by a complete sales tally accounting sheet for any/all sales.
What do your freelance copywriting fees include?
Copywriting fees include: research, telephone discussions, Skype video discussions, copywriting, and one round of copy revisions. For any on-site meetings: an additional consultation fee per hour or the daily on-site current rate PLUS travel, expenses and lodging. Inquire about current rates.
What if I don’t need copywriting ‘from scratch’ … what if I just need a makeover of the copy I already have? Do you still charge your full copywriting rates in that case?
I determine all copywriting rates on a case-by-case basis. If you simply need a “polishing” of your current copy, I’m more than happy to accommodate you by adjusting my copywriting rates to reflect the actual amount of editing required.
Why don’t you have samples of previous freelance copywriting work on your website?
Much of the work I have done with clients I have signed a NDA or “Non-Disclosure Agreement”, hence, the work cannot be revealed to anyone who is not party to the agreement. I also consider the copy work I’ve done for clients highly confidential.
Although, if you’d like to see samples of my copywriting and/or advertisements, I am more than happy to provide private viewing upon request. No photocopies will be made or sent. Any work product shown to you in confidence and for illustrative purposes only will at no time reveal the actual company name.
How can you write about my business if you don’t have direct experience in my industry?
Research is an integral part of the process for any copywriter, and my copywriting fees include this research. Prior to writing even one word of copy, I spend ample time getting up to speed on your business, audience, and products. I am a ‘quick study’ as well as a zealous learner. Research and discovery is a part of my craft which I truly enjoy.
Do you require a freelance copywriting contract before you begin work?
Yes, a signed Letter of Agreement is required which confirms our business arrangements, agreements and copywriting fees. Once we discuss your project scope, you will receive an email, post or fax of the letter outlining the job specifications. All you need to do is sign it and mail or fax it back to me. Please keep a copy of our copywriting arrangement for your own records.
Are you available for on-site meetings?
As is sometimes necessary in the world of marketing consulting/copywriting, based upon availability to attend on-site meetings in any part of the world from my offices in San Diego – California – USA. For any on-site meetings: an additional consultation fee per hour or the daily on-site rate of PLUS travel, expenses and lodging.inquire on current rates.
Do I have to legally verify all information I provide to be written about or in the project or advertisement?
Company is not liable for any inaccurate, incorrect or misleading information in the prepared materials as you, the Client are required to review all the materials and approve the entire content prior to acceptance of final draft(s). We advise you, the Client, to have all materials or products reviewed by competent legal counsel.
When dealing with regulated industries like the nutrition, health or financial markets, always consult legal counsel in your specific jurisdiction (State and/or Country) for clarification of copy and/or advertising regulations or restrictions. (example in the United States see: FCC.gov, FTC.gov, FDA.gov or SEC.gov)
Company will not confirm or attempt to verify information provided by you, the Client, and Company will not be held responsible for the accuracy or truthfulness of the information provided by you, the Client. Company is not responsible for consequential damages of any kind that you, the Client, may incur from inaccurate documents or statements while utilizing Company’s copywriting services and Client agrees to hold Company harmless from any such liability.
Should Client wish to file any legal suit against Company, the jurisdiction/choice of law shall be applied in the state the contract is made and each party shall bear its own costs in filing suit.
Do I own all rights to the copy you’ve written for my business?
Once the total copywriting fees for the project has been made in full (equal to or greater than my current full service package fees, against royalties – ASK for current package fees), you will own the rights to all work created for you. However, it is possible that I will ask for the right to use your project in hard copy and electronic form in my confidential client portfolio. This is of course up for discussion. Please let me know if you have concerns regarding confidentiality.
Do you include a confidentiality clause in your contracts?
YES. This is for the sake of protecting your privacy, and your proprietary work. As well as my royalties. I handle valuable proprietary materials on a regular basis, and I’m often trusted with the secrets of my clients’ businesses; only through a policy of absolute confidentiality can I carry that trust effectively. All clients and I sign and agree to a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement.
Does your confidentiality policy (Non-Disclosure Agreement or NDA) include divulging the nature of your client relationships, or does it only cover the release of proprietary materials?
It’s natural for an independent professional like myself to want to advertise my important clients to the world, because brand names can bolster my credibility.
However, many of clients require my services in connection to business interests which will be jeopardized if any aspect of the work is revealed to outside parties; for those clients, it’s not enough that I simply protect their trade secrets and proprietary materials – if they can’t trust my silence, they won’t continue to work with me. All clients and I sign and agree to a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement.
How much more of a reassurance can I give you?
What’s the jurisdiction of your work?
All agreements and contracts vary depending upon my office location in the contract: in California – USA.
Contracts in the United States falls under jurisdiction of California business code and under the laws of the State of California.
If you are located in another country, the contract laws of United States apply.
Also International Trademark and recognized copyright standards apply to ALL intellectual property work(s), anywhere anytime.
What’s the best way to contact you if I need a copywriter?
You may send a text message. And you may also send email to get in touch with me. Please fill your email request and info here in the Contact Form and your message will come directly to me so we can get started.
If you like, I can be reached by voice-mail as well 24-hours a day. You may also schedule a phone appointment.
I am also available ‘live’ through: Clarity: https://clarity.fm/jonathandune for your ‘live’ consultation call or through SKYPE: jonathan.dune