Here’s a quick one-page overview explaining how we’ll work together, starting with a discovery call:
We’ll set up a discovery call via my call scheduler. This will block out time on my calendar just for you. And it keeps “phone tag” to a minimum. My preferred and default method is a Zoom call. I’ll ask for permission to record the call so I can keep notetaking to a bare minimum and give you my full attention. This call normally lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.
During the call there will be questions … lots of them! We’ll discuss:
- The purpose of the project
- The target audience you want to reach
- What they are looking for and how this project will help them find it
- The type of content or copy to be produced for this project. That will depend on your prospect’s intent and where in the sales funnel they are.
The four stages of reader and buyer intent are:
- TOFU (in the research stage) – lead generation and awareness content
- MOFU (in the comparison phase) – “What are my options and how do they differ?“
- BOFU (in the buy mode) – “I want it … how do I sign up or buy?“
- POFU (in the post funnel “I want to succeed” period) – “I’ve got it … what’s next?“
We’ll also discuss the results you’d like to see or the next actions you’d like your prospect to take. This helps me create the right copy and Call-to-Action to nudge your prospect in the right direction.
Next up is the proposed deadline. How soon do you need it and is that a reasonable time frame?
We haven’t talked fees yet. It was too early to do that. But now it’s time for the money question. I’ll ask you what your budget is, then give you a ballpark estimate of what I think your investment will be. If it looks like we should continue, we’ll hang up and go to the next phase: the proposal/quote. I’ll have that to you in about 1 to 2 business days. If we’re not a good fit, we’ll just hang up … as friends.
Expect an email from me after the call. I want to ensure we’re on the same page about project scope.
By the way, I’ll likely ask you to send me more info about the project. And I’ll also do some more research on my own, which includes visiting your website and scoping out your competition. Only then can I send you a fair proposal, with the project fee attached. Once accepted, it’s game on! By the way, I quote by the project or package, not by word count or hour. If you need to know why, ask me. Depending on the project size, I may also ask for a 50% deposit or even the entire fee up front.
Once I’ve completed the first deliverable or first draft, and sent it to you via WeTransfer:
- We go into a 30-day revision period, normally with up to 2 revisions. However, if the content must be run by your legal department, their requests take priority and don’t count toward the two revisions. You can send it to them before or after your requested edits. I’d suggest before.
- The remainder of the project fee is due and payable upon receipt of the first deliverable (an industry standard among professional copywriters).
- I own the copyrights until fully paid. When the entire fee is paid, full copyright ownership transfers to you and you’re free to use the content or copy however you want.
The project is done! Time to discuss your next copywriting project. Don’t worry, I’ll remind you about it!
If you’re ready to start, here’s the link to my call scheduler: https://calendly.com/stevemaurercopy/30min
