How do I work?

With a long career in the advertising world I understand the need to be upfront about what I can do, for how much and in what time frame.

When you come to me with a content writing, social media, marketing content or website project I will work with you to quote for the entirety of the work, allowing for tweaks and feedback. So, you can be assured that what you are needing will be delivered within what we agree.

To be a little more clear I’ve laid it out step by step below. But please do get in touch to talk through your unique project!

 

Step 1: Agreeing the scope.

I charge a set fee for a job, and to do this, we need to be able to agree a definite scope of work before we start, so I’ll probably ask you a few questions.

We’ll have a chat or I can send you a brief to complete before I start that asks:

  • What is the copy for? A website, brochure, social media, blog, eDM or content writing? 

  • How many copy pages are needed? How many pages of the website you need?

  • What type of pages are they? (Home, Services, About Us, etc.)?

  • How much content have you prepared yourself?

  • Do you have an idea about length, or are you happy to go with my recommendation?

For a website audit I’ll focus more on the flow of your website, considering your audience, your competitors and your chosen keywords. For work on brand voice and audience identification I’ll need to ask a few further questions.

Put simply, I ask a good number of questions so I can make my proposal/quote as accurate as possible. I prefer to do this over the phone or by email, but if you’d rather meet face to face then let’s find a time to do just that.

Step 2: Proposal.

Depending on the size of the project I’ll send you a quotation or proposal outlining the details of the job with comprehensive pricing that includes rounds of amends, meetings and any incidentals. I work to make my quotes and proposals as clear as possible so you understand where the costs are and we can work together transparently.

Step 3: 50% payment upfront.

I charge 50% up front. This is to get the project going and to ensure we are both invested.

Step 4: Timings.

Once I provide you with a delivery date, I stick to it. Turnaround times will vary depending on the amount of material you supply, your approval times, and the amount of material I’m producing, but don’t worry, having spent many years working in agencies, I’ve learnt to deliver on time.

Step 5: Briefing.

When we get to the briefing stage, I find it’s good to meet for a coffee, but again, if you’d prefer to run through the briefing over the phone or via email that’s fine. I’ll then ask you some more questions about your project covering topics such as:

  • Target audience – their needs and wants 

  • Marketing objectives

  • Your brand’s personality

And we can discuss in detail your feelings and wants for the project.

At this stage and once I have the following, I can get started:

  • Signed proposal or quote.

  • Your 50% up-front payment.

  • Any background material or assets.

Step 6: Down to work

I’m now ready to start to write/edit your copy, create your content, user journey, generate your website/SEO audit, assess your keyword competition, write your newsletter, or blog – whatever your project might be.

I use the following formats for my documents and supply everything to you in electronic format:

  • Copywriting / Content Writing – Word.docx or doc.

  • Website / SEO audits – PowerPoint.

  • Website development – Squarespace (I am proficient across WordPress, Wix and Weebly).

  • Strategy and Training – PowerPoint.

Step 7: Drafts and amends.

For content writing jobs, generally I’ll do three versions of your documents (first draft, second draft, final draft), which gives you two rounds of amends. Additional rounds will be charged at an hourly rate. All this will be set out in your proposal.

With content writing, I prefer to use track changes and comments for amends. It’s easier all round than separate amends briefs and phone discussions.

Step 8: Meetings.

Generally I don’t include any meeting time in my quotes, as most work can be done via phone and email.

If you would prefer to go through each stage face to face, please let me know at the start so I can build this into the project costs. Meetings will be charged at an hourly rate; travel time and costs will be in addition.

Step 9: Your review.

At the outset, we’ll agree how long you’re going to need to review and sign off the materials I provide. Remember it’s your project, so you set the timings (within reason!). Reviewing copy and documents can take a considerable amount of time; you’ll need to go through the documents line by line to make sure they meet the brief. The more effort we both put in the better the end product will be.

Step 10: Final payment.

When the job is complete I’ll invoice you the final amount. My payment terms are seven days.

Step 11: Happiness.

Happiness is the goal. You should be happy with what we have produced. And we both should be happy with the process… HAPPY! I ask my clients to provide a testimonial and a happy client provides a happy review!