8 RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN HIRING A COPYWRITER
02 July 2024
Written by Omneya Nabil
Hiring a copywriter is harder than you think.
The other day, I posted about wanting to hire a copywriter. And I ended up receiving numerous responses (most of which fell short of my expectations).
Many applicants did not provide portfolios. How, then, can I assess their skills and suitability for the role?
Others had poor communication skills. This raised concerns about their ability to collaborate effectively.
And, to top it off, some submissions contained grammatical errors. I’m not going to comment on this one.
After reviewing over 75 applications, I put together these eight warning signs to watch out for when hiring a copywriter.
1. No portfolio
A good copywriter should have a portfolio showcasing their previous work. If they can’t provide samples or hesitate to share their work, it’s a major red flag.
2. Poor communication skills
Effective communication is crucial for a successful collaboration. If a copywriter struggles to clearly express ideas or respond promptly, it may indicate future communication issues.
3. Inconsistent or poor-quality writing
Pay close attention to the quality and consistency of the copywriter’s writing samples. Look for errors, awkward phrasing, or a lack of coherence. High-quality writing should be error-free and engaging.
4. No understanding of your audience
A good copywriter takes the time to understand your target audience. If they don’t ask questions about your audience’s needs and preferences, it’s less likely that they’ll be able to craft messages that resonate with them.
5. Unwillingness to accept feedback
A good copywriter is open to feedback and willing to revise their content to meet your expectations. If they seem defensive or resistant, it could lead to difficulties in the collaboration process.
6. Lack of creativity
Your copywriter should bring fresh, creative ideas to the table. If their work seems generic or lacks originality, they might not be the right fit for creating unique and engaging content for your brand.
7. Unrealistic promises
Beware of copywriters who make grandiose promises, such as guaranteed first-page search engine rankings or overnight results. It takes time to see results from your content, so setting realistic expectations is essential.
8. No professional references
References and client reviews provide insight into a copywriter’s reliability and work ethic. If they can’t offer references or seem reluctant to share client feedback, consider it a red flag.
Over to you. Have you encountered any of these red flags? Join the conversation by visiting the original post on LinkedIn.