Briefing your copywriter: practical guidance and also a proven checklist
Briefing your copywriter is likely the most critical parts with the writing process; it is also probably the most neglected. As being a copywriting client, you might have a thousand and one items to do, and only a single of them could be the writing of the website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last factor you need to complete is write a brief for your copywriter. But here are some reasons why you extremely should make the effort (or at least support your copywriter do it for you), along with a practical proven checklist to assist you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter often helps you
Briefing your copywriter properly often pays off. Experience with big and small copywriting buyers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the significance of always working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief does not have to be a long document. In fact, 'short and concise' normally packs additional power, and is additional probably to be followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs is also condensed to a single or a couple of sides of A4. And remember how the brief will usually be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for great work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter each have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you will give your copywriter probably the most feasible basis for delivering work which will do full justice for your business:
Client:
Offer relevant source information Answer the copywriter's questions honestly and in more than enough detail In an ideal world, write the brief to your copywriter Exactly where possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing questions to obtain towards the heart of the expectations to your work. From the real world, to assist you to draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, acquiring a written copywriting briefing within the client stands out as the exception. Don't worry; many copywriters will probably be willing to allow you to by drafting a brief in accordance with their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you ensure you have covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this specific website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Consumer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What's the jobs becoming commissioned? Background on the work Business/product USPs What is the work in the copy? Exactly where will the copy be used? Media details What need to the reader believe following they have read the copy? Budget Length/estimated term count Once stands out as the jobs required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that ought to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Kind issues (British or North American English; any specific style difficulties to become considered?) Underlying tone from the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery normal (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Consumer resources supplied or to be supplied (append documents towards brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they've a frequent briefing form to capture this information. This will act as being a interesting prompt whenever you are thinking through your requirements.
(4) Owning the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief ought to often be in location and agreed just before your copywriter starts writing. Typically, points of the brief will be defined during your very first telephone or email dialogue using a copywriter. This will then be produced into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least two hours to consider your writing project (TIP: jobs from the checklist systematically ) previous to writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to perform it for you).
Tempting although it can be to expect your copywriter to start writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to make certain which you and your copywriter are working towards the same objective. Being a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing based on a logical checklist avoids any person heading off during the wrong direction and helps ensure that you just get the work you might be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to produce sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives within your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to produce sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's a thing you don't realize or that you desire to change, that is the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
Briefing your copywriter: practical suggestions including a proven checklist
Briefing your copywriter is likely one of the most crucial parts with the writing process; it is also probably the most neglected. As being a copywriting client, you might have a thousand and a single points to do, and only one of them may be the writing of your website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last thing you want to complete is write a brief for your copywriter. But here are some reasons why you really must make the effort (or at least help your copywriter do it for you), and also a practical proven checklist to help you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter always helps you
Briefing your copywriter correctly usually pays off. Experience with big and little copywriting buyers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the importance of often working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief doesn't must be a long document. In fact, 'short and concise' commonly packs a lot more power, and is much more probably to become followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs can be condensed to a single or a couple of sides of A4. And remember that the brief will normally be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for very good work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter both have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you will give your copywriter probably the most feasible basis for delivering jobs that will do full justice for ones business:
Client:
Supply relevant source information Answer the copywriter's queries honestly and in adequate detail In an ideal world, write the brief for your copywriter Where possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing queries to obtain towards heart of one's expectations for your work. During the genuine world, to help you draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, acquiring a written copywriting briefing from the buyer may be the exception. Do not worry; many copywriters are going to be willing to allow you to by drafting a brief in accordance with their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you make sure you've covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this particular website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Consumer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What is the work becoming commissioned? Background towards the work Business/product USPs What's the job in the copy? In which will the copy be used? Media details What should the reader believe right after they have read the copy? Budget Length/estimated term count When could be the work required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that ought to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Variety difficulties (British or North American English; any special variety issues to become considered?) Underlying tone with the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery regular (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Client resources supplied or to be supplied (append documents for the brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they have a normal briefing type to capture this information. This will act being a interesting prompt whenever you are considering via your requirements.
(4) Obtaining the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief must usually be in location and agreed ahead of your copywriter starts writing. Typically, points in the brief will probably be defined during your 1st telephone or email dialogue having a copywriter. This will then be created into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least two hours to consider your writing project (TIP: work from your checklist systematically ) previous to writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to perform it for you).
Tempting while it can be to expect your copywriter to begin writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to make sure that you just and your copywriter are working towards same objective. Being a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing in accordance with a logical checklist avoids anybody heading off inside the wrong direction and helps make sure which you get the work you happen to be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to create sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives in your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to create sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's anything you do not understand or that you wish to change, this is the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
Briefing your copywriter: practical advice and also a proven checklist
Briefing your copywriter is almost certainly probably the most essential parts of the writing process; it's also the most neglected. Being a copywriting client, you've got a thousand and 1 elements to do, and only 1 of them could be the writing of your website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last factor you would like to try and do is write a brief for your copywriter. But the following are some causes why you incredibly need to make the work (or at least aid your copywriter do it for you), plus a practical proven checklist to help you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter often helps you
Briefing your copywriter correctly usually pays off. Experience with large and smaller copywriting shoppers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the value of often working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief does not have to be a long document. In fact, 'short and concise' generally packs much more power, and is a lot more most likely to become followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs is also condensed to 1 or two sides of A4. And remember how the brief will usually be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for beneficial work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter each have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you'll give your copywriter essentially the most feasible basis for delivering jobs that will do full justice for ones business:
Client:
Provide relevant source information Answer the copywriter's queries honestly and in enough detail In an ideal world, write the brief for your copywriter In which possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing questions to get for the heart of the expectations for the work. During the genuine world, to allow you to draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, getting a written copywriting briefing during the customer may be the exception. Don't worry; many copywriters will likely be willing to allow you to by drafting a brief according to their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you ensure you've covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this particular website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Consumer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What is the work becoming commissioned? Background on the work Business/product USPs What's the employment on the copy? Wherever will the copy be used? Media details What must the reader think right after they've read the copy? Budget Length/estimated word count As soon as is the work required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that need to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Style problems (British or North American English; any particular type problems to become considered?) Underlying tone in the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery normal (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Consumer resources supplied or being supplied (append documents towards brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they've a frequent briefing form to capture this information. This will act being a intriguing prompt whenever you are considering through your requirements.
(4) Having the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief must often be in location and agreed before your copywriter starts writing. Typically, elements with the brief will be defined during your first telephone or email dialogue using a copywriter. This will then be developed into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least 2 hours to take into account your writing project (TIP: jobs from the checklist systematically ) ahead of writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to accomplish it for you).
Tempting although it may be to expect your copywriter to begin writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to ensure that you just and your copywriter are working towards the exact same objective. As a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing according to a logical checklist avoids anyone heading off within the wrong direction and helps make sure that you simply get the jobs you will be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to produce sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives as part of your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to produce sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's anything you don't realize or which you desire to change, this is the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
Briefing your copywriter: practical advice and a proven checklist
Briefing your copywriter is possibly the most crucial parts of the writing process; it's also probably the most neglected. As being a copywriting client, you've got a thousand and 1 issues to do, and only 1 of them may be the writing of one's website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last point you need to perform is write a brief for your copywriter. But the following are some reasons why you extremely should make the effort (or at least help your copywriter do it for you), including a practical proven checklist to help you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter often helps you
Briefing your copywriter correctly often pays off. Experience with big and smaller copywriting consumers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the significance of often working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief does not need to be a extended document. In fact, 'short and concise' usually packs more power, and is far more almost certainly being followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs can also be condensed to one or two sides of A4. And remember how the brief will normally be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for great work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter both have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you will give your copywriter essentially the most feasible basis for delivering jobs which will do full justice for your business:
Client:
Supply relevant source information Answer the copywriter's questions honestly and in more than enough detail In an ideal world, write the brief for the copywriter Where possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing queries for getting to the heart of one's expectations for the work. During the true world, to assist you to draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, acquiring a written copywriting briefing from the consumer is the exception. Don't worry; quite a few copywriters will be willing to assist you to by drafting a brief according to their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you make certain you've covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this particular website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Buyer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What is the jobs becoming commissioned? Background to the work Business/product USPs What's the task of the copy? Exactly where will the copy be used? Media details What should the reader believe after they've read the copy? Budget Length/estimated word count After could be the jobs required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that needs to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Style issues (British or North American English; any unique type issues to be considered?) Underlying tone in the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery frequent (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Client resources supplied or being supplied (append documents on the brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they have a typical briefing type to capture this information. This will act like a useful prompt when you are considering through your requirements.
(4) Owning the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief should often be in location and agreed prior to your copywriter starts writing. Typically, elements in the brief will probably be defined during your 1st telephone or email dialogue having a copywriter. This will then be designed into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least two hours to think about your writing project (TIP: jobs through the checklist systematically ) just before writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to accomplish it for you).
Tempting while it can be to expect your copywriter to start writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to make certain that you and your copywriter are working towards exact same objective. As a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing in accordance with a logical checklist avoids any person going off within the wrong direction and helps make certain that you simply get the jobs you happen to be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to generate sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives inside your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to build sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's some thing you do not understand or that you need to change, this can be the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
Briefing your copywriter is likely the most critical parts with the writing process; it is also probably the most neglected. As being a copywriting client, you might have a thousand and one items to do, and only a single of them could be the writing of the website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last factor you need to complete is write a brief for your copywriter. But here are some reasons why you extremely should make the effort (or at least support your copywriter do it for you), along with a practical proven checklist to assist you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter often helps you
Briefing your copywriter properly often pays off. Experience with big and small copywriting buyers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the significance of always working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief does not have to be a long document. In fact, 'short and concise' normally packs additional power, and is additional probably to be followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs is also condensed to a single or a couple of sides of A4. And remember how the brief will usually be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for great work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter each have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you will give your copywriter probably the most feasible basis for delivering work which will do full justice for your business:
Client:
Offer relevant source information Answer the copywriter's questions honestly and in more than enough detail In an ideal world, write the brief to your copywriter Exactly where possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing questions to obtain towards the heart of the expectations to your work. From the real world, to assist you to draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, acquiring a written copywriting briefing within the client stands out as the exception. Don't worry; many copywriters will probably be willing to allow you to by drafting a brief in accordance with their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you ensure you have covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this specific website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Consumer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What's the jobs becoming commissioned? Background on the work Business/product USPs What is the work in the copy? Exactly where will the copy be used? Media details What need to the reader believe following they have read the copy? Budget Length/estimated term count Once stands out as the jobs required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that ought to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Kind issues (British or North American English; any specific style difficulties to become considered?) Underlying tone from the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery normal (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Consumer resources supplied or to be supplied (append documents towards brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they've a frequent briefing form to capture this information. This will act as being a interesting prompt whenever you are thinking through your requirements.
(4) Owning the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief ought to often be in location and agreed just before your copywriter starts writing. Typically, points of the brief will be defined during your very first telephone or email dialogue using a copywriter. This will then be produced into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least two hours to consider your writing project (TIP: jobs from the checklist systematically ) previous to writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to perform it for you).
Tempting although it can be to expect your copywriter to start writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to make certain which you and your copywriter are working towards the same objective. Being a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing based on a logical checklist avoids any person heading off during the wrong direction and helps ensure that you just get the work you might be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to produce sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives within your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to produce sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's a thing you don't realize or that you desire to change, that is the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
Briefing your copywriter: practical suggestions including a proven checklist
Briefing your copywriter is likely one of the most crucial parts with the writing process; it is also probably the most neglected. As being a copywriting client, you might have a thousand and a single points to do, and only one of them may be the writing of your website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last thing you want to complete is write a brief for your copywriter. But here are some reasons why you really must make the effort (or at least help your copywriter do it for you), and also a practical proven checklist to help you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter always helps you
Briefing your copywriter correctly usually pays off. Experience with big and little copywriting buyers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the importance of often working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief doesn't must be a long document. In fact, 'short and concise' commonly packs a lot more power, and is much more probably to become followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs can be condensed to a single or a couple of sides of A4. And remember that the brief will normally be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for very good work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter both have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you will give your copywriter probably the most feasible basis for delivering jobs that will do full justice for ones business:
Client:
Supply relevant source information Answer the copywriter's queries honestly and in adequate detail In an ideal world, write the brief for your copywriter Where possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing queries to obtain towards heart of one's expectations for your work. During the genuine world, to help you draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, acquiring a written copywriting briefing from the buyer may be the exception. Do not worry; many copywriters are going to be willing to allow you to by drafting a brief in accordance with their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you make sure you've covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this particular website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Consumer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What is the work becoming commissioned? Background towards the work Business/product USPs What's the job in the copy? In which will the copy be used? Media details What should the reader believe right after they have read the copy? Budget Length/estimated term count When could be the work required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that ought to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Variety difficulties (British or North American English; any special variety issues to become considered?) Underlying tone with the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery regular (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Client resources supplied or to be supplied (append documents for the brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they have a normal briefing type to capture this information. This will act being a interesting prompt whenever you are considering via your requirements.
(4) Obtaining the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief must usually be in location and agreed ahead of your copywriter starts writing. Typically, points in the brief will probably be defined during your 1st telephone or email dialogue having a copywriter. This will then be created into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least two hours to consider your writing project (TIP: work from your checklist systematically ) previous to writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to perform it for you).
Tempting while it can be to expect your copywriter to begin writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to make sure that you just and your copywriter are working towards same objective. Being a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing in accordance with a logical checklist avoids anybody heading off inside the wrong direction and helps make sure which you get the work you happen to be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to create sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives in your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to create sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's anything you do not understand or that you wish to change, this is the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
Briefing your copywriter: practical advice and also a proven checklist
Briefing your copywriter is almost certainly probably the most essential parts of the writing process; it's also the most neglected. Being a copywriting client, you've got a thousand and 1 elements to do, and only 1 of them could be the writing of your website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last factor you would like to try and do is write a brief for your copywriter. But the following are some causes why you incredibly need to make the work (or at least aid your copywriter do it for you), plus a practical proven checklist to help you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter often helps you
Briefing your copywriter correctly usually pays off. Experience with large and smaller copywriting shoppers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the value of often working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief does not have to be a long document. In fact, 'short and concise' generally packs much more power, and is a lot more most likely to become followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs is also condensed to 1 or two sides of A4. And remember how the brief will usually be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for beneficial work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter each have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you'll give your copywriter essentially the most feasible basis for delivering jobs that will do full justice for ones business:
Client:
Provide relevant source information Answer the copywriter's queries honestly and in enough detail In an ideal world, write the brief for your copywriter In which possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing questions to get for the heart of the expectations for the work. During the genuine world, to allow you to draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, getting a written copywriting briefing during the customer may be the exception. Don't worry; many copywriters will likely be willing to allow you to by drafting a brief according to their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you ensure you've covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this particular website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Consumer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What is the work becoming commissioned? Background on the work Business/product USPs What's the employment on the copy? Wherever will the copy be used? Media details What must the reader think right after they've read the copy? Budget Length/estimated word count As soon as is the work required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that need to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Style problems (British or North American English; any particular type problems to become considered?) Underlying tone in the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery normal (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Consumer resources supplied or being supplied (append documents towards brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they've a frequent briefing form to capture this information. This will act being a intriguing prompt whenever you are considering through your requirements.
(4) Having the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief must often be in location and agreed before your copywriter starts writing. Typically, elements with the brief will be defined during your first telephone or email dialogue using a copywriter. This will then be developed into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least 2 hours to take into account your writing project (TIP: jobs from the checklist systematically ) ahead of writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to accomplish it for you).
Tempting although it may be to expect your copywriter to begin writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to ensure that you just and your copywriter are working towards the exact same objective. As a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing according to a logical checklist avoids anyone heading off within the wrong direction and helps make sure that you simply get the jobs you will be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to produce sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives as part of your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to produce sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's anything you don't realize or which you desire to change, this is the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
Briefing your copywriter: practical advice and a proven checklist
Briefing your copywriter is possibly the most crucial parts of the writing process; it's also probably the most neglected. As being a copywriting client, you've got a thousand and 1 issues to do, and only 1 of them may be the writing of one's website/brochure/case study/newsletter content. The last point you need to perform is write a brief for your copywriter. But the following are some reasons why you extremely should make the effort (or at least help your copywriter do it for you), including a practical proven checklist to help you.
(1) Briefing your copywriter often helps you
Briefing your copywriter correctly often pays off. Experience with big and smaller copywriting consumers in Gloucestershire and across the UK bears out the significance of often working from a written briefing. A copywriter brief does not need to be a extended document. In fact, 'short and concise' usually packs more power, and is far more almost certainly being followed during the project. Most copywriter briefs can also be condensed to one or two sides of A4. And remember how the brief will normally be supported by the other source material you'll be providing.
(2) Taking the briefing seriously provides a solid basis for great work
When preparing your briefing and during your copywriting project, you and your copywriter both have responsibilities. By taking these seriously you will give your copywriter essentially the most feasible basis for delivering jobs which will do full justice for your business:
Client:
Supply relevant source information Answer the copywriter's questions honestly and in more than enough detail In an ideal world, write the brief for the copywriter Where possible, to avoid changing the goalposts mid-project
Copywriter:
To ask suitably probing queries for getting to the heart of one's expectations for the work. During the true world, to assist you to draft a brief To follow the agreed briefing document
From experience, acquiring a written copywriting briefing from the consumer is the exception. Don't worry; quite a few copywriters will be willing to assist you to by drafting a brief according to their copywriting checklist and their fact-finding conversations with you.
(3) A proven copywriting checklist helps you make certain you've covered everything
Here's a proven copywriting checklist that works well for this particular website, technical and PR copywriter.
Project name Company Brand name for product/service Buyer details Key contact and day-to-day contact (if different) What is the jobs becoming commissioned? Background to the work Business/product USPs What's the task of the copy? Exactly where will the copy be used? Media details What should the reader believe after they've read the copy? Budget Length/estimated word count After could be the jobs required? Are their any fixed timeline dates that needs to be met? Target audience Any controlled vocabulary? Style issues (British or North American English; any unique type issues to be considered?) Underlying tone in the brand (formal/informal, authoritative, conservative, fun, etc) Delivery frequent (mine is MS Word) Any third party involvement? Client resources supplied or being supplied (append documents on the brief). Rights, confidentiality etc. Any other information?
TIP: Ask your copywriter if they have a typical briefing type to capture this information. This will act like a useful prompt when you are considering through your requirements.
(4) Owning the brief agreed early avoids wasted time later
The brief should often be in location and agreed prior to your copywriter starts writing. Typically, elements in the brief will probably be defined during your 1st telephone or email dialogue having a copywriter. This will then be designed into a formal brief to accompany an estimate or quotation. Budget at least two hours to think about your writing project (TIP: jobs through the checklist systematically ) just before writing your brief (or briefing your copywriter to accomplish it for you).
Tempting while it can be to expect your copywriter to start writing immediately, the preparation of the brief (even for urgent work) is crucial to make certain that you and your copywriter are working towards exact same objective. As a copywriting client, a well-written copywriter briefing in accordance with a logical checklist avoids any person going off within the wrong direction and helps make certain that you simply get the jobs you happen to be expecting.
(5) Checking the copywriting brief thoroughly gives you the chance to generate sure all your needs are covered
When the brief arrives inside your quotation or estimate, read it carefully to build sure it accurately captures your expectations. If there's some thing you do not understand or that you need to change, this can be the time to seek clarification or make any amendments.
About the Author:
Briefing Your Copywriter - practical advice and a proven tick list - copy writer and ghostwriter
