How to Prepare a Task for a Copywriter: Free Checklist
Preparing a task for a copywriter means providing clear instructions and any necessary resources to ensure they understand the project requirements and can deliver the desired outcome.
Here’s a handful of things that can help a content writer like me complete a task more efficiently - saving me time and you money! Download your own copywriting checklist at the link below.
You can download each of the points in this article as a handy copywriting checklist by entering your email address below!
What does a copywriter need to know?
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a task for a copywriter. When preparing a project to hand over, it can be helpful to work through these points and create a document with answers to each one, which can then be sent onto your copywriter (me!)
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Define the purpose and audience
Before your copywriter can begin writing, they need to know exactly what the purpose of the content is and who the intended target audience is - why is this content being created? Who will see it? What action do you want the reader to take? Consider what type of content you want - website copy, a blog post, social media content, etc, - and whether you have any specific requirements or constraints, such as word count or tone of voice.
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Provide background information
Giving your copywriter some background information about your company, product or service will help them align their writing with your brand voice and values. Consider providing brand guidelines, key messaging, unique selling points, social media links and any other relevant details that will help them get a feel for your brand.
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Set clear objectives
Clearly state the objectives you want to achieve with the copy. For example, maybe you’re aiming to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads or promote a specific product or service. Make sure your copywriter understands what success looks like for the project.
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Bullet point the key themes
If you have a general idea of what the content needs to contain, then write a list of bullet points for your copywriter to outline the main points you want them to cover. This list doesn’t need to be in full sentences and can just be a list of topics or keywords. Alternatively, simply provide them with the title, the audience and the aim of the piece, then let the copywriter fill in the gaps.
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Provide examples and inspiration
Share examples of existing copy that you like or that align with the direction you want to take. This can help your copywriter understand your style preferences. You could share links to other websites, blog posts, social media accounts or anything that inspires you.
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Outline any call-to-actions (CTAs)
Be sure to highlight the key messages you want to convey in the copy and any specific CTAs you want to include. You could write a few bullet points to show your key points. Clearly define the desired action you want the audience to take after reading the copy.
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Provide SEO guidelines
If the copy needs to be optimised for search engines, then provide your copywriter with a list of any relevant keywords, SEO guidelines and best practices to ensure the copy ranks well in search engine results. The content writer can then include these keywords in the copy they produce.
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Specify formatting and style preferences
Clearly outline any formatting requirements you have - such as the use of headings - as well as any style preferences - such as whether you want the content to sound formal or conversational - to ensure the final copy is consistent with your existing brand or website.
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Set a deadline and any expectations
If you have a deadline for your project, then say so! Your copywriter will then have a clear schedule to work towards. Clearly communicate deadlines for each stage of the project (such as dates for the first draft, revisions and final delivery, or simply an overall deadline) plus any other expectations regarding communication, feedback and revisions whilst the content is being written.
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Be prepared to communicate
Be open to questions and feedback from your copywriter throughout the writing process. Open and regular communication ensures you’re both on the same page and enables you to address any questions, concerns or misunderstandings promptly.
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