Frequently Asked Questions
Susan Greene, Florida Freelance Copywriter
 I have nothing against ad agencies. In fact, ad
agencies are some of my best clients. However, if the project
you’re
doing is copy-driven (i.e. websites, brochures, technical
articles),
you’ll probably save a lot by coming directly to
me.
Typically, agencies have a
high overhead which is reflected in their rates. Plus, most
agencies don’t have in-house copywriters. Instead,
they either ask their clients to provide their own copy
or they farm it out to a specialist like me (adding a little
something for themselves to my rates).
I have over 20 years professional writing experience, a
BS degree in journalism from Syracuse University and an
MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. I bring not
only expert copywriting skills to the table, but also marketing
acumen and business know-how. I’ve written for hundreds
of companies and helped them get results. I can do the same
for you.
They fall into two main categories. The first is ad agencies and web site designers. These folks typically subcontract the copywriting work for their clients to me. The second group is companies for which I work directly. They range from professional service firms like accountants and real estate brokers, to manufacturers and high tech firms, to transportation companies and government agencies.
My rates are reasonable. After all, as a freelancer
working out of my home, I have no overhead to speak of.
I quote each project individually. I try to assess the number
of hours I’ll need to complete the work and take into
account its level of complexity. My clients, without exception,
feel they get excellent value for their money. In addition
to great copy and first-rate service, they receive the benefits
of my marketing expertise and business know-how.
What types of payment do you accept?
I accept company checks or electronic payments through PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can still pay through PayPal using a Visa or MasterCard credit card. I can send you a link that makes the process super easy. Please be aware that PayPal charges a fee of approximately 3%.
If you are based outside the U.S., I cannot accept a check. Payment must be made through PayPal. Prices are determined in dollars and then converted through PayPal into your country's currency. Please be aware that PayPal charges an international money transfer fee, which is based on your country of origin.
I’ll usually want to speak with you by phone. I’ll ask you a lot of questions related to your marketing objectives, your prospects, your customers, and your competition.
I’ll obtain from you
as much information as possible (written or verbal) to use
in preparing your copy. I’ll then produce a first
draft and await your feedback, then make revisions as needed.
Only when you’re 100% satisfied with every single
word do I consider the job done.
Usually I come pretty close to hitting the nail on the head,
but if that’s not the case, it’s a problem easily
solved. In fact, that’s really the purpose of writing
a first draft. It helps me to clarify exactly what you do
want. That first draft then becomes a starting point for
me to get your feedback and write a second draft that’s
more on target.
This comes up a lot, and there’s no right or wrong
answer. If you already have a design or layout, I’ll
work with it, making sure my copy complements and enhances
it. If you don’t have a design, I’ll draft copy
and give recommendations for a layout. The bottom line is,
whatever your situation, I’ll make it work so that
the end result is a marketing piece you’re proud of.
Websites. I enjoy sinking my teeth into a massive amount
of information and organizing it to be meaningful and
effective.
Also, I truly believe in the value of the Internet as a
marketing tool. I’ve spent the last 15-plus years
studying the Internet and learning what gets results.
Good copy is
absolutely vital for getting placement on search engines
and for converting prospects into customers.
I need copy that will help improve my site’s ranking on Google. Do you understand search engine optimization (SEO)?
Yes, I’ve been writing SEO copy for over a decade. My own websites, as well as those of many of my clients, rank on page 1 of Google in large part because of their written content.
I can assist you with keyword research. Or you can provide the keywords you wish to target, and I’ll produce quality copy that cleverly incorporates them. In addition to page content, I’ll also write your title tags and meta-description tags (at no additional charge), since they’re important elements of search engine optimization.
Yes. Sure I’ll need to take some time to become familiar
with the particulars of your business, its jargon, and your
industry at large, but I don’t see that as a formidable
task. I enjoy doing research and will quickly get up to
speed. More importantly, regardless of the business you’re
in, the same basic marketing principles apply. It’s
just a matter of adapting them to your particular situation.
How are you at writing About Us pages for websites? Is this something you can do even if you don’t know anything about my company?
Oddly enough, I am frequently asked to write About Us website pages. My guess is that many people have trouble writing about themselves. They struggle with how much to tell. They know this is the page where they should toot their own horn, but they don’t want to come across as bragging.
I enjoy writing About Us pages. However, as I’m sure you can understand, I’ll need to start by interviewing you or someone knowledgeable in your company. Usually, with a 30-60 minute phone interview, I’ll be able to glean enough information to put together a draft for your review. I offer more information about my approach to writing About Us pages here, if you’re interested.
No problem. Let me take a look at what you have. I’ll
give you recommendations for improving the copy and a quote
for me to do the work. If the copy really doesn’t
need improvement, I’ll tell you for free.
I write fast. My clients are usually impressed with
how efficiently things get done. Once we clarify the
parameters of your project, I’ll give you a
firm completion date. If you have a deadline to meet,
please let me know up front, and I’ll do everything
I can to accommodate you.
Absolutely. While I do have many clients based in Florida, and specifically my home city of Orlando, I also work with companies from other states and other countries. In fact, within the past year I've worked with clients from Canada, England, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, Malta, Dubai UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We work by phone and email, and the process moves along just as smoothly as if we were both in the same city.
You mentioned your international clientele above. Why should a foreign company hire an American copywriter?
Many companies today sell their products or services outside their immediate geographic area. If their target market is the United States, England, Australia or some country that uses English as a first or second language, then they'll want to build a website in English.
American English is widely accepted and understood. An American copywriter also understands all the literary and cultural nuances of the U.S. and can write copy that resonates with fellow Americans. Someone who has learned English as a second language or was not born and raised in the U.S. may not have mastered those elements.
Ready to get started
on your project? Contact Susan Greene at FloridaCopywriter@gmail.com or call 407-578-5528 (Orlando, Florida).
© 2013 Susan Greene, freelance copywriter. All rights reserved. |
