How to Choose Between Orlando Advertising Agencies, Consider Freelance Copywriters

By Susan Greene

You’ve decided you want to work with a freelance copywriter versus an advertising agency. What are the steps of the production process? As a freelance copywriter based in Orlando, Florida, here’s how my projects typically progress.

Initial meeting
In this meeting, you and the freelance copywriter should get to know one another. Most likely, the copywriter will ask you lots of pointed questions about your business and about your project. Initial meetings can take place in person or over the phone. Follow-up questions or concerns may be handled by phone or e-mail.
Proposal
At this stage, the freelance copywriter should provide you with a written summary, describing the project as defined in your initial meeting. It should be clear from the proposal exactly what responsibilities the freelancer will have and what is expected from you, the client.
Pricing
Once any variables in the proposal have been decided upon, it’s time to attach some numbers to the tasks at hand. The freelance copywriter should spell out exactly what you’ll be getting for your money. Also included should be deadlines and, if warranted, a production schedule.
Contract
You’ll be asked by the freelance copywriter to sign a contract that states the items that have been decided in the proposal and pricing stage. Signature of that contract is binding both to the freelance copywriter and the client.
Deposit
In many cases, you’ll be asked for a deposit on the project. Deposits can range from 20% to 50%. The deposit helps ensure that the client has committed to the project and also that the freelance copywriter has committed to do the work. Once you’ve established a relationship with a freelance copywriter, you may be able to request credit terms of net 30.
First draft
Most freelance copywriters will provide a first draft for you to review. They fully expect to receive feedback as to what you like and dislike.
Revisions
Based on your comments on the first draft, the freelance copywriter should be prepared to write revised drafts. Sometimes one revision is necessary; other times more if the project is complex. Each revision should bring the copy closer to “perfection.”
Production
Once your freelance copywriter has provided you with a final draft, he or she may want to interact with the other members of your production team. These might be a graphic artist, a web site programmer or a printer. Interaction between the copywriter and these other professionals helps ensure a smooth transition through the production process.
Final payment
Once the copywriting has been approved, the freelance copywriter will invoice you for the full amount (or balance if you paid a deposit). Even though your project may not yet be finished or produced, the freelance copywriter has fulfilled all of his or her obligations and is entitled to the agreed-upon payment.