How to find a freelance technical copywriter

There’s no shortage of freelance copywriters. A quick search on Google and you’re promised a 7-figure fortune, rockstar writing, mega results, million-dollar copy, killer response rates… and that’s just the beginning. Getting past the rhetoric is a chore in and of itself. Here are some tips for finding a freelance technology copywriter that’s right for you.

First of all, did you notice that I said freelance technology copywriter? You’re marketing technology products and services. It only makes sense to spend a little extra and go with a specialist. As I mentioned in my last post on hiring a freelance copywriter, a specialist will be able to give you better results, faster. A technology copywriter understands your industry, potential buyers, and marketing challenges.

That said, a potential freelancer should ask you a lot of questions; questions about your project, product, company, goals, etc. The more information you can provide your freelancer, the better. Some of this information should come from an introductory phone call/meeting in which the two of you determine whether you’re a good fit for each other. It should be obvious that the freelancer wants to know as much about you as you want to know about him/her.

While it doesn’t hurt to look at samples, keep this in mind: The final piece could have been severely edited – for better or for worse. The original writing could’ve been riddled with poor grammar and punctuation that the client fixed, or the client may have dictated changes to the content that weakened it. Consider asking  for pre-edited samples. Also ask about the client’s goal with the piece and what the project specs entailed. This will provide you with some insight as to the freelancer’s relationship with his/her clients. Does the freelancer offer suggestions or simply say yes to any request?  Is there mutual respect between the client and freelancer?

Finally, consider how the freelancer conducts business. Do you get the impression that this is a part-time gig between jobs, or is the freelancer in this for the long haul? You don’t want your project abandoned when the freelancer suddenly lands a full-time job. You want a copywriter that has a vested interest in your project’s success because it is a reflection of his/her success. Ideally, you want someone you can return to. A serious copywriter will have you agree to a contract that outlines project specs, pricing, deadlines, and a revision policy.

Not every freelance copywriter is going to be a good fit for every company or even every project, but hopefully these tips will lead you to someone who meets your needs. If you’ve already found your freelancer, share some thoughts on how you found him/her.

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Crystal Bedell
Freelance technical copywriter & content strategist
cbedell@bedellcommunications.com