Why do I need to hire a copywriter?

For the average startup or SME, the prospect of employing a full-time copywriter is never really on the agenda. It’s not something that many businesses can even afford the time of giving a passing thought to – let alone the financial cost. Okay, it might be what the big brands do. But, meanwhile, back in the real world – it’s just never going to happen.

Fortunately, in today’s digital world, help is always at hand when it comes to marketing. These days there’s an app or software to create most things. From website design to business cards, brochures or logos, there are a wealth of online resources out there. This means that businesses can take the DIY approach if they want to, rather than calling on the professionals.

Of course, the quality of these resources does vary. Some are great, some not so great - and there are obvious limitations in taking the ‘design by template’ route.

However, none of this really matters when it comes to copywriting. After all, everyone can write, can’t they? It’s no wonder you might ask yourself:‘Why do I need to hire a copywriter?’

But you do. You really do.

The problem with do-it-yourself

DIY, in general, is great in so many ways. It has revolutionised the home improvement sector, for starters. For those who are that way inclined, it can be a challenge and a very rewarding hobby. But some things are best left to the professionals, aren’t they?

Maybe it’s just me, but even a fairly straightforward decorating job can end in disaster. Yes, there are some people that are great at it, but the end result often looks ‘okay(ish)’ - just not as good as it would’ve done if the job had been done professionally.

So: ‘okay’, ‘not as good’, ‘unprofessional’ - is that how you want to market your business?

Time is money

The thing is, it’s a mistake to be sucked into the ‘anybody can write’ way of thinking. A professional writer will be just as skilled at their craft as a decorator, joiner or kitchen fitter is. They do it every day. It’s what they do for a living.

You might be able to have a fairly good stab at it, but it’s unlikely that the copy you come up with will look, read or feel like it’s been written by a professional.

Because it hasn’t.

And then there’s the issue of time. Regardless of whether or not you can create half decent copy yourself, it’s going to take time. Time that, as a business owner, you probably haven’t got.

And even if you have got the time, it would be better spent building your business and doing whatever it is that you are the expert at.

Words are money too

Time is money but words are money too. And this is why you really do need to hire a copywriter.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) specialists will unleash their magic to get your website on the first page of Google. Sure, backlinks, keywords and optimisation are important. But, ultimately, it will be good content that keeps a visitor on your site and persuades them to interact.

And content means copy… words.

If you can find a skilled copywriter who has cut their teeth in SEO too, all the better!

In fact, there’s an argument to say that a copywriter’s skills are the most valuable of all…

Even a designer?

Yes. Of course, your website and social media posts need to be visually engaging – but if the copy on your landing pages doesn’t entice, engage and persuade then all the hard work that’s gone into driving customers to your site will have been a waste.

It’s certainly true that high quality images and video content grab people’s attention, but well-written blog content that is valuable, entertaining and relevant to your audience is the best way of driving traffic to your site – and keeping it there.

Think of it this way, it might well be your expertise, experience and reputation that draws a prospective client to your site, but it will nearly always be the copy that’s on it that will be the deal clincher.

That’s why you need to hire a copywriter!

#copywriter #contentmarketing #copywriting