Are You a Pro? Does Your Copy Form Reflect It?
By Tom Chandler on Jan 11, 2007 in Copywriting, Writer tools
Yesterday, a new client forwarded an original copy file from their SEO writer. It wasn’t pretty.
The copy was fine. But the formatting was sloppy. The file lacked branding, offered little project information, and even omitted minimal contact information.
That writer would never think to hand over copy poorly written on tissue paper. Why send the electronic equivalent?
Charge Like a Pro? Then Look Like One.
Every job for a client is like a first date. Impressions matter, and you can easily set the tone for the rest of the relationship (however short that may be).
Why not invest twenty minutes developing a form? Make it informative. Make it look good. And make sure it reflects your brand message. (You do have a message, right?)
My copy form is clean and simple, with all my contact information, page, and file name in the footer.
Before faxes went out of style, I included a copy approval watermark. That’s gone, but now I often add link information. Any cool ideas about how to handle that?
Technorati Tags: writer, writing, copywriter, copy, marketing
I’m a bit confused: What do you use this form for? is it to type up the draft(s) to give to the client for them to review and appove?
Daniel | Jan 11, 2007 | Reply
Yes. I write copy, and when I send it to my clients, I don’t want it looking like hell.
This is an Open Office word processing document (which is saved in MS Word format).
Simple, really.
Tom Chandler | Jan 11, 2007 | Reply
Awesome. I thought it might be something along those lines. I mean, it makes total sense to have it in an organized, clean format.
Daniel | Jan 12, 2007 | Reply
Every contact with a customer is a chance to impress them (or sadly, the opposite).
If you’re the King of Case Studies, it should say so on your copy form as well as your web site.
Thanks for commenting!
Tom Chandler | Jan 12, 2007 | Reply