How to Find a Copywriter

I’ve been on both sides of this. I’ve hired copywriters. I’ve been hired as a copywriter.

And I’ve watched countless business owners struggle with how to find a copywriter who actually delivers.

The struggle is real. There are a lot of copywriters out there. Some are excellent. Some are mediocre. Some will take your money and disappear. Figuring out how to find a copywriter who’s right for your business is harder than it should be.

Let me walk you through the process I use when I’m looking for a copywriter to add to the team, and help you avoid the mistakes I made early on.

The High Stakes of Hiring a Copywriter

Before we talk about how to find a copywriter, let’s talk about why it matters. A good copywriter can transform your business. A bad copywriter can waste your time and money. 

I’ve seen businesses hire the wrong copywriter and spend thousands of dollars on mediocre copy that doesn’t convert, or ChatGPT generated waffle that you could have done yourself. I’ve also seen my clients hire the right copywriter and watch their revenue double. Hell, I’ve hired new copywriting team members that have instantly increased my own revenue, so I know it works!

The trouble is that the difference between a good copywriter and a bad one isn’t always obvious. It’s not just about writing ability. It’s about understanding your business, your audience, and what drives conversions. It’s about strategy, not just words — and if you’re not a copywriting expert yourself, then it’s bloody hard to sort the wheat from the chaff. 

That’s why finding the right copywriter is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business, but it’s also a minefield.

Where to Find Copywriters

There are several places to look when you’re trying to find a copywriter. Each has pros and cons.

• Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr): These platforms have a huge pool of copywriters. You can browse portfolios and read reviews. The downside is quality varies wildly, and you’ll need to sift through a lot of mediocre work to find good copywriters.
• Copywriting Agencies: Copywriting agencies like Empowered English specialize in copywriting. They have vetted writers, established processes, and accountability. The upside is quality and reliability.
• Referrals: Ask your network. If you know someone who’s happy with their copywriter, that’s a solid lead. Referrals are often the best way to find a copywriter because you get honest feedback from someone you trust.
• LinkedIn: Search for copywriters in your industry. Look at their profiles, their recommendations, and their work. LinkedIn is great for finding copywriters who specialize in your niche.
• Job Boards: Specialized job boards for writers and copywriters exist. These tend to attract more serious, professional copywriters than general job boards.
• Direct Outreach: If you see copy you like (on a website, in an email, on an ad), reach out to that company and ask who wrote it. Sometimes you can hire that copywriter directly.

What to Look for in a Copywriter

When you’re evaluating copywriters, look for these qualities.

• Relevant Experience: Does the copywriter have experience in your industry? Have they written the type of copy you need (sales pages, emails, ads, product descriptions)? Experience matters because it means they understand your audience and your challenges.
• Strong Portfolio: Ask to see examples of their work. Look for copy that converts, not just copy that sounds good. Ask for case studies showing results, not just samples.
• Understanding of Strategy: A good copywriter doesn’t just write. They understand your business goals, your audience, and your competitive landscape. They ask questions before they start writing.
• Communication Skills: You need to be able to communicate clearly with your copywriter. They should be responsive, ask clarifying questions, and keep you updated on progress.
• Testimonials and References: Ask for references from past clients. Reach out to them and ask about their experience. What was it like working with this copywriter? Would they hire them again?
• Specialization: Some copywriters specialize in specific types of copy or industries. If you need a copywriter who specializes in SaaS, find someone who’s written copy for SaaS companies. Specialization usually means better results.

Red Flags to Avoid

There are certain warning signs that tell you a copywriter might not be right for you.

• Promises Guaranteed Results: No copywriter can guarantee results. Results depend on many factors beyond the copy. If a copywriter promises guaranteed conversions or rankings, they’re overselling.
• No Portfolio or References: If a copywriter won’t show you examples of their work or provide references, that’s a red flag. You need to see what they can do.
• Unclear Pricing: Copywriting pricing varies widely, but it should be clear and transparent. If a copywriter is vague about pricing or constantly adding extra charges, that’s a problem.
• Poor Communication: If a copywriter is slow to respond, doesn’t ask questions, or doesn’t seem interested in understanding your business, that’s a warning sign. Communication is crucial.
• One-Size-Fits-All Approach: If a copywriter uses the same template or approach for every client, they’re not thinking strategically. Your copy should be customized to your business and audience.
• Unwillingness to Revise: Good copywriters are willing to revise and refine. If a copywriter refuses to make changes or gets defensive about feedback, that’s a problem.

How to Evaluate and Choose

Once you’ve found some potential copywriters, here’s how to evaluate them.

First, have a conversation. Ask them about their process, their experience, and their approach. Pay attention to whether they ask you questions about your business and goals. A good copywriter will want to understand your situation before quoting a price.

Second, ask for a sample or test project. Before committing to a large project, have them write a small piece of copy. This gives you a sense of their style and quality without a big financial commitment.

Third, check references. Reach out to past clients and ask about their experience. Ask specific questions: Did the copy convert? Was the copywriter professional? Would you hire them again?

Fourth, compare options. Don’t just hire the cheapest copywriter. Compare quality, experience, communication, and price. Sometimes paying more for a better copywriter saves you money in the long run because the copy actually converts.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before you hire a copywriter, ask these questions:

• What’s your process? How do you approach a copywriting project? What information do you need from me?
• How long does a typical project take? What’s your timeline?
• What’s your pricing? Is it per word, per project, or hourly? Are revisions included?
• Can you provide references? Can I talk to past clients?
• What’s your experience with my industry? Have you written copy for companies like mine?
• What metrics do you track? How do you measure success?

Building a Lasting Relationship

Once you find a good copywriter, invest in that relationship. A copywriter who understands your business, your audience, and your goals becomes more valuable over time. They learn what works for you. They understand your brand voice. They can anticipate your needs.

The best copywriters are partners, not vendors. They’re invested in your success. They want your copy to convert because their reputation depends on it.

Hiring a Copywriter Who Transforms Your Business

Finding the right copywriter takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. A great copywriter can transform your marketing, increase your conversions, and grow your revenue. The key is knowing what to look for, where to look, and how to evaluate your options.

Don’t rush the process. Take time to find someone who understands your business and your goals. Ask questions. Check references. Do a test project. The investment in finding the right copywriter will pay dividends for years to come.

If you’re ready to work with a copywriter who understands your business and delivers results, let’s talk. We specialize in copywriting that converts. Book a consultation with our team and let’s discuss how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions