FAQs

+ What kind of clients do you work with?

Mainly businesses, consultants, independent specialists & solopreneurs. I work autonomously or in conjunction with your in-house team.

For content-only projects, I’m happy to work alongside your web designer/developer so your site’s layout, content and functionality work in harmony.

+ Do I need a detailed brief ready?

If you already have a clear brief, I am happy to work to it. If you don’t, we’ll determine it together.

+ How do you charge?

I’m independent, not an agency. My fees are reasonable and straightforward. I provide a start-to-finish quote, so you have no hidden costs. I work until you are 100% satisfied.

For website design and content, I offer 3 packages.

• Full Package delivers your brand strategy, website re-design, fresh content and custom digital strategy blue print.

• Demi Package delivers you a brand strategy consult, full website content audit and content makeover.

• Compact Package provides a website analysis and digital strategy blue print.

See my Packages page for details.

Outside these, I quote for copywriting projects individually. I determine the time I’ll need to deliver your work and take into consideration its complexity. I give a final quote before we start and a time frame.

+ What platform do you use for website design?

I use Squarespace. The reason I prefer Squarespace over Wordpress is how customisable it is; its security (https:// is built in); its SEO strengths; the fact you can transfer or connect your existing domain simply and at no cost.

My clients find it easy to update post-development. I provide a custom video tutorial and explanation of each client’s site with clear details of how to make changes. This is recorded and uploaded to a password protected page on your new site so you always have access to it.

Squarespace has the edge on modern, clean design. A designer can entirely customise it using design and graphic skills and custom CSS and HTML code.

+ What about revisions?

I supply a first draft, followed by up to two rounds of revisions. I prepare a clear scope of work for each project and rarely find that clients need more than two rounds of revisions.

+ What are your payment terms?

If I’ve not worked with you before, I require a 50% deposit up front. The balance is payable upon project completion.

For all projects over the value of £2,000, I require 50% in advance. This ensures that we are both 100% committed to the project and guarantees you your slot in my calendar.

+ How do I go about commissioning a project with you?

Fill in my contact form and give brief details. I'll then contact you for a short call.

Once we’ve established we’re a good fit, I’ll then send you an onboarding questionnaire, which allows me to understand more about your business and goals. We build on this when we next speak (Note, if you want to meet face-to-face, I’m happy to do so if distance doesn’t make it unfeasible. In most cases, I communicate by phone, email, Skype or Zoom.)

I’ll then produce a scope of work. This will include my terms and conditions for you to sign.

Sometimes a project evolves in scope. If that happens, we’ll discuss it and if need be, revise the budget. I’m reasonable and I trust you are too.

+ Will you be able to write about my industry or business without direct experience of the sector?

I’m a trained copywriter and experienced journalist who has covered a wide range of business sectors and subject areas across my career.

I'll need to research the specifics of your business, its jargon, and your competitors, but I’m accustomed to doing this. The same principles of research, persuasive copywriting and marketing are valid for every business.

+ Will you be able to improve my page ranking and help me with SEO?

That will be my goal and you'll find more details on this on my On-Page SEO services page.

I can help you with this by using sensible keyword intelligence. That means using keyword research specific to you (I can do this or direct you to the tools you need).

I deliver strong on-site SEO by providing you high-performing titles, meta descriptions, static (as opposed to dynamic) URLs, formatting and linking, and content promotion advice. I don’t do off-site SEO. That’s the remit of your web developer.

My overall aim will be to help drive more traffic to your website via persuasive copywriting, UX and powerful calls to action, teamed with digital marketing if this is what you require.

Higher numbers of more relevant visitors to your website who bounce less will also boost your ranking.

+ If I hire you to write copy for me, who owns that copy?

You do. My copywriting terms and conditions state: "Copyright in all published content (such as content produced on your behalf) will be granted to you on payment of your invoice." I may ask if I can showcase work I have done for you.

+Do you agree to sign a non-disclosure or non-compete agreement? What about a retainer agreement?

Yes, once I’ve considered the copywriting terms and conditions. I understand a company’s need for non-disclosure. I understand the problems involved with working for direct competitors.