You’ve decided to hire a copywriter, but now you’re second-guessing everything.
What if they don’t get your business? What if it takes forever? What if you waste money and still end up explaining what you do to every single visitor?
Let me walk you through exactly what happens when you hire a copywriter so you know what you’re signing up for. Because nobody talks about this part, and they really should.
What’s Inside This Guide
- What to expect when you team up with your copywriter
- What you’re responsible for (Yes, you play a role too)
- How long it really takes – Timeline breakdown
- When you can expect to see results
- Common roadblocks that slow everything down
- What good copywriters do
- The bottom line & FAQ
TL;DR
Hiring a copywriter isn’t just about them writing words. Most website projects take 3-8 weeks from kickoff to first draft, with research, writing, revisions, and strategy all factored in. You’ll need to stay involved, provide feedback, and trust the process. The result? Website copy that actually brings in clients while you focus on running your business.
Read the whole article, it tells you everything you need to know before you sign a contract, so you don’t waste time or money on the wrong copywriter.
What to expect when you hire a copywriter
The Kickoff Call (Where Everything Starts)
Right after you hire a copywriter, the first thing that happens is a kickoff call.
This isn’t small talk. This is where you discuss project goals, target audience, brand voice, timeline, deadlines, and any specific requirements.
A good copywriter will ask about your current copy and what you like or dislike about it, your tone of voice and market, testimonials from clients, and your project goals.
If you don’t have some of those elements yet, your copywriter will help you.
Expect this call to take 30-60 minutes. Some copywriters will send you a questionnaire beforehand to save time. Either way, this is where you lay the foundation.
In my case, for a single sales page, the free application call counts as a kickoff call, I send you a questionnaire and we move on from there.
For a website SEO + Sales copy optimization or makeover, the kickoff call is 60-90 minutes
What you need ready:
- Access to your current website or marketing materials (even drafts)
- Clear goals (More booked calls? Higher conversion on your services page? Better Google rankings?)
- Your ideal client description (Not “everyone” because that helps no one)
- Any brand guidelines, past client testimonials, or research you’ve already done
- Examples of copy you love from competitors or other industries. (Optional but helpful)
The more information you have, the better. Copywriters rely on clients who are willing to provide the background details needed to create compelling copy.
Research and Strategy (The Invisible Heavy Lifting)
Here’s where most people get confused. You’ve hired a copywriter, but no one has told you copywriting isn’t JUST about writing.
Market research is fundamental to any writing project, and without it, your content may lack credibility and impact.
Your copywriter is doing the work you can’t see:
- Studying your industry and competitors (yes, even if you’ve given a bit of info already)
- Researching your target audience (how they talk, what keeps them up at night, what they’re typing on Google)
- Mapping out the structure and flow of your website or sales page
- Planning which keywords to target for search visibility
- Developing a content strategy that aligns with your business and income goals
For website copywriting, kickoff to first draft usually takes a minimum of 3 weeks for a small or medium business, or 2 weeks for freelancers and one-person businesses.
The timeline also depends if it’s a brochure website or a website where you actually sells your services (with a financial transaction involved) and of course, the number of pages for the said project.
If you hired a copywriter who also handles search optimization, they’re spending time on keyword research, competitor analysis, and technical planning.
This stuff matters because it’s what makes your website easy to find on Google.
The First Draft Arrives (And It’s Not Perfect Yet)
Deep breath. The first draft is coming.
The draft always sets the tone for the final direction of a project, and it usually changes dramatically.
When you get that first draft, resist the urge to panic if it’s not exactly what you pictured.
This is totally normal. Think of the first draft like a sketch before a painting. It shows the bones, the direction, the strategy.
Now you and your copywriter work together to refine it.
Here’s what NOT to do: Send vague feedback like “I don’t like it” or “It doesn’t feel right.”
Being specific and clear in your feedback helps the copywriter make the changes you want, so don’t worry about being too detailed or showing examples from elsewhere.
What to do instead:
- Point out specific sentences or sections that don’t work for you (I usually ask my clients what words or expressions they don’t want their copy to have)
- Explain WHY something feels off
- Share examples of language or tone you prefer
- Ask questions if something doesn’t make sense (never fear asking a ton of questions)
Remember, a good copywriter may counter your critique with reasons why their version will work better, and that comes from experience. Stay open to their expertise, you hired them for a reason.
Revisions (Where the Magic Actually Happens)
Many copywriters include two rounds of revisions in their packages (I do too). This is where your copy goes from good to great.
During revisions, your copywriter takes your feedback and refines the copy. They’re tweaking the messaging, strengthening the calls to action, tightening up the flow, and making sure every word sounds right and drives to a sale.
Expect back-and-forth communication here. Good copywriter send drafts for review so you can give feedback to make sure the content aligns with your vision.
How long does this take?
Well, It depends on the project length, purpose, tone, amount of research required, and number of revisions needed. Expect a few days to a week per round of revisions, depending on the scope.
Pro tip: Keep all feedback in one place. If you’re sending notes via email, text, and random voice messages, you’re making this harder on everyone (including yourself). I usually work with a shared Google Doc with comments so there’s clear communication accessible at all times in one same place.
Final Delivery (And What Comes With It)
Once revisions are done and you’ve approved the final copy, your copywriter delivers the finished product. But it’s not just a Google Doc with words in it.
You should be getting instructions so clear your design team will know exactly what to do. Check with your copywriter if they can update your website themselves.
I’m not a designer but when my clients want it, I can update their website for them if there’s no design involved.
Some copywriters also provide:
- Notes on tone and style for future content
- Suggestions for SEO (a non-negotiable)
- Technical details like meta descriptions, page titles, and header tags (if you hired someone who does search optimization)
Once your copywriter has completed a project, they’ll send you the final version. I always suggest to review it one more time, give your final approval, and then it’s time for your words to work for you.
What you’re responsible for (Yes, you play a role too)
Here’s the truth nobody tells you: hiring a copywriter doesn’t mean you disappear. When working with a copywriter, expect to put some time in, even a minimum.
Your job:
- Provide detailed information upfront. The more you give, the better the result.
- Respond to questions quickly. If your copywriter is waiting on you for answers, the project stalls.
- Give thoughtful, specific feedback. Vague notes waste everyone’s time.
- Trust the process. As your writer, it’s their role to safeguard your brand, your voice, and your investment, and they have a better understanding of what can damage those things than you do.
How long it really takes – Timeline breakdown
Smaller projects like a single webpage can take around 1 to 2 days from start to finish, but full website projects take longer.
Keep in mind: The actual work is just the beginning, because there’s consulting time, meetings, emails, editing, and reviews taken into account.
And here’s the thing: if you’re slow to respond or keep changing direction, you’re adding weeks to this timeline.
Clients who send half their feedback on one platform and the other half elsewhere, or who give feedback after a month, significantly extend project timelines.
When you can expect to see results
The real question on your mind: when does this start making you money?
If you hired a copywriter for website copy, you’ll start seeing results once the new copy is live. But “results” doesn’t mean instant cash flowing in tomorrow. It means:
- Higher quality leads contacting you because your messaging is clearer
- More website visitors turning into inquiries because your calls to action actually work
- Better search results over time if your copywriter optimized for keywords
- Fewer “tire kicker” clients because your copy filters the right people (and repels those who aren’t meant to work with you)
Search optimization takes longer.
Search visibility improvements can take up to 3 months to really show up, depending on your industry and competition. Also depending on whether your website (domain name) is brand new or not.
Some of my clients started seeing qualified prospects roll in within 20 days of launching their new copy. That’s because they had established domains and paired great copy with solid SEO.
New websites take longer (around 3 months), but the conversion boost happens immediately.
Common roadblocks that slow everything down
Let’s be honest about what makes projects drag on forever:
- You’re not available.
If a client gives feedback after a month, the copywriter has to spend some time refreshing their memory on what was written.
- Multiple people are giving feedback.
Feedback from many different people can get confusing on both sides, and the project could move away from the original brief.
- You keep changing the scope.
Clients who decide they need two more pages they didn’t think of before, or who want to change a section after their copywriter has already written 2,500 words, extend the timeline.
- You’re not providing enough information.
Some clients expect magic with absolutely no background information, but a minimum of info needs to be provided upfront.
- You’re micromanaging.
You can delegate without micromanaging, and if you can’t trust your copywriter, why did you hire them? It’s ok to ask for updates and feedback as to how things are going (I personally don’t mind when my clients ask how things are going), but trust they’re doing their best.
What good copywriters do
Not sure what separates a great copywriter from a “meh” one? Here’s what to look for:
- Great copywriters ask about the results you’re looking for, and really great ones will be honest about whether your goals can be achieved with the project.
- A strategy-first copywriter will ask questions that make you think, share insights that make you say “Aha,” and walk you through a process smoother than a well-oiled machine.
- You should get regular communication about what’s happening with your project, usually divided into three phases: Research and Discovery, Writing and Editing, and Project Wrap-Up.
- And here’s a big one: Support shouldn’t stop when the copy’s delivered, and a strategy-first copywriter will be on standby during your launch, ready to tweak and optimize.
This is exactly how I work with my clients. If you want a copywriter who’s strategic, handles search engine optimization, stays communicative, and doesn’t ghost you after delivery, let’s talk.
The bottom line
Hiring a copywriter is an investment in your business. It’s not a quick fix, and it requires your involvement.
But when you work with someone who knows what they’re doing (and you show up as a collaborative client), the result is website copy that works for you 24/7, bringing in qualified leads while you focus on actually running your business.
You’ll know you’re working with the right copywriter when the process feels clear, the communication is consistent, and you feel heard throughout the project.
If something feels off, speak up. A good copywriter wants you to love the final result.
Ready to stop explaining your value and let your website show it for you?
If you’re nodding along to any of this and thinking “Yeah, my website should be doing this for me”, let’s talk.
Book your free strategy call and we’ll map out exactly what your website needs to turn visitors into clients.
No fluff, just a clear plan you can actually use. Whether you hire me or not, you’ll walk away with a plan that actually moves the needle.
Your turn,
Morgane
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Hiring a Copywriter
How much does hiring a copywriter cost?
Experienced copywriters charge a minimum of $50 per hour or upwards to hundreds of dollars per hour, and per-project fees for websites, sales pages, and other materials will be at least a couple thousand dollars.
But nowadays, fewer copywriters are charging an hourly rate, they charge per package, which feels more transparent.
Prices vary based on the copywriter’s experience, your industry, and the complexity of the project. If someone’s charging dirt cheap rates, that’s a red flag.
Do I really need to hire a copywriter, or can I just write it myself?
You CAN write it yourself. But here’s the thing: Business owners in all industries, including marketing specialists who write for other businesses, still struggle to come up with the wording for their own websites and offers.
You’re too close to your business to see it the way your clients do. A copywriter brings fresh eyes, proven strategy, and the skill to turn your expertise into words that actually sell.
A copywriter writes words that sell. A strategic sales and SEO copywriter (like me) writes for sales AND Google.
What if I don’t like the first draft?
Every copywriter knows they might not nail it the first time, which is why edits and changes are all part of the process. That’s why it’s called a first draft.
Be specific with your feedback, explain what you want changed, and trust that revisions will get you where you need to be. The first draft is a starting point, not the finish line.
How do I know if a copywriter is any good?
Copywriters who understand and think about the performance of their content, ask questions about goals before starting, and follow up after publication to see how content performed are the ones worth hiring.
Also look for experience with former clients, real results, testimonials, and clear processes. If they can’t explain how they work, that’s a warning sign.
If a copywriter is irritated by your questions, run!
Can a copywriter help with making my website easy to find on Google?
Yes, if they have experience with search optimization (SEO).
Basic search engine optimization experience is ideal if you’re hiring a writer to produce content for a website, since it helps bring in more organic traffic that can convert to paying customers.
Ask upfront if they do keyword research, understand on-page optimization, and write with search visibility in mind.
How involved do I need to be once I hire a copywriter?
At least 60 minutes during the kickoff call and to provide all the info and materials upfront.
Once your writer starts working, you’ll need to be available by email or phone for questions and revisions. You’ll review drafts, provide feedback, answer questions about your business, and approve the final copy.
Think of it as a collaboration.
What happens if my project takes longer than expected?
There’s so much more to the timeline question than the actual writing, including consulting, meetings, emails, editing, and accounts work. If your project is dragging, ask yourself: Am I responding quickly? Am I giving clear feedback? Did I add extra requests? Most delays come from the client side, not the copywriter.
However, it can happen that it comes from the copywriter, that’s why I always recommend clear communication, asking for updates. And of course, if the copywriter’s facing delays due to personal reasons in unexpected circumstances, they should let you know.
Should I hire a copywriter or do it myself with AI tools?
AI can spit out words, but it can’t understand your specific clients, their objections, what makes them buy, or how to position you as the obvious choice.
Market research is fundamental to any writing project, and writing to your audience without first doing the research is like throwing spaghetti at the wall.
A copywriter brings strategy, research, and conversion expertise that AI simply can’t replicate.
If you want copy that actually brings in clients (not just words on a page), hire a human who knows what they’re doing. AI is terrible at writing copy and people can smell it from miles away.
How do I know when it’s time to hire a copywriter for my business?
You’re ready when your website isn’t bringing in the clients you deserve, when you’re stuck explaining your value over and over instead of your site doing it for you, or when you know your copy isn’t reflecting the authority you actually have.
If any of that sounds familiar, it’s time.
And if you’re planning your next strategy right now and want to start the year strong (for example), reach out.
Let’s talk about how clear, strategic website copy can make you the obvious choice for your ideal clients. Book your free strategy call now. We’ll map out exactly what your website needs to stop losing clients and start making sales. No pitch, just a plan you can use today.
