Copywriting FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions

​​​​Question: Michael, what services do you offer?

Answer: The main copywriting services I offer are sales pages, landing pages, email automation (drip) campaigns, lead magnets (guides-reports-cheat sheets-resource lists), web content, press/media releases, case studies, e-books, and other marketing material. Check out the Services + Fees page here.

Q: What will it cost?

A: Fees for typical projects are listed on the Services + Fees page here.

Q: How long will it take?

A: Depends on the size of the project and my current workload. I tend to operate on short timescales and can often begin work within a week. Deadlines are detailed in my quote. 

Q: Why don’t you charge by the word or by the hour?

A: The creative process isn't something to be forced into a specific word count or a specific period of time. Often the key word, phrase or headline comes when I am not sitting at my desk. And you don’t lose out on a flat fee if good ideas take time to develop.

Q: Why should I pay so much for someone to write something?

A: The reality is that no one buys because a website looks good. Or because an email has a special offer. People buy because they are motivated by the message. The marketing message. IF it is effective and compelling. You can either pay for professional writing, or cobble something together. The choice is yours. When I write copy, my primary goal is to get maximum results for my clients at a minimal cost, based on my 30 plus years of business ownership and copywriting experience.

Q: Why shouldn’t I just use someone cheaper?

A: You may find someone to write copy for less. And you will also find someone to write copy for more. The important thing to remember is that you are investing in your business, and this is not the place to cut corners. You want a professional who is experienced and talented. With my over 30 years of hands on business ownership and copywriting experience, I craft copy that is results-focused and designed to increase your leads and sales. Click here to go to the Copywriting page for more information.

Q: What is your process if I hire you to write copy for us?

A: I start with an initial consultation, in person, or on the phone or skype. Once the project has been clearly defined I will send you a quote with all of the terms and specifications. When that is signed and the standard 50% deposit is remitted, then I start to gather the necessary background information from you and your business. Research is next and the writing comes at the end.

Q: If we communicate via phone, email and skype, how is it possible for you to write effective copy for us?

A: I have developed a detailed method to quickly learn about your company, products and services. It is important to note that effective copy is not just about you and your company, but more about what your prospects feel, what they want, what is important to them, and what keeps them up at night worrying. With my business background and copywriting skills I get into your prospect’s mind and find out what will motivate him to respond to your offer. 

Q: Do you guarantee sales results from the copy you write for us?

A: I guarantee your complete satisfaction with the copy I write for you. If you are not 100 percent satisfied, I will revise the copy up to 2 times, according to your specific guidelines, at no extra charge. There are many factors that can impact your results, including your product, price, guarantee, consumer demand, the economy, the stock market, and major events, to name a few. With that in mind, I cannot guarantee a particular result or response rate. The Direct Marketing Association Code of Ethics actually prohibits me from doing so.

Q: Are you easy to work with?

​​A: Yes, that is what my clients tell me. But as I do all of the writing myself, I am limited in the number of clients and projects I can take on. I only accept projects that are of interest to me and ones that I feel confident that I can do better than other copywriters. When my schedule is full, new clients may have to wait for an opening, and existing clients get priority over new clients.

Q: Where do you do your writing?

A: Most days I work from my office during business hours surrounded by my reference books and files. I am not a mobile writer and work using my desktop with multiple screens. I do not work from Starbucks. 

Q: How do I get in contact with you?

A: I answer my own phone (250-999-8283) and am almost always at my desk during business hours (Pacific Time). If you get voice mail it means I am probably in the middle of a project, so please leave a detailed message and I will return your call ASAP. Complete contact info is available here. 

Q: Do you write all the copy yourself, or do you farm it out?

A: I write all of the copy. Every word. I do not farm it out, or use junior copywriters or assistants.

Q: What is Durango Publishing?

A: Durango Publishing Corp.® is my operating company. It is a provincially registered company with a federally registered trademark.

Q: I have a question not covered here. How do I get an answer?

​A: Call me at 250-999-8283 or email me at Copywriter@DurangoPublishing.com.