Beware the 'Bar Fly' copywriters

If you talk to freelance copywriters and ask them "what's the best way to get clients", you'll probably hear this over and over again:

"Go to seminars and hang out at the bar."

In other words, go hang out where your ideal audience hangs out.

It's great advice, and not just for copywriters, but for anyone looking to get new clients. But there's a major problem with hiring copywriters you meet at the bar ('Bar Fly' copywriters as I like to call 'em).

You're only hiring them because they're right there in front of you... not because they've demonstrated they can write and meet deadlines.

So here's just a few tips on how to hire a freelance copywriter, whether or not that's me:

1) Choose someone who writes a lot (preferably daily) and demonstrates their ability to write. Ideally someone who studies the craft and is continually getting better.

2) Choose someone you 'resonate' with. They don't have to be your best bud. But if you'll be working with them, you should be able to get along... and you should feel comfortable giving them honest feedback.

3) Choose someone who's the leader, not someone who's a 'YesMan'. In other words, if you hire an expert, they should be telling you what to do. If you hire a copywriter who's more of a worker bee than an independent thinker and problem solver, you probably found someone who doesn't excel and have confidence in their craft.

4) Don't shop on prices. Hiring a copywriter isn't like buying a TV. You don't want to wait until they go on sale and swoop up the best deal (or maybe you do and in that case, just know you get what you pay for). Yes I'm completely biased in this regard, being an expensive copywriter and all, but I'm being fully honest and transparent with you. If I was hiring a copywriter, I'd get the most expensive one my budget could handle.

Obviously there are other things too, but these are some good guidelines to get you started. Which brings me to the pitch:

If you'd like to get me on your team to write emails to your list, simply click 'reply' and send me your info. When you do, we'll book a free consultation so we can discuss your project and ensure the right fit.

In the meantime... beware the 'Bar Flies'.

Tyler McCune

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