Rembrandt’s Blog

If you simply don’t have time to do your own publicity, you can generate new sales and awareness fast by hiring a professional. But what should you look out for, especially if you have a tight budget?

Well, in addition to reviewing credentials and references, here are three, key warning signs to be aware of when searching for a publicist:

1. Big Promises

Watch out for big promises and sales jargon. It’s almost impossible to guarantee media placements so ask for client testimonials. And if they can’t provide this information, look for another, PR option.

2. Hidden Agendas

If you sign with a large PR firm, confirm that you will have an experienced professional working on your account. The well-known publicists usually work on the bigger accounts so make sure you are getting what you pay for. Also, check for hidden fees or additional costs before moving forward.

3. Negative Reviews

Does the PR agency you want to hire have a positive listing with the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, Public Relations Society of America, www.prsa.org, local area Chamber of Commerce, or other, credible organization? Check for reviews prior to signing any contracts.

These are just three, quick tips to keep in mind when hiring a publicist. Good PR people can take your business to the next level of success. But bad publicists can cost you time, money and unnecessary stress.

By taking a few minutes to conduct some research, you’ll significantly increase your chances of finding the right person to meet your specific needs and budget.

Do you have questions about your SEO copywriting, marketing and public relations activities? Please write to me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’m here to help!

On Tuesday, I shared some reasons for hiring a copywriter (instead of writing your marketing materials and website copy yourself).

More experienced copywriters can be very expensive. But they usually provide copy that increases sales for your business…amounts that far exceed their fees.

With this in mind, here are few tips to help you find the right copywriter to fit your needs:

3. Check references. 
Once you have some potential candidates to choose from, review their work samples. Also contact some of their previous clients to discuss their work ethic, results, project deadlines, and other important qualities.

4. Communicate upfront.
Before hiring a copywriter, be sure to discuss specific deadlines, goals and fees upfront to avoid negative surprises later. Sign appropriate contracts or agreements in advance. And you may want to start with a small project first and then go from there.

It’s a good idea to keep communications open. Set expectations to help reach goals and create a positive working relationship.

A Final Note
An experienced copywriter can help you communicate your key messages, optimize various elements in your print and online marketing materials and grow sales faster.

Take the time to find the right copywriter for your specific needs, and your business will always be one step ahead of the competition.

Thanks for reading, and check back for additional tips.

In the meantime, feel free to contact me at www.rembrandtwrites.com for more information.

If you are tempted to save money and write your own marketing materials and website copy, please stop and think about it.

Although copywriters may be expensive, they can help you:

- Optimize conversion rates;

- Build credibility;

- Reach targeted audiences;

- Increase search engine placements;

- Assist you with your overall, Web architecture; and

- Grow sales fast!

And even if you are an excellent writer, it takes several hours of research and editing to create ”copy that sells.” This is time that you can spend on core business activities instead.

With this in mind, try to stop yourself from creating your marketing copy and materials. It is well worth it to outsource your copywriting needs.

You can focus on your area of expertise while your copywriter creates the words that will  produce results…Results that bring in new sales worth much more than his or her fees.

Thanks for reading. And next time, I’ll share some tips for finding the right copywriter for your specific needs.

Melanie