1. Treat the freelance copywriter like a partner, not just a vendor. Include the freelancer in initial in-house meetings or conferences. When possible possess the copywriter meet each of the team players, call at your work, see the culture of the business and feel as if area of the team.
2. Insist on an upfront estimate/quote. Any professional freelancer will most likely not proceed without one. Will be the cost based on a project fee or hourly rate? The amount of revisions are included? How many creative concepts will be provided? Ironing out these details in the beginning eliminates possible problems if the bill arrives. It also helps establish the parameters with the work and create a comfortable working situation.
3. Supply a purchase order/authorization for the freelance writer to proceed after approving the estimate. Set cast in stone output deadlines for first drafts and revisions. ASAP isn't a good approach.
4. Assign an immediate contact person to blame for giving direction and forwarding information. This will make communications extremely effective and streamlined.
5. Provide a focused creative worksheet or project brief with target audiences, messaging requirements, desired outcomes, calls to action as well as other mandatory information.
6. Make sure the direction meets the approval of the consumer (internal or external) or principle decision-maker before work begins. Doing this can help to conserve money and time spent pursuing an inappropriate direction/strategy.
7. Supply the freelancer the "Big Picture." What is the marketing situation? Provide freelancer use of reports, market data, competitive information, etc. This overview will have a major impact on the thinking starting a specific copywriting project.
8. Creative Collaboration. On creative concept assignments encourage the freelance writer to function closely with your in-house or freelance graphic designer/art director used on the job. These collaborations lead to better work and synergism between written and visual communications.
9. Maintain your end of the bargain. You desire the freelance writer in order to meet deadlines, be sure you meet deadlines to supply promised materials and approvals to keep the work on schedule.
10. Maintain your freelance writer in the loop. Give feedback, updates on revisions and project progress.
11. Provide samples or files of finished work. Freelancers survive their portfolios, having instances of good work is vital on their viability and may also advertise your business.