Providing copywriting services for small businesses can feel like scaling Mount Everest. Even the best copywriters and players in the game feel it! 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned copywriter, this is where you’ll learn the ropes. Without you, small businesses will have difficulty interacting with customers.  

You are their only hope in helping them get discovered. This guide will show you how to unlock the power of words and watch small businesses thrive!

Do Small Businesses Need Copywriters

For many small business owners, the website creation process can feel like something they can do themselves. They know their products and services best, so why not write the copy themselves? 

It will save them money for sure, but how much will they make? Not hiring a professional copywriter can actually lead to low sales, and that’s not the goal! 

Here’s why you should hire one.

They Posses the Power of Words

In today’s competitive online landscape, well-written, sales-focused content is essential. A copywriter is like a salesperson who convinces potential customers that your business will resolve their issues. 

A strong website copy, optimized with relevant keywords, helps search engines find your business to drive valuable traffic. This can translate directly into sales. 

Studies show that most local customers seek your services or products within 24 hours of discovering your business online. 

They Help Build Trust

A good copywriter helps boost website traffic, but that’s not the only thing they do. They also create relative content that builds trust and credibility for your brand. 

The first impression for many potential customers is your brand’s social media or website. A skilled copywriter establishes your business as a trustworthy choice. 

Positive online reviews and testimonials are powerful things they use. If they trust your brand, their positive reviews will bring in new customers. 

They Help Your Brand Stand Out in the Crowd

The digital space is vast and diverse. How do you make your small business stand out?

SEO copywriters help put the focus back on your brand. They write copy and build connections with your audience. 

This can involve crafting engaging blog posts and social media updates for your target audience. They create website content that is clear, informative, and easy to navigate.

Copywriters Give Your Brand Fresh Perspective

As a small business owner, you’re an expert in your field. However, this deep knowledge can sometimes be a barrier. 

You might struggle to explain your products or services in a way that genuinely connects with potential customers. A copywriter brings a fresh perspective that helps you translate your expertise in a relatable, informative, and educational way. 

They can bridge the gap between your target audience and brand. A copywriter makes sure your message resonates and drives conversions.

You Get to Focus on What You Do Best

Running a small business is a juggling act. Hiring a copywriter frees up valuable time and lets you focus on your core strengths.

They can handle the task of creating regular blog content, website copy, and social media updates. You, on the other hand, can take care of the things that only you can do.

You Embrace Change and Growth

The business world is constantly evolving. A good copywriter helps your small business stay on top of the latest trends and maneuver current challenges. 

They can help you leverage new happenings. That’s to ensure your brand narrative remains engaging and attracts new customers.

It’s a Way of Investing in Your Future

Hiring a copywriter may seem like an initial expense, but it’s an investment in the future of your small business. Effective copywriting builds brand awareness, attracts customers, and ultimately drives sales. 

Is Copywriting Still in Demand after Chatgpt

With the rise of Chatgpt, you might wonder if copywriting is falling on the sword. ChatGPT is an incredible content creation tool, but can it match the skills of a creative human? 

Let’s explore the reasons why skilled copywriters will remain in demand despite the advancement of AI chatbots. 

The Power of Human Creativity is Supreme

While AI tools like ChatGPT can generate large amounts of content quickly, they lack the spark of human creativity. Copywriting isn’t just about typing words on the screen but weaving a narrative that resonates with your target audience. 

A skilled copywriter understands the emotional connection and storytelling that drives action. They can craft headlines that grab attention and CTAs that compel clicks.

A super-talented copywriter uses messaging that speaks directly to the reader’s desires and anxieties. AI tools can get into human psychology like a human would!

A Human Copywriter Understands the Buyer’s Journey

Copywriting for small businesses is not just about crafting catchy phrases. There’s more to it, like understanding the buyer’s journey and tailoring content to each stage of the sales funnel.

Copywriters are well-versed in conversion optimization. They ensure that your content attracts, engages, and ultimately leads customers to take action. 

They can write compelling website copy for potential buyers and persuasive social media posts. They can also write targeted email sequences that nurture leads into loyal customers. 

This depth of knowledge and strategic approach is one thing AI tools can’t do for now!

Humans can Tailor Content for Different Audiences

The ability to adapt to different styles and tones is another key strength that sets copywriters apart. AI generates generic content that doesn’t capture the unique voice and personality of a brand. 

A skilled copywriter can write formal white papers for industry professionals. The next day, they can write engaging blog posts in a conversational tone. 

They understand different demographics and tailor their content uniquely for each target audience. The flexibility is crucial for creating content that connects with a diverse customer base.

Human Writers Build Emotional Connections

Building an emotional connection with readers is vital in today’s competitive marketplace. While AI can generate factual content, it cannot evoke emotions or establish a relatable brand voice. 

Copywriters use empathy and understanding to create content that will resonate on a deeper level with their audience. They can tell a brand story that fosters connection. 

Human writers can also write persuasive narratives that position your product or service as the solution to a specific problem. This ability to create connections with your audience is irreplaceable.

How Much Does Copywriting Services for Small Business Cost

Investing in professional copywriting can seem like a leap for small businesses. However, the potential return on investment (ROI) makes it worth doing. 

For best-informed decisions when hiring a copywriter, here’s what you should know. 

Factors Affecting Copywriting Costs

• Expertise & Skillset: Experienced copywriters with proven track records charge higher. Their expertise is a valuable asset for your business.
• Project Scope & Complexity: Simple product descriptions will cost less than in-depth white papers. The depth of research, technicality, and creativity involved determine the rate.
• Research & Discovery: Great copywriting involves delving into your brand, audience, and unique selling proposition. This research fuels the authenticity and effectiveness of the final content.
• Creative Conceptualization: Fresh, attention-grabbing ideas are vital for standing out online. Copywriters who bring innovative concepts contribute significantly to the value of their services.
• Time & Effort: The time spent brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing your copy will determine the final cost. It’s not about the turnaround time but the powerful effect of the copy.
• Target Audience & Tone: Tailoring your message requires finesse. Experienced copywriters adjust their tone and style to resonate with your specific audience and speak directly to them.
• Revisions & Collaboration: Fine-tuning content through revisions is often crucial. Many pricing models factor this in and allow you to suggest changes you want to be made. 
• Urgency & Timelines: Rush jobs typically come with a premium price tag. If you need a lightning-fast turnaround, be prepared for a potential adjustment in rates.
• Results & ROI: Copywriting is an investment. Excellent copy drives conversions boosts engagement, and enhances brand visibility. The value your business gets extends far beyond the cost. 

Website Copywriting Pricing Models

Now that you understand the factors influencing cost let’s explore the different pricing models commonly used by copywriters.

• Hourly Rates: In this model, you pay only for the time spent working on your project. However, it can be less predictable for larger projects. Hourly rates are determined by experience and location, ranging from $25 to $200+ per hour.
• Per-Word Rates: This model charges a set amount per word written. It provides clear cost structures, but there’s a risk of focusing on quantity over quality. Rates can range from $0.05 to $1.00 per word, depending on the writer’s expertise and niche.
• Retainer Fees: This model involves paying a consistent monthly fee for a predetermined amount of services or hours. They create a closer relationship with your copywriter and lead to more consistent, brand-aligned content. Retainers typically range from $1,000 to $10,000+ per month.
• Project-Based Pricing: This model involves a flat fee for a specific project, like a website rewrite or e-book. Prices vary widely based on the project’s complexity, ranging from $500 for a simple project to thousands for a website overhaul.

• Rush Fees: Need a project completed quickly? Expect to pay a premium (20-50% more) for expedited service.
• Specialty Writing: Certain industries require specialized knowledge. Medical writing, legal documents, or technical content are the best examples. They come with higher rates due to the writer’s expertise.
• Research Time: Topics requiring extensive research may incur additional fees. That compensates the writer for the time spent gathering accurate and comprehensive information.

 Copywriting for Small Businesses

 Customers are more likely to empathize with your company if you speak their language, literally and figuratively. What is the most effective way to bridge this gap? Infuse some personality into your writing, not the stuffy suit and formal tone!

You wouldn’t open with a monologue about your achievements with a new friend, would you? You’d find common ground, share a funny story, or even crack a joke. 

Your copywriting should follow the same principle. This guide has all the essential tools to write copy that’s punchy.

1. Define Your Purpose

Before hitting the first key, it’s crucial to understand the goal of the copy. What does your client want to achieve? 

Ask yourself…

• Is it to promote a product/service?
• Is it to build brand awareness?
• Is it to generate leads or sales?

Once you have a clear objective, tailor the copy accordingly. Keep in mind that the copy should not target “everyone” but a specific audience. 

2. Speak the Customer’s Language

Jargon and complex sentences might impress your college professor. However, website visitors will leave your page as soon as they get in. Write in a language your target audience understands. Your writing should be under the 8^th-grade level on the Flesch score. 

3. Write for the Reader, Not Yourself

Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. They’re bombarded with useless content all day.

Grab their attention and answer their unspoken question, “Why should I care?” Focus on the benefits your client’s service or product offers. 

How does it solve a problem or improve the reader’s life? That should be the purpose of your copy. 

4. Keep it Short & Simple

Attention spans should be shorter. Use short, punchy headings, digestible paragraphs, and clear bullet points. 

Let white space breathe and guide the reader’s eye. Long sentences are torture to read!

5. Why Exaggerate?

Consumers have access to a wealth of information. Outlandish claims like “the best” or “number one” raise red flags. 

Always back up your statements with data and evidence to build trust.

6. Edit, Polish, Repeat

Excellent copy is rarely born in its first draft. Edit ruthlessly and eliminate unnecessary words, tighten sentences, and ensure clarity. 

Don’t be afraid to hit delete and start again. It can be better than that!

7. Embrace Feedback

It can be tough, but constructive criticism is your best friend. Ask friends, family, or colleagues who represent the target audience to review your work. 

Don’t be defensive. Instead, use their feedback to strengthen your copy and ensure it resonates with your client’s ideal customer.

Wrapping up

Now that you are ready to provide copywriting services for businesses in your area, it’s time to get out there. Don’t stop learning and polishing your skills with online courses or workshops. Build your portfolio with pro-bono work or mock campaigns. Network with businesses and fellow copywriters. The world of small business awaits your unique voice. You are the next Hannibal of copywriting!