FAQs: What you Need to Know Before Working with a Freelance Copywriter
Work with me, and you’ll get a reliable copywriter who hits the ground running and creates high-quality content to help you reach your objectives. If you’ve never worked with a freelance copywriter before, or want to find out more about how we can collaborate, here are some answers to common questions. If you can’t find the answer you need on this page, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at kim[@]kimhobson.com.
How much do you charge for freelance copywriting services?
Every project is unique. I work on a project basis, and when you work with me, I’ll provide you with a fixed price. This gives you complete transparency on what your project is going to cost and clear visibility on budget without any surprises along the way. You get the same high-quality words regardless of how long it takes me – I just work on it until it’s perfect.
Each quote includes:
All correspondence - meetings, calls, emails etc.
Background reading and research.
Copywriting for the agreed-upon scope.
Three rounds of revision based on your feedback.
Project admin.
How can I get a quote for my copywriting project?
Please get in touch and share some details about your project: your business objective; the scope; your ideal timeline and; any other samples or background details you think are helpful. Once I have all the information I need, I’ll send over a quotation and we can take it from there. I’m happy to sign an NDA before you tell me about your project.
What are your terms?
I ask all clients to sign a Scope of Work and Copywriter Contract for each retainer, copywriting job or project. This makes everything clear for both sides. I invoice in advance to confirm the booking and reserve the time in my schedule just for your project.
Projects of 5,000 HKD and below are invoiced in full in advance.
Projects of 5,001 HKD and over are invoiced 50% in advance and the remaining balance once the project is completed and you’ve signed off the work.
For long-term projects or those with larger budgets, payment is made in stages after key deliverables.
What is your turnaround time?
Once your deposit is received and we’ve confirmed the project timeline, your copy gets underway. Let me know about your project as soon as you can, ideally 2 weeks before the deadline, but the sooner, the better. I have a tight process and always try to accommodate projects to fit your desired due date. That said, I do get booked up pretty quickly, so get in touch ASAP to discuss your project.
I have a really, really, really urgent copywriting project, can you help?
I have high standards and need to know I’ve done my best for you. While I usually advise against rush jobs, that said, life happens. If a quick turn-around is needed, we’ll find a way to make it work.
There’s a 50% rush fee for projects that need to be delivered in 48 hours or less. Like overtime in most businesses, if it’s weekend work, needs my attention outside my core hours or falls on a national holiday, there’s a 100% rush fee.
I have ongoing marketing needs, can I work with you on a retainer basis?
Many of my clients have been with me since I started freelancing over half a decade ago. Working with clients on retainer is great – I get to know your business even better and you get a reduced rate for ongoing work and extra firepower for your business. Because I know your business well, there’s no need to bring me up to speed on your products, services, tone of voice or workflow. I can get on with things with minimal direction and deliver exactly what you need. Retainers are invoiced one month in full in advance to reserve the time for the coming month.
Can you help with design, translation or other elements?
I work with a wider team of trusted and talented professionals, including designers, illustrators, developers, photographers, and any other creative talent to bring your project to life – please let me know your requirements and I’ll make it happen.
My company isn’t based in Hong Kong, can we still work together?
Not in Hong Kong? Not a problem. I’ve worked on projects around the world and I’m used to working remotely with clients – to date I’ve successfully completed copywriting projects with clients in Singapore, China, UK, South Africa, USA, Spain, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Turkey, UAE, India and beyond! Time zones are no match for my copywriting and organisation skills ;)
What industries do you write for?
I write for a wide range of industries and I’ve written about everything from aeroplane engines and automobiles to wine and whiskey to headphones and chairs. I’m primarily a luxury and lifestyle copywriter but dabble in other areas like education and technology too, and I've done both B2B and B2C writing. Whether content for brochures, SEO-friendly blog content, press releases, website copy, conceptual thinking, scriptwriting, tone of voice development and style guides, internal communications, or social media copywriting – you name it I can write it. Take a look at the copywriting I offer on my services page.
The only things I don’t do are science and technical writing – these require specialist knowledge and there are some excellent copywriters out there who focus on these areas.
What is your writing style?
When it comes to my clients, I don’t have a writing style. As a copywriter, it’s my job to write in your brand voice and adapt my writing style to suit your audience. Whether it’s professional and corporate or relaxed and friendly, I’ll adjust my tone and vocabulary so it’s the perfect fit. Above all, I make my copy clear, concise and engaging.
Do you do B2B or B2C copywriting?
I’ve done and do both! I’ve had copywriting projects that cover B2B and B2C copywriting. In all of my projects, before I write anything, I make sure I have a clear understanding of your audience.
Who are your clients?
I work directly with companies from a diverse range of industries, from professional service firms, to hotels and resorts, fashion brands and e-commerce businesses. I also work with advertising agencies, creative studios and marketing agencies who trust me as a copywriter for their clients. Take a look at some of my work in my copywriter portfolio.
Can I change the scope of a copywriting project after we’ve started?
Each quote is based on the agreed scope of work. If the scope expands or changes in direction, we can adjust the budget accordingly.
I’m an advertising, marketing or creative agency. Can I commission you to work on client projects?
Coming from an agency background, I’ve long been a creative partner for large design, production, event and experiential marketing and advertising agencies who need a content and copywriting specialist for client projects. I love working with creative teams to bring projects to life and get that agency work is fast-paced, always turning around projects with zero friction and stress to keep clients happy. I’m happy to white label my services, allowing you to scale your business and deliver more services to your clients, without hiring a permanent in-agency writer. Please get in touch to tell me more about your project.