One step at a time… A step-by-step overview of how I work with clients
Step 1: Initial contact – If you want to discuss a project, ask any questions, or have a quick chat, you can email me directly at colm@sciencecopywriting.com.
Here, we’ll get clear on the exact next steps you need to take to move you closer towards your goals.
Step 2: Agreement – Once I have all the necessary information, and we agree we’re a good fit, I send you an agreement with your exact investment for the project and the terms.
Step 3: Invoice – Once the agreement is signed, I’ll then invoice you for the investment, after which we can schedule a kick-off call. Note: 50% of the investment is paid upfront, with the remaining 50% to be paid upon delivery of the first draft.
NOTE: I offer a 10% discount if you pay the full fee upfront.
Step 4: Information gathering and kick off call – We have a kick-off call so I can get all the necessary details from you about the product, the audience, and the market. I’ll also ask you to send me any background information or literature you think will be helpful.
Step 5: Interviews – I’ll interview up to two subject matter experts (if necessary) in order to fill in any details that I missed from the literature or kick-off call. These interviews need to be scheduled in advance, as subject matter experts are usually busy.
Step 6: Research – I begin with a complete review of your website and any other materials you send me. From there, I’ll research the market, including your competitors. As needed, I will reach out to you for additional details and other resources.
From here, the project is then delivered to you in stages, starting with an outline or plan.
Step 7: Outline/Plan – This is a basic outline for the full project, and is a required first step for larger projects like white papers. It gets all stakeholders on board and in agreement with the content and direction… so there are no surprises when I send you the initial draft. It’s also required that all stakeholders sign off on this plan, before I proceed with the full project.
Step 8: Writing – Once the research is done and the outline is approved, I start writing. Each section of copy is proofread several times before sending you the final draft.
Step 9: Revisions – Revisions are included in the flat fee for the project. Most clients are thrilled with the draft I give them. But if you’re not, I provide up to two complete rounds of revisions as part of our agreement. Here, you clearly explain exactly what needs to be changed, and I make those changes fast and free of charge.
NOTE: All revisions must be assigned within 30 days of receipt of initial draft. Up to 2 rounds of revisions are made free of charge, provided they are within scope and agreed upon length, direction, and content.
Step 10: Follow up and transition to new projects – Since I care about the work I do for my clients, I appreciate it when you keep me posted on results. Once the project is done, I provide all clients with a free follow-up call. We spend a few minutes on the phone and discuss what went well and where improvements can be made.
We also discuss additional ways to uncover new profits and ideas. Where appropriate, we map out a new project to ensure that you continue to have excellent marketing assets that meet your goals. I’ll also ask you 5-6 questions about your experience working with me, so I can improve my procedures.
A note on communication:
As we work on your project together, communication is critical. Some clients prefer to hand off the project to me and review the first draft, with very little communication in between. Others like dealing with me on an almost daily basis and be involved at just about every step of the way.
Which are you?
Please let me know how often you’d like to communicate and what the best way is to reach out to you (i.e., email, phone, social media, text, etc. …).
One other point: I ask that you assign me a single point of contact on your team. I will communicate directly with that person and they will deal with your other team members as needed to obtain information and approvals.