THE PROCESS

The Process: working with us

Are you a little bit scared of working with a copywriter because you aren’t quite sure of the process?

• How many changes can I make?
• How much will it cost?
• How do I provide a brief? 

How to hire a copywriter: our step-by-step guide

Step 1: Location, Location, Location

Crockford Communications is based on the Gold Coast, Australia, but given most of us now carry around a little device that can track the number of steps we take, read our fingerprint and understand our voice commands, it’s super easy for us to communicate.

So, you can enlist the services of Crockford Communications no matter where you’re located! Hooray for the technology gods.

Step 2: The Brief

Before we can provide a proposal and quote, we need to understand your project. You’ll be sent a link to our brief document which is online and super easy to fill out.  

Once you’ve returned the brief, a phone call will be set up so we can discuss your requirements in detail.  You’ll be asked loads of questions which will help us provide an accurate quote.

Step 3: The Proposal

The word “proposal” is usually associated with marriage and that means commitment!  Whoa…slow down there, you don’t need to commit to anything yet.  

At this stage, you’ll be provided with a full outline of your project and all associated costs, so you can decide if you wish to proceed. Remember, in most cases, Crockford Communications charges a fixed price for work (please visit the Pricing page for further information). 

Included in the proposal are the following:

* Project overview
* Scope of work and deliverables
* Timeline
* Project fee and payment schedule
* How to get started

Step 4: Agreement and Payment

Like the proposal? Great, we’ll finalise the project details, including timelines, and you’ll be sent an agreement to sign.

A 50% deposit is required upfront before your project is commenced. This is non-negotiable. If the project is less than $500, 100% payment is required upfront.

Step 5: The Work: Timelines, Drafts and Amendments

We’ve agreed to the project and your payment has been made, so it’s time to get to work!  

Delivery within the agreed timelines is a priority. Turnaround times will depend on the supply of additional materials, revision and approval time, and the amount of work that is being produced. It’s your project, so you determine timing (within reason).  

You will be provided with three revisions which means you get two rounds of amends.

1. First draft (you amend)
2. Second draft (you amend)
3. Final Copy

Additional rounds of amendments will be charged at an hourly rate.

Work will be delivered in MSword docx. or doc (unless we’ve added a design element in our agreement) and track-changes are preferred for amendments and revisions – it simplifies the editing process and ensures nothing is missed.

Step 6: Meetings

The preferred method of communication is by phone, email or FaceTime. If you would rather meet face-to-face, a meeting on the Gold Coast can be arranged (costs may apply). If you are based outside the Gold Coast and want to meet in person, please let me know before I commence your project. An hourly rate plus travel costs will be included in my proposal.

Step 7: Project Reviews and Final Payment

The final invoice will be issued 14 business days after the first draft is sent to you, as per the payment schedule, or upon project completion, whichever comes first. Reviews should be completed by you and received by Crockford Communications within 14 days unless otherwise agreed. If no response is received within 14 days of the draft being sent, Crockford Communications will deem the project closed.

Payment is required within seven (7) days.  

Crockford Communications holds full IP and copywriting rights and no work is to be published or reproduced in any way until the final payment has been received.  

Step 8: Project Completion

When the project is complete, we have no doubt Crockford Communications will have one very happy client. You’ll be sent an electronic end-of-project form which asks for your feedback – this helps us improve our service. You’ll also be asked to provide a short testimonial which will be used on Crockford Communications’ website.