Kelly C. Richardson, EdS Freelance Creative Director + Direct Response Copywriter + Strategic Marketing Consultant + Digital Entrepreneur 643 Carla Court, Winder, GA, 30680-4909, USA 770-307-0306 (office/vm) ● 678-859-2960 (mobile/text/vm) http://kellyrichardson.us/ ● [email protected] New Client Welcome Package Dear Colleague, T hanks so much for your interest in my copywriting services — I really do appreciate the opportunity to work with you. If you ask any of my regular clients, they’ll tell you that I express my appreciation by creating a unique final product that surpasses your expectations and delivers more value than it’s project fee. Now, maybe you asked for this information kit out of curiosity. Some clients do — especially those who have never hired a freelance copywriter before. But more likely you need a good business-to-business or business-to-consumer copywriter — someone who combines writing skill and sales ability with technical know-how and product knowledge. Whatever the reason for calling or writing, you want to know more about a writer before you hire him. If we were sitting face-to-face, chatting in your office, you’d ask me questions. Let me try to answer a few of those questions right here. Package Contents I. Professional Summary Page 2 VIII. Schedule of Fees Page 11 II. Previous Experience Page 3 XI. Copywriting Blueprint Page 13 III. Educational Profile Page 5 IV. Honors & Awards Page 5 V. Testimonials Page 5 VI. Select Clients Page 7 VII. Frequently Asked Questions Page 9 1|Page Summary M eet Kelly C. Richardson, EdS: A unique fusion of Creative Director, Direct Response Copywriter, Strategic Marketing Consultant and Digital Entrepreneur. From global corporations to mid-sized 'up-and-comers' to lean, agile small businesses, Kelly has the expertise and experience to take brands to the next level by (1) increasing clicks, response, and sales; (2) creating multiple streams of income while lowering human and fiscal resource expenditure; and (3) maximizing the return on every marketing dollar spent. As a Creative Director and Direct Response Copywriter, he’s managed profitable campaigns and produced engaging content for Fortune 500s Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Cox Communications and Cardinal Health. Kelly's industry and market expertise includes technology, finance, insurance, traditional medical and holistic healthcare, renewable energy, education, and entertainment and leisure. As a lifelong student, Kelly holds graduate degrees in English (1999) and Education/Training (2001) from Georgia State University, Curriculum/Instruction (2010) from Lincoln Memorial University. He is also earning his PhD in Learning, Instruction and Innovation from Walden University (expected matriculation date 2017). As a marketing leader, Kelly is guided by ethical responsibility and a dedication to moral accountability. He was recognized by Marquis Who’s Who in America (2005) and Biltmore Who's Who (2011) for his contributions to best practices in responsible marketing and advertising. He's also a member of the American Writers and Artists Institute Hall of Fame. To discover more about this marketing talent and how to make him a part of your team, visit http://kellyrichardson.us right now. Experience Direct Response Copywriter + Strategic Marketing Consultant 2002 - Present (12 years) Launched and grew a freelance direct response copywriting business to a six-figure income while serving over 250+ clients ranging from Fortune 500s to lean, agile start-ups. Activities performed for clients include establishing creative direction, assembling a turn-key sales funnel, managing design and copy teams, and setting a benchmark schedule of deliverables in line with client goals. Create and manage high-value, low-expense marketing campaigns for B2B and B2C Offline, print-based projects include direct response packages, speech/script work, sell-sheets, brochures, etc. Online, web-based projects include: web site copy/content, landing pages, social media profiles/posts, PPC ads, etc. Mentoring a team of aspiring junior freelance copywriters via HypnoMarketingU! email-based study course Visit: http://kellyrichardson.us 2|Page Digital Marketing Manager at InkHead Promotional Products 2013 - 2014 (1 year) Manage digital B2B/B2C marketing efforts encompassing content development & management, email marketing, search engine optimization, and inbound marketing techniques on major social networks for InkHead.com, an online promotional products distributor. Devising strategies to drive online traffic to the company website Tracking conversion rates and making improvements to the website Developing and managing digital marketing campaigns Utilizing a range of techniques including paid search, SEO and PPC Managing online brand and product campaigns to raise brand awareness Improving the usability, design, content and conversion of the company website Evaluating customer research, market conditions and competitor data Review new technologies and keep the company at the forefront of digital marketing Visit: http://inkhead.com Creative Director at Nexus Direct 2013 - 2014 (1 year) Responsible for the overall supervision of Nexus Direct’s creative product — both traditional and digital mediums. Interfaces with the account team and clients, mentors the creative department, and is an integral part of the new business team. The mission is to develop effective traditional and digital advertising and marketing concepts — and inspire the agency’s creative department to do the same. Assigned to the following client portfolios: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Progressives United (PU) Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA-CREF) Life Insurance Company Visit: http://nexusdirect.com Director of Content and Syndication at Linked Media Group 2008 - 2013 (5 years) Develop strategy, design, execute, measure and optimize across Linked Media Group’s ecosystem of online media partners and deliver high performing programs that leverage content syndication, online comparison sites, directories, paid social and other channels. Leverage buyer personas and triggers, target the right audiences and reinforce Linked Media Group’s position as a leader in the market to generate high quality leads. Maximize lead generation, performance marketing, the end–to–end marketing funnel, sales pipeline, complex B2B sales cycles, and via analytics and relentless testing. Evaluate campaign performance and take demand generation to the next level at Linked Media Group. Manage 50-person writing team for web site content creation. Identify small niche sites and hidden market segments. Develop content and social media components. Accelerate social media and moderating. Solicit feedback, prioritize and 'featurize' for revenue-producing components. Visit: http://www.linkedmediagroup.com/ 3|Page Direct Response Copywriter at QuinStreet Media, Inc. 2003 - 2010 (7 years) Create results-driven online and direct mail marketing campaigns based on results of in-house campaigns, personal experience with similar direct response marketing campaigns, and knowledge of marketing campaigns in parallel industries. Assignments include both print and Web including long copy sales letters (10+ Web pages), e-mail campaigns, autoresponder series, web pages, newsletters, articles, product briefs, banner ads, pop-up campaigns, affiliate promotional copy, order form copy, brochures, telemarketing scripts, package inserts, seminar scripts, conference call scripts, product packaging, etc. Ensure company brand is reflected in tone, positioning, and essence are fully integrated in all marketing copy. Mentor the copywriting team, helping guide the marketing materials into generating the highest possible sales and profits. Writing copy for a wide network of quality, high-end web site directories on education, business services, travel, home, beauty, and healthcare. Writing duties that span the gamut of the selling process: research, media, advertising, direct marketing, design services, and internal. Visit: http://www.quinstreet.com/ Online Content Optimizer at 1st on the List Promotion 2005 - 2007 (2 years) Responsible for coordinating and implementing SEO & SMO strategies for clients. Interacting with clients as well as working closely with the company team to make sure that the goals of the client are achieved. Perform keyword research in coordination with client business objectives to optimize existing content and uncover new opportunities. Provide SEO analysis and recommendations in coordination with elements and structure of websites and web pages. Provide recommendations and execute/manage strategies for content development in coordination with SEO goals – general and keyword specific/ Help to create and support marketing content to socialize and use for social media purposes (e.g. customer videos briefs, customer case studies, blog posts, posts from analysts and customers). Develop and implement link building campaigns. Develop, manage and execute communication/content strategies via social communities in coordination with client goals. Implement and administer search engine programs (XML sitemaps, shopping feeds, webmaster tools). Monitor and evaluate search results and search performance across the major search channels in order to improve rankings. Research and administer social media tools in support of clients’ social media strategy. Monitor and evaluate web analytics dashboards and reports in order to develop and recommend SEO strategies. Communication to team and management on project development, timelines, and results Optimizing web copy and content for Fortune 500 clients to increase organic search rankings, daily traffic hits, and lead-generation statistics. Consulting with managers, optimizing existing web copy, and creating new web copy for products and services: Seimon Networking and Telecomm Visit: http://www.seo-promotioninc.com/ Direct Response Copywriter at Red House Global Brand Agency 2003 - 2005 (2 years) Create results-driven online and direct mail marketing campaigns based on results of in-house campaigns, personal experience with similar direct response marketing campaigns, and knowledge of marketing campaigns in parallel industries. Assignments include both print and Web including long copy sales letters (10+ Web pages), e-mail campaigns, autoresponder series, web pages, newsletters, articles, product briefs, banner ads, pop-up campaigns, affiliate promotional copy, order form copy, brochures, telemarketing scripts, package inserts, seminar scripts, conference call scripts, product packaging, etc. Ensure company brand is reflected in tone, positioning, and essence are fully integrated in all marketing copy. Mentor the copywriting team, helping guide the marketing materials into generating the highest possible sales and profits. 4|Page Creating strategy-driven solutions that develop brands and deliver messaging in a memorable, creative execution for medical, high-tech, and retail marketing Designing sites using the latest online media concepts, leaving a comfortable and non-intrusive environment for natural advertising opportunities Visit: http://www.redhouseusa.com/index.html Education Walden University Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Learning, Instruction & Innovation (2012 – 2017) Lincoln Memorial University Educational Specialist, Curriculum and Instruction (2009 – 2010) American Writers and Artists Inc. Professional Certification: Copywriting, Marketing, and Branding (2000 – 2004) AWAI FastTrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp, AWAI Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting Georgia State University Master Degree in Arts, Education/Training (2000 – 2001) Georgia State University Bachelor Degree in Arts, English/Psychology (1994 – 1999) East Tennessee State University Business Administration (1991 – 1993) Honors/Awards Athletic Scholarship East Tennessee State University, 1991: Football, baseball Who's Who in America Marquis, 2005: Ethical marketing practices Biltmore Who's Who Biltmore, 2011: Ethical marketing practices Published Work: Football Training Like the Pros Author: Chip Smith | ISBN: 007159468X | Print ISBN: 0071488685 | Category: Sports | Publisher: McGraw-Hill 5|Page Testimonials "Kelly is a great communicator. The ability to express your thoughts into words that will persuade the reader to take action is no easy task. Kelly is well versed in many industries and we highly recommend him to all of our clients that need that 'special' content that increases their bottom line." — Phillip R. Chafin II, Web Developer The Last Webmaster "It is a pleasure working with Kelly he is professional, creative and is responsive to our company’s needs. I would highly recommend him." — Michael Weise Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University “Kelly C Richardson, has highly developed creative writing, SEO and marketing skills. Over the past few years I've been working with Kelly on many projects and I've found Mr. Richardson, to be honest and straightforward with his factfinding technics to write the full story and to the point.(extremely SEO friendly) I can only say that I'm very pleased to know and work with him. I have no reservations about recommending him highly." — Jacob Cobi Babchuk Platinum Funding Group "Kelly is a very creative and talented writer. I hired Kelly to write the copy for my website, I gave him a basic idea of what I wanted. The copy I got was incredible, it was fresh and creative. He went the extra mile and found quotes that fit my approach to design perfectly. I have hired Kelly since the first project and when someone asks If I know any great copywriters, I always give them Kellys info." — Tait Sundstrom Sund Designs "Kelly's talents are considerable, he is a consummate professional and I would highly recommend him to any company in need of a master copywriter or manager of a team of people focused on content development." — Lee Traupel Linked Media Group "Kelly is a talented, top-notch professional, whose creative copy and concepts inspires and persuades readers to action. In addition, his broad understanding of marketing allows for him to capture the concept of the project and turn around assignments quickly." — Mary Frances Blatchley Enlightened Fanatic "It is pleasure to work with Kelly. Prompt response, excellent communication and timely delivery. Kelly's integrity and precision are remarkable. Expertise topped with the influence of a titan like Michael Masterson. The result speaks for itself: a powerful persuading sells copy. — Stan Zhekov, M.Arch. Space Master Interiors "Kelly has proven to be an excellent resource. He listened to my requirements and wrote copy that has been very effective for me. I appreciate his professionalism, his attention to detail and his ability to ask effective questions to clarify my needs. Kelly's services are very reasonably priced. I highly recommend Kelly for your copywriting needs. Chuck Kissee President/CEO Securus Private Client Group" — Chuck Kissee, President/CEO Securus Private Client Group 6|Page "Kelly is extremely knowledgeable about Content Development and all strategic touch-points that impact creating "world class" content, including: Web Site Design, Search Engine Optimization, Menu/User Interface issues, Content Sourcing, Keyword Optimization and much more. He is a superb writer and editor and we would highly recommend him to any firm that needs high quality content delivered on time and under budget. He is also very effective as a manager and team leader and his leadership skills are exemplary." — Lee Traupel, CEO Intelective Communications "Kelly is a to the point managing editor...with a great opportunity for up and coming copywriters." — Joseph Ratliff, Copywriter JMR CopyWriting Services "I worked with Kelly when he was managing editor for Intellective Communications. The projects were well planned and well executed. Most importantly to me, payment for my writing was received on time, which is testament to Kelly's organizational skills and editing abilities. If Kelly were to offer me another assignment and my schedule was clear, I would probably take him up on it." — James Kinkade, Writer Intelective Communications "I have nothing but kind words to say about Kelly. Kelly was very helpful in helping me get the assignments I had to complete done, and in time. Kelly was very thorough in communicating and in following up with all email messages. Whoever hires Kelly would not only get the best employee possible, but would get a loyal, dedicated, and hard-working one as well." — Harry Husted, Owner Creating Words "I have commissioned writing projects from Kelly many times. He has always been creative, reliable, and prompt. It's hard to imagine better qualities for a freelance writer/editor." — Katrina Boydon, Director of Content QuinStreet "For the past two years I've worked at QuinStreet, I've known Kelly to be the most reliable writer we have. As a managing editor, it's crucial to have writers who I can always depend on to meet deadlines--Kelly is that writer. He is also eternally grateful to receive work and is an A-plus communicator." — JoVon Sotak, Managing Editor QuinStreet Select Clients AGENCY Abakus Internet Marketing ABriYah Internet Services Absolute 0 Internet Studios Ad Excellence American Marketing Group Cool Blue Interactive Demographik Media Marketing The Design Factory Digital Search Media forBri Marketing & Design Greggs Marketing Marketing Edge Group Marketing Specifics The Method Agency 7|Page Nexus Direct Nteractive Marketing OneIMS: Integrated Marketing Solutions Redhouse USA Global Brand Architects Thalo Creative Mortgage Title Partnership Platinum Funding Group The Prescient Group USA Funding Solutions Wells Fargo Financial ATHLETICS HEALTHCARE Competitive Edge Sports Players Disc Golf League Police Athletic League Professional Disc Golf Association SouthWind Plantation Southwind Destinations Ascot Diagnostic Services Cardinal Health CareResource In-home Care Service Dr. David Strahley Lumenis MedX Corporation Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta Quest Diagnostics SpineUniverse Stewart G. Eidelson, MD CONSULTING Brain Trust CEO China Link International CCI Telemarketing Current Events Productions Food Insights Homeowner Data Service Impulse Research Insights Research Group Life Resource Group Retirement Wizard Robins Consulting Securus Private Client Group Vant-Edge EDUCATION INDUSTRIAL/GREEN Biogenerations LLC BiTS, Inc. Clearwater Civil Contractors ClipperWind Express Line International i+o Industry Planning + Organization OceanWorks International Velocity Fulfillment SleeveCo MEDIA AcuExams Test Preparation American High School Academy Balance Education Service DeKalb County School System Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fulton County School System Georgia State University Gwinnett County Public Schools AT&T Intellective Communications INTENT Media Works Solo Media Southeast Media VidPow.com Voice Broadcasting Williams Gerard Productions Yahoo! Education FINANCE NON-PROFIT Best Invest Biz Big Trends Centurion Advisory Group Credit Connection eLender Services FX Trader Global Stock Source Informa Investment Solutions Millennium BankCard Cook Communications Ministries Johnnie’s House Kingdom Enterprises Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Patricia Frawley Philanthropy Setting Captives Free St. Joseph’s Cathedral 8|Page POLITICS Democratic Governors Association Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Progressives United PUBLISHING American Health Media Bookmark, Inc. City, Coast, & Country Magazine Delusions of Adequacy eZine Hatherleigh Press Healthy Living Books HQ Publications Local Content Now MeadWestvaco Publishing Pro Edit Pushbutton Press Quinstreet Media Group The Sharing Post Sounds True Publishing SouthComm Publishing Writing Assistant RETAIL Gold Cartouche Network The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Incon Lighting InkHead Promotional Products KooKoo Bear Kids Most for Your Auto Olysto Incorporated Stroll and Go Sweet Pea Bowtique SERVICE Blown Away Landscaping Cornerstone of America CYA Insurance Agency David Wiley & Associates Integrity Moving Services Mailmasters Mailing Services National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Northshore Forms and Labels Property Sign Postings R.A. Seigel Flooring ReMax & Lake Norman Properties RE/MAX CENTRAL of Las Vegas Search Logic Recruiting Services to Lawyers Space Master Interiors Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA-CREF) Life Insurance Company Touchstone Home Products Travel Access Club United Pad WesTex Printing TECHNOLOGY Altor Systems American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics BASF eWorkforce Technologies Internet Technology Partnerships, Inc. MNT Scientific DLL Per-Se Technologies Scientific Compliance Siemens Telecommunications StartPoint T&L Group LTD WEB DESIGN American Web Developer Alpha Design Group Sund Design Thimothy Design Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) “How extensive is your writing education and research training?” I have earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master’s Degree in Education from Georgia State University. I also earned a Specialist in Training/Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. My writing concentrations in those degrees include technical, research, and creative styles. I am currently earning a Doctoral Degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Walden University. 9|Page As Georgia State is a major research university, I have spent years honing my skills as a researcher and reporter. I take great pride in my ability to find the often-missed facts most copywriters ignore and translate those nuggets into dynamic copy. “What are your qualifications as a copywriter?” I have been specially trained by Michael Masterson, the master of the trade, through the American Writers & Artists Institute. My specialized instruction incorporates a variety of methods of creating hard-selling, benefit-targeted copy. “What are your specific arenas of expertise?” I have significant and applicable experience in education and training, health care, technology and electronics, sports and recreation, personal services, seminars and presentations, and general information communication. If you sell to business, industry, professionals, or through direct response, chances are I already have experience dealing with your type of product or service—or with something very similar. Take a look at my writing samples enclosed with this letter. Do they seem “right up your alley?” If not, let me know, and I’ll send additional samples that are closer to your area of interest. And don’t forget, my outstanding research capabilities allow me to become an expert in the field most useful to you. “What types of assignments do you handle?” I cover the full spectrum. About 80 percent of my business is writing direct-mail and sales brochures for business, industrial, and high-tech clients. The rest involves creating a wide assortment of marketing communications materials, including ads, feature articles, press releases, newsletters, catalogs, case histories, annual reports, product guides, manuals, and speeches. My specialty is my ability to write clear, credible, persuasive copy about a wide range of business products and services, from the simple to the highly technical. I am able to quickly grasp complex marketing problems and understand sophisticated technologies. Clients appreciate the fact that I can sit down with engineers, scientists, system professionals, and other specialists, ask intelligent questions, and speak their language. “Why does your title include ‘consultant’?” In addition to writing copy, I also work with many of my clients as a consultant, helping them plan marketing campaigns that generate maximum response. They’re delighted and satisfied to get on-target advice that works—at an affordable fee—and they appreciate the fact that I don’t charge a monthly retainer. “Your fee schedule includes a price for ‘Project Critique.’ What’s that?” A Project Critique provides an objective review of an ad, sales letter, brochure, or direct mail package. You can have me critique either an existing piece or a draft of copy in progress. It’s up to you When you order a Project Critique, you get a written report of two or more single-spaced typed pages that analyzes your copy in detail. I tell you what’s good about it and what works, what doesn’t work, what should be changed…and how. My critique covers copy, design, strategy, and the offer. It also includes specific directions for revisions and rewriting, although I do not write or rewrite copy for you under this arrangement. A Project Critique is ideal for clients who want a second opinion on a piece of copy, or who need new ideas to inject life into an existing package that’s no longer working. It also enables you to sample my services at a far lower cost than you’d pay to have me write your copy from scratch. 10 | P a g e “Speaking of money, how much does it cost to hire you for a project?” For any copywriting assignment—a direct-mail package, a sales letter, an ad, a brochure, a feature article—just let me know what you have in mind and I’ll quote you a price. The enclosed Schedule of Estimated Fees gives typical prices for a variety of different projects. “How long will it take you to complete my project?” Ideally, I like to have two or three weeks to work on your project. That gives me the time to polish, edit, and revise until I’m happy with every word and detail. However, I realize you can’t always wait that long. So if the job is a rush, just tell me the date by which you must receive the copy. If I take on the job, I guarantee you will have the copy on your desk by this date—or sooner. No matter what the deadline is, the copy I submit to you will be right. You can depend on it. “What happens if I want you to revise the project?” Just tell me what you want improved and what the changes are, and I’ll make them—fast. There is no charge for rewriting. Two revisions are included in the flat fee we’ve agreed to for the assignment; provided they are assigned within 30 days of your receipt of the copy and are not based on a change in the assignment after copy has been submitted. Most clients are pleased and enthusiastic about my copy when they receive it. But if you are not 100 percent satisfied, I will revise the copy according to your specific guidelines—at my expense. “How do I hire you for my project?” Putting me to work for you is easy. First, just tell me the basics of the project as well as your target audience. Send me your brochure, catalogue, or any other literature that will give me the background information I need to write your copy. But don’t worry about organizing anything—I’ll do that. If I have any questions, I’ll pick up the phone and ask. If you’d like to get together and go over the job in person, we can do that, too. I’d be delighted to meet with you, wherever and whenever you wish. When you give me the go-ahead, I’ll create your project for you. You will receive your copy on or before the deadline date. And remember, it is guaranteed to please you. So…why not try my service for your next sales letter, direct-mail package, feature article, press release, ad, or brochure? I promise you’ll be delighted with the results. Schedule of Fees NOTE: This list of fees is provided as a guide based on regional average pricing for marketing and advertising communications listed in Chris Marlowe’s Freelance Copywriter Fee & Compensation Survey. Individual projects may vary; your project budget is also taken into consideration. Please remember, cheap copy doesn’t work; and copy that works isn’t cheap. For questions concerning pricing for your project, email [email protected]. Autoresponder: $100 - $300 Business Plan: $2,500 - $9,500 Case History: $500 - $1,500 Catalog Copy: $300 - $400/page 11 | P a g e Direct Mail Packages: Lead-generating (envelope teaser, 2-page letter, standard brochure, reply form): $1,000 - $2,000 Order-generating (envelope teaser, 2-page letter, standard brochure, reply form): $2,000 - $2,500 E-mail Letter, long copy: $500 - $1,000 E-mail Letter, short copy: $300 - $500 Feature Article: $500 - $3,000 Lift Note: $200 - $300 Magalog (14-page): $4,000 - $6,000 Microsite Sales Letter, lead-generating: $500 - $1,500 Microsite Sales Letter, order-generating: $1,500 - $2,000 Newsletter: $250 - $500/page Press Release: $250 - $750 Print Ad (8"x 10"): $1,000 - $2,000 Resume/CV: $100 - $250/page Sales letter: $500/page Tri-fold Brochure (8.5"x11"): $500 - $1,000 Tri-fold Self-mailer (11"x17"): $1,000 - $2,000 Web Site Copy: $250/page for pages 1 - 5 $150/page for pages 6 - 10 $50/page for pages 11 and over NOTE: This list of fees is provided as a guide based on regional average pricing for marketing and advertising communications listed in Chris Marlowe’s Freelance Copywriter Fee & Compensation Survey. Individual projects may vary; your project budget is also taken into consideration. Please remember, cheap copy doesn’t work; and copy that works isn’t cheap. For questions concerning pricing for your project, email [email protected]. Copywriting Questionnaire/Blueprint Type your responses directly into this document, save, and then return via e-mail along with any digital or physical materials you think might help with this project. Return via email to: [email protected] Forward print materials to: Kelly Richardson, 643 Carla Court, Winder, GA 30680-4909 USA 12 | P a g e Type of Project (i.e. web copy, a sales letter, an e-mail, an 8.5x11 tri-fold brochure, etc.) Target Length of Project (i.e. 2 standard pages, 1,5002,500 words, 30 PowerPoint slides, 10-minute speech, etc.) General Sections of Project (i.e. for a web site - home, services, why choose us, admin team, etc.) THE MORE QUESTIONS YOU ANSWER, THE CLOSER THE FIRST VERSION WILL BE TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND THE FASTER WE’LL GET TO THE FINISHED PRODUCT. 1. What is the goal of the copy? 2. What is the overall goal you’re trying to achieve? Look ahead six months from now. If this project could accomplish just one critical task in that time, what would that be? 13 | P a g e 3. What other goals would you like to achieve with this project? 4. Is there anything about your product or company that will lend credibility to your sales pitch? This could include awards you’ve won, how long you’ve been in business, how many locations you have, etc. 5. What product or service will you be selling? 6. What are all the features of your product? Don’t leave anything out – put everything down. A fact or feature is something the product does, like provide transport, or an attribute it has, such as multiple colors. 7. What relevant facts and figures have been gathered about your product? Have any studies been made that provide facts and figures that will substantiate your claims? Is there an industry trade counsel that can give you meaningful facts, graphs, charts, and statistics about your product? How does it compare to your competitors’ products? 14 | P a g e 8. What are the major benefits your customer gets from your product? That is, what does your product do for your customer? The difference between a fact/feature and a benefit is that while a fact/feature is something the product does or an attribute it has, a benefit is something your product does FOR YOUR CUSTOMER. 9. What major benefits do your customers get from doing business with you rather than doing business with your competition? Or, from your product rather than your competition’s products? What makes doing business with you “unique?” Why should a prospect favor you with their business instead of your competition? 10. What is your customer’s main concern? 11. Create a short, accurate profile of the type of customer you’d most like to attract. 12. What type of guarantee do you offer? 13. What level of service and support do you offer? 15 | P a g e 14. Please send me copies of any of the marketing pieces and items listed below. Note for material in online format, identify the material and provide a link. If it’s a digital file, send the file. If a piece exists both online and in physical form, only send the physical piece if it differs from what’s online. Sales Letters Newspaper and Magazine Ads Radio and Television Spots Brochures Catalogs Card Deck Cards Press Kits and News Releases Telemarketing Scripts Sales training materials Back issues of promotional newsletters Classified ads Marketing plans Market research Product Sample(s) Feature articles by you or about you/your company Testimonial letters from satisfied customers Complaint letters from unsatisfied customers 15. What schedule did you have in mind for this project? Are there any required timeframes due to factors outside your control? For example, an upcoming trade show. 16. What approval process will you follow? Who will need to approve and how long should they take? What response do you expect? For example, after review, changes should be made and resubmitted within 1 day, 1 week, etc. 16 | P a g e 17. What deliverables do you require and in what format? For example, copy for sales letter of 4 – 8 pages, envelope teaser, reply coupon and bonus buck-slip in MS Word format. 18. Is there anything else I should know that’s important to, or a concern with this project? Anything I didn’t ask, that I should have? 19. Finally, please “sell” me your product as if I were sitting across the table from you. 17 | P a g e
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