Many times when you are asked to write something for a client, especially if the client is one you have not worked with before, you will receive a list of questions about the project that need to be answered. One of the most important, and probably the most asked question, is: “So when can I expect to see the finished product?” Depending on your answer to this question, you may or may not end up with the contract you desire. So here is an overview of what a copywriting date is for a web project.
The Definition Of A Copywriting Date
A copywriting date is the moment in time when the content created (copy) to promote a company or product in a web environment is considered complete. This does not necessarily mean the content will be published, but rather that it is now ready to be published or shared with the intended audience.
Often a project will require several revisions of the copy before it is considered “done” and approved. Each revision will have a subsequent copywriting date, unless the writer consistently remains on top of things and nothing major needs to be fixed past the second draft. Once the content is approved, the final copy will be published and the copywriting process can finally come to a close.
When Does A Copywriting Date Relate To My Specific Project?
The answer to this question depends on how much content you will need to create for the project. If you are asked to create a five page website with four or five blog posts, you can expect that your copywriting date will be around the fifth or sixth page of text. You will not be finished with the content until the entire website is produced, including the SEO optimized footer at the very end.
If you are only asked to create a one-page website with a large header, a centered column of text, and a footer, you can expect that your copywriting date as related to your specific project will be around the third or fourth page of copy.
What Is The Purpose Of A Copywriting Date?
The purpose of a copywriting date is to give you enough time to write the content so that it is top-notch and to give the copywriter enough time to review and edits the content and to make sure that no major problems crop up during the production process.
You want to work with an agency or freelancer who is experienced and has the necessary resources to quickly produce high-quality content on time.
When Is A Good Time To Have A Copywriting Date?
There is no set time for when a good copywriting date should take place. The best rule of thumb is to have a copywriting date as soon as possible after you are asked to write the content. The earlier you start, the less stressed out you will be closer to the end when it comes time to finish.
If you are not ready to have a copywriting date immediately, try to set one several weeks or even a month from now to give you time to get your thoughts together and to work on the content in peace without any distractions. As long as you meet the deadline for the project, everything will work out perfectly.
When Is A Bad Time To Have A Copywriting Date?
Just because a project is due soon does not mean that you should rush into having a copywriting date. Several things need to be considered. First, if the content is highly technical and requires a lot of research, you may want to put it off for a while. Second, if you need the content for a major PR campaign, it would be best to wait till after the campaign has run its course before you start revising the content. Third, if you are going through a stressful time in your life and need a break, it may be a good idea to postpone the copywriting date.
The earlier you start, the less stressed out you will be closer to the end when it comes time to finish. So if you can, do your best to have the copywriting date as soon as possible.
What If I Have Questions About The Project After The Copy Has Been Approved?
If you have questions about the project after the copy has been approved, this means you have not read the approved copy yet. It is a good idea to ask the person who edited the copy for answers to any question you might have about the project. This will save you a great deal of time and stress in the long run.
So if you read the copy and have questions, it means it is not yet complete. Get in touch with the copywriter or agency to see what more needs to be done. You can also ask for a copy of the contract so that you are certain of what is expected of you as a part of the agreement.
The closer you are to the end, the more you will have to worry about. Finishing something you started way back when is always a cause for celebration, but keeping on top of endless details the whole way through can bring more stress than you might expect. Taking a step back now and then to remind yourself that you are making progress will help diffuse the situation and give you a sense of accomplishment that will give you happiness in the long run.