Business Blog Writing Series 2: Let’s Get to Know Each Other
So, when you sign up for a free consultation with the Landscape Writer, what are your expectations?
I’ve learned throughout the last eight years that not everyone has worked with a content copywriter before. When that happens, I need to put on my teacher’s hat to help the new customer know what they expect.
Let’s Get to Know Each Other
I’ve worked with some fascinating folks over the past eight years that I’ve been in business, and I’m looking forward to the possibility of working with you.
But one thing that I’ve learned is that not everyone has worked with a content writer—or they have unrealistic expectations.
So, I’m trying something new with all prospects I meet for their free consultation—a Getting to Know You intake form.
I’m hoping that by educating you, my sales prospect, you’ll come into the relationship knowing where my expertise lies and where it ends.
You’ll also learn that working with a content marketing copywriter who’s also a subject matter expert means that I’m strong in some areas but not in the entire industry. For example, I specialize within the landscape industry niche.
Here’s where my subject matter expertise lies:
- Plants, including turf and plant health care
- Soil health and how the soil’s state determines the plant’s health
- Residential lawn care and landscaping
- Commercial lawn care, landscaping, and snow removal services
- Landscaping including curb appeal, yard drainage, landscape design, and tree/shrub care
- Marketing and customer service topics
- Human relations and hiring topics
- Website content for local businesses that are outside of plants, landscape, and lawn care.
I don’t write about
- Landscape contracting – In my experience, this is a different bird from general landscaping and lawn care clients.
- Financial or money management
- Hard sales skills or KPIs.
How to Avoid Content Creation Catastrophes
To avoid mishaps and misunderstandings, I’ve created an intake form that I go over with all sales prospects. I need to know what you’re thinking and what you need. I also need to make sure that I’ll be a good fit for your content writing goals.
It’s all about serving you and helping you have the best digital content that brings the right people to your virtual or brick-and-mortar company.
Here is a sampling of questions that I ask all of my prospects during their free consultation on Zoom:
- Have you worked with a content writer before? If you haven’t, please tell me what your expectations are?
I’ve found that some customers hadn’t worked with a digital content copywriter before they met me.
If you haven’t worked with a writer, no worries—allow me to show you what that process looks like so you can make an informed decision about working with me.
For instance, a successful writing partnership means that you’ll be a willing participant in the process. I need your input and want a friendly working relationship with you. If you have too many plates in the air, then now is not a good time to start a writing project.
- How detailed-oriented are you? I’m trying to see where you land on the DISC behavior scale with this question.
High D’s, for example, don’t like details and don’t want to bother with them.
However, high D’s can get frustrated when I can’t read their minds. So, I need to make sure that if you’re a D or I, you’ll be able to hang in there with me as we get all of the details.
For full disclosure, I’m a C/S. My C demonstrates itself with a love of details, conscientiousness, and a desire to get the job done right the first time.
The S part of me is the steady-Eddie. I’m loyal and dependable—but I don’t work in a rush—especially with big writing projects.
Where do you land on the DISC? Do you want to work with a writer who has a C/S personality?
- Who will be my primary contact for this project? If you and a partner are putting this project together, you must assign one person to lead the project.
You know the old saying, “Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth.” So, you need to assign one spokesperson who decides what to include in your digital content.
Talk to each other and agree on what needs to be said. Then, trust the spokesperson to communicate that information to me.
- How much are you willing to work with The Landscape Writer to develop content for your web copy, editorial calendar, or eBook?
While I’m an independent person, I still need your input for your copy. Can you spend the time necessary to get the job done well?
- How do you feel about the editing process—where you may need to go a few rounds to get the information just right?
Editing is a big issue! I’ve had some clients react strongly to the editing process … yet, it’s a vital part of my writing program. Excellent writing comes from great editing. Most writers embrace that their first or second drafts won’t be perfect.
If your project requires extra detail, it’s only normal to expect that the editing process may take longer than you expected. Also, please note this full disclosure: I’m not perfect, but neither is any other writer on earth going to get the copy 100% correct the first time.
Instead, we edit together because it could be a miscommunication issue, or I didn’t quite understand where you were going.
Also, editing isn’t rewriting. It’s tightening and clarifying. A paragraph might need a rewrite, but not the entire web page if we had clear communication.
For example, you’re wasting your time and money if you spend our Zoom call sharing insider info that you don’t want the public to know about in your eBook or website copy. Instead, share information in clear language that you wish to include in your web copy.
As you can see, this writing and editing process takes a partnership between you and me.
How Does the Blogging Relationship Work?
When you hire me to write blogs for your landscape company’s website, the relationship is a bit different. You’ll still get the intake form, but through my B2C questionnaire, we’ll discuss your customer’s pain points and how you solve their lawn care and landscaping problems.
Plus, I require a content calendar consultation that assigns a topic for each month. Then, you and I know what to expect. Plus, the content calendar covers common topics, such as
- Aeration and overseeding
- Cool or warm season turf care
- How to incorporate edibles into your landscape
- How to hire employees who’ll commit to your company
- Fall is the time to blow out your in-ground sprinkler systems.
What’s the Next Step for You?
Do you have a new website that you want to launch to the world? Then, consider working with The Landscape Writer.
I take the time to get to know you and your company’s unique selling points. Together, we’ll create website content that will draw your customers to your virtual door.
Contact me at wendy@landscapewriter.com or fill out my free consultation form to take the next step.
