Post-Copywriting Checklist: Freelance Copywriter’s Next Steps

Once a freelance copywriter has completed their work and made the necessary edits, they should follow a structured checklist to ensure that all necessary steps are covered from submission to invoicing. This guide outlines the essential actions a copywriter should take after concluding a project.

Submission of Final Work

After a copywriter has finished all their work and implemented the necessary revisions, the next step is to submit the final draft to the client. It is crucial to deliver work that aligns seamlessly with the client's vision and goals. Carefully proofread the finished piece to ensure it is error-free and meets the agreed-upon standards.

Requesting Payment Invoice

Post-delivery, it is advisable to send an invoice for the fees owed. For larger projects, it's common practice to request an initial payment as a deposit. Given that this is a freelance gig, receiving payment promptly is vital to your financial well-being. A professional invoice should include:

Project details and scope of work Fee schedule and payment terms Timeline and deadlines Project deliverables Contact information for follow-up VAT or similar taxes

For projects requiring upfront payment, agree on a percentage (e.g., 50%) and add a clause for the remaining balance. Billing for the remainder can be done after the project's completion or when the revised copy is approved.

Seeking Feedback and Referrals

Moreover, don't shy away from asking for feedback and recommendations post-project. This not only helps build a better client relationship but also provides valuable visibility for your work:

Request written testimonials to share on your portfolio and social media. Ask clients if they know anyone who needs similar services, and provide them with your contact information. Offer additional services to enhance the ROI for your client, such as:

Based on the above example, here are some additional services that can be offered:

EMAIL CAMPAIGNS: Offer to write and send targeted email campaigns to their existing email lists to promote the copy. LEAD GENERATION CAMPAIGNS: Suggest creating optimized lead generation campaigns that can drive more traffic to the landing pages or website.

Charging a nominal fee for these services can provide value to your client while keeping you in their corner for any future copywriting needs.

Conclusion

Completing a copywriting assignment is the first step to satisfaction and success. Following through with a structured checklist of post-project actions, such as submitting invoices and seeking feedback, can help you maintain a professional and reliable reputation in the freelance world. By offering additional services and maintaining a strong client relationship, you set yourself up for repeat business and steady income growth.

As a freelance copywriter, your value lies not just in your initial work but in the entire client experience. Making sure you follow through with these steps ensures that your hard work is not forgotten and that you continue to open doors to new opportunities.