Do I Need to Write My Own Copy? The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Copywriter or Outsourcing Your Writing

One of the questions we often get asked here at BaB is ‘will you be writing the copy for our sales page?’ and the answer is ‘No!’.

I firmly believe a good copywriter is worth their weight in gold.  Are all copywriters built the same?  No! But when you find one that understands you and your business, hold on to them tight!

Here at B&B, we don’t offer copywriting services.  That’s because it’s not our zone of genius.  

I can write stuff for me and my brand, and we do have some clients with that we have been working for a long time and whom we now feel comfortable writing in their voice, but as a general rule, we don’t write copy.

Your copy is the words you use to convey your message to your audience, whether it’s on your website, social media, or marketing materials, and when it comes to creating content for your business, one of the most important elements is authenticity. 

But as a business owner, do you need to write your own copy, or should you consider hiring a copywriter or outsourcing your writing? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option.

Writing Your Own Copy

Pros:

1. Control: Writing your own copy gives you full control over the message you want to convey and how you want to say it.  Your voice, tone and brand shines through.
2. Cost: Writing your own copy is the most cost-effective option (in terms of upfront cost), as you won’t have to pay anyone else to do it for you.
3. Knowledge: As a business owner, you know your business and your audience better than anyone else, which can give you an advantage when it comes to writing copy.

Cons:

1. Time: Writing copy takes time, and as a business owner, your time is valuable. Writing copy can be a distraction from other important tasks that require your attention.  Spending money on a copywriter might actually save you money in the long run.
2. Skill: Not everyone is a skilled writer, and if you’re not confident in your writing abilities, your copy may not be as effective as it could be.

Hiring a Copywriter

Pros:

1. Expertise: Copywriters are professionals who specialise in creating effective and persuasive copy that resonates with your target audience.  They can tell a story.
2. Time-saving: Hiring a copywriter frees up your time to focus on other aspects of your business, such as product development or customer service.
3. High-quality copy: Copywriters have the skills and experience to create high-quality copy that effectively communicates your message to your audience.
4. The ultimate goal of effective copywriting is to drive conversions and sales. Professional copywriters understand the psychology of selling and can craft copy that effectively communicates the value of your product or service and drives action from your target audience.

Cons:

1. Cost: Hiring a copywriter can be expensive, and may not be a feasible option for small businesses or startups.
2. Not all copywriters are created equal. While many copywriters are skilled and professional, there are also less experienced writers who may produce copy that is not up to par with your standards or expectations. They might not get your ‘voice’ straight away.  I genuinely find this is something that takes time.
3. Time: Copywriting projects can take time, especially if you are working on a complex or large-scale project. If you need copy quickly, you may need to pay extra for rush services or find a copywriter who is available on short notice.
4. Limited scope: Some copywriters may have a limited range of skills or expertise. For example, if you need copy for a technical or highly specialized industry, you may need to find a copywriter who has experience in that specific field.

What about ChatGPT

Now this is something I can get behind.  If you know me, I LOVE automation.  The use of AI technology to help speed up the process of tasks for business owners that might otherwise not be able to afford a professional copywriter, is amazing.

I used Chat GPT to help write this blog post as a demonstration of what it can do.  I asked the question ‘Write a blog post with the title ‘Do I need to write my own copy’ with reference to ChatGPT, copywriters, and outsourcing, in the style of go.boostandbloom.co.uk’, and it gave an answer.  I then spent 20 minutes tweaking, adding, and putting ‘my spin’ on it.

A blog post can sometimes take me over an hour to write, so for me, chatGPT is a gamechanger.  

Would I ever post something that ChatGPT churns out without editing?  No. I certainly couldn’t have posted the initial response without editing.  Does it write in my voice?  No, which is another reason why I have to go through and edit it.   Does it understand my brand?  No.  You get the idea.

BUT

There is a BUT – I don’t think chat GTP can replace the skill of a good copywriter (yet!) but it’s doing a hell of a good job of being the second choice for those where a copywriter is out of reach.

Much Love, Sam