A Month in the Life: 30 Days Working With a Copywriter Retainer

Learn about what your first month with a copywriter retainer will look like

Perhaps you think your brand is ready to take the next step with its content. Ever considered retaining a copywriter? Ever wonder what it is a retained copywriter does? Well, here’s a little insight into the first month of a relationship between a retained copywriter and their client.

• The King and I Phase

The first thing that happens in the first month of a retainer agreement is what I refer to as the “King and I” phase. I call it that because it’s all about getting to know you, the client. In some instances, a client might know they need specific types of content based on what they already present to their customers or readership. Other clients might know they need content, but are unsure of what kinds of content would best serve them. The beginning stages of a retainer partnership entails me (the retained copywriter) getting to know you (my client) and understanding how I can benefit you.

• The Monica Gellar Phase

After I have a better understanding of your brand and what you need from me in terms of content, I proceed to what I call the Monica Gellar phase. In this phase I make a plan for what your content deliverables will look like going forward. Your deliverables will have already been noted in your retainer agreement, but this phase puts more emphasis on deliverable characteristics and personality. You know you’ll be getting a certain number of blog posts, social media entries, and/or newsletters (based on your agreement), but here you’ll have a better understanding of what each deliverable will do for YOUR brand. Maybe a blog post will focus on a new service or product you provide. Perhaps a newsletter will provide topical information based on the season or month of the year its delivered in. Maybe you’re planning a huge announcement and your social media channels will be focused on getting that information out. Once I know the specifics, I turn it into ongoing content that benefits your brand and your demographic.

• The Schwarzenegger Hand Shake Phase

Named after one of the most solid handshakes in movie history, next is the Schwarzenegger Hand Shake phase. After I have provided a comprehensive editorial calendar catered to your brand and based on the inner workings of your business, we agree on how we move forward. After copywriting for over 15 years, one thing I will never do is not listen to my clients. There are times where my expertise will come into play, but i ALWAYS make sure that you, the client, understand WHY I do what I do or make any suggestions that I make. The point of having a copywriter retained is to NOT worry about your content… so you can worry about running your brand the way you see fit.

• The Redman Phase

The last phase of the first month, lovingly referred to as the Redman phase? Why? BECAUSE IT’S TIME FOR SOME ACTION! This is when all the planning gets put into play. Deadlines are set, deliverables are put underway, and the content pipe starts to flow. Based on what was laid out during the Monica Gellar phase and agreed upon during the Schwarzenegger phase, the deliverables might look different to different clients. But by the end of the first month, you’ll be sure of a few things:

- What forms of content you’ll be receiving on a regular basis

- When those forms of content will be delivered to you

- How that content will impact your readership

Four straightforward phases, all in one month. After we work our way through those beginning steps, we will have a clear picture of what content is fed into the pipeline. Going forward, scheduled check ups will help keep content fresh, revise any expectations, and cover any changes that need to be made.

Sounds like you’re ready for a retainer? Let me know!