A copywriting retainer is worth investing in if you need regular content, like blogs, emails, social posts or website updates, and you want consistent quality without briefing a new writer every time.
It saves time, keeps your brand voice on track and usually works out cheaper per piece than one-off projects.
Every business needs written content.
What is a copywriting retainer?
In short, it’s an agreement between you and a copywriter in which they produce a set amount of work each month for an agreed-upon fee.
How does a copywriting retainer work?
They’re dead easy.
You and the copywriter agree on:
- Monthly Deliverables: This could be based on the number of hours worked or a specific amount of content, like four blog posts and two emails,
- Monthly Fee: You pay an agreed fee each month for the agreed-upon work, which gives you predictable content expenses.
- Flexible Workflow: Retainers also offer lots of flexibility, so you can change the monthly fee to fit what you need that month
Now, the juicy part.
The pros of investing in a copywriter on a retainer
Not sure why you need one?
Here are the seven biggest reasons why you do:
One. You get consistent content
When your writer is constantly in the loop with your brand, they understand your voice, audience and goals like the back of their hand.
The result?
Dead good, consistent on-brand content.
Two. It’s a money-saver
When you pay for individual projects, the costs add up fast. But with a copywriting retainer, you usually get a discount for the long-term commitment.
You save money and get a reliable stream of content.
Three. No surprises in your budgeting
You know exactly what you’re getting and how much you’re paying, which makes it easy to budget for your content marketing.
Four. You’re a priority for your writer
When you have a copywriter on retainer, you’re not just another client.
You’re a priority.
Need a blog post turned around quickly?
No problem!
Your copywriter already has the time blocked out for you each month.
Five. They’re pretty flexible
A copywriting retainer can be tailored to your needs.
If you need more content in one month and less in the next, most copywriters are happy to adjust the fee.
You never pay for more than you need.
Six. You get a strategic partner, not just a writer
A retainer copywriter often becomes a strategic partner in your business.
They can help with content strategy, brainstorm ideas, and create social media posting schedules that align with your marketing goals.
Seven. It leaves you to focus on your job
You don’t have time to micromanage every piece of content that goes out.
Once your copywriter understands your brand, they’ll handle everything from content creation to editing, freeing you up to focus on the big-picture stuff (or, you know, taking a few days off).
Is a retainer right for your business?
Are you still on the fence?
Here are some quick bullet points that’ll tell you if one will suit you.
You:
- Need ongoing content for blogs, websites, emails or social media
- Struggle to create consistent messaging and branding in your existing copy
- Don’t want to hire multiple writers when you need stuff writing
- Need someone who can think strategically about content, not just churn out words
If any of those sound like you, then it’s time to consider a copywriting retainer.
To learn more about hiring a copywriter, check out my post, When should I start working with a website copywriter?
Are you ready to pay a set monthly fee?
If you know taking a writer on retainer is the right option for you, let’s chat to see how I can help – or ask your current or preferred copywriter about their monthly retainer terms.
Until next time
Matt
PS. SEO is dead tricky and ideal work for a retainer writer, but if you fancy a crack, check out 24 awesome ways to optimise SEO for blog posts.
PPS. Or if you’re interested in SEO copywriters as a whole, have a gander at this, Who is the best SEO copywriter to work with?
