As a business owner or marketer, receiving copy that isn’t up to your standards can be frustrating. Whether it’s from your in-house team or an external agency, you want to have copy that represents your brand well and resonates with your audience. But what do you do when that’s not the case? In this article, we’ve compiled some tips on how to respond to copy that’s not meeting your expectations.
First and foremost, it’s important to be honest and specific about what’s not working for you. When giving feedback, avoid general statements like “I don’t like it” or “It’s not what I had in mind.” Instead, focus on the specific areas where you feel the copy falls short. Was the tone too casual or too formal? Is the message unclear? Are there grammar or spelling errors? By pinpointing the exact issues, you can give your team or agency a clear direction on how to improve.
It’s also helpful to provide examples of what you do like. If there’s a particular brand or piece of content that you admire, share it with your team or agency and explain why. This can give them a better understanding of your preferences and help guide them in the right direction. Additionally, providing examples of what you don’t like can be useful, but make sure to explain why those examples don’t work for you. This way, you’re providing constructive criticism instead of just being negative.
Another key factor when responding to copy is to keep the lines of communication open. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, provide feedback, or clarify expectations. By fostering a collaborative environment, you can work with your team or agency to create copy that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. It’s also important to be responsive to their questions and feedback, so the process can move along smoothly.
Next, make sure you’re aligned on the intended audience and goal for the copy. Understanding your audience, including their needs, interests, and preferences is critical to creating successful copy. Your team or agency should be able to provide insights into who the copy should be targeting and what message you’re hoping to convey. By ensuring everyone is on the same page, you can avoid misunderstandings or miscommunication that can lead to ineffective copy.
Additionally, make sure you’re providing a comprehensive brief. When briefing your team or agency, it’s important to be clear and concise about your objectives, messaging, and audience. Providing a brief that outlines your goals, desired tone, and any other relevant details can help set your team or agency up for success. Make sure to answer any questions they may have, and offer examples of the type of copy that you’re hoping to create.
Finally, don’t be afraid to consider outside help. If you’re consistently receiving copy that doesn’t meet your expectations, it may be time to bring in outside help. Working with a copywriting agency or freelance writer can provide fresh perspectives and expertise that you may not have in-house. Just make sure to do your due diligence and find a reputable partner that aligns with your brand and goals.
In terms of SEO optimization, there are a few key things to keep in mind when responding to copy. First, ensure that your copy uses relevant keywords that are specific to your audience and objectives. Use these keywords strategically throughout the copy, but make sure it reads naturally and doesn’t feel forced. Additionally, make sure your copy is written in a way that’s easy for search engines to understand. This includes using proper headings and subheadings, meta descriptions, and alt tags for images.
In conclusion, responding to copy that’s not meeting your expectations requires specific and constructive feedback, clear communication, alignment on the intended audience and goal, a comprehensive brief, and consideration for outside help. By keeping SEO optimization in mind, you can create copy that not only meets your objectives but also resonates with your audience and helps your brand reach its fullest potential.