Since this article was last published a few years ago, I decided it was time to air it again. Every business has budget constraints. But what gives? Nine times out of ten, it’s marketing, particularly skilled copywriting.
Writing is writing, right? Wrong. The way your words represent your business is essential to its success. Not only do they have to communicate with your audience, but they also must persuade, encourage, empathise, connect, and explain. That’s why corporates need freelancers like me.
Microbusinesses help corporations transform their operations.
It’s a big statement, but one that’s true.
As a microbusiness and freelancer (I prefer either term to the somewhat derogatory ‘one-woman band’), I’ve worked for many years with corporates such as BT, Cisco, Finastra, Goldman Sachs, and Willis Towers Watson.
Why choose to work with a freelancer over a marketing agency?
Because they get to REAP the rewards of:
- Responsive service
- Expertise
- Agility
- Personal service
Continuity of service should also be listed there, but that would have messed up the acronym.
Small means great value
Let’s take a look at each of these benefits in more detail.
Responsive service
Microbusinesses and freelancers don’t have complex management structures, so work and decisions happen quickly.
If you need something turned around quickly, there are no hoops to jump through, helping you manage your workload and accurately manage your customer relationships. If you want a quote, you can get one within 24 hours, if not sooner.
Expertise
Microbusinesses tend to specialise in one area, in my case, copywriting. After spending nearly two decades writing content, I have written for almost every industry in every format imaginable.
By applying this knowledge, I devise strategies and techniques to positively impact your business.
However, when you work with an agency, the chances are it’s a reasonably junior copywriter working on your job. They also tend to have ‘house’ styles, so the tone you get may not be what you want.
Agility
Being agile and flexible is essential in the world of microbusiness. After all, it’s one of their USPs. Invariably, in my line, the content is the last thing people think about, and it usually involves tight deadlines. Although this isn’t the ideal way to work, as a freelancer, I’m flexible enough to meet your needs.
Personal service
One issue with agencies is that you never know who will do the writing for you. Therefore, if you have numerous projects, you’ll have different writers for each. That means explaining your tone of voice multiple times.
With a microbusiness, you have one writer. Therefore, every piece of work is carried out to the same exacting standards, so you only have to brief the tone of voice once.
Small but perfectly formed
Microbusinesses and freelancers are the driving force behind business. Without their specialist knowledge, the more significant players couldn’t deliver what they do. That’s why you mustn’t overlook them.
So what if they don’t have flashy offices or work from a home office? That does not affect the quality and value for money you’ll receive.
Next time you’re looking for a specialist supplier, consider using a microbusiness or freelancer. Not only will they help you achieve your goals, but they’ll also help you diversify your supply chain.
Sally Ormond is proud to be a diverse, woman-owned small business. Why not use her skills and talents to make a difference in your organisation? For an informal chat about your copywriting needs, call her at +44(0)1449 779605 or email sally@briarcopywriting.com.