Frequently Asked Questions about My Services

FAQ

“What are your qualifications as a copywriter and marketing specialist? And what about as a virtual assistant?”

• I’ve been involved in some form of marketing, administrative work, writing, and running my own businesses for over 30 years. Entrepreneurship runs deep in my blood and family.

• During those years, I operated all aspects of running a successful beauty salon business for over 20 years, including using my writing/marketing skills for promoting the business, creating brochures, flyers and sales material.

• I’m a published indie author of six fiction novels. I have experience with formatting e-books and print books, creating book covers, uploading to various online sites, creating compelling content for social media and print publications to promote the books.

• I’ve set up several websites, including the layout, content and SEO, for my copywriter site, a cat care site, an author site, an entertainment blogging site, a health and wellness site, a beauty salon site, a personal exercise blog and a marketing site.

• I’ve worked as a project manager, social media manager, assistant to a director, handled numerous administrative tasks, proofreading/editing, social media coaching, created various content for the web and more.

• I’m a past Worldprofit rep and previous website owner of Cyber City Promotions and Cyber City Success, offering internet marketing and website packages for small businesses. I also published an ezine for these website marketing sites.

• I’ve been the Speculative Fiction Movies Examiner for St. Louis, MO – writing two articles per week and promoting the content to various social media and news sites.

• I’ve been trained by the best in the copywriting industry by completing the following AWAI (American Writers and Artists Inc.) courses (some of the experts: Nick Usborne, Steve Slaunwhite, Michael Katz, Ed Gandia, Jay White, Pam Foster, Brian Clark):

Copywriting 2.0-Complete Guide to Writing Web Copy that Converts
Copywriting for a Cause (Cause Marketing)
Creating Email Newsletters for Professional Firms
Social Media Marketing Expert
Writing Case Studies
Email Copy Made Easy
Secrets of Becoming an Internet Research Specialist
Site Audits Made Simple
Working Effectively with Web Clients
Money-Making Websites
Content Mastery-Content Marketing Specialist
Freelance Writing Business Success
Secrets of Writing High Performance B2B Copy
B2B Copywriting Intensive
Writing for the Health Market
Certification for B2B Copywriting Mastery

• To keep up with current trends and to continually increase my knowledge in marketing, I’m a member of the following organizations:

American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI)
An Alliance of Young Adult Authors
American Fitness Professionals and Associates

“Do you have experience in my field?”

That depends on your field/industry! I definitely have experience writing for the health/wellness niche. I am a certified health and wellness coach, have taken courses in writing for the health market, have a diabetic husband (I created a nutrition and fitness plan for him and am obsessive about counting his carbs) and have been an avid fitness fanatic since I was twelve. I also have experience in the pet industry (and have had pets all my life); the entertainment industry; all aspects of book writing and publishing and marketing; and the beauty/salon/spa/self-help/coaching industry. I thoroughly enjoy marketing. And I will only accept your project if I’m confident I can do a good job for you. Tell me what you need and we can discuss your specific situation.

“What kind of assignments do you work on?”

I specialize in web copy, emails and enewsletters. But I work on almost any type of online content marketing, ads, articles, blogs, presentations, video scripts, case studies, cause marketing campaigns, social media strategy and content, internet research, ghostwriting, site audits, consulting, virtual assistance… whew! I focus on the health and wellness niche, but am available for other niches, too. Be sure to review my Prices/Packages/Project Fees List and the general Services Page!

“Do you have a guarantee policy? What about revisions?”

Yes! Hop over to my Guarantee and Privacy Policies Page. Or continue reading:

Most clients are happy with my copy when they receive it. But if you are not 100 percent satisfied, I will revise the copy according to your specific guidelines at my expense. Explain what you want improved and I’ll make the changes as fast as possible. Revisions are included in the fee we have agreed upon for the assignment, PROVIDED the revisions are brought to my attention within 45 days of your receipt of the copy (the assignment) that I’ve completed. Also, the free revisions cannot be provided if you make a radical change from the original assignment after my copy has been submitted to you. I cannot guarantee the results (example: financial gain for your business) of my copy because of the factors that I can’t control. These factors include: your market, prices, supply, demand, design, current events, the economy, your competition — all can affect the response you get to your copy. I promise I will make every effort to work with you to ensure your copy and offer will produce positive results. Your success is important to my own success.

“What does it cost to hire you?”

For any copywriting project, just let me know what you have in mind, and I’ll quote you a price. Depending on the information you provide me, I may need to ask you some direct questions that will help me better calculate a quote for you. The rates vary depending on the type of copy you need, so it’s hard to answer this question without knowing the details of your project. The main reason is every company and project is different. No two are exactly alike. For example, you may need new web pages, update existing pages, an optimized order page, or a complete overhaul from the ground up. There may be tons of great content to work with and it simply needs optimizing… or there may be no copy yet or pages of non-sales copy that were written 10 years ago. And there may be a need to do extensive work in phases. For the majority of projects, I usually charge for the entire project, not an hourly rate. I do offer a Schedule of Estimated Fees, but the rates listed on some projects vary a great deal (as in hundreds or even thousands of dollars) depending on how basic or elaborate the assignment is. Visit my Contact Page.

“Do you have a price sheet?”

Yes, I do have a Schedule of Estimated Fees sheet. I use it as my guide so I have a general idea of what to charge. None of the prices are set in stone… I write up a Proposal after we’ve determined as best as we can what you need me to do, etc. (see above FAQ “What does it cost to hire you?”). Remember, when you hire a professional web content writer, strategic marketer, or virtual assistant – you’re investing in smart, optimized sales content that creates authentic connections with your prospects, resulting in bigger profits! Each project estimate will be customized for you, based on these industry-standard fee ranges for high quality, effective work. Here is my List of Fees.

“How will you invoice me?”

You will receive an invoice via email. I ask whether you prefer the invoice be within the email itself, or as an attachment in .doc or PDF format. You have the option of saving the invoice and printing a copy for your records. We will decide in advance if I will simply email an invoice to you, or if I should use an online service, such as: PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, or Wave.

“What forms of payment do you accept?”

You have the option of paying by check, money order, bank wire, or sending payments online via PayPal, Stripe, Venmo or Wave App. We will decide in advance which method to use that you feel comfortable with.

“How long will it take you to complete my project?”

The answer depends on your project, as each project is unique. We can discuss your particular project by phone or email, and I can give you a better idea of how long it will take. I’m a stickler when it comes to presenting quality work, and that means I need adequate time to research, write, enhance, and revise until I’m completely satisfied. If your project needs completed by a specific date, be sure to tell me this information immediately.

“Do you do the work yourself or outsource?”

I will always write 100% of your copy. I will be the person working on whatever project we’ve agreed upon. But, I am NOT a graphic designer or a web developer. I am quite willing to work with someone of your choosing or I can sub-contract the work to someone I know for those services. I completely created this site, along with other sites in the past. I have average WordPress skills. If you are satisfied with my design capabilities, then we may not need a separate graphic designer for your project.

“Do you use AI tools when writing marketing copy? If so, how?”

I specialize in writing copy that is authentic, original and effective. I am the primary writer, handling the important thinking, strategizing, writing, and editing myself. I do, however, use AI as a kind of “writer’s assistant”. For example, I might have AI:

Transcribe an interview.
Summarize an article, web page, or video.
Research a topic and find and list reputable sources.
Provide insights into a target market; particularly what motivates them to buy (so valuable).
Generate ideas for content topics. AI is great for brainstorming.
Come up with fresh examples, scenarios, stories, different phrases or words, etc. to use in the copy.
Review a draft and recommend edits and improvements.
Proofread for typos, grammar, and other errors.
Tell me how persuasive the copy is from the customer’s POV. Similar to testing the copy live!

Also, if you provide me with information that is confidential, I will never input that information into an AI without your approval. Bottom line: Regardless of how I use AI tools, my work for you will always be original, authentic and leverage my experience writing engaging, high-response copy and content. I promise!

“How soon can you start on my project?”

It’s likely I’m working on another project at this very moment. Depending on my schedule, how involved your project is and your deadline, I may be able to start on your project within a few business days or a week or two. Contact me as soon as possible to get on my schedule. And I will always find time for initial consultations and to prepare your quote.

“I need a copywriter for a service not listed on your site. Can you help?”

If you need something not listed here, please ask! If we can’t help you directly, we can probably put you in touch with someone who can.

“How do we get started?”

Simple. Fill out my Contact Form or email me. The more details you can give me, the faster I can get started. Tell me what you’re selling and to whom. Include: the type of copy you need, background information, your website URL, anything that’ll help me understand what I need in order to write your copy. If you’re not sure about your needs, I’ll be more than happy to talk to you and discuss your goals and marketing challenges. Once you’re ready to get started, it’s likely I’ll need additional information. To sum it up, I’ll interview you over the phone or by Zoom or send you a detailed questionnaire via email. You’ll sign a Proposal (aka Contract), receive an Invoice for 50% of my fees to be paid up front, then I’ll dive into your project and complete it by the deadline. You will receive your copy/content or have a completed project, or virtual assistant tasks that have been completed, perhaps review any additional work needing done, etc., and everyone ceremoniously shouts, “YES!”, thrilled with the results. And, remember, it is guaranteed to satisfy you.

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I offer a FREE 30 minute initial consultation. Not into phone calls? No problem. Email works for me, too. I can write up a proposal and there is no obligation to buy. Have you visited my Meet Gina Page to learn more about me? Read up on My Services? Ready now?