Entrepreneurs are used to handling a constant barrage of tasks on a daily basis, and it’s often something they pride themselves on. Wearing many hats comes with the territory, and there is seriously something so satisfying about knowing that you’re intimately invested in all aspects of your business.

At some point, however, you may find yourself showing up to black-tie event wearing last week’s unwashed night cap, and that’s not a good look for anyone. (Metaphorically speaking, of course. I’m sure you look great in yours!) Although this can be taken as a clear indicator that you need more sleep, it can also be a not-so-subtle hint that you really should think about getting some help.

And when the universe throws you hints, it’s usually wise to follow them.

Take the hint: Signs you need to hire a virtual assistant.

• You’re normally on top of everything, but lately you feel frazzled and have been making mistakes.
• Your business is starting to feel more exhausting than life-giving, and you find yourself fantasizing about throwing in the towel.
•  You’ve put multiple AMAZING ideas on the back burner because there just “isn’t time” for them.

I know, I know – it’s all well and good to say that these are all “hints” and that you obviously need to hire help…but think of the cost, the training time, the possibility that they’ll make mistakes, create drama, or generally bring you more problems than results. How can you know that it’s really going to work out?

Where are the guarantees?

Well…they don’t exist. That’s just the honest truth. It would take you five seconds flat to find someone who could tell you a blood-curdling story about a terrible person they worked with that turned out to be a bad idea in every way possible. Horror stories abound, my friend.

So I guess that’s it then. If one person had a bad experience with something, it’s clear no one in the whole world should ever even consider attempting it themselves.

Clearly, I jest.

For everyone who has had a bad experience or walked away with a sour taste in their mouths, there is someone out there whose life and business were changed for the better once they decided to bring on help. It might be a scary step, but it can be exactly what you need to do to take things to the next level.

Still not sure?

And just in case hints don’t do it for you, here are some serious reasons to think about taking the plunge:

• You’re spending more time OUT of the genius zone than in it
• Your business hasn’t grown in a while because you don’t have time to invest in scaling up
• You’re spending an inordinate amount of time on some tasks simply because you don’t really know how to effectively do them
• You feel stuck in a rut and are losing your rhythm
• Your relationships are suffering, but there is no way you could possibly spend less time in your business

Any of these sound familiar?

If you’re running a successful business, there is going to come a point where you literally just cannot take on any more, do any more, or invest more of yourself. Now, if you’re already feeling the pressure and you KNOW this is you (or you’re using foresight to see that you’re reaching a growth area and this could easily be you in a few months), I would encourage you to start looking for a virtual assistant, social media manager, copy writer, or [whatever floats your boat here] today.

Download our Ultimate Guide to Delegating Here for More Tips & Tools on How to Delegate as a Solopreneur

Finding Help

Some things you can DO when you need to hire a virtual assistant:

• Have a decent idea of what tasks you’d like done (start with the time-consuming stuff that is pulling you out of the genius zone on the daily).

• Understand that you get what you pay for in this industry, and know that a higher price usually comes with the benefit of a huge amount of specialized talent + skill.

• Connect with your network (lots of people you respect could probably recommend a great support person) or seek out a specialized group online (use Facebook’s group search function, or hop onto LinkedIn).

• Be extremely clear in any online posts about HOW you want to be contacted, because there will likely be a huge response. You don’t want to drown in PM’s if you would have rather just sifted through some Google forms data at the end of the week.

• Engage in some form of verbal communication when you’ve selected a few candidates you see potential in. If you’re bringing someone into your business, you want to feel really good about how you connect as humans. (Zoom is awesome for face-to-face contact!)

And since you’re kind of sticking your neck out there, I’ll even throw in a few things you might want to avoid:

• Don't ask for free “trial periods” or free work to be done on your behalf. (Unless you regularly give away your own products/services; then I guess it’s your call!)

• Avoid asking for detailed project proposals and then never follow up or engage again.

• Don't feel obligated to hire the first person/cheapest person/sweetest person if they don’t seem like a great fit.

Did you take action?

I feel like you should it, so I’ll wait right here.

And…you did it!

You knew what you were looking for (or at least a general sense of it), you asked around or posted in an online group, you interviewed a few candidates, and it’s easy sailing from here on out.

Right?

Right? (An echo chamber, uselessly repeating your own words back to you. Exactly what you were afraid of when you set out to hire help!)

Now Make it Amazing!

You’re not quite out of the woods yet, because the next couple interactions will really set the tone for your working relationship. Here’s how to nail the whole “someone works for me remotely” gig you just made happen:

Usernames and Passwords

• Have a document listing usernames/passwords for any accounts you’ll need them to have access to.

• Encourage them to access these accounts while you are on the phone with them, because many accounts have security features that will flag a new sign-in and require a passcode (i.e. Instagram requires a 6 digit authentication code that is texted to your phone).

Be Flexible

• Come to terms with the idea that it probably isn’t going to be exactly the way you did it / always do it / would have done it. The point here is that YOU aren’t doing it, and that is a good thing. (Obviously crappy work is one thing; however, someone not choosing to utilize an Oxford comma probably isn’t worth losing sleep over. Or maybe it is. Personally, that might be my line in the sand.)

• Be open to new ways of doing things – especially the things that were never even part of your genius zone to start with. (Psst. Isn’t that part of why you hired someone? Because if that isn’t your thing, why are you death gripping it so tightly and insisting it must be done exactly the way you learned how to do it in that blog article from 2011?)

Be Clear

• Provide necessary materials in a timely manner so that projects can actually get done. (Nothing like having someone send you ALL. THE. THINGS. two hours before a deadline that’s been looming for two weeks. Don’t be that guy/girl/human).

• Be honest if something just isn’t working for you. If you’re feeling stressed or frustrated by someone’s work style, they probably feel the same way about yours. Some people just don’t jive well, and that’s okay. (Not to get ahead of you, but read the next tip!)

• Start out with a set time frame allocated as a “trial period” that entails specific tasks, due dates, and check-ins. If either of you aren’t happy at the end of things, it’s a natural stopping point where you can gracefully end the relationship. (This is NOT free…it’s just a time frame for expected services so you can get to know each other.)

And there you have it. Everything you need to know whether NOW is the time to bring someone new into your business.

Good luck! (And don’t forget to tell them they’re awesome when they turn out to be awesome!)

Some Resources

In case you actually didn't quite get around to doing it yet, here are a few active Facebook groups you're allowed to post hiring needs in:

Virtual Assistant Tribe Job Board

Social Media, Marketing, & PR Jobs

(I am a member of these groups - I do not run them, I am not an administrator, and I do not benefit from you using these links. I'm also not responsible for what happens to you if YOU use them, including and not limited to: substantial increases in time, money, health, and happiness.)

Of course, you can also work with Virtual A Team and reduce the unknowns and risk.

Is it finally time to hire a copywriter? Do you have a lot of great thoughts to share but it’s become a full-time job keeping up with writing all that content that you could really use a content writer. Or maybe you have a sales page to create and you know selling isn’t where you shine.  

I was recently having a conversation with a very close friend of mine. She's a brilliant writer. But she's new at marketing her skills. We were chatting about the different types of writers and she asked me a very important question.

"How am I supposed to compete with writers on the other side of the world that charge 1/2 cent per word when I charge 10 cents a word?"

As you begin to look into hiring someone to take on the writing for your business, you run across different terms and vastly different rates. So how do you know who to hire and what to pay?

The terms content writer and copywriter are often used interchangeably but they aren't the same thing. The old saying, apples to apples, just doesn't work here. If you've ever bit into a Fiji apple expecting it to taste like a red delicious, you totally understand what I mean.

Before you hire any writer, it’s important to know the difference.

Keep reading or watch the video for a quick summary.

Copywriting Vs. Content Writer

Both content writing and copywriting are considered important components of marketing. The difference lies in the purpose and approach of each.

What is Content Writing?

The purpose of content writing is to entertain the reader and keep them engaged with your business. Think of content writing for things like:

• Blog posts
• Email newsletters
• Podcast scripts
• Ebooks
• Social media posts
• Guest blog posts

Download our Ultimate Guide to Delegating Here for More Tips & Tools on How to Delegate as a Solopreneur

In your coaching business, writing content can be a great way turn leads into prospects and maintaining the loyalty of your customers. Not only is it a cost-effective approach, but time-effective as well compared to traditional methods of lead generation. When done properly, it can improve the credibility and authority of your brand in a given topic.

When you hire a content writer, they focus on content marketing. They write with the aim of sharing information about a specific topic.

For example, they can write an article about the benefits of coaching with the aim of grabbing and holding the attention of potential clients. The article helps to influence your audience by providing educational information. This can help your coaching business to form trust and authority in the mind of the audience. They will then be more likely to buy your products.

Although you may not achieve a one-time sale this way, your audience may also be engaged and motivated to share your content on their social media account. This helps to spread awareness of what you do. It is also a great way of encouraging your audience to stay in touch with your business.

What is Copywriting?

Copywriting, on the other hand, is based on the old forms of advertising like direct mail and print ads. Think Mad Men (a show I still need to take the time to watch…)

Copywriting is used to market or promote your products or services. It is more sales oriented. Think of copywriting for things like:

• Sales pages
• Email sales funnels
• Social media ads
• Marketing video scripts
• Bios and About us pages

The aim of copywriting is to write in a way that helps to sell more stuff. The write-ups help your potential clients/customers see the value of your products or services so they are more willing to buy from you. It can also portray your product as the ultimate solution for the client’s needs.

You might think of a free webinar as a combination of the two. It’s 1 part content writing for the valuable information you’ll be sharing and 1 part copywriting for the close or sales pitch at the end.

Let’s take a look at each technique in more detail to help you understand the differences.

Purpose of Content Writing

In your coaching business, writing content can be a great way turn leads into prospects and maintaining the loyalty of your customers. Not only is it a cost-effective approach, but time-effective as well compared to traditional methods of lead generation. When done properly, it can improve the credibility and authority of your brand in a given topic.

Although you may not achieve a one-time sale this way, your audience will be engaged and motivated to share the content on their social media account. This means that your brand becomes more popular and attract more potential customers. It is also a great way of encouraging your audience to stay in touch with your business.

Purpose of Copywriting

Copywriting helps educate your audience on why a specific product or service would work for their needs. Great copy seeks to attract the attention of the audience. But it goes further to convince them why they should buy from your brand. So, it grabs the attention of the audience, and at the same time entices them into taking action. The aim is to achieve a one-time transaction rather than keeping the audience engaged.

To convert readers into customers, the writer will choose a compelling headline and use an attractive call to action. These elements reveal the greatness of your brand, invoking the need of the audience to be associated with your brand. They also explain why customers should buy from your brand and not any other.

Image compliments of Marketing Profs.

Do I Need a Content Writer or a Copywriter?

Who are Content Writers?

In dating, content writers would be the courters, the ones that take their time and build a strong relationship before popping the question.

They are also the marathoners. Their content tends to be longer than 1000 words. Their written pieces are usually long-form and detailed.

These writers create different types of content ranging from simple articles to search engine optimized rich-content. In their writing, they consider the use of keywords, meta, and the likelihood of the content being shared now and in the future. They possess editorial skills that allow them to write with intricate details and word counts. Since the aim is to grab the attention of their audience, content is designed to be easily consumed, interesting and informative.

Some content writers are journalistic in nature.  This type of writer does the research and reports on the information. Think of the basic how-to articles or "listicles". Writers of this type are much more common and often charge less for their work.

Other writers are far more creative and focus on delivering the content via a story or message. The content may still be a how-to but it's spun in a much more memorable way. These skills are much more unique and this type of writer often charges a premium for their services.

Who are Copywriters?

Copywriters are the ones who make a proposal on the first date. It’s all about the spring or the quick win for these writers.

These are the sprinters. Their copy is generally short and to the point.

Writers focused on copy will write with the intention of increasing customer conversion. They are wordsmiths who craft compelling headlines and content to prompt prospects to take action. A well-written piece of copy will prompt the audience to buy a product, schedule a tour, subscribe to a service or submit vital information for follow-up.

Copywriters are adept at using psychology to sell.

Finding the Right Person for the Job

Content writers and copywriters have certain basic skills required to do their jobs well. These skills include:

• Excellent grammar.
• Outstanding proofreading skills.
• The ability to write for their target audience.
• An understanding of your specific industry.
• Uses language the reader understands.
• They can take feedback and implement requested changes.

But let’s look at what unique abilities each has.

Skills of a Content Writer

If you are looking for someone to write articles for your blog or newsletter or to create engaging social media posts, then look for a writer with the following skills:

• The ability to write content that is engaging, not boring.
• Can write in a tone that mimics your “voice”.
• Enjoys brainstorming new content ideas.
• Knows how to research and reference articles without plagiarizing.
• Understands how to write for search engines while not losing readers.

To me, the number one requirement for hiring a content writer is the ability to write fluently in the native language of the audience. There are many sites where you can hire an inexpensive writer but a large number of these writers are not fluent in English. And the writing shows it.

The next most important quality is the ability to write engaging content. It should have a hook from the very beginning that draws me in and makes me want to read more. If the first paragraph of text is boring, I’m highly unlikely to keep reading. And I’m not alone…

Let’s face it, there’s so much content on the internet already that it is HIGHLY unlikely that your article will be an original idea. What will set it apart is how well it’s written.

Skills of a Copywriter

When you are ready to create compelling copy for your landing page, sales emails or even your About Us page, it’s time to hire a copywriter. Here are the necessary skills to focus on:

• An understanding of human psychology and why people buy.
• The ability to deliver powerful messages in a small amount of text.
• Knowing the needs of the target audience.
• The ability to use emotion to sell and logic to reinforce the decision.
• A knowledge of how to break complex concepts into simple terms.

I always find the best copywriters are always studying their craft. They are always researching the best triggers to use at any point in time. They know how to create something that doesn’t feel salesy while still having the ability to persuade. This isn’t about being the used car salesman that promises the car will work (long enough to get it off the lot). It’s more about the trusted advisor helping you to take action that will truly improve your life.

As you prepare to hire your first writer, check out our tips to hire a writer.

Tips for Working with Writers

You may argue that the two types of writing are almost the same. But the differences are clear and should be the basis for making your choice. Knowing the difference between the two enables you to hire the right person for the job.

Once you’ve hired a writer, is there a difference between how you work with the different types?

Content writers generally work best with long deadlines and few details. They want to freely express themselves in their writing while still fulfilling the necessary details and voice you are looking for.

Copywriters work better with specific details and information.

Content writers will often work with long term strategies.

Copywriters work with short term projects.

With both types of writers, expect a learning curve as they learn about your business, audience, brand, and voice. Take your time and offer suggestions and feedback. They’ll thank you for it and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their ability to adapt to your needs.

There is no one best writer for your writing needs. In fact, most businesses find it ideal to hire both writers to work together in the organization. While one will be focused on informing the audience about a specific topic, the other will sell your brand out.

Summary

Hiring someone to help you with your writing needs may sound like a difficult task. Once you understand the differences, it’s more simple than you think. All you need is an understanding of the purpose, format, and goals of your writing needs.

If you want to gain an audience or inform people about your brand, go for a content writer.

If the goal is to increase sales or customer conversions, then hire a copywriter.

Still confused on what works the best for your coaching business? Virtual A Team has a team of both content and copywriters to meet your needs. Set up a complimentary strategy session to see how hiring a writer can benefit you.