Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some questions you may have about writing services from Good As Gold.
What’s the difference between a copywriter and a content writer?
Generally, a copywriter writes copy to sell, or to persuade people to take a specific action. A content writer produces long-form content, to inform, educate or even entertain an audience.
For me, though, copywriter and content writer are not completely different roles. Take website copy, for example. When writing for your website, I’m conveying information about your product or service, building your brand with language that resonates with your target audience, and encouraging readers to take action by buying, contacting you, or signing up for more information. You will also benefit from my knowledge of web design, accessibility and UX (user experience), keyword research and search engine optimisation - so I’m also a digital marketer.
I’m happy with all of those job titles. You can call me any of those, but first you’ll need to call me!
Do you have a specialism or niche?
I have deliberately not established a writing niche, for lots of reasons. Good writers are capable of understanding any topic - any product or service, no matter how complex - and conveying its essence, in the right tone, to the right audience. I love getting to know clients from many different backgrounds who span all industries - and the knowledge I gain from each project enriches my work in future projects.
Having said that, I know it feels important for many clients to know their copywriter has sharpened their writing chops in a particular sector. The majority of my experience comes from the public and charity sectors. I also have a portfolio of travel writing, including for national and international publications.
How much do you charge?
When you come to me for a one-off task, I will quote you a fixed fee based on my estimation of time for the whole project, including two rounds of amendments to ensure you’re not just happy but delighted with the final piece. I haven’t published prices here because every assignment is different. For retainer or ongoing work, I reduce my rate because the better I know you and your organisation, the less time I need to spend doing research and doing the back-and-forth setup tasks that are so important at the start of any working relationship. I will also give lower rates to charities, sole traders and start-ups.
If you’d like me to quote in detail or give you a ball-park figure based on a quick chat, email me!
Why the name ‘Good As Gold’?
I’m so glad you asked! (I know you didn’t, really.) When I set up Good As Gold Writing Services in 2008, I was living in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, surrounded by shops and studios dealing in precious metals and gems. I was keen to have something sparkly in my business name.
As a person who trades in words, and who enjoys the dynamism of the English language, I also liked that the phrase ‘as good as gold’ has changed in meaning over time.
You can read all about this in my blog post.
Help! I need my copy, like, yesterday. Can you do last-minute copywriting?
I don’t encourage breakneck turnarounds, as this isn’t the way to get the best results for any project. But I know you know this and, if you are in a panic or a pickle, I will do my best to help you out of it, providing I have space in my schedule. Please ask.
I apply a 40 per cent rush rate to encourage proper planning (and to fund the pizzas that will fuel me through the night).
Are you using AI?
I’m not using AI for writing and I never will. I’m sympathetic towards people who feel resistance and fear towards AI. Not long ago, this was me. However, I now class myself as AI-curious - a topic I’ve explored in this blog post.
I believe we owe it to the world to explore AI’s potential and understand its pitfalls, so we can harness the technology for good and question it when it isn’t serving us (and indeed realise when it isn’t serving us).
If I think AI can help your project (by automating menial tasks, for example, or expanding on our creative prompts) I will discuss the possibilities with you before taking action. I will always pass any time-saving benefits on to you.
I have a question not answered here …
I’d love to hear it! Contact me and fire away - I’ll come back to you quickly and publish the answer here too, if it’s relevant to other people. Thank you for your interest in Good As Gold.