Whether you’re launching a product, rebuilding your site, or finally sending that long-overdue email sequence, you know you need words that work. But hiring a copywriter? That can feel like its own full-time job.
P.S. Hey, I’m Sarah. I’m a copywriter for creatives, brand builders, and business owners who want their marketing to actually sound like them and convert. I’ve worked with 570+ clients over the past six years, from indie brands to international e-commerce shops.
I’m here to spill the tea on hiring a copywriter that won’t waste your time, blow your budget, or ghost you mid-project. Let’s talk first about finding a copywriter to work with and then about how to make the best hiring decision.
The Big Question: Where Do You Find a Copywriter?
There are four main roads you can take: freelance platforms (like Fiverr or Upwork), traditional agencies, boutique studios (like mine), and referrals. I think you get the point about referrals, so I’ll skip that one.
Option 1: Freelance Platforms (Fiverr, Upwork, etc.)
This is usually where people start. You Google “copywriter for hire” and end up on Fiverr or Upwork. It feels like a candy store. Thousands of options! Any price point you can imagine! Promises of 24-hour turnaround and unlimited revisions!
BTW, yes, I do have a Fiverr profile. I’ve been on Fiverr since 2014-ish, so I know what I’m preaching. I decided to move away from Fiverr because I saw firsthand the difference in service quality I was providing compared to 99% of the platform.
Here’s the deal: these platforms can be great if you’re looking for something quick, transactional, and very specific. Like, “I need 10 product descriptions by Friday.” Or “I want a blog post about turmeric benefits for SEO.”
But the further you go into brand storytelling, the more these platforms start to crack. You’ll spend time writing detailed briefs, reviewing portfolios that may or may not be legit, and managing writers who often disappear halfway through a project. And even when you find a solid one, you’re constantly retraining them on your voice, your goals, your vibe.
I’ve had clients come to me after spending months on these platforms feeling frustrated and burned out. If your business is growing and you’re ready for long-term support and consistency, you’ll probably outgrow this option fast.
Option 2: Big Copywriting Agencies
Agencies can feel like a safe bet. They have clean websites, big teams, and buttoned-up onboarding systems. If you’ve got multiple stakeholders, a big content calendar, or you’re working on behalf of a larger company, an agency might be a good fit.
The process is typically structured and hands-off. You’ll work with an account manager who’ll gather info and delegate the writing to whoever’s available on their team. Timelines are defined, and you usually get a few revision rounds included.
But here’s what I hear from people who’ve gone this route: “It just didn’t feel personal.” The copy might check all the boxes, but it lacks that soul. That spark. That intimate understanding of why you started your business in the first place.
If your brand is mission-driven, emotionally intelligent, or super specific in tone, you might feel like you’re being processed through a factory. Agencies are built for scale, not intimacy. And sometimes, that shows.
Option 3: Boutique Studios (like Portal Copy Co.)
A boutique copywriting studio is typically run by one person or a small team. It’s personal. It’s custom. It’s collaborative. When you work with someone like me, you’re building a creative partnership.
At Portal Copy Co., I work with you to understand the full picture: your brand story, your audience’s mindset, your business goals, your quirks, your aspirations. Whether you need a full website rewrite, an email sequence, or a messaging guide to clarify your voice across platforms, I’m here to lift the fog and hand you copy that feels like you.
This is the option people choose when they’re tired of being their own content team. When they want to grow faster, launch smoother, and stop second-guessing every word on their site. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s the one that brings the most peace of mind and results.
You get the strategy of an agency, the ease of a freelancer, and the high-touch care of someone who’s in it with you.
So…How Do You Actually Hire a Copywriter?
Remember earlier when I said we’d talk about how to make the best hiring decision when looking for your next writer? Here’s how, in five easy steps.
Clarify your needs.
Are you redoing your whole website? Need a launch email sequence? Just tired of staring at a blank doc? Know what you need help with now and what might come later.
Go the extra mile and create some type of creative brief. That way, you have all your thoughts/needs in one place and don’t have to repeat yourself when vetting multiple writers.
Set a realistic budget.
Great copy is an investment that should pay off, but you get what you pay for. If you’re hiring on the cheap, be ready to spend extra time managing or revising.
Look for alignment in voice and values.
Read their portfolio. Stalk their Instagram. Sign up for their newsletter. Good copywriters are always showcasing what they can do. When the time comes to hire a writer for your business, always ask to see samples of their work.
Ask about their process.
A strong copywriter has a framework: from discovery calls to revisions to delivery. If they’re vague about timelines or results, walk away. You can see our process here.
Start small (if you’re unsure).
You don’t have to commit to a full rebrand. Start with a set of social captions or a blog post. See how it feels to work together on something small.
You can start small with Portal Copy Co. by getting a 1:1 strategy consultation, a copy audit, or product descriptions.
Key Takeaways
- Hiring a copywriter is less about finding someone who can write and more about finding someone who can translate your thoughts into clear, compelling action.
- Freelance platforms are ideal for fast, one-off needs, but you’ll do more managing.
- Agencies offer professionalism and scale but can feel distant and cookie-cutter.
- Boutique studios like mine offer custom, collaborative, high-impact copy with a personal touch.
- Get clear on your needs, budget, and desired level of support before you hire.
If you’re ready to stop doing it all yourself and get copy that connects, converts, and actually sounds like you, start here.
P.S. Book a UX Copy Audit and receive a thorough, professional review of your website, up to 3 pages. I’ll focus on your site’s design and UX, copywriting, lead generation potential, page content, basic SEO, and brand cohesion so you can make more sales and feel AMAZING about your website.
Got questions? Connect instead.