20 Questions

Questions to Ask Copywriters

Essential questions to evaluate copywriting skills, understand their process, and assess their ability to deliver results for your brand.

1

What's your process for understanding a brand's voice and tone?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their research methodology and ability to adapt their writing style to match different brand personalities.

2

Can you walk me through a campaign that didn't meet expectations and how you handled it?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their problem-solving skills, accountability, and ability to learn from failures.

3

How do you measure the success of your copy?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates their understanding of metrics, ROI, and data-driven approach to copywriting.

4

What's the biggest challenge you face when writing for different industries?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their adaptability, research skills, and ability to quickly understand new markets.

5

How do you stay updated on copywriting trends and best practices?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their commitment to professional development and staying current with industry changes.

6

Can you explain the difference between AIDA and PAS frameworks?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Tests their knowledge of fundamental copywriting frameworks and strategic thinking.

7

How do you handle feedback and revisions from clients?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their collaboration skills, professionalism, and ability to work with feedback constructively.

8

What's your approach to writing for different audience segments?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates their understanding of audience research and segmentation strategies.

9

How do you balance creativity with conversion optimization?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their ability to merge artistic expression with business results and data-driven decisions.

10

What tools and software do you use in your copywriting process?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their technical proficiency and efficiency in using modern copywriting tools.

11

How do you approach writing for different platforms (email, social, web, print)?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Tests their versatility and understanding of platform-specific requirements and constraints.

12

Can you share an example of how you've improved conversion rates with your copy?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates their track record of delivering measurable business results.

13

How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their time management skills, prioritization abilities, and work capacity.

14

What's your experience with A/B testing copy variations?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their understanding of testing methodologies and data-driven optimization.

15

How do you ensure your copy is accessible and inclusive?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates their awareness of inclusive writing practices and social responsibility.

16

What's your approach to writing compelling headlines and subject lines?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Tests their understanding of attention-grabbing techniques and email marketing best practices.

17

How do you handle writer's block or creative challenges?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their problem-solving strategies and ability to maintain productivity under pressure.

18

What's your experience with SEO copywriting and keyword integration?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows their understanding of search optimization and ability to write for both humans and search engines.

19

How do you ensure brand consistency across all copy touchpoints?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Demonstrates their attention to detail and understanding of brand management principles.

20

What's your philosophy on the relationship between copy and design?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their understanding of how copy and visual elements work together to create effective marketing materials.

Best Practices for Hiring Copywriters

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Review Their Portfolio Thoroughly

Look for diversity in industries, writing styles, and formats. Check if their work aligns with your brand voice and quality standards.

Test Their Process Understanding

Ask them to walk through their research, writing, and revision process. Good copywriters have systematic approaches.

Evaluate Their Business Acumen

The best copywriters understand business goals, target audiences, and how copy drives conversions and brand awareness.

Interview Sequences

The Process Deep-Dive

1
How do you start a new copywriting project?
2
What research do you conduct before writing?
3
How do you organize your thoughts and structure your copy?
4
What's your revision and editing process?

The Results Assessment

1
Can you share a campaign that exceeded expectations?
2
What metrics did you track and improve?
3
How did you optimize based on performance data?
4
What would you do differently next time?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Focus Only on Writing Samples

While portfolio quality matters, also assess their strategic thinking, client communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Avoid Generic Questions

Ask specific questions about their experience with your industry, target audience, and type of copy you need.

Don't Skip the Collaboration Test

Assess how they handle feedback, work with teams, and adapt to different working styles and preferences.

Interview Templates

The Comprehensive Assessment

1
Step 1: Start with: "Tell me about your copywriting background and specialties"
2
Step 2: Explore: "Walk me through your process for a typical project"
3
Step 3: Test: "How would you approach writing for our specific audience?"
4
Step 4: Assess: "What's your experience with our industry and competitors?"
5
Step 5: Verify: "Can you share examples of measurable results you've achieved?"

The Skills Evaluation

1
Step 1: Technical: "What copywriting frameworks do you use?"
2
Step 2: Creative: "How do you balance creativity with conversion goals?"
3
Step 3: Strategic: "How do you ensure copy aligns with business objectives?"
4
Step 4: Collaborative: "How do you handle client feedback and revisions?"

Further Reading

"The Copywriter's Handbook" by Robert Bly
"Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This" by Luke Sullivan
"Breakthrough Advertising" by Eugene Schwartz
"The Adweek Copywriting Handbook" by Joseph Sugarman

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation