OK first things first so we’re on the same page:
A Discovery Call is one of the most important calls you have as a copywriter.
This is where you and a client get on a 15 or so minute call and determine if you want to move forward together on a project.
But what does that look like? And how do you move forward with the project?
In this podcast episode, I’m sharing exactly what I’d say on a discovery call.
Well, if we’re getting technical, Kate is sharing exactly what she’d say on a Discovery Call. As you’ll hear, I’m playing the role of client and Kate is playing the role of copywriter as we discuss a potential project.
Listen in so you know exactly what types of questions to expect from clients and how you can (gently!) steer the conversation in way that makes you look like the pro that you are.
TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Watch the episode on YouTube!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[01:45] A discovery call is not a sales pitch; it is a conversation to see if you are a good fit for each other and if you can actually help your client solve their business problems.
[03:10] Always start by letting the client lead the first few minutes so you can hear, in their own words, what their current challenges are and what they are hoping to achieve with a copywriter.
[11:30] Make it a point to ask about their target audience and current conversion rates because if you don’t know who they are talking to or how they are currently performing, you can’t give an honest recommendation.
[08:22] We’re not here to just take an order; We’re here to be a strategic partner who asks the questions you might not have thought to ask yet.
[11:50] When a client mentions a specific project, like an email sequence, dig deeper to find out what happens after the email is sent, ensuring the entire customer journey is cohesive.
[15:30] Handle the “budget question” by focusing on the value and the ROI of the project first, rather than just throwing out a random number before we’ve defined the scope.
[19:45] At the end of the call, don’t just say ‘goodbye’; clearly outline the next steps, including when they can expect a formal proposal and a follow-up from you.
[23:10] The more I treat the call like a consultation with a friend’s business, the more the nerves go away and the more natural the partnership feels.
Must-Hear Takeaways
As with every episode, we highly encourage you to listen to the entire conversation! But here are a few of the highlights:
“Clients don’t know how to be clients and clients don’t know what information you need.” – Nicki
“As a copywriter, I think especially when you first get on the call, you should feel empowered to take on that role and direct your client.” – Kate
“If you have not had them sign off on your quote and proposal, remember that this is all your time and you really need to protect your time” – Kate
“ The most important question ,as the copywriter, are those that gonna give you a sense of the project that will then allow you to develop the quote.” – Nicki
Mentioned in the Episode
- Ep. 224: Why You Should (Almost) Never Quote Copywriting Prices on a Call
- Laser Copy Coaching: Getting Information From Clients, When to Price Your Services, and Boosting Confidence
Related Links
- BONUS Laser Coaching: Breaking the Feast or Famine Cycle, Nailing a Discovery Call, and Getting Replies on Pitches
- Ep. 45: How to Calm Your Nerves for Meetings with Copywriting Clients
- How To Mess Up a Call With a Prospective Client
Get an *Exclusive* Bonus Recording!
Tell us what you love about the podcast and what you hope to hear next! When you do, you can get access to an exclusive bonus recording featuring five wildly successful entrepreneurs who share what they do (and don’t!) look for when hiring copywriters. You do not want to miss it!
Get all the details on how to get your recording here »
About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
