From First Call To Long-Term Partnership
How We Work Together
My process is collaborative, iterative, and built on trust. You’re never left alone to figure things out.
After 25 years and hundreds of clients, I’ve learned this: The best work happens when there’s clarity, collaboration, and genuine investment in success.
Here’s exactly what to expect when you work with me.
Five Phases That Transform Your Business
PHASE 1: The Vibe Check
15 Minutes to See If We Click
Duration:
15 minutes | Free | No obligation
What Happens:
This isn’t a sales call. It’s a conversation.
We’ll talk about:
- Where your business is now
- What’s not working
- What you’ve tried before
- Where you want to go
- Whether I’m the right person to help you get there.
What I’m listening for:
- Do we vibe together?
- Do you value strategy as much as execution?
- Are you ready to collaborate and trust the process?
- Is this a fit for both of us?
What you’re assessing:
- Do I understand your business and industry?
- Do I ask the right questions?
- Do you feel confident I can help?
- Do you trust me?
The reality:
Not every potential client is right for me, and I’m not right for every business. This conversation helps us both know quickly.
If we’re a fit, we move forward. If not, no hard feelings. I’ll often point you toward other resources or people who might be better suited.
What You Need to Prepare:
Nothing formal. Just come ready to talk honestly about your business, your challenges, and your goals.
PHASE 2: Discovery & Brand Audit
Deep Understanding Before Anything Else
Investment:
From £1,200 | 1-2 weeks
What Happens:
This is where the real work begins. Before I write a single word, I need to understand your business—really understand it.
The Discovery Process:
1. Comprehensive Questionnaire
I’ll send you a detailed questionnaire covering:
- Your business model and offerings
- Your target audience and their pain points
- Your competitive landscape
- Your current brand and messaging
- What’s working and what isn’t
- Your goals and vision.
2. Deep-Dive Conversation
We’ll have an in-depth conversation (typically 1-2 hours) where I ask the questions that uncover what’s really going on.
This is where clients often say: “I’ve never thought about it that way before.”
3. Audit & Analysis
I’ll review:
- Your current website and marketing materials
- Your competitors’ positioning and messaging
- Your industry landscape
- Gaps and opportunities
- What’s holding you back.
4. Strategic Recommendations Report
You’ll receive a comprehensive report including:
- Current state assessment
- Key findings and insights
- Strategic recommendations
- Suggested next steps
- Clear path forward.
Why This Matters:
This phase is where clarity emerges. You’ll see your business through a strategic lens—what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change.
Many clients tell me the Brand Audit alone was worth the investment because it gave them clarity they didn’t know they needed.
What Happens Next:
After the Brand Audit, you have options:
Option A: Take the recommendations and implement them yourself
Option B: Engage me for the work (most clients choose this)
Option C: Take time to think and come back when you’re ready.
There’s no pressure. The audit stands on its own with valuable strategic insights.
Your Time Investment:
Approximately 3-5 hours spread over 1-2 weeks for questionnaire, conversation, and review.
PHASE 3: Strategy & Planning
Building the Foundation for What Follows
Timeline:
Varies by project (2-12 weeks depending on scope)
What Happens:
Once we’ve agreed to work together on a specific project, we move into strategy and planning.
For Brand Strategy Projects:
Strategy Sessions
We’ll have multiple working sessions where we:
- Define your positioning and differentiation
- Clarify your target audience
- Develop your messaging architecture
- Craft your brand story
- Establish tone of voice
- Create your communication framework.
Workshops (If Applicable)
For larger projects or when team alignment is needed, I’ll facilitate workshops with your team to:
- Gather insights and perspectives
- Build consensus
- Discover and formalize company culture
- Ensure everyone’s aligned on the vision.
Strategic Documentation
You’ll receive comprehensive documentation including:
- Brand strategy overview
- Positioning statement
- Messaging hierarchy
- Brand story and narrative
- Tone of voice guidelines
- Communication framework
- Implementation roadmap.
For Copywriting Projects:
Messaging Framework
Before writing, we establish:
- Key messages for each audience
- Value propositions
- Proof points and credibility builders
- Calls-to-action strategy
- Content structure and flow.
Content Planning
We map out:
- What needs to be written
- Priority and sequencing
- SEO considerations (if applicable)
- How everything connects.
Approval of Direction
You’ll approve the strategic direction before I start writing. This ensures we’re aligned and prevents wasted effort.
Your Time Investment:
Approximately 5-8 hours spread over the project timeline for sessions, reviews, and feedback.
What Makes This Different:
Most copywriters jump straight to writing. I don’t.
Strategy first means:
- Every word serves a purpose
- Messaging is cohesive across all touchpoints
- We’re solving the right problems
- You get clarity, not just copy.
Phase 4: Creation & Collaboration
Iterative Work Until It’s Just Right
Timeline:
Varies by project
What Happens:
This is where strategy becomes reality.
My Process:
1. First Draft
I create the first draft based on our strategic foundation. This might include:
- Brand strategy documentation
- Website copy
- Email sequences
- Landing pages
- Blog content
- Sales materials
- Whatever we’ve agreed upon.
2. You Review
You review and provide feedback. I want to know:
- What resonates?
- What doesn’t feel right?
- What’s missing?
- What questions do you have?
3. We Refine
Based on your feedback, I refine the work. This isn’t about me defending my choices; it’s about getting it right for your business.
4. We Repeat
We go through as many rounds as needed until you’re happy.
The Collaborative Reality:
This isn’t a “hand it off and disappear” situation. We’re working together.
You might have questions. I might need clarification. We might discover new insights that shift the direction slightly.
That’s all normal and good. It means we’re doing the work properly.
What I Need From You:
- Honest feedback (don’t just say “looks good” if it doesn’t)
- Timely responses (so we keep momentum)
- Trust in the process (even when it feels uncomfortable)
- Willingness to be challenged (I might push back if I think something won’t work).
What You Can Expect From Me:
- Clear communication about timeline and next steps
- Responsiveness to your questions and concerns
- Flexibility to adjust as we learn
- Commitment to getting it right, not just getting it done
- Genuine investment in your success.
Communication Options:
I’m flexible on how we communicate:
- Zoom calls for deeper discussions and reviews
- Email for feedback and questions
- Text/messaging for quick updates
- Live chat if you prefer less formal communication
- Whatever works best for you.
Your Time Investment:
Approximately 2-5 hours spread over the project for reviews, feedback sessions, and approvals.
Phase 5: Delivery & Implementation
Getting Your Work Into the World
Timeline:
Varies by project
What Happens:
Once you’ve approved the final work, we move to delivery and implementation.
What You Receive:
Depending on the project:
- Final copy in your preferred format (Google Docs, Proton Docs, Word, etc.)
- Brand strategy documentation (PDF)
- Design files (if design was included)
- WordPress site (if applicable)
- Email sequences ready for upload
- Any supporting materials or guidelines.
Implementation Support:
I don’t just hand you the work and disappear.
For Copy Projects:
- Guidance on how to implement
- Recommendations for design and development (if needed)
- Introductions to trusted partners (if you need design/dev support)
- Answers to any questions that come up.
For Strategy Projects:
- Implementation roadmap
- Prioritization of next steps
- Guidance on rolling out to your team
- Support during the transition.
For Landing Pages/Websites I Build:
- Fully functional, responsive site
- Basic training on how to make updates
- Technical documentation if required
- Ongoing support options.
What Happens Next:
Option A: Project Complete
If this was a one-time project, we wrap up. You have everything you need, and you’re off to the races.
I’m always here if you need me in the future.
Option B: Ongoing Partnership
Most clients choose this path. The work often evolves into:
- Monthly retainers for ongoing support
- Additional projects as needs arise
- Long-term strategic partnership.
Why? Because once you experience the clarity and results, you want more.
And because I’ve become invested in your success. I want to see you continue to grow.
Your Time Investment:
Minimal—mostly reviewing final deliverables and asking any last questions.
The Long-Term Partnership
Why Most Clients Stay for Years
Here’s what typically happens:
Month 1-3: We complete the initial project. You see results. You gain clarity.
Month 4-6: New needs emerge. We start another project.
Month 7-12: We’ve worked together multiple times. You realize having me as an ongoing partner is more valuable than one-off projects.
Year 2+: I’m part of your team. You trust me. I know your business inside and out. We’re working on bigger, more strategic initiatives.
Year 5-10+: We’ve built something special together. Your business has transformed. I’ve been there for the journey with you.
Why This Happens:
- Trust builds over time. You see I’m genuinely invested in your success
- I know your business. No need to re-explain context every time
- Consistency matters. Your messaging stays cohesive because one person is architecting it
- Results compound. Strategic work builds on itself
- It’s easier. You have someone you trust to call when needs arise.
The Retainer Model:
Most long-term clients move to a monthly retainer:
- From £1,200/month
- Flexible scope based on your needs
- Priority access to my time
- Ongoing strategic support
- Ad-hoc projects as they arise.
This gives you:
- A trusted advisor always available
- Consistent strategic thinking
- Faster turnaround (because I know your business)
- Peace of mind that someone’s got your back.
What If Things Don’t Work Out?
Honest Talk About Fit and Expectations
I’m confident in my work, but I’m also realistic. Not every client relationship is perfect.
If you’re not happy:
Tell me. Immediately.
I’d rather know early so we can:
- Discuss what’s not working
- Adjust our approach
- Find a solution together.
If we’re truly not a fit:
It happens. Rarely, but it happens.
I won’t hold you hostage. We’ll part ways professionally, and I’ll often help you find someone better suited to your needs.
My commitment:
I work with you until you’re happy. That’s non-negotiable.
But “happy” doesn’t mean I’ll just do whatever you say. Sometimes I’ll push back if I think something won’t work.
That’s part of the value; you’re not hiring a yes-person. You’re hiring a strategic partner who will tell you the truth.
Common Questions About The Process
How involved do I need to be?
Upfront: Plan for 3-8 hours spread over days or weeks for discovery, strategy sessions, and initial feedback.
Ongoing: After that, it’s phone calls, texts, emails, and occasional meetings. I can be as hands-on or hands-off as you need, as long as I have the information required.
What if I’m slow to respond?
Life happens. Businesses get busy. I get it. If you need to pause, just let me know. We can pick up when you’re ready.
That said, momentum matters. The faster we move, the faster you see results.
Can I change scope mid-project?
Yes, but it might affect timeline and investment.
If scope changes significantly, we’ll discuss adjustments. I’m flexible, but I also need to manage my time and other client commitments.
What if I don’t like the first draft?
Then we revise. That’s the process.
First drafts are rarely perfect. They’re a starting point for collaboration.
Can you work with my existing team?
Absolutely. I collaborate well with:
- Your marketing team
- Your designers and developers
- Your leadership team
- External agencies you’re working with.
I’m here to make your life easier, not complicate it.
What if I need something urgently?
Talk to me. Depending on my current workload, I might be able to accommodate rush projects without any dramas.
Rush work typically requires a premium, but I’ll always be upfront about what’s possible.
Ready to Start?
Let’s Begin with a Conversation
You now know exactly how I work, what to expect, and what’s required from you.
If this process resonates, and you value collaboration, strategy, and getting it right, let’s talk.
We’ll start with a 15-minute vibe check. No pressure. No pitch. Just an honest conversation about whether we’re a good fit.
If we are, we’ll move forward together.
If we’re not, no hard feelings. I’ll do what I can to point you in the right direction.
