Direct Marketing Copywriter for bankable results, Sonya Carmichael Jones

• Email messages
• News releases
• Case studies
• Newsletter copy

• Brochure copy
• Sell sheets
• Advertorials
• Articles

• Autoresponders
• Blog posts
• Squeeze page copy
• Website copy

• Sales proposals
• Ad copy
• Sales letters
• Business slogans

How did you get your copywriting and marketing experience?

I earned a B.A. in Communications and an M.B.A. in Marketing. But I credit my expertise to over a decade of on-the-job training. I also worked in contingency planning, where my responsibilities included writing emergency plans and selling my program to C-level bank execs.

Education is ongoing–I constantly read industry journals, attend and lead marketing seminars and participate in professional organizations.

Who has hired you?

I’ve worked with companies from many U.S. cities and Canada–Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. The industries I’ve written for include real estate, finance, engineering, hospitals, research firms, newspapers and magazines. Many clients are emerging brands and several are world-class. See client list here.

Why choose you over a big marketing firm or ad agency?

Big ad agencies and marketing firms have lengthy processes that add time and cost. I know because I’ve worked in both. They have lots of people handling your work–one slight change from anyone can cause disaster.

I handle your project from the time it kicks off until it’s completely finished. No account reps or subcontract freelance writers ever see (or touch!) your stuff. Another reason customers choose me is because I don’t quit until you get results you want. Plus I’m so much fun to work with, you’ll want me around more often.

What’s the difference between you and other freelance copywriters?

You know that big picture beginner copywriters miss, I see it. I GET marketing. Comes with the territory of being professionally trained and down in the trenches.

Here’s another important difference: I only do what works for your business and budget.

Having been a project manager, business analyst and business continuity planner, I’m well prepared to manage resources to keep your campaign on strategy and within cost allocation. Not many freelance copywriters can produce impressive outcomes plus develop a multi-channel communication strategy without cost overruns.

How long do projects take?

Turn-around time could be as quick as 2 days or within 2 weeks. It depends on the project scope and often the approval process time within your company.

As a personal rule, when you hire me I’m on YOUR schedule. That’s why you’re kept apprised of your project status with milestone reports.

Do you have an urgent need? Let me know and I’ll do my best to get you on my calendar.

What’s your process?

It goes like this: You tell me your sales goals and marketing objectives. Then, if you want my help, put the o.k. in an email and make a fair down payment. After I receive these things your project begins. Click each link to learn more about my Copywriting Process and SEO Copywriting Process.

How much do you charge?

Get an overview of common charges by requesting a fee schedule. You and I already know smart buyers never choose service providers on price alone: Product quality, revenue generation and other measurable outcomes are just too important for your investment.

Tell me the type of marketing activity you have in mind, the specific goals you want to achieve and your timeline. I’ll prepare a cost estimate that covers your entire project.

Do you write for free? Will you review my website or marketing piece without charging me?

N.O. No! Just like you have a business, so do I. If you want copywriting or consulting be prepared to pay for these services.

Where are you located?

I live in Seattle, WA. I’ve worked with companies in the Southeast (where I’m from!) and all over the U.S. including Canada. If you’re in the Seattle-area we can meet in person. It’s impractical for location to be a big deal because as long as you have internet and phone we can connect quickly and often.

Do you offer marketing consults? If so, what’s included and how much will it cost?

You can hire me as a marketing consultant for an entire day, week or for just a few hours.

I offer consultations for marketing communications strategy. This can be search engine optimization for content marketing, communications for email marketing, media strategy or for developing an integrated offline and online communication plan.

If you’re a small business or start-up I offer consulting services for your marketing plan. Here’s something you might like, a free small business marketing plan template.

Will you speak at my association, can you talk to my group, what training do you offer?

I teach various marketing classes for small businesses (called Marketing Boot Camps). Attendees really enjoy them. I also conduct corporate training and periodically teach a special marketing class for freelance writers. See marketing course list and descriptions. A current class schedule is posted to the right below the boot picture–Yes! these were my daily footwear when I served in the U.S. Army.

What’s with the Marketing Buddha name? Are you a Buddhist? Do you only work with faith-based companies?

I chose the name Marketing Buddha because it best describes my work ethic as well as my approach to life: Always do what I love, do it with the very best of my ability. And always with the intention of helping others achieve something better.

Will you answer questions I don’t see here?

Of course! If you have any more questions or need more information, you’ve got my full attention. Ask away!