Copywriters: What Do You Need From Me? Options

[mcanerin]

I'm creating a template for a "Page Content Form" intended for copywriters. I'd go into more details as to why, except I just did and lost it all when my browser crashed, and I don't feel like typing it again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Basically, it boils down to this:

I want to create a form or page of information that is either in point form or is very simply written that outlines what I want to say on a page. Maybe I want to introduce my company and outline a few points like how long we've been in business, what we do, and where we are. That kind of thing. The idea is for this to not be copy, but information that can easily be translated into any language and then used by a local copywriter to create copy for that market. This would probably be in bullet point format.

The keywords would be researched separately for each market/language (not just translated) and attached. So now you have what I want to say, and what keywords I want to focus on to say it.

Given this, what do you (as a copywriter) need from me (a client)?

What additional information do you need? What have I missed? Any advice? Stories about problem clients I can learn from? Suggestions for an ideal layout that makes your job easier? Guidance for how to create the list of bullet points of information more useful and understandable for you?

All feedback greatly appreciated.

Ian

[lyn]

I can't tell whether this would be within the scope of your template or would be provided somewhere else, but as a writer I would be looking for some direction regarding:
* who am I talking to? professional or novice to the subject, age groups and related interests, motivations for coming to the website, etc...
* what kind of character or voice will best represent the brand? "folksy" or clinical? sincere or fun? etc...
* what are the goals of the page? call to action? educate? direct to further details? etc...
* what kind of images could be used in the layout? product samples? demo illustration? lifestyle? application? etc...

Basically, apart from the content points, some direction to help with the required tone and context.

L.

[mcanerin]

Duh. Thank you Lyn. I was so focused on the words for the translation issues I forgot all about that little "know your audience and client" bit... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poster_oops.gif)

I'll definately add that information to the form. Basically, I want to be able to hand a form/template to a client and tell them to tell me what I need to say on their site. The more details like that the better. Because this will in in a language other than their own, they will have to trust me and the translators.

The best way to help them trust me on this is for them to be sure that we know what they are trying to say and how they want to say it. The more opportunities they have to give me guidance, the better.

Ian