7 Essential Copywriting Discovery Call Questions to Ensure You Get Paid for Your Freelance Services
Learn how to uncover clients' goals, budget, and expectations on discovery calls to increase your chances of getting paid.
You spend hours crafting a pitch, only to have a potential client disappear without a word. The uncertainty is suffocating, and the lost billable hours are a costly reminder that something needs to change. This post will equip you with the essential copywriting discovery call questions to ensure you get paid for your freelance services.
Why this keeps happening
The problem lies in the lack of clear expectations and communication during the discovery call. You need to understand the client's goals, budget, and expectations, but often, you're left guessing, leading to scope creep, misaligned projects, and, ultimately, unpaid work.
Real example
Marcus, a seasoned copywriter, had a discovery call with a promising client. He was excited about the project, but after the call, he realized the client's goals were far from what he initially thought. The client had no clear budget in mind, and the project scope kept changing, resulting in Marcus working for free for weeks.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Step 1: Prepare for the Discovery Call
Before the call, research the client's industry, target audience, and current marketing efforts. This will help you ask informed questions and provide valuable insights. For example, if you're working with a B2B software company, you can ask about their unique value proposition and how they plan to use your copy to drive sales. This will help you tailor your approach and provide more effective solutions.
Step 2: Conduct the Discovery Call
Use a framework to structure the call, such as the AIDA model (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action). Ask open-ended questions to uncover the client's goals, budget, and expectations. For example, 'Can you walk me through your current marketing strategy?' or 'What are your key performance indicators for this project?' This will help you gather essential information and provide a clear understanding of the project's scope.
Step 3: Establish Clear Communication Channels
Set clear expectations for communication during the project. This includes the frequency of updates, the channels for communication, and the response time for messages. For example, you can agree to send weekly progress updates via email and respond to messages within 24 hours. This will help you stay on track and avoid misaligned projects.
Step 4: Set Clear Expectations and Scope
Clearly outline the project scope, timeline, and payment structure. Use Becflow's AI-powered contract tool to create a binding agreement that protects both parties. For example, you can include a clause that outlines the scope of work, the payment terms, and the cancellation policy. This will help you avoid scope creep and ensure timely payments.
Step 5: Agree on a Clear Payment Structure and Timeline
Discuss the payment terms and timeline with the client. Use Becflow's payment link feature to send invoices and track payments. For example, you can agree to receive 50% of the payment upfront and the remaining 50% upon project completion. This will help you ensure timely payments and reduce the risk of non-payment.
The Becflow solution
Becflow's AI-powered contract tool and payment link feature can help you create a binding agreement and ensure timely payments. With Becflow, you can automate the contract signing process, send invoices, and track payments in one place. Sign up for a free trial today and start getting paid for your freelance services.
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