Strategy Ad Service Interview
Conducted By Roy Houston
October 11, 2002
Roy: Elizabeth, I am sure the readers want to know why you started Strategy Ad service. What was your initial inspiration behind it?
Elizabeth:
I suppose you could say that my inspiration began when I read my first book! Reading and writing have been lifelong loves of mine.
But more recently, a fellow business owner and friend contacted me and asked if I would compose
an ad for them, as their own ads just weren't getting them the visitors they wanted. Shortly after I delivered the ad, they emailed
me to tell me the about terrific results it was getting! That's when the idea of Strategy Ad Service was born and my dream of self-employment was realized. So I guess you could
say that I was in the right place at the right time. And it's been a wonderful experience ever since!
Roy: How do you go about composing an ad for someone? Do you use a set process or is it all "off the cuff"?
Elizabeth: Actually, it's a bit of both. When a client decides to work with me, I usually ask
them to send me their web page address or other marketing materials so that I can conduct a little research. I browse the site for
things that 'pop out' at me, and usually not long after, inspiration hits, and I 'write 'till it hurts' (as a good friend of mine likes to say).
Roy: When you've done your research, is there an average turn around time on ads?
Elizabeth: Yes - I would say that the average turnaround time for ad completion is 1-3 days. Of course, this will vary with the size of the order,
the client's deadline, and the number of other clients I have at the time.
Roy: Obviously your end goal is to compose an ad that packs a punch and satisfies the client. What is your fee schedule for
creating the end result? How are clients billed/charged?
Elizabeth: Quality work and client satisfaction are equally important to me. Let's face it; Strategy Ad Service wouldn't
be where it is today without these essential elements!
After the client and I have established a price for their project, I usually request full payment before doing any work for the client. However, other arrangements can be made, depending
on the individual's situation. Once payment has been confirmed, an invoice is sent to the client and my work begins.
Roy: Are your fees based hourly or do you gauge each client differently and offer a flat rate or contract price?
Elizabeth: Each client is handled individually. I do not charge by the hour, as most professional copywriters do. I've found that setting
a contract price works best for both myself and the client. They know exactly what they will be paying right
from the start. This eliminates confusion, and expediates the process.
Roy: With that being said, is it safe to say that you are aiming for a target market geared mostly to the small business person? Are
you willing to take on larger clients as well?
Elizabeth: Yes - although most of my target market is comprised of small business owners, I have completed projects for larger
companies. As Strategy Ad Service continues its rapid growth, I look forward to taking on more of both.
Roy: To bring things to a close Elizabeth, If visitors want more information, where can they go for it? Can they contact previous
clients for references?
Elizabeth: There are several places on my website where visitors can obtain more information. The answers to
general questions can be found
on the FAQ page. For visitors looking to get in touch about ad copy for their project, initial enquiries can be made by visiting
the contact page. And yes, visitors are certainly welcome to contact any of my previous clients via my testimonials page.
Roy: Excellent! Good to hear you are easy to reach and have information access for your visitors. That wraps it up for
my questions Elizabeth. Thank you for your time and best wishes for a resounding success with Strategy Ad Service!
Elizabeth: Thank you Roy - it was a pleasure!
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