What Are My Responsibilities as a Comma Writer?
As one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies in Utah, Comma has a diverse number of clients across numerous industries—from software and technology to health and wellness. With this variety of clients comes a variety in work. No day is the same as a Comma copywriter. One day you’re helping a small tech start-up build its Google ranking and the next you’re working on a lengthy whitepaper for one of the biggest retailers in the country.
That’s one of the things I love most about being part of the Comma team—the diversity. The company is always bringing on more opportunities for its writers and editors. As I said before, no day is the same.
So, what exactly are my responsibilities as a Comma writer? I’ll talk more about that below and explain how we work with our customers. Plus, I’ll share some of the opportunities I’ve had to grow my professional skills.
Getting Started with Comma: Our Onboarding Process
After being accepted to write for Comma, I completed a detailed onboarding process before beginning any projects. Comma leaders and my team leader met with me to review the company’s mission, values, and goals, and how Comma works with their customers.
From here, I got an overview of how to track projects in our project management tool and what’s expected of me as a Comma writer. Expectations were clearly laid out to ensure I was set up for success the moment I began writing. It was during this time I was able to ask questions about my role, company, and clients to ensure I was ready to start writing.
Client Kickoffs: Getting Started with Comma Clients
Once I completed onboarding, I attended my first client kick-off meeting where I met with a new Comma client. During this meeting, we make introductions, review Comma’s process, and how we’ll work with each other. It’s also during this time the clients are able to share their specific writing style, customer pain points, style guide, tone and voice, and other important information.
I’ve always found these meetings to be incredibly beneficial. Not only am I able to meet with and talk with the individuals I’ll be writing for, but I’m also able to learn how to create a successful piece of content. I’m able to ask clarifying questions such as: “What is your SEO strategy?” or “Are there competitors we want to be aware of?” The answers help to focus my writing and ensure I’m creating an impactful piece of content.
A Look into the Writing and Editing Process
After the kickoff call, it’s time to begin writing. My managing editor will assign me a piece of content in our project management tool and provide me with a content outline. The outline usually includes keywords and links to include as well as the target audience.
Oftentimes, the client requests I interview a subject matter expert on the particular topic at hand. These interviews provide me with valuable insight on the subject and an opportunity to include quotes within the content which establishes credibility.
After I’ve completed any necessary research or conducted an interview, I begin drafting the content. When the first draft is finished, I typically perform a self-edit to ensure there are no grammatical errors or sentences that need finessing. My managing editor or another Comma writer will review the content to make sure it’s perfect before it’s sent back to the client.
The client then has time to review the content and request any necessary edits. When drafting the first few pieces of content, several edits are often needed to get the piece to where it needs to be. At first, the feedback process was a bit intimidating—now, I look forward to it. Every bit of feedback, whether it be from my managing editor or one of our clients, helps to hone and sharpen my writing skills. This ultimately results in happier clients and better content.
Once the feedback has been implemented, the client then has a chance to perform a final review and make any last changes. After that, the piece is considered ready to go and is published online. That’s one of the most exciting parts for me—seeing the words that I’ve written come to life online and make an impact for our clients.
Grow Your Talents
While the process of writing for Comma remains the same (project kick-off, writing, editing, revisions, and approval), the nature of the work is always changing. Our clientele has a unique range of needs, whether it be growing their online presence with relevant blog posts or further establishing themselves as industry experts with detailed, research-heavy guides.
As a writer, the varying needs of our customers bring with them numerous opportunities for professional development. There are opportunities to improve collaboration, communication, and teamwork, chances to mature and grow your writing style and strengthen your creative problem-solving. Few other agencies I’ve worked with have provided me with the chance to fast-track my professional development and better prepared me to face the rapidly evolving business landscape as Comma.
Written by Lead Writer, Missy Nymeyer. Want to join the Comma team? Visit our careers page for more information.
Missy is a contract writer with a love of telling stories. When she's not chasing her rambunctious three-year-old, she's curled up with a good book, binging a true crime show or podcast, or exploring the midwest with her husband.
