Checklist: How to work with a copy editor
Your content is often the first touchpoint potential clients have with your B2B SaaS brand. As competition intensifies, the quality of your messaging can make or break your success. This is where partnering with a skilled copy editor becomes key.
As an experienced B2B SaaS copy consultant who has collaborated with numerous companies, I’ve witnessed how professional editing can transform good content into exceptional, results-driven messaging. Whether you’re a content manager, marketing director, or product manager, this checklist will help you maximize the benefits of professional editing services, elevate your content strategy, and gain a competitive edge.
Checklist: How to work with a B2B SaaS copy editor
Define your content goals and strategy
Prepare a detailed brief
Share your brand guidelines
Establish clear communication channels
Provide access to necessary resources
Define the editing process
Collaborate effectively
Provide and seek constructive feedback
Leverage your editor's expertise beyond editing
Measure and analyze results
Continuously refine the process
Invest in a long-term partnership
1. Define your content goals and strategy
Identify specific objectives for each piece of content (e.g., increase website traffic, generate leads)
Determine target audience and then outline their pain points
Establish desired outcomes (e.g., improved conversion rates, enhanced user engagement)
Specify metrics you aim to improve (e.g., time on page, bounce rates)
Articulate your desired brand voice (e.g., professional yet approachable, authoritative and technical)
2. Prepare a detailed brief
Summarize project scope and deadlines
Provide context about your product and unique selling points
Include relevant competitor information
Outline key messages to convey
List any key stakeholders or contacts
3. Share your brand guidelines
Provide your existing style guide and brand voice document
Highlight preferred terminology and industry-specific jargon to include or avoid
Specify formatting preferences (e.g., header styles, date formats)
Outline guidelines for addressing different audience segments
Define grammar and punctuation preferences (e.g., Oxford comma use, em dash styling)
4. Establish clear communication channels
Set up a preferred method for ongoing communication (e.g., Slack, carrier pigeon, email)
Schedule regular check-ins or progress updates
Define points of contact for different aspects of the project, and share contact information
Implement a project management tool for tracking progress (e.g., Asana, Trello)
Decide on a system for version control and tracking changes
5. Share access to necessary resources
Share detailed product documentation
Grant access to previous marketing materials
Provide customer personas and ideal customer profiles
Offer competitor analysis and market positioning information
Share recent market research and industry trends
Provide past performance data on content effectiveness
6. Define the editing process
Outline the stages of editing (e.g., developmental, line, proof)
Clarify the number of revision rounds included
Establish a timeline for each stage of the editing process
Set realistic deadlines for each stage
Define the review and approval process within your team
7. Collaborate effectively
Schedule regular check-ins to discuss ongoing projects
Encourage open communication and feedback
Be open to suggestions and insights from your editor
Involve your editor in content planning sessions
Seek input on content gaps and new formats to explore
8. Provide and seek constructive feedback
Be specific about what works well and what needs improvement
Explain the reasoning behind requested changes
Ask your editor for insights on recurring issues or improvement ideas
Conduct brief review sessions after major projects
Use feedback to update and refine your style guide and processes
9. Leverage your copy editor’s expertise beyond editing
Seek input on overall content strategy and planning
Ask for suggestions on improving SEO performance
Use their knowledge of industry trends and best practices
Discuss potential new content formats or innovative approaches
Explore ways to repurpose existing content effectively
10. Measure and analyze results
Track improvements in website traffic and conversion rates
Monitor enhanced engagement metrics (e.g., time on page, bounce rates)
Collect positive customer feedback on clarity and usability
Observe improvements in search engine rankings for target keywords
Compare performance of edited content vs. unedited content
11. Refine the process continuously
Conduct post-project reviews to identify areas for improvement
Update your style guide based on insights gained and your copy editor’s recommendations
Adapt your workflow to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
Stay open to experimenting with new content ideas and formats
12. Invest in a long-term partnership
Evaluate the benefits of ongoing editorial support
Discuss retainer options with your copy editor
Allow time for your editor to develop a deep understanding of your brand
Plan for consistent content quality across all your materials
Take your B2B SaaS content from good to groundbreaking
Professional editing is about more than just correcting typos and grammar — it’s about refining your message, conveying your brand voice, and ultimately driving better business outcomes.
Ready to improve your B2B SaaS content and gain a competitive edge? Let’s discuss how my professional copy editing services can transform your content strategy.
