Don’t be a writer: Why agencies should stick to their strengths

Digital, creative, and design agencies often work at lightning speed, so it’s tempting to try and do it all. But here’s a thought: what if trying to be a jack-of-all-trades is actually holding you back?

The 10,000-hour Rule

Malcolm Gladwell popularised the idea that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to become an expert in any field. That’s about five years of full-time work. Now, let’s apply this to copywriting.

Great copy isn’t just about stringing words together. It’s about understanding psychology, mastering persuasion techniques, and developing a keen ear for brand voice. It’s about knowing when to follow rules and when to break them for maximum impact.

Do you have 10,000 hours to spare?

As an agency, your core competencies likely lie in areas like design, strategy, or digital marketing. That’s where you’ve invested your 10,000 hours. That’s where your passion lies. That’s where you add the most value.

So why dilute your expertise by trying to be a writer too?

The power of specialisation

Your clients aren’t looking for generalists. They’re seeking specialists who can deliver exceptional results in specific areas. By trying to cover all bases, you risk:

• Compromising quality
• Stretching your resources thin
• Missing opportunities to truly excel in your core areas

The solution: copywriting specialists

Enter the copywriting specialist (aka us, the Wordsmiths team). We’re professionals who have invested our 10,000 hours in mastering the art and science of writing. By partnering with us, you:

1. Get access to top-tier writing talent without the overhead
2. Expand your service offerings without diluting your core expertise
3. Deliver higher quality work to your clients
4. Free up time to focus on what you do best

It’s not about admitting defeat. It’s about playing smart.

Five benefits for your agency

1. Enhanced quality: Offer your clients expert-level copy that complements your other services
2. Flexibility: Scale your writing capacity up or down based on project needs
3. Fresh perspectives: Freelancers bring diverse experiences that can spark innovation
4. Cost-effectiveness: Access expert skills without the cost of a full-time salary and other expenses like pension contributions and sick pay
5. Competitive edge: Expand your offer and ability to win more comprehensive projects

Embrace your strengths

Trying to be everything to everyone results in being nothing special to anyone. By sticking to your core strengths and partnering with specialist copywriters, you position your agency as a leader in your field, backed by a network of experts.

So, don’t be a writer. Be the best at what you do and let the writing experts handle the rest. Your clients (and your stress levels) will thank you.

Get in touch with the Wordsmiths team today.