Here are some of the questions clients most often ask when they’re considering working together. If you’ve been wondering how the process works, what’s involved, or whether this is the right fit for your business, you’ll likely find the answers here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out via the Contact page and I’ll respond with the information you need.
What does The Professional Writer actually do?
I’m Lyndall Guinery-Smith, The Professional Writer, and I specialise in strategic, done-for-you writing for service-based businesses. With over 25 years of copywriting experience, my main services include business award submissions, website copywriting, capability statements and professional profiles for websites and LinkedIn. Everything I write is tailored to your goals, your ideal clients and your brand voice. I bring a 95%+ success rate for clients shortlisted as finalists or named winners in their award categories.
Who does The Professional Writer work with?
I mainly work with small to medium service-based businesses across Australia, along with professionals who want clear, credible profiles that reflect their experience. Many of my clients are already good at what they do, they simply want help expressing it in a way that feels natural and resonates with the right people.
Is it worth hiring a professional copywriter instead of using AI?
AI can help generate ideas, but it doesn’t understand your unique story, positioning, values or the nuances of your audience. I take the time to interview my clients, ask the right questions, draw out your strengths and shape clear, persuasive copy that sounds like you, supports your strategy and builds trust with readers.
Do you work with regional and rural Australian businesses, or only those in capital cities?
Both. I work with small to medium businesses right across Australia — from major cities to regional and rural towns. I write capability statements and website copy for clients all over the country. In fact, many of my award-writing clients are regional businesses entering local and regional awards, such as the Northern Rivers, Shoalhaven, Moreton Bay and Southwest Business Awards. I’ve also written for many national awards. Everything is handled by phone, video call and email, so my location never gets in the way of working together.
Contact me to discuss your project.
Business Award Submissions – Frequently Asked Questions
Who can write my business award submission for me?
I’m Lyndall Guinery-Smith, The Professional Writer, and I specialise in writing business award submissions from start to finish. I help you unpack your achievements, collect the right evidence and turn it into a Ill-structured submission that clearly answers the criteria and presents your business at its best. I currently hold a 95%+ success rate for clients being shortlisted as finalists or winning their category.
I’ve never entered a business award before, where do I start?
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you contact me. I talk through the award you’re considering, look at the criteria with you and help you decide which categories are the best fit. From there, I guide you on what information to provide so, together, I can create a strong submission.
How do I know if my business is ready to enter a business award?
If you have solid results, happy clients, improvements you are proud of, or community involvement, you may be more awards-ready than you think. I look at your story, achievements and impact, then advise on whether an award submission is likely to be worthwhile and how to position it.
What information do you need from me to write an award submission?
Based on the specific awards questions, I prepare a working document for you, including clear prompts and open-ended questions, so it feels manageable and not overwhelming. Typically I’ll ask for background on your business, key achievements, statistics or evidence, testimonials, examples of innovation or improvement and any community or industry involvement.
How can I make my business award submission stand out to the judges?
As your business awards collaborator, I focus on answering the criteria clearly, backing up your claims with evidence and telling the story behind your results. Rather than using generic marketing language, I highlight specific examples, outcomes and points of difference that show why your business deserves recognition.
What kinds of Australian business awards can you help me enter?
I can help with a wide range of local, regional, industry and national awards for service-based businesses. If you are unsure whether an award is the right fit, I can review the criteria and talk through your options before you commit.
How far in advance should I contact you before an award deadline?
Some clients book up to a year in advance! However, most get in touch at least 3-6 weeks before the deadline, so there’s time to gather information, ask follow-up questions and develop a thoughtful submission. If you’re working to a tighter timeframe, let us know your deadline when you enquire so I can confirm whether I have availability.
How much does a business award submission cost?
Pricing depends on the award category, the number of questions, the word count required and whether supporting documents are needed, so I provide a tailored quote for every project. As a guide, my done-for-you service generally starts from around $1100* (incl. GST) per category, however, it’s best to contact me to enquire about your specific award. If budget is tight, I also offer the Awards Ready Workbook.
Find out more about business award submission writing.
Website Copywriting Questions
Can you write all the copy for my new website?
Yes. I can write your full website, including your home page, about page, service pages and team or profile pages. I can even write a Frequently Asked Questions page for you.
We focus on clear, client-focused messaging that explains what you do, who you help and why someone should choose you.
Can you rewrite my existing website so it sounds clearer and more professional?
If your website feels outdated, unclear or no longer reflects your business, I can rewrite your content so it’s clearer, more engaging and easier for your ideal clients to understand.
Do you write SEO-friendly website copy that still sounds natural?
Yes. I write for humans first and search engines second. That means using plain English, clear structure and helpful content, while also incorporating relevant keywords and headings so your pages are easier to find and understand online.
What website pages should a small service business include?
At a minimum, most service-based businesses benefit from a strong home page, an about page, one or more service pages and a clear contact page. Many also include case studies, testimonials or a blog to build trust and support ongoing marketing.
How do you make sure my website copy sounds like me, not like everyone else?
I spend time getting to know you, your business and the way you naturally speak. I then shape the copy so it reflects your personality and values, while still being clear and strategic. The aim is for you to read your website and think “Yes, that sounds like us.”
Can you explain my services in a way my ideal clients will understand?
Yes. One of my key strengths is turning complex or specialised services into simple, client-friendly language. I interview you to understand your business, your clients and how you deliver outcomes for them. I focus on the problems you solve, the outcomes you deliver and the solutions your ideal clients are seeking.
How much does website copywriting cost, and how long does it take?
Pricing depends on how many pages you need and the complexity of your business, so I provide a fixed quote upfront once I understand your requirements. As a guide, a single page generally starts from around $550* (incl. GST) with packages available for multiple pages at a lower rate per page.
Most projects are completed within 2-3 weeks of your briefing call, depending on the number of pages and my availability at the time. Larger website copy projects may take a little longer.
Discover more about The Professional Writer’s website copywriting service.
Capability Statements – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a capability statement? And why would my business need one?
A capability statement is a professional document that outlines who you are, what you do, your experience, strengths and key points of difference. It is especially useful when you are applying for tenders, contracts or supplier panels, or introducing your business to government or corporate clients.
What should be included in a capability statement?
A strong capability statement usually includes a business overview, your core capabilities or services, the industries you work with, your experience and past projects, key personnel, certifications or memberships and your contact details. I tailor the structure to suit your audience and goals.
How do you write a capability statement for government or corporate tenders?
I have experienced in writing these documents, so I can write or refine a capability statement that supports your tender or supplier applications. I focus on clarity, relevance and credibility so decision-makers can quickly see how your business meets their needs.
How is a capability statement different from a brochure or my website?
Your website and brochures can be more marketing-focused and general. A capability statement is more targeted and formal. It is designed to give busy decision-makers a concise overview of your capabilities, experience and suitability for a particular opportunity or market.
Who writes capability statements for tradies and contractors?
That’s me – The Professional Writer! Capability statements are especially valuable for tradies and contractors who want to win larger contracts, get on supplier panels or be considered for tenders with government or corporate clients. I help you present your licences, certifications, past projects and team experience in a way that builds immediate credibility with decision-makers.
How much does a capability statement cost in Australia, and how long does it take to create?
This depends on the length and detail required. A single-page capability statement is more budget-friendly at $495* (incl. GST), while content for a more detailed 5–6 page version including a fuller picture of your business, experience and team, will cost around $1100* (incl. GST). I’ll always confirm pricing before I start, ask you to sign and agreement and pay a deposit. Turnaround is generally 7–10 business days after your interview, depending on my workload at the time.
Find out more about having a capability statement written for your business.
Team Profiles (Website and LinkedIn) Questions
Can you write my LinkedIn profile for me?
Yes, I can write or rewrite your LinkedIn profile so it clearly explains who you are, what you do and who you help. I focus on creating a strong headline, about section and experience summaries that support your professional goals.
Can you write my bio for my website team page?
Yes, I write concise, professional bios for business owners, leaders and team members. These bios help visitors quickly understand your role, experience and what you bring to the business, without sounding stiff or overly formal.
What is the difference between a CV and a professional profile or bio?
A CV is usually a detailed record of your work history. A professional profile or bio is shorter and more selective. It highlights the most relevant experience, achievements and personal details for your audience, whether that is website visitors, LinkedIn connections or potential clients.
How do you make sure my bio does not sound generic or boastful?
I take a strengths-based, conversational approach. The aim is to present your experience and achievements accurately and confidently, without exaggeration. I also balance professional details with enough personal warmth so people feel they are getting to know the real person behind the role.
Can you write profiles for my whole team as well as for me?
Yes, I can write consistent, aligned profiles for owners, leaders and team members so your website or LinkedIn presence feels cohesive. Each profile still reflects the individual’s personality and role, while fitting within your overall brand.
Find out more about Team Profile writing.
* Indicative prices only – subject to change without notice
If, for any reason, I haven’t answered your frequently asked questions, please let me know via the Contact page.