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How to Hire the Ideal Content Writer For You

How to Hire the Ideal Content Writer for You

Marketing and content are synergistic in the digital world. The two are necessary to one another. It's not simply enough to make fantastic products or provide outstanding service; you also need to get your business in front of your target audience. Creating quality and unique content is one of the most effective ways to expand your reach and go wide.

Often times as small businesses grow, so do the responsibilities. Finding time to plan, create, and implement content can often mean creating content in-house. It is often left to simmer on the back burner. Often, budgets don't allow hiring a full-time content manager or creator. This is when hiring a freelancing writer is good business. It is frequently much more affordable, provides flexibility, and will keep your content flowing and on schedule.

A content writer is a skilled professional who creates engaging, informative, and entertaining content. The right content for your business can help drive repeat customers, inform potential new customers, and increase engagement. A content writer can be a valuable asset to your company by creating high-value content. Every business needs engaging content in this technological age to attract its audience.

I've heard many people question whether hiring a professional content writer or blogger for your business is necessary. The answer is yes; that is if you want help creating valuable content with consistent branding that is appealing and grabs the attention of your target market.

Hiring a professional writer, whether you need copywriting vs. content writing (see article on the difference between the two), you can expect many benefits, to name a few:

  • On-brand business promotion
  • Increased visibility
  • Drive traffic to your website
  • Inform, educate, and entertain
  • Generate leads
  • Increase engagement on social media
  • Develop relationships and increase retention

You might wonder how do you find the right content provider for you?

Before getting started, list your objective in hiring a writer. Cite the reasoning behind hiring a content writer. Whether it's professional blogging, social media posts, or white papers, your why must be clear. If you need help creating your content strategy, include that in your list of priorities.

Important things to consider while hiring content writers:

Writing skill level

How well does the writer articulate thoughts and expressions? Does the writer have a good grasp of the language and proper grammar? Do you require advanced writing skills, or is simple and conversational what you need? Decide what styles you are looking for before you start your search. If you are a bakery and want help with product descriptions on your website, you should hire a copywriter, not someone who writes AP (Associated Press) style. Remember, your voice needs to be heard by your audience in the way your content reads.

Areas of expertise

Is the writer someone with a vast knowledge base, or are they limited in their experience? Does your business need someone with a high-intensity or technical approach? Perhaps you need someone who has finance writing skills or is law literate? Their portfolio and past experience will determine whether they have the right talent to match your work scope.

Content writer's past experience.

Be sure to read their previous work. Check whether the content writing skill level is up to your standards. Attention to grammar, user engagement and experience, content structure, and readability. Also, take note of their SEO. Most content writers should know about SEO best practices. It is okay to ask if you are unclear about their skill set.

When selecting a provider, you also want to hire someone with the skills and experience to write in your genre. This does not mean that their portfolio should be only in your industry. Most good writers perform extensive research to draft articles, blog posts, or social media content. If you find a writer with a style and voice that resonates with you, don't worry if they haven't written in your field. It's their job to write to the scope of work while keeping on brand with quality research content.

Level of enthusiasm.

How passionate is the writer about their work or the potential of gaining your business? The writer you hire must be eager to write the assignment with the right attitude. It will reflect in their work.

Attention to deadlines and schedules.

How comfortable is the writer with working with deadlines that you set forth? How available is the writer to you for planning and discussing the content? Will the writer avail themselves to you, or are they inflexible with their schedule?

Writing voice and style.

Find a writer who creates content in a voice and tone that matches your business well. It does little to pick someone who writes with a quick wit for a technically focused audience. In the same way that someone writes with a technical overtone for a dining-related blog post. Pick someone who has past experience writing in the style that will best match the tone you want to create for your business.

Region or preferred location of the writer.

If where the writer is located is essential to you, verify the writer's location.

There are many types of content writing services; a few are listed below:

  • Website content writing
  • SEO Content
  • Business blogging
  • Social media writing
  • Creative content like ghostwriters
  • eCommerce Writing (Product Description-Copywriting)

There is no wrong way to hire a content writer. You just need to make your priorities clear before you start the process.

Need help? I'm a professional freelancing writer and blogger on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I write content and blog on various topics and genres, focusing on food, travel, and lifestyle. I also create content for websites and have authored fiction books.

Freelancing Writer.com