Lately, we’ve been blessed by being introduced to a number of new online agencies in need of content for their clients—from developers to marketers, and social media managers, business is booming! Several of them admitted that they had no idea where or how to start working with a content writer to ensure quality SEO and happy clients.
The good thing is that it’s easy to hire a content writer, and we’re flexible people. We’re used to the fragment economy, and we’re used to working with clients and digital agencies from across the globe. We’ve got what it takes to help ensure your project success, from onboarding to publication.
So let’s give you a quick run-down of the process of finding a content writer, briefing your SEO writer, and ensuring the freelance relationship works for both of you.
Why Should You Hire a Content Writer?
The main reason why digital agencies hire us is to save money. They know that they’ll do much better by paying for content rather than spending their precious time trying to write the content themselves. Too many agencies have tried writing their own content, just to learn that content writers are not overrated!
Hiring a skilled content writer can be a game-changer for your business. Here’s why:
Agency-Level Experience: Many content writers have honed their skills working with agencies, where they’ve learned to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. This experience translates into efficient and high-quality work for your business.
Expertise and Experience: Content writers possess the knowledge and experience to craft compelling content that resonates with your target audience. They understand the nuances of various writing styles and can adapt their approach to suit your specific needs. If they’ve been working online for some time, they have probably learned a lot from other agencies, which could benefit yours as well.
SEO Mastery: By understanding the intricacies of SEO, content writers can optimize your content to rank higher in search engine results. This increased visibility drives more organic traffic to your website, ultimately leading to more leads and conversions.
Psychology of Persuasion: Effective content writers know how to tap into the psychology of your target audience. They can craft persuasive copy that motivates readers to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting your business.
Your clients will thank you for hiring a content professional!
What to Look for in a Content Writer
When hiring a content writer, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure a successful partnership.
Skills and Experience: Look for a writer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content. Their portfolio should showcase their ability to write in a variety of styles and tones, from informative blog posts to persuasive sales copy.
Availability and Time Commitment: Ensure the writer can dedicate sufficient time to your projects and meet your deadlines. Of course, ad hoc projects means that their schedule is constantly evolving. They typically work around projects, rather than office hours. Choose someone who’s done this type of work for a long time as they know how to gauge their workload and availability to avoid delays and ensure timely delivery.
Budget and Rates: Discuss your budget upfront and negotiate a fair rate based on the writer’s experience, skills, and the scope of the project. Be prepared to pay a premium for high-quality, professional content—especially if you have tight deadlines. Don’t tell your client to expect 10 000 words, but expect to pay your content writer for 2 000 — many a good relationship with BOTH client and content writer have been ruined through this unethical practice!
Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to a successful working relationship. Look for a writer who is responsive, proactive, and able to understand your vision. They should be able to ask clarifying questions and provide regular updates on project progress.
Content writers know how to communicate; not just with you, but also on your website. They will sometimes find unique ways to speak to your website visitors.
How to Brief a Content Writer
To ensure a seamless and productive working relationship with your content writer—and save both of you time—it’s essential to have a clear content strategy in place. Here are some key factors to consider:
Define Your Goals
What do you want to achieve? Are you aiming to increase website traffic, generate leads, or boost brand awareness? Clearly defining your objectives will help you focus your content efforts.
Identify Your Target Audience
Who are you trying to reach? Gain a deep understanding of your ideal customer’s demographics, interests, and pain points. This will help you tailor your content to resonate with their specific needs.
Determine Your Content Types
What formats will work best? Consider a mix of content types, such as blog posts, articles, website copy, social media posts, and email newsletters, to cater to different audience preferences and platforms.
Conduct Keyword Research
Optimize your content for search engines. Identify relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your content to improve your website’s visibility and attract organic traffic.
If you’re unsure about your content strategy, we can help you develop a comprehensive plan.
How to Nurture a Successful Relationship with Your SEO Writer
Effective collaboration with a content writer is essential for producing high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and productive working relationship:
Professional Courtesy: Treat your writer with respect and professionalism. Timely payment, clear communication, and a positive attitude can go a long way in building a strong working relationship. Trust that they know what they’re doing!
Clear and Concise Briefs: Provide your writer with clear instructions, including the topic, target audience, desired tone, and word count. This will help them understand your vision and tailor their work accordingly. (Of course, this starts by you having a clear vision first! If you don’t, it’s a good idea to invest in a mini content strategy consultation.)
Open and Honest Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your writer. Be responsive to their questions and feedback, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas.
Realistic Expectations: Set realistic deadlines and be flexible, especially if unforeseen circumstances arise. Remember, your writer is likely juggling multiple projects, so understanding their workload can help manage expectations. It’s also a good idea to understand the function of duplicate content and AI checkers…
By following these tips, you can build a strong working relationship with your content writer and achieve your content marketing goals.
Why don’t you put us to the test? Grab a small gig from us on Fiverr or Upwork, buy a super affordable, quality package on our store, or simply…
