According to research, the global content marketing industry is set to grow by $269.24 billion from 2020 to 2024.
As C-suites around the world seek to optimize their web presence, they’re taking a closer look at online content and the valuable role it plays in their overall outreach strategy.
Are you looking to hire a web content writer to help fuel your brand image and grow your digital footprint? If so, it pays to go with the best.
Today, we’re sharing five tips to help you find a writer who can take your business to the next level, one word at a time.
1. Understand Your Needs
Before you create a job listing for content writing services, take the time to understand exactly what you need.
Are you looking for someone to create new website content only? Do you need white papers and digital brochures, as well as print media pieces? Or, do you require someone with a more technical background who can write user interface text for your mobile applications?
There is no right or wrong answer, but it’s best to figure it out before you announce the opening.
As you review applications, remember that someone with an academic background in literature might lack the skills required to create concise, online content. At the same time, someone trained in online article writing might struggle in a print media role.
To the greatest extent possible, look for writers who have the unique skill sets required to excel in the kind of content writing your company needs.
2. Look Beyond Title
Anyone can put “experienced web writer” on their resume, especially if that’s the title in your job requirement. In fact, resume tailoring is an oft-used tactic designed to help applicants stand out to hiring managers. If someone has any kind of experience in the online writing realm, they’ll use this title to their advantage.
That’s why it’s best to do a little research to truly understand the knowledge they possess.
Within the content writing industry, there are myriad different roles and sub-roles, each with their own unique title. A few of the most common ones include:
- Copywriter
- Technical writer
- SEO writer
- Marketing writer
- Content writer
- Digital writer
Rather than putting too much stock into titles, ask each candidate to explain the work they performed in their former roles. This will give you a clearer idea of what facets of the industry they’ve worked for in the past, and whether that experience makes them a good fit for this opportunity.
3. Request Writing Samples
Writing samples do more than tell you if a writer can produce quality content. They also reveal if the candidate has written for an audience similar to yours, as well as if they’ve used a comparable format.
Rather than simply requesting that each candidate upload a few samples, add an extra field on the application. Use this space to ask each writer to explain why they chose the samples they did. Then, ask them to describe the thought process behind the content and design layout of each piece.
For example, if it’s an online content piece, how did they make sure their language was as accessible and user-friendly as possible? If they chose a blog post, what steps did they take to research and understand the content beforehand? Great content has a purpose, and each writer should be able to explain their approach to creating and delivering it.
As you review each sample, check to see if their answers align with your expectations and are relevant to your business.
4. Prioritize Research Skills
Great web writers are more than just experts in the written word. They’re also skilled researchers with the ability to turn themselves into Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in a matter of minutes.
While it’s helpful to find a writer with experience in your industry niche, it isn’t usually required as long as their research and analytical skills are up to par.
For instance, if your business is focused on plumbing services, you don’t need a web writer who has worked as a plumber before. Rather, you need someone who can take the tomes of information available online and mine it for valuable insights. Then, they should be able to add their own perspective and observations to create a piece that will speak directly to your target audience.
5. Require a Writing Test
While writing samples are a helpful part of any web writer application, they aren’t foolproof.
Unfortunately, unscrupulous applicants could upload materials that aren’t their own. They could also underhandedly enlist the help of a hired resource to craft their content.
That is why a timed writing test should be an integral part of any interview process. This is the only way to actually verify the quality of someone’s writing and eliminate any room for deception. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of applicants into a short list, ask each one to complete a brief writing assignment, either in person or over the internet.
This way, you can easily compare writing styles and techniques between applicants. You can also see if the tone and style of writing are in line with what your company needs. More than anything, a test gives you a clearer understanding of how well each writer understands basic principles of punctuation, grammar, spelling, and brevity.
Hire a Web Content Writer Today
The process to hire a great web content writer can be overwhelming and laborious. Especially as this industry rapidly grows, there are more applicants than ever vying for each opportunity.
The five tips above are a great place to begin when you’re ready to cut through the clutter and find a writer who fits perfectly on your team. Yet, what if there were a way to make the process even easier?
With us, there is.
Whether you need articles, e-books, blogs, or web content, we can connect you with pre-vetted, high-quality web writers that meet your needs and budget. With one click, you can join the nearly 25,000 people who are already taking advantage of our service. Sign up for free and get started today!
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