Over 80% of marketers are actively investing in content marketing. In fact, 60% say content helps generate demand and leads. Over 80% view content as a core business strategy. If you’re struggling to create content for your own business, consider hiring a freelance writer this year.
Their freelance services can help you generate unique, branded content. You could have an easier time attracting consumers to your business as a result.
Not sure who to hire? Here are a few tips that can help you hire a freelancer with your goals and needs in mind today!
Establish Goals
Before you start the process of hiring a freelance writer, it’s important to outline your goals. Otherwise, you might hire a writer who doesn’t offer the services they need. If they struggle to accomplish your goals, you could waste time and money.
Determine what you want to accomplish through content marketing, such as:
- Generating brand awareness
- Improving search engine rankings
- Creating social media content
- Generating more engaging
- Generating more website traffic
- Boosting leads and sales
- Improving your cost-per-acquisition and ROI
- Establishing yourself as an industry thought leader
- Gaining brand credibility and loyalty
- Gaining email subscribers
Then, determine which freelance writing services align with your goals.
For example, perhaps you want to improve your search engine rankings. In that case, hire a freelancer with search engine optimization (SEO) experience.
Maybe you need a freelancer with website writing experience instead.
As you start your search for a writer, make sure they offer the freelance services that align with your needs.
Look for Experience
Before hiring a freelance writer, it’s important to consider their professional history. Determine how long they’ve worked as a writer. Consider how many clients they’ve helped within that time, too.
A freelancer with years of writing experience will have an easier time meeting your needs and goals.
Determine if they have experience writing for businesses within your industry niche. These writers will have a better understanding of your target audience. Then, they can create personalized content to appeal to your consumers.
Personalized content can help you forge stronger connections with your customers. You can leverage those connections to generate more leads and sales.
SEO Experience
If you want to find the best freelance writer for search engine optimization, make sure they have specialized experience. Determine how long they’ve specialized in SEO. Test their knowledge about SEO trends, too.
For example, you might mention:
- EAT
- Voice search
- Featured snippets
Look for an SEO expert who remains up-to-date with trends that could impact your search engine rankings.
About 70% of all online searches begin on a search engine like Google. Writing with SEO in mind can boost your organic rankings. Then, you can generate more brand awareness and website traffic.
Read Reviews
You can learn more about each freelance writer on your list by reading customer reviews. Ask them to provide at least three references. Then, ask each client about their experience working with the writer.
Consider drafting a list of questions you want to ask. For example:
- Did the writer accomplish your goals
- Are they experienced
- How did their expertise benefit your content
- Are you satisfied with the services you received
- Did you encounter any problems
If the client encountered problems while working with the freelancer, ask how the writer fixed the problem. Look for a writer that strives to offer the best customer experience.
Reading reviews and gathering references can help you find a reputable, trustworthy writer.
Avoid Cheap Content Mills
As you search for the best freelance writer available, it’s important to stay away from cheap content mills. Many businesses make the mistake of hiring cheap writers over experienced ones. You’ll likely get what you pay for, though.
You could end up with a writer who isn’t invested in your company’s growth and success.
Instead, prioritize finding an experienced writer who strives to offer quality over quantity. You can learn more about outsourcing content writing needs here. Choosing an agency like iWriter will ensure you find the right freelance writer for your needs.
Review Their Work
You can also learn more about each writer’s abilities by reviewing their published work. Make sure the writer already has a vast portfolio. If they don’t, they likely lack the experience and expertise you’re looking for.
Reading a writer’s work will help you gauge their writing skills. Make sure their writing meets your needs and expectations.
Ask each writer for samples if they haven’t already provided a link to their portfolio.
As you review their work, make sure to check for spelling and grammatical errors. Determine if their writing is well-researched and engaging, too.
Ask Questions
You can further narrow down your options by asking each freelancer a few questions. For example:
- How many clients are you currently helping
- Do you specialize in a certain content format
- How many articles can you write a day
- Do you conduct SEO or keyword research
- How can you help my business
- What are your prices
Consider asking the writer about their work progress.
Ask any questions you weren’t able to answer through your online research, too.
Plan to Communicate
Before you hire a freelance writer, make sure you have a plan to communicate moving forward. How will the writer keep you apprised about their progress? Determine how you’ll send revision requests, too.
If you struggle to communicate with the writer, you might not realize they’re behind schedule or failing to accomplish your goals.
Consider how often you’ll communicate as well.
Compare Prices
Get an itemized list of services from three different writers. Then, compare your options to determine the average price for freelance writing services.
Don’t choose the cheapest option you find. Remember, you’ll likely receive quality work from an experienced (and therefore more expensive) writer. Don’t sacrifice quality for quantity.
Select the Best: Find the Best Freelance Writer for Content Creation Today
Hiring a freelance writer will allow you to post high-quality content that appeals to your distinct customers. Make sure to use these tips before you hire a freelance writer. With these tips, you can make sure the right writer is on the job!
Eager to hire the best freelance writer for your business? We can help.
Learn more about our content writing agency solution today.
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