Finding the right writer or agency when you’re outsourcing your content creation can be tough. Writers are like snowflakes: no two are the same. They’ll differ in their writing style, personality, and client interactions.
What Do You Want to See in a Content Writer or Agency?
When creating a job description as part of your hiring process, you list the qualifications and skills the successful candidate will possess. Develop a similar list before outsourcing writing. We recommend including the following factors in your list before you begin contacting freelancers and agencies.
- Availability: Will you need someone you can contact often to discuss assignments, edits, and other relevant topics? Or are you okay with a 24-hour turnaround to your inquiries?
- Control: Should the company work mostly independently? Or should they email you every time something is unclear?
- Deadlines: Do you expect the company to adhere to an editorial calendar? Or are deadlines somewhat flexible?
- Personality: Contrary to popular belief, not all writers are hermits. Do you need someone who’s assertive and will take command of your writing needs? Maybe even lead a team? Or do you need someone who can be a chameleon and transition between different teams/employees in your company/department?
- Needs: Can the outsourced writer work with your specifications? For example, do you expect them to adhere to a style guide or specific vocabulary?
- Style: Do any samples of the writer or agency’s portfolio match the style you’re looking for?
What Are the Right Answers?
The ones that help you effectively outsource your writing. In the end, you may be happier with a company or freelancer who charges more but fits your work style and can turnaround at a reasonable rate.
Cheaper may look good on the books, but the writer or agency may have so many clients that they’re juggling more than writing.
We have ideas on how to save money when outsourcing writing. You can implement these with a more expensive agency or freelancer to bring the cost down while still receiving great service and the writing you’ve been dreaming of.
So, shop around when you’re outsourcing writing. Definitely set up a phone call: you can learn a lot just from that first icebreaker conversation. But know what you’re looking for first before you call. It’ll save you more time than you can imagine.
