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Finding a freelance writer for your marketing team can feel like hunting for a unicorn. You can't just take the first writer who comes along — you want someone who's got that magic touch that just "works" for your brand.
These strategic steps for how to hire a freelance writer can help you get partnered with a top contract writing service and find the unicorn you need.
Advantages of Hiring Freelance Writers
You probably love your internal sales and marketing teams. After all, you brought them on board your company! So why hire a writer?
The answer's pretty simple: Even if your in-house staff includes full-time writers, supplementing with an SEO writer or expert in technical writing can offer a significant return on investment. Freelance writers can also help fill gaps in expertise or resources during busy seasons, without the time and expense of making a permanent addition to your team.
Freelancers are typically cost-effective for employers. They receive payment on a contract basis and don’t receive an ongoing salary. Companies don’t have to pay severance, sick time, statutory holidays, or benefits, and the obligation to the writer ends once the contract deliverables are complete.
Access to subject matter experts can be great for businesses looking to expand to new markets or build credibility with a niche audience. These pros can also help your business stay on top of emerging trends, making your marketing more effective.
9 Steps for Finding and Hiring a Professional Freelance Writer
So it's time — you're going to take the plunge and hire a freelance writer. The process should be simple and painless as long as you follow a few best practices.
1. Identify Your Project Goals and Objectives
What do you want to achieve? Hold internal discussions about the objectives of your content project.
It’s best to have a full content strategy. This encompasses the type of content you want across all digital properties, including social media accounts and your website.
Even a basic idea of goals and objectives can help. For instance, you might want to post regular thought leadership articles on social media to boost brand awareness.
2. Set a Budget for Your Freelance Writing Project
Money's a key consideration, so get it on the table right away.
Your budget for the project helps you to narrow your focus when it comes to choosing a platform and writer. Remember to discuss whether the terms of a writing contract are subscription, hourly, or by the project.
3. Determine the Type of Writing You Need
Not all writing fits every purpose — after all, no one submits a personal memoir as their lab report for high school biology.
The type of writing should flow naturally from your project goals and objectives. A freelancer might help with blog writing to keep you at the top of search engine results pages or work to build the evergreen content on your website. They could even take on a highly specific or technical task, like working with your in-house team to draft a technical manual or detailed annual report.
4. Explore Various Platforms To Find Freelance Writers
There are numerous content writing agencies that can match your business with freelance writers. Scripted, Clear Voice, and Zerys all offer contract writers for hire. Compose.ly offers a variety of content purchasing models, including:
- Pay-per-piece, working directly with a vetted writer
- Fully managed content, including SEO strategy
- Pay-per-hour, working directly with a vetted writer
- Content editing services
To find the right fit, it’s a good idea to reach out to several platforms to compare package prices and services. Online reviews can also help you choose the best agency.
5. Create a Compelling Job Description
There are many businesses looking for content, so there might be competition to get your ideal writer. You want that writer to choose you! That’s especially the case if you need niche expertise or skill.
A job description outlines what you’re looking for in a candidate, but also highlights what makes the job interesting or meaningful. Make it compelling so candidates take the time to apply for or claim your project.
6. Assess Candidates Based on Experience and Feedback
Decide what you are looking for in a candidate. Perhaps you’re an engineering firm that needs assistance with technical materials and wants someone with a highly technical background. Take the time to review the entirety of a potential writer's background, not just their writing portfolio, to find the best fit. Then speak to references to get a sense of prior working relationships.
7. Review Past Work Samples Thoroughly
The best evidence of a freelancer’s potential benefit to your company is the work they have produced for others. Review their portfolio and read the pieces closely. Look for evidence of authority and expertise in your area, or of a specific brand voice you’re trying to convey.
8. Conduct Interviews To Evaluate Communication Skills
Speaking with your candidates can offer a sense of whether the interactions will be smooth throughout the project. You and the candidate should be able to speak openly and respectfully to one another so you’re on the same page about expectations.
9. Offer Trial Assignments To Test Performance
The last step in a freelance writer vetting process can be to issue trial writing assignments. These are paid assignments that you can offer to one or several finalists. The test pieces can give an indication of who might be the best fit to deliver the content you’re looking for.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Hiring Freelancers
As with any hiring process, there's always a risk of hiring a freelancer who ends up being wrong for the role or turning in work that falls short. To reduce this risk, keep an eye out for a few common missteps.
Skipping the Vetting Process
The freelance market is flush with talented pre-vetted writers who meet the standards of an agency or platform. But you need a writer who “gets” your business. They have experience in your industry and have written about topics you want to explore in your content. They also understand your brand voice. Interviewing the writer and speaking with former clients can help you assess whether they share your brand understanding and vision.
Underestimating Project Timelines
A short deadline for your project can result in a rushed writing and editing job. It might result in content that’s merely “good enough” for your project, while an extra week or two might have resulted in excellent content.
Failing to Establish Criteria for Success
For the freelancer relationship to succeed, it’s essential you’re on the same page about deliverables. Setting out clear project guidelines and maintaining communication throughout the project is key to getting the best possible content.
How To Work With Freelance Writers Efficiently
Your business's relationships with freelancers can be productive and profitable, and there are some tricks of the trade that make that happen:
- Communication: This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth restating. Both the business and the freelancer should be clear about all facets of the project, including deadlines, brand voice, and style. Upfront communication helps avoid any misunderstandings.
- Feedback: Constructive criticism on each piece of content can improve content output as the writer learns how to hone the work to fit your specifications.
- Collaboration: One benefit of working with freelancers is access to specialized knowledge. As you’re hiring an expert writer, they might hold insight into areas to explore in your content. Be open to collaboration if possible.
- Check-ins: While many freelancer relationships don't involve regular meetings, some projects benefit from a periodic Zoom or phone call. Determine whether you prefer email-only communications or are open to other platforms for discussion.
- Oversight: Consider a management team for your freelance writers. They are the “go-to” contacts for the agency or writer as the project proceeds. They should have decision-making authority to approve content and payments so the project can proceed without delay.
Hire Highly Talented Freelance Writers Hassle-Free
Partnering with a platform like Compose.ly is a great way to hire freelance writers. Get access to experienced marketers and subject matter experts to supplement your in-house sales and marketing teams without the stress of interviewing candidates.
Talk with us today about our contract writing service and how we can help support your content strategy.
