This is Part 3 of a 3-part series to assist you in finding help for the content writing aspect of your business.
Part 1 defined what a content writer is and where they work.
Part 2 identified what characteristics and business practices to look for in a writer.
Part 3 talks about where to look for a content writer to hire.
How To Find A Writer Who Can Support Your Business Needs
Before you start looking for a writer to support you with creating content, you need to know what you need for your business and decide on your budget. Do you need short term projects completed, repurposing of older content, ongoing
Having those pieces of the puzzle in place will make it much easier to conduct discovery calls with potential candidates.
TIP
It is important to note some writers will only provide the text for a document as their service, often in a Google or in Microsoft Word document. It is essential to clarify with the writer what is included with their services. Many writers will offer additional services such as SEO keywords, adding images and graphics, and uploading to your website, social media, and email service apps. This will affect the price point of the service they provide.
Where to Look for a Content Writer
Research Online
- Keywords to aid in your search: content writer, copywriter, ghostwriter, blogger.
- Review websites. Look at a writer’s blogs, portfolio, testimonials, and associations for evidence of their writing abilities, the scope of work, and professionalism.
- See past the marketing gloss – does the writer actually have the experience and skills you need?
- Look at social media links, portfolios, testimonials, and online reviews.
- If you read an article online that you are impressed with, look up the writer who authored the article.
- If you have the time, strategically choose a few candidates and sign up for their newsletters and freebies, and read their blogs. This is a great way to get to know more about their work before reaching out in person.
- A simple Google Search will elicit numerous options. Use caution though, check the sites you are interested in for authenticity, if something is very cheap, or hard to verify avoid them. Read the small print, only pay upfront for an article if you are absolutely certain it is a legitimate business and you will receive what you paid for.
Ask Around for a Recommendation
- Contact your colleagues, ask around industry community, associations, conferences, events, and your social media groups (eg. LinkedIn, Facebook).
Freelance Writer Job Boards
Here are a few of the best places to submit a job posting and search for a writer.
Canadian Association of Virtual Assistants (CAVA)
Connect with the Writer
- Set up a discovery call, email through their website contact page, and direct messaging via social media are ways to connect.
- Always trust your gut feeling.
Ready to Hire a Content Writer?
Here is Your 7 Step To-Do List
- Have a list of what you need in a writer, your budget, and any questions you have.
- Look at the resources provided above to research potential candidates.
- Pick 3 or 4 at the most to talk to (keep it simple and easy to start).
- Arrange a discovery call with a candidate.
- Trust your gut – if you are not happy with who you’ve met, reach out to other writers.
- Are you feeling hesitant about a long-term commitment? Hire the person for a short-term project (eg. one-month retainer, one blog, or define a probationary period).
- Sign a contract with clear terms, exit conditions, rate, and scope of work.
Ultimately a great content writer has a passion for the subject matter, commits to your brand with enthusiasm, and will write and research with a knowledge base that is evident in the content. Doing diligent research, or having an employee do it for you, talking to colleagues, and being clear on what you need and expect help you find the perfect fit for your business.
Have you gotten behind in your business blogging? Click the button below for a Discovery Call and we can discuss how I can help get you back on track.
