Seven Practical Tips for Hiring The Right Freelance Writer For Your Business
Having an online presence for your business means developing a professional website that will be easily found within the search engines.
Every site needs content and with so many websites popping up, the need for content is becoming more and more important.
Whether you have an online or a brick and mortar business, having a website is crucial for getting exposure to your company.
Many small businesses simply don't have the time or skill to produce original, high quality, and reader friendly content.
Hiring a freelance writer is a viable option for putting content on your site.
But, how do you know who to hire? While one option is to go to a bidding site, this may not lead to the highest quality and can be time consuming to sift through the bids to find the best writer.
Another option is to directly hire a freelance writer.
There are a few simple steps a business owner can take to ensure high quality website content.
1.
Hire a writer with a website.
Most freelance writers who take their job seriously will have a website.
This means they have taken the time to setup a focal point to display their work and expertise.
The website should offer an "About" page and be easy to navigate.
By looking around the website, you should get a feel if the writer will be a match for your business.
2.
Look at writers with samples.
Along those same lines, look for writing samples on the website.
This will give you insight into the quality of work.
Professional writers are happy to display some of their previous work.
The samples will determine if the writer can produce diverse writing products.
In addition, it gives you a preview before you buy so you are not going in blind.
3.
Outsource your freelancing writing job to a professional writer who has the skills, abilities and interest in understanding your company objectives, future goals and services.
While many freelance writers focus on a niche, the ability to adapt to a diverse client pool is an important skill that a professional writer will have.
A professional will take the time to understand where you want the website to go.
4.
Choose a freelance writer who takes time research your products and services.
Your site should portray content that is relevant to your business.
Visitors come to your site to learn more about what you have to offer and the content should reflect that knowledge.
This is important in order to reach a targeted audience, develop an excellent internet presence and improve your site's search engine rankings.
5.
Check the qualifications of your freelance writer.
Look at past projects or testimonials of the writer you are considering hiring.
Is there evidence that they have produced quality content? A few minutes on their website should determine whether or not they have credentials or experience.
6.
Does your chosen freelance writer have good communications skills? This is a question you need to ask before making the hiring decision.
When you contact the writer, do they respond within 24-48 hours? Are they friendly and open to your questions or concerns? A professional wants to ensure a prospective client is satisfied, and good customer service is one way to make that happen.
7.
Don't hire the writer with the lowest rates or the highest rates.
This common business rule of thumb applies when hiring a freelance writer as well.
The writer with low rates either is a "hobby" writer or will not produce the best quality.
On the opposite end, hiring someone who is beyond your budget constraints can lead to stress and frustration for you.
When your visitors or readers see a quality website, you have a better chance to convert them into buyers and increase your online business presence.
If you take your business serious, you will want to hire a writer who takes his or her business serious.
Finally, keep in mind that not only do you want your website to contain quality content, but the formatting, layout, and design must be professional looking as well.
Your site should be eye-catching, but not overloaded with ads and flashing lights.
Be sure it is easy to navigate and offers helpful or interesting content.
The bottom line is your website represents your business storefront.
If the storefront looks unprofessional, customers will consider your business unprofessional.
Even if you are just looking for readers, these readers can turn into customers if the content keeps them coming back for more.
Pick a writer who can deliver on these goals.
Every site needs content and with so many websites popping up, the need for content is becoming more and more important.
Whether you have an online or a brick and mortar business, having a website is crucial for getting exposure to your company.
Many small businesses simply don't have the time or skill to produce original, high quality, and reader friendly content.
Hiring a freelance writer is a viable option for putting content on your site.
But, how do you know who to hire? While one option is to go to a bidding site, this may not lead to the highest quality and can be time consuming to sift through the bids to find the best writer.
Another option is to directly hire a freelance writer.
There are a few simple steps a business owner can take to ensure high quality website content.
1.
Hire a writer with a website.
Most freelance writers who take their job seriously will have a website.
This means they have taken the time to setup a focal point to display their work and expertise.
The website should offer an "About" page and be easy to navigate.
By looking around the website, you should get a feel if the writer will be a match for your business.
2.
Look at writers with samples.
Along those same lines, look for writing samples on the website.
This will give you insight into the quality of work.
Professional writers are happy to display some of their previous work.
The samples will determine if the writer can produce diverse writing products.
In addition, it gives you a preview before you buy so you are not going in blind.
3.
Outsource your freelancing writing job to a professional writer who has the skills, abilities and interest in understanding your company objectives, future goals and services.
While many freelance writers focus on a niche, the ability to adapt to a diverse client pool is an important skill that a professional writer will have.
A professional will take the time to understand where you want the website to go.
4.
Choose a freelance writer who takes time research your products and services.
Your site should portray content that is relevant to your business.
Visitors come to your site to learn more about what you have to offer and the content should reflect that knowledge.
This is important in order to reach a targeted audience, develop an excellent internet presence and improve your site's search engine rankings.
5.
Check the qualifications of your freelance writer.
Look at past projects or testimonials of the writer you are considering hiring.
Is there evidence that they have produced quality content? A few minutes on their website should determine whether or not they have credentials or experience.
6.
Does your chosen freelance writer have good communications skills? This is a question you need to ask before making the hiring decision.
When you contact the writer, do they respond within 24-48 hours? Are they friendly and open to your questions or concerns? A professional wants to ensure a prospective client is satisfied, and good customer service is one way to make that happen.
7.
Don't hire the writer with the lowest rates or the highest rates.
This common business rule of thumb applies when hiring a freelance writer as well.
The writer with low rates either is a "hobby" writer or will not produce the best quality.
On the opposite end, hiring someone who is beyond your budget constraints can lead to stress and frustration for you.
When your visitors or readers see a quality website, you have a better chance to convert them into buyers and increase your online business presence.
If you take your business serious, you will want to hire a writer who takes his or her business serious.
Finally, keep in mind that not only do you want your website to contain quality content, but the formatting, layout, and design must be professional looking as well.
Your site should be eye-catching, but not overloaded with ads and flashing lights.
Be sure it is easy to navigate and offers helpful or interesting content.
The bottom line is your website represents your business storefront.
If the storefront looks unprofessional, customers will consider your business unprofessional.
Even if you are just looking for readers, these readers can turn into customers if the content keeps them coming back for more.
Pick a writer who can deliver on these goals.
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