As a smart business owner, you know that your time is worth money, your business is your passion and your customers/clients are like family.
You also know that good, engaging copy and content are crucial in building brand awareness, connecting with your audience and driving your sales.
As a smart freelance writer, I know that too.
When you’re ready to hire a writer for your business, there are a few pre-search activities you should be doing to ensure the freelancer you partner with is the right one.
Get Clear On What You Need & What You Can Afford
You can find a freelance writer for just about any kind of writing; technical copy, SEO focused blog posts, social media captions, sales copy, email sequences…the list goes on.
Start by identifying the kind of writing you need and the tone you want it to have. Do you want attention grabbing, clever landing page copy for your website? In depth, serious blog articles? Friendly, engaging and sales focused weekly emails?
Once you know what you need, do a bit of research into what the industry rate is for that type of writing. And remember, you’ll most likely get what you pay for, so budget accordingly.
Know Where To Find Quality Freelance Writers
A simple Google search will yield thousands of hits for freelance writers but not all of them will be worthwhile. Stay away from content mill type sites that offer millions of freelancers at incredibly cheap prices. I’ll say it again, you get what you pay for.
When you begin your search try these things first:
- Ask around! I’ve gotten some great clients sent my way by word of mouth. You may know someone who knows someone who is a fab freelance writer! Put the word out that you’re looking and you may find exactly what you need.
- Focus on high quality freelancing job sites; ProBlogger, FlexJobs, MediaBistro. LinkedIn is also a great way to find quality freelance writers.
- Look within your industry! Take a look at industry websites and articles you like. Is the writer listed somewhere on the site? Reach out and ask if they are freelance, you never know!
Read What They’ve Written
Ok, you’ve found a freelance writer or two to connect with. Now it’s time to see what they can do!
Some freelance writers have websites or online portfolios where it’s easy to read thru their clips. If they don’t, a quick email requesting some samples works too.
As you read through their work, keep in mind what you’re looking for. Make sure their style, tone and voice is what you’d want for your business. Is their style flexible and adaptable? Do they focus on only one or two type of writing? Is that the kind of writing you’re looking for?
Also scan for spelling and grammar – make sure their work matches your needs, wants and standards.
Have The Right Questions Ready
You’ve connected with a freelance writer who has great samples and you set up an initial call. The writer will most likely have a set of questions for you but in order to get the most out of your conversation, have your own questions ready to go.
Some examples may be…
- What’s your current availability?
- I’m looking for XYZ, is that doable for you at this time?
- What content do you most enjoy writing?
- Given my needs, what ideas do you have for my content?
- How well versed are in SEO and keyword research?
Overall, see what kind of connection you make with them! Do your personalities mesh? Do you feel they can accurately write for you business, using your desired voice? Are they someone you would want to collaborate with?
Also during these initial conversations, determine which communication platform works best for the both of you. There are countless apps, websites and simple, ‘ole email to keep you and your freelance writer connected and communicating easily. Be sure that whichever one you choose works well for everyone.
A good client/freelance writer relationship is built on a foundation of clear communication, mutual understanding and an appreciation for the work both parties do!
You know your business better than anyone and a good freelance writer knows their business better than anyone…that’s one hell of a combo! Make the most of it by doing a bit of work beforehand and creating any easy, successful partnership.
