Hiring a Content Writer -What You Must Keep in Mind

16 replies
One thing you can't get by without when you have an online business is high quality content. Having the right content is the key to a successful online enterprise. You simply can't make much headway without good content, no matter what niche you're in. You really only have two options in this area -write your own content or hire someone to do it for you. Since content creation is a process that takes both skill and time, many marketers opt for the outsourcing option. To help you sort out this process, we've identified some key points to consider when hiring a content writer.

One essential aspect to look for is a writer that is able to work with you particular timetable and not simply when they have the time. If the content writer tells you that he's only available from time to time, then it's better to skip. In order for your content to be successful, it must be written and turned in on time; hence your writer needs to be available. When you have already paid for your content and you have to wait for it to be sent in can be a little unsettling. So be for you employ a writer; be sure they will be able to work with your demands. You could try communicating with them on Skype or chat on an IM client to see if they meet your expectations.

If you want quality content, you have to pay for it. You can't have it both ways -you have to choose between cheap content and good content. Even though writers that promise to do "one dollar an article" look tempting, it's better if you skip them. If you're looking for professional quality writing, your budget will have to be higher.

Bargain priced content writers are not hard to find if you're looking for one. The results they produce, however, are usually consistent with this low price. On the other hand, there are not a lot of quality writers out there, and the ones that are there, are in demand. So stick to quality, at all times.

Don't rush into the process of finding a content writer. You may overlook some crucial factors or warning signs if you hire someone without much thought. Instead, take a calculated approach towards hiring. It's best to learn something about a writer's background before hiring him. If he provides you with any sample pieces of writing, check to make sure it's original work; you may even want to look up his name on Google. You may come up with some useful info this way, whether it's positive or negative. A little bit of checking can make a big difference when hiring someone new.

The above post gives great ideas on what you should be doing in order to find a content writer that can do the job. Even though it might look difficult it start, once you get a hang of it, things will get easy. Resolution is the key. In order to find just the right content writer; you need to be persistent. Do not let the little things bother you. Focus on finding a content writer that is not only suitable for your type of business, but also gives you the needed support.
#content #hiring #mind #writer
  • Profile picture of the author zoldusta
    yeah that's true, very useful posts. it's important to check his portfolio, biography, reviews , backgrounds and lot's more.

    quality content is the first and most important issue when it comes to building your website.
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  • Profile picture of the author thebitbotdotcom
    Of course...I meant to add that quality content is only half of the process...promotion is the other 50%... should have added that...LOL!
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  • Profile picture of the author TimothyTorrents
    Thanks! I always laugh at threads on forums where people make a huge list of demands and at the end offer something like 1$ for 500 words. I never had to pick a writer yet (people pick me) but I will definitely remember this if I ever have to hire one.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    Nice tips. I've had more positive experiences than negative ones when working with ghost writers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
    Banned
    Originally Posted by thebitbotdotcom View Post

    One thing you can't get by without when you have an online business is high quality content. You really only have two options in this area -write your own content or hire someone to do it for you.
    The understatement of the year . . . do it yourself or outsource it. I would think that anyone with the lowest IQ in IM fully understands that, or they've no point being in the business.



    Originally Posted by thebitbotdotcom View Post

    To help you sort out this process, we've identified some key points to consider when hiring a content writer.

    One essential aspect to look for is a writer that is able to work with you particular timetable and not simply when they have the time. If the content writer tells you that he's only available from time to time, then it's better to skip.
    How exactly do you arrive at this 'golden nugget' of information?

    If the prospective content writer is only available from time to time, then this should tell you the exact reverse from what you are implying . . i.e. that he/she is very busy with other work . . . which means THEY are in demand. Why skip them . . as you recommend? Where is your logical reasoning behind this judgement/statement?

    Please don't quote me 'time schedules'. If a job is worth doing then it's worth doing well. So you wait for the quality writer who is busy, as opposed to hiring the cheapo inferior writer, simply because you're in a hurry.



    Originally Posted by thebitbotdotcom View Post

    So be for you employ a writer; be sure they will be able to work with your demands. You could try communicating with them on Skype or chat on an IM client to see if they meet your expectations.
    What is wrong with talking by telephone, sms, or any other form of communication. IM or Skype is not the only means of communication.



    Originally Posted by thebitbotdotcom View Post

    Bargain priced content writers are not hard to find if you're looking for one. The results they produce, however, are usually consistent with this low price. On the other hand, there are not a lot of quality writers out there, and the ones that are there, are in demand. So stick to quality, at all times.
    There is an abundance of top quality writers available, including many right here on WF. What qualifies you (evidently without experience) to quote that "there are not a lot of quality writers out there". Do you know something we don't? Somehow I don't think so.

    So, maybe we'll try to stick to quality at all times . . . as you recommend. If they can be found.



    Originally Posted by thebitbotdotcom View Post

    Don't rush into the process of finding a content writer.
    One minute you're telling us, "If the content writer tells you that he's only available from time to time, then it's better to skip". Now you're telling us the opposite . . . don't rush.



    Originally Posted by thebitbotdotcom View Post

    The above post gives great ideas on what you should be doing in order to find a content writer that can do the job.
    No it doesn't. It's yet another example of a nonsensical post, full of contradictions, by someone who evidently believes they are offering valuable advice based on fact. The reality is another mish-mash post of total insignificance that some real green-back newbies will praise as solid reasoning, whilst the majority of those with even a modicum of IM nous (in addition to any seasoned marketeers), will see it as total guff and nonsense.

    A word to the wise; refrain from offering ill advised views on content writing until you possess the notable experience which entitles you to substantiate them.



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  • Profile picture of the author Blacksie
    A portfolio indeed is needed to check a writer's capability.
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  • Profile picture of the author Anton543
    Horny Devil, I think you are being too picky. He did make some good points. There aren't many great writers to go around. Many writers, even those who charge a fair rate, take shortcuts. Other than a few content writers, the only way you can be truly passionate is if it were your own site. Yes there are people out there who take great pride in their work even if they are writing for others because they love what they do and want to enhance their reputation to get more custom, but those are few and far. Even the ones that charge $20-$30 for a 700-800 word article, can cheat. I tested one of the writers on Elance who seemingly had an excellent portfolio and lot of very positive feedback on the site, but she came up with content that read very well until I dug a little deeper and found the content closely matched almost in whole paragraph on another site (but enough changes were made to avoid Copyscape detection).

    You got to be careful when choosing your writer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Anton543 View Post

      Horny Devil, I think you are being too picky. He did make some good points. There aren't many great writers to go around. Many writers, even those who charge a fair rate, take shortcuts. Other than a few content writers, the only way you can be truly passionate is if it were your own site. Yes there are people out there who take great pride in their work even if they are writing for others because they love what they do and want to enhance their reputation to get more custom, but those are few and far. Even the ones that charge $20-$30 for a 700-800 word article, can cheat. I tested one of the writers on Elance who seemingly had an excellent portfolio and lot of very positive feedback on the site, but she came up with content that read very well until I dug a little deeper and found the content closely matched almost in whole paragraph on another site (but enough changes were made to avoid Copyscape detection).

      You got to be careful when choosing your writer.
      Then you're evidently looking in completely the wrong places for notable, quality writers.

      Yes, you have to be careful. And obviously you - and others who complain and gripe so much - are not.

      I know of at least 15 top quality writers on WF alone. Indeed, I would class myself as one of them (although I don't personally advertise my services on here).

      People cast wild aspersions and people complain. People also bemoan their misfortune in being unable to progress due to outsourcing problems. My answer . . . spend less time whining on an open forum, and more time browsing and researching the answer to your problems. You could always start with a thread on WF asking for recommendations. Perhaps you hadn't thought of that yet :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
      Originally Posted by Anton543 View Post

      Even the ones that charge $20-$30 for a 700-800 word article,
      I have a friend who works offline mostly. Both of these will be going into real world print publications. He just paid $1500 for a 1500 or so word article and over $7000 for a 2 and a half page sales letter from a direct market copywriter. He waited on the dude for almost 4 months also.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kevin McNally
        Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

        I have a friend who works offline mostly. Both of these will be going into real world print publications. He just paid $1500 for a 1500 or so word article and over $7000 for a 2 and a half page sales letter from a direct market copywriter. He waited on the dude for almost 4 months also.
        Direct Market Copywriting is a whole new ball game.

        If you are a master of that you should be able to write your own ticket.
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  • Profile picture of the author TimK06
    This is what I preach! It goes hand in hand with being valuable. If your information is valuable to people naturally you'll pick up traffic and sign ups. If your emails are valuable you'll automatically pick up sales. I mean in any niche any blog and anytime it's detrimental to be a person of value.
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  • Profile picture of the author nerdy88
    Wow thanks!!!! Great content is the essence of a great website or blog. That is the Gold of the internet!!!!!! But Quality beats quantity... It has to be captivating is all I can say!
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    • Profile picture of the author glowworm
      Banned
      Content writing is a skill, and a finely tuned art. If you don't have the knowledge and capability to do it yourself then outsource it to someone who can. Anyone who says they cannot find someone adept enough to do the task is basically a liar. There are tens of thousands of quality writers out there, all just waiting to be contacted. I know, because I've used many of them!

      So you've had a raw deal with a few you've tried. Get over it. Did you marry the first girl you ever laid?
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  • Profile picture of the author typoo999
    I always use textbroker.com for articles and I like their services so far.
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    Boom shakalaka!
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulyC
    I just wanted to give my $0.02 since I write for what many consider a higher price. One of the first things I always do when I'm asked questions is send over a wealth of previous work - if they can't then move onto the next one. And I have to say that all of these people writing for $1/100 words as mentioned above, well, quite frankly its laughable. Nobody who has a background that allows for their skill level should ever consider writing for such measly money, no matter what. This low-priced content creation should be a red-flag for anybody who is serious about receiving high-quality content.

    Great post, thanks for sharing.
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    • Profile picture of the author BJewels
      I found a good ghost writer via craiglist who I paid $35 for 1200 words. She was awesome. If you know how to write and are good, people will pay more than a few bucks.
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