How to Hire the Right Writer
With the continued growth of content marketing, the role of the writer is more important than ever. When in-house resources and budgets for full-time staff are tight, companies benefit from hiring freelance writers to take care of their pressing content marketing projects.
In fact, retaining a freelance content writer as an extension of your marketing team can be one of the smartest moves marketing teams make this year. As a former in-house hospital marketing professional, I know firsthand how tight internal resources can be for all of the projects that must be done “right away.” I also know the extreme value of finding the right freelance writer who can dive right in and rescue you from your most pressing marketing deadlines. You need someone who can help your organization break through the clutter and create truly effective and engaging content. Being smart about who you hire will not only save you time and money but will provide your marketing team with a go-to writing resource you can trust for the long haul.
What to Look for When Hiring a Freelance Writer
Listening skills. Before a writer ever puts pen to paper, so to speak, they must be a great listener. A good writer listens to your needs and understands your goals. A good writer takes the time to learn what makes your organization tick, who your audience is, and what your voice and tone is like. Only then can they craft the content that will hit the mark.
Do they ask questions? Like an investigative journalist, a good writer asks the targeted questions that will help him or her get a true sense of your organization’s mission and message as well as the scope of your project needs. Playing 20 questions before the project even begins will undoubtedly save you time on the back end in editing, or worse yet, rewrites.
Samples. Hiring a writer without viewing his or her past writing samples is like going on a blind date–you’re never really sure what you’re going to get. Don’t just hope for the best. Ask for writing samples or to view the writer’s portfolio of work and/or client list.
Experience. Most good writers are pretty versatile when it comes to writing for a variety of different industries. But if your project entails technical information that needs to be translated into a consumer-friendly piece, hire a writer who knows your industry well, understands your audience, and can translate difficult to understand information into creative copy that will engage the reader.
Teamwork. A writer who understands that they are an extension of your agency or marketing team is important. By becoming a part of your team, even if it’s just for one project, a good writer will adopt your voice and effectively communicate your message.
Hiring a freelance writer who is efficient, curious, well-rounded, and knows how to deliver content that’s on point the first time will ultimately save you money and back and forth on the back end of the project. A content marketing partner should help you put your best foot forward with your client or your organization and be able to deliver communication that provides value to the readers, and to your business.
Need a freelance writer for your next project? Let’s talk! Get in touch.
