If you’re hesitant to hire a freelance writer, you may want to reconsider. They will work harder than employees because they don’t get paid unless they complete a project. A full-time in-house writer may not be able to complete the project on time and you will still have to pay them. Unless, of course, you fire them on the spot. Hiring a freelancer will save your business money. You don’t have to pay personnel costs, such as PTO time, health and disability, employee benefits and other benefits. Also, freelancers can protect the environment because their office is right at home!
5 Tips for Hiring Freelance Writers
Make sure freelancers can write. Most freelance writers have an online portfolio. Read their text. Don’t surf their website – take the time to actually read their work. They put together a writing portfolio to showcase their writing. You will save time if you read their work.
Make sure the author understands SEO. If you don’t know that SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, make sure the freelance writer does. They can use your keywords and phrases when writing blogs, articles and web content. If you don’t know what keywords/phrases to use, ask them for advice.
Make sure the freelancer is right for you and your company. If you don’t think a writer is right for your business, don’t hire them. There are many writers to choose from. Request a quote and choose the one that suits you.
Make sure the author is professional. There is nothing worse than dealing with unprofessional people. Hire a writer who understands time management and communication. You want someone to complete the writing project on or before the deadline. Don’t be afraid to ask the following questions: What are your opening hours? What do you love about freelance writing? How do you deal with deadlines? What is your policy on “hasty” projects? How flexible is your writing style, tone and voice? What makes you different from other freelance writers? Ask as many questions as you can to ensure you get the right freelance writer.
Make sure the author adds value to you and your business. Did the author go beyond his duty? How can a freelance writer drive web traffic to your website? What can they do to grow your business? You may want to hire someone with a business background; they have business education and experience. Their professional experience is invaluable to you. It’s a bonus if you can find a freelance writer with both books and street wisdom.
Follow the steps above and take the pain out of hiring a freelance writer. Don’t hire the first writer you talk to unless, of course, you’re hit with “gut feeling” to hire that writer. Always choose the best writer for you and your business. View online portfolios; ask for more writing samples if you need them. The bottom line is that building a business relationship with a freelance writer would be a step in the right direction. You never know which compound can help you.
