In the modern digital landscape where “content is king”, the content and copy that represents the voice of your brand can make or break your online presence. Hiring the right writer for your business not only brings fresh new expertise to your marketing efforts, but it can also play a pivotal role in your company’s overall success.

Now, whatever your reasons may be for choosing the freelance route, you’re probably reading this right now because you’re ready to hire a freelance writer soon—and we can assure you, you’re in the right place.

With that being said, the process of hiring a freelance writer requires careful consideration to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore all the key considerations to keep in mind before bringing a freelance writer on board. Let’s get started:

1. Take research time into consideration

Rushing the hiring process can lead to disappointment down the road, and neither party wants that. Devote time to research potential freelance writers thoroughly. Review their portfolios, read their past work, and examine client feedback. This process provides insights into their writing style, versatility, and ability to adapt to various niches.

Quality research saves you from making hasty decisions and increases the chances of finding a writer who resonates with your brand’s voice and values.

2. Different writers for different purposes: match their skills to your needs

Not all writers are created equal, and each brings their own creative flair and unique set of skills to the table. First, consider the type of content you require and the expertise it demands. Are you looking for SEO-optimized blog posts, technical whitepapers, engaging social media content, or persuasive sales copies? Copywriters, technical writers, creative writers, and SEO writers each have their own strengths, so make sure to choose the writer who aligns with your specific content goals. 

While it’s essential to remember that a writer’s specialization makes a significant difference in their output, it’s also important to understand the nuances of various writing styles—just as a writer skilled in crafting informative blog posts might not excel at creating witty social media content, a writer specialized in the health industry might not produce the same quality of content if they were to write about the tech industry.
Tailor your search to writers who have experience not only with the specific type of content you’re seeking, but also within your industry or niche.

3. Paid trial projects are a wise investment

Consider agreeing to a paid trial project before committing to a long-term arrangement, as this can be a win-win strategy for both parties. This trial period gives you the chance to evaluate the writer’s compatibility with your brand, their responsiveness to feedback, and the quality of their work.

For the writer, it’s a chance to understand what it would look like to collaborate with you, your expectations around what you’re looking for, and the nuances of your industry. A paid trial project minimizes potential risks and ensures that both parties are confident in moving forward.

4. Be involved—your instructions and briefing matter

Clear communication is the foundation of a successful collaboration with a freelance writer. Your instructions and briefing are key pillars that provide a roadmap for the writer to create content that aligns with your vision.

Be specific about your expectations, target audience, tone of voice, and any preferred keywords. Encourage open dialogue, allowing the writer to seek clarification when needed. Remember, the more accurate your guidance, the better the end result will be.

5. Get clear on availability and communication

Freelance writers often work with multiple clients, so it’s important to discuss their availability upfront. Set expectations around response times and availability for projects—and don’t forget, they’re not full-time employees. Be flexible and trust them to be their own boss.

Another thing to remember is that effective communication is a two-way street. While you expect timely updates and progress reports, make sure you’re also providing feedback promptly to keep the workflow smooth. Establishing a communication rhythm from the beginning can help both parties avoid misunderstandings further down the line.

6. Money matters: rates and budget considerations

When it comes to content writing, you get what you pay for; and quality content comes at a price—the key is to find a balance between cost and value. While it’s tempting to go for the lowest bidder, remember that experienced writers who deliver exceptional content may charge higher rates.

Be transparent about your budget constraints, but prioritize quality over cost savings. Investing in high-quality content pays off in terms of engagement, brand reputation, and long-term ROI.

7. Review work ethics and professionalism

Beyond writing skills, evaluate a freelance writer’s work ethics and professionalism. Punctuality, reliability, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential traits. Don’t be afraid to ask for references, online reviews, and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their reputation. And if they’re just starting out, this is where a paid trail project can really come in handy.

8. To conclude

Hiring a freelance content writer can be a transformative step for your brand’s content marketing efforts. By considering factors like the writer’s expertise, communication skills, and alignment with your brand, you can ensure a successful collaboration that results in valuable content and a great ROI.

While this journey may require some time and effort from your side, The WordWave can help make the process a lot easier for you. You can forget about waiting for bids and wasting too much time assessing whether a writer is qualified. The WordWave is here to assist you on your search and filtering process, serving as the bridge between your business and the right freelance writer for your brand—browse through our directory to find your freelance writer today!