How to Make Your Content Writer Work For You
Once you’ve hired a writer for your writing project, the next important step is to make your content writer “WORK” for you. It means ensuring that the writer delivers content in tune with your goals, requirements, and expectations which is only possible when you know how to brief your content writer well.
A writer’s job is to articulate your thoughts and ideas and contribute to your business goals through the content they write.
However, if the writer does not know what your goals are or what you aim to achieve, they can never develop valuable content for your business.
IMPORTANCE OF CLEARLY COMMUNICATING YOUR REQUIREMENTS TO THE WRITER
To derive real value from your content outsource experience, you must communicate your needs well. This holds true irrespective of whether you hire a freelance writer or a professional content writing service.
Keep in mind that if your communication with your content writer is not clear and focussed, you may end up not only wasting your time but also your resources and face dissatisfaction with the content delivered to you as it will inevitably lack substance.
If the communication between you and the writer is unclear, you will have to make do with poor quality content which fails to meet any of your goals, whether it is to generate more traffic, gain higher search engine rankings or improved conversion rates.
Freelance Writers are the best thing that could have happened to the writing industry. Outsource your writing needs to a content writer who knows his/her job well and you’ll have time to do what you do best!
HOW TO BRIEF YOUR CONTENT WRITER
Here are some simple tips to help you communicate with your writer and make sure the content you receive matches your requirements –
#1. Know Your Expectations
To get the best work from your content writer, you must first know your expectations from the project.
Once you are clear about your short term and long term goals, you will be better suited to communicate your requirements to the writer.
Does your business need fresh leads? Do you want to boost your website rankings on Google with SEO content?
Do you want to rekindle your readers’ interest with highly targeted and relevant blog content? Are you looking for ways to improve your social media presence?
Let your content writer know the intent of the content they are going to develop for you.
#2. Identify your Target Customers
Before the writer begins writing the content, ensure that you clearly identify who you are targeting through the content.
Think about the age group of your prospective customers. Where do they live? What are the problems they are facing and how will your product or service solve their problems?
The more detailed the identification of your target customers, the better your chances to empower your writer to develop highly-targeted content for you, tailored to your needs.
Let your content writer know who they are writing for.
#3. Provide Detailed Background Information
Your business is unique which is why it is important that you provide the writer with as much background information about your company and business as possible.
Give them access to information about your setup, your people, and your company’s vision. Encourage your writer to send you a questionnaire and ask you relevant questions that will help them to write the content for your business.
The writer’s job then is to grasp the essence of your business through your answers and create content that reflects your business, its goals and personality.
Paint an accurate picture of your business to the writer!
#4. Provide Detailed Guidelines
Once you have hired a dependable content writer or writing firm for your writing needs, it’s time to give them thorough guidelines so they can create content in tune with your expectations and demands.
Once you have sent a detailed brief, encourage the writer to clear their doubts before they start writing as it will reduce the chances of any inconsistencies creeping up.
If required, you can also speak to your writer over a phone call or Zoom call. The idea is to brief them well.
When you send your project guidelines written down in a briefing mail, you automatically make the writer more answerable.
#5. Meet the Writer
Depending on the complexity of the project, it might be a wise decision to the writer in person (if possible) to communicate your needs and introduce them to your setup.
For example, if you run a manufacturing unit, you may need to give the writer a tour of your factory to enable them to provide a more realistic perspective on the content.
If that’s not possible, you can always send them pictures of your factory or share links to your website.
Though content writing can be done remotely, in certain circumstances, depending on the complexity of your project, a meeting with the writer may prove valuable.
#6. Prompt Feedback
Your first project with a new writer or writing firm will give you a somewhat clear idea of the quality of the content they deliver.
If you have some concerns, discuss them early on so the problems are addressed without any delays.
Be prompt in your responses and don’t forget to provide feedback regularly as it minimises the need for rework and unnecessary back and forth.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Outsourcing your content writing needs does not have to be a complicated or difficult task. An experienced writer or writing firm know how to use your brief as a reference point and create excellent quality content for you.
And to make sure that your content writer works for you, all you need to do is communicate your needs well.
Follow the tips above to explain your content requirements to the content writer and experience first-hand, the wonders of content outsourcing!
At Content Writer India, we offer prompt and reliable content writing services. We will work with you to understand your content needs and deliver relevant and well-written content for your business. Contact us today.