Freelance
Writers' Series
Career & Business
Development Help
How to Hire Experienced SEO Writers
for Your Growing SEO Writing Needs In contrast to yesterday’s newbie query, today’s question is from a reader who’s a “victim” of her own SEO writing success. But, if you ever find yourself in this situation, it can be downright frustrating, to say the least. Here’s what she wrote to me. Today’s post is a long one, but a chance to learn a ton. So, here goes . . . QUESTION: Hi Ywanda: I know you've been mad busy lately (a wonderful thing!), but I do have a question that is just about to drive me crazy! I am ready to begin outsourcing to writers to help me with a few SEO projects I have going on. There are only so many hours in the day, and I swear most of mine are booked solid! Plus, I want to focus my attention on some higher paying opportunities and other projects.
I tried hiring a
couple of writers for a project last month, but it was a disaster! I was very
clear with the instructions and asked that the articles all fall within a
certain keyword density range (1.8%-2.5%) and style (I furnished an easy to
follow style guide for the headers). Neither writer's articles were the correct
density. The misspelling and poor grammar was surprising with one writer. I
spent a lot of time rewriting those articles. I approached writers at wahm.com with a fair rate and got tons of response. I requested two samples from each writer I was considering to help me make a decision. I opened myself up to any questions or problems the writers may have experienced with the keyword phrases. I even sent them the tool I use to check the keyword density.
I am afraid to try
outsourcing work again, but feel I will need to eventually in order to expand my
business. I think I could work with the less experienced writer because her
writing was not bad. I am sorry this post is so long, but can you please off any
advice on outsourcing work? Thank you for anything you could share. Peace &
blessings, KB MY ANSWER: KB, sounds like you did everything right -- but just got burned with some bad writers. I follow three rules when I outsource: 1. Must understand "SEO writing." If they write back asking about this or can't provide samples, I don’t use them b/c I don't have time to explain. 2. FT Freelancers: Although I don't ask, I like to work with FT freelancers, b/c they adhere more to quality standards -- and to deadlines. 3. Ask for references. I'll check maybe 50% of the time. What I'm looking to see is if they can readily provide them. Most FT and/or professional freelance writers can. As an aside, ask for a website link. Again, most professional and/or FT freelance writers have a site that links to their online profile. Finally, give yourself time. As in, outsource a few projects BEFORE you need help. Even though it'll cost you on the front end (ie, income you may want to keep for yourself), it'll save you big on the backend. Outsourcing at the last minute can cost you – as you found out -- and I have too. Boy can it ever! For further reading, here are links to a few articles I've written about this exact subject: How to Respond to Freelance Writing Jobs on Craigslist to Get the Job, How to Hire Freelance Writers from Craigslist and Freelance Writers and Outsourcing: How to Decide What to Pay. FYI,
I can pass along
your info to a couple of writers I use on a regular basis if you want. I’m
always up for passing along leads to freelancers. Let me know if you want me to
do this. And congrats on having this "problem." The problem of success!
Sincerely,
Freelance Success Stories:
There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell
Editorial's newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest
the phrase, "starving freelancer."
Read the first issue
here and
subscribe to read all previous issues.
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