5 Key Lessons Learned From Hiring Content Writers

While SEO is crucial, the challenge lies in sourcing quality writers and optimizing the process. Here are valuable SEO tips and strategies that I learnt along the journey of outsourcing quality writes.

Tip #1: Source a LOT of Writers

Finding good writers is tough.

Imagine you need writers for your projects. If you ask 100, only about 5 will be any good. Out of those, maybe 1 will be too expensive, and another won't even reply. That leaves you with just 3. You give them a test, and maybe only 1 is really good for your team.

And even if they’re great, freelance writers usually only do around 4 articles a month, which might not be enough for you. So, the trick is to look at lots of writers if you want to find the good ones.

Tip #2: Create a Process for Filtering Writers

Streamline the process by gathering writer information efficiently and assessing their suitability systematically. Instead of sifting through a massive database of 500+ writers, here's a simplified approach:

1. Request writers to complete a Google form that includes:

• Three relevant written samples
• A link to their portfolio page
• Their rate per word

2. Develop a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for evaluating writers based on specific criteria:

• English proficiency: Ensure the samples are error-free.
• Sample quality: Look for engaging, original content, not just copied text.
• Technical expertise: Seek writers who can handle complex subjects with clarity.

3. Delegate the initial evaluation to a Virtual Assistant (VA) who assesses the samples using the SOP.

Aim to shortlist around 50 competent writers out of the initial pool of 500.

4. Personally review or have your editor review the shortlisted writers and invite 5-10 for a paid trial task.

This step is crucial as it helps confirm if the writers' capabilities match the samples provided.

By optimizing the initial screening process and focusing on specific criteria, you'll efficiently identify a smaller pool of qualified writers for further assessment through trial tasks.

Tip #3: Use the Right Websites to Find Writers

Here are great places to find them:

1. ProBlogger: Top choice for quality writers.
2. LinkedIn: Scout writers in specific areas.
3. Upwork: Seek top writers instead of posting gigs.
4. WeWorkRemotely: Ideal for full-time remote hires.
5. Facebook Groups: Check out Cult of Copy Job Board and Content Marketing Lounge for quality writers.

Tip #4: Always Use Content Outlines

When assigning tasks to your writing team, be clear and specific with your instructions. Instead of just giving a keyword and leaving it open-ended, provide a structured content outline.

A content outline is like a roadmap for the article. It includes:

• Word count goal (similar to or 50% more than competitors).
• Title of the article.
• Structure breakdown (sections and their order).
• Keywords and related topics to cover.

Tip #5: Focus on One Niche at a Time

For example, if I used to work with a client who had a SaaS offering combining CRM, Accounting Software, and HRS.

I had to choose whether to concentrate on one of these areas or cover all of them simultaneously. I chose the former, and here’s why:

Google ranks websites based on their authority. If you have 60 interconnected articles about accounting, you're more likely to rank well as an authority in that niche.

But if you split your content with 20 articles each on sales, HR, and accounting, none of these categories may rank as strongly.

It’s smarter to focus first on the niche that brings the best return on investment for your business and then expand.

This approach also simplifies hiring writers—you can hire specialists in accounting rather than searching for writers who can cover three unrelated topics.

Here's to hoping these five lessons serve as a valuable guide in optimizing your writer outsourcing strategies, leading to improved SEO outcomes and higher rankings. Good Luck!

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