Having a team of skilled article writers is essential for any business that wants to increase its online presence. Before the internet, article writers worked primarily for magazines or newspapers, But, those opportunities are not quite as prevalent with many publications closing shop, but now the need for online article writing is practically unlimited.
Whether it’s for a website, blog, or social media, having a talented writer can make a significant difference for your brand. However, with so many choices, it can be challenging to hire the right writer.
As professional article writers, here are some of our top tips for how to identify what an article writer is, the steps to take when hiring one, and other best practices to follow.
What is an Article Writer?
An article writer is a person whose job is to produce written content for websites, social media, print publications, or other digital platforms. They can work in-house or as a freelance article writer, on an as-needed basis.
Most writers specialize in different niches such as business, finance, healthcare, and technology. They should be able to create high-quality content on your specific topic, targeting your audience, and providing value to your readers.
Where to Find Freelance Article Writers
There are a few places where writers might hang out. Here are some of the places to find freelance article writers.
LinkedIn has become a popular platform for networking and finding top talent. You can use LinkedIn’s search tool to look for article writers who specialize in your industry or niche.
For example, if you want to find a health or nutrition writer just search for “health writer” and several options will pop up.
LinkedIn offers a more personal approach and allows you to get to know potential writers better before making a hiring decision.
Content Writing Agencies
Content writing agencies, like our team at RWS: Content + Strategy, offer a comprehensive solution for your content marketing needs. They usually have a team of writers specializing in different niches and can offer a more consistent level of quality across your content.
Hiring a content writing agency can be more expensive than hiring a freelance writer, but you will not have to manage the writers directly, so you can focus on other important tasks.
Referrals
Word of mouth recommendations can be a valuable way to find a reliable article writer. You can ask your colleagues, friends, or industry connections if they know of any good writers. Referrals usually come from trusted sources, so you’re likely to get a quality and trustworthy writer. You can also reach out to your existing network of writers if you’ve worked with them before and had a positive experience.
Job Boards
Many job boards cater to copywriting and content writing jobs, rather than freelancers. Some popular job boards are Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and SimplyHired. You can post your job description on these job boards, and writers who match your criteria can apply for your position. Job boards offer a more structured hiring process, and you can find writers who are looking for long-term projects.
Freelance Writing Websites
One of the most popular places to find article writers is through freelance writing websites like Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer. You can easily find a freelance writer who matches your needs and budget by posting a job description on these websites.
But be cautious. Many of these sites are OVERLOADED with inexperienced, albeit inexpensive writers. You may get inundated with unqualified candidates.
I once posted a job for a writer on Upwork and received over 200 applications in the first 30 minutes. If you don’t have the time to figure out who makes the cut, it’s best to not use these types of sites.
How to Hire an Article Writer for Your Business
Before starting your hunt, you should establish a clear understanding of what you’re looking to achieve from your content. This will make it easier to determine who can deliver what you need. Once you have clarity, here are the steps to follow:
Look for article writers who specialize in your industry
They should have relevant expertise and a deep understanding of the kind of content your business requires. If you are in the health and wellness space, it is even more vital to find a writer who has expertise in this industry.
Review their portfolio
Take time to check their previous work and analyze if their style of writing aligns with your brand’s tone of voice.
Conduct an interview
Before you move forward with any paid work, talk to the writer. A quick Zoom or phone call can help you understand their process and how you can work together. If you are not sure what questions to ask, here are three of the most important questions to know before hiring a freelance writer.
Conduct a test
Before making a hiring decision, give them a short (paid) test to see how they perform, how well they understand your requirements, and how the content is written. This can help you evaluate how well you work together and if they are a good fit for your brand before committing to a larger project.
Final words of advice
An effective content strategy relies heavily on finding the right article writer for your business. By defining your requirements, matching them to the right writer, and nurturing the relationship, you can achieve excellent results.
Finding an article writer can be a daunting task, but it’s important to take the time to find the right writer to ensure that your brand’s message is communicated effectively.
Are you looking for highly skilled content creators that can hit the ground running? Get in touch with our team today.
