“Content is King” you must have heard it thousands of times before. But, you really understand why ‘‘content is king”. Statista reported that approximately 59% of marketers said they retained and expanded existing customers using impactful content.

Further, around 45% of global marketers planned to raise their content budgets throughout 2024 to increase brand awareness, build customer loyalty, and generate more leads.

Anyone can create content, but content that influences people takes a little more intention and effort. The market is getting more competitive every day–no matter what your niche. The only way you can stand out from the crowd is through quality content that resonates with your target audience and aligns with your brand. A freelance content writer can really help you achieve this.

This blog post will guide how to find quality content writers and hire them using freelancing platforms.

Who is a Freelance Content Writer?

A freelance content writer is that self-employed professional who produces written materials on behalf of various clients without being bound to just one employer. This role gives flexibility to writers so that they may take up writing projects and clients at their convenience. 

Freelance content writers can produce a wide range of content types, including everything from blog posts and articles to website copy, social media posts, and marketing materials. The onus is now on them to know their client’s needs and create material that suits specific aims and target audiences. Freelancers work for all kinds of clients and can write in various genres and styles, both in creative and technical writing.

What Content Can a Professional Freelance Writer Help You With?

You can easily find millions of freelance content writers on freelancing platforms. Each offers different rates and services, specializing in various niches. But, those who create helpful, reliable, people-first content are rare. 

The main tasks of a freelance content writer include:

• Researching Topics: Writers must gather information using trusted and accurate sources and ensure relevance in their content. The best freelance content writer is one who is well aware of the latest market trends and uses advanced techniques to make content pop.
• Writing and Editing: Producing clear, engaging, plagiarism-free, and error-free content that meets client specifications.
• Client Communication: Engaging with clients to understand their needs and expectations, often involving pitching ideas or negotiating terms.
• Self-Promotion: Marketing their services to attract new clients through networking using online portfolios, or freelance platforms.

Types of Freelance Writing Job Roles

Freelance writers can specialize in various niches, including:

• Blog Writing: Creating posts that engage readers while optimizing for search engines (SEO). If you go deeper then we can categorize blog writers as B2B and B2C blog writers.
• SEO Content Writing:  This is a specialized skill where the writer uses SEO techniques to make content favorable for both the users and the search engine.
• Technical Writing: Simplifying complex information into user-friendly documents such as manuals, user guides, and how-to guides.
• Copywriting: this involves writing content to drive action. Usually copywriting is persuasive text for advertisements or promotional materials.
• Ghostwriting: Writing for others who will publish the work under their name either on websites or social media platforms.

Skills Required

• Successful freelance content writers typically possess:
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• The ability to conduct thorough research.
• Good time management to meet deadlines.
• Marketing skills to promote their services effectively.
• Freelance writing offers a dynamic career path where individuals can leverage their writing talents while enjoying the freedom of self-employment.

Freelance Writing Platforms

You can find qualified freelance writers by posting writing jobs on various online platforms. Here are some popular options:

1. Upwork, Fiver, People per Hour: These are well-known platforms where you can connect with a wide range of freelance writers.
2. Copyblogger: Focuses on content marketing and provides access to skilled copywriters.
3. ProBlogger: A job board specifically for blogging and related writing opportunities.
4. WriterAccess: Connects businesses with freelance writers, offering a variety of content types.
5. Freelance Writers Den: A community and resource hub for freelance writers.

Utilizing Social Media and Google

1. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook have thousands of groups such as “Copywriting Jobs” and “The Cult of Copy Job Board” where you can post job openings for free.
2. Google Search: If you come across an article you like, search for the author’s name along with “Writer” to find their personal website and writing services.

Consult Professional Writing Companies

Consider hiring a professional writing company, that can provide a managed service with topic-specialist writers, professional editing, and dedicated project management. This approach allows for a cohesive team that understands your subject matter, unlike hiring individual freelancers from various sources. Examples include Workstaff360.

Assess Your Needs Before You Ask to Fulfil them

Before hiring someone make sure you know why you need them and how long you need them. Ask yourself these three things to assess your needs.

• How much time you can provide for project completion?
• How much work do you plan to assign?
• Does the writer or agency offer revisions to enhance content quality?

Create And Post a Job Description

Creating a detailed job description outlining your expectations, salary package, and other requirements will simplify the hiring process and attract qualified candidates.

Here is an example of a content writing job description by Glassdoor.

Request Portfolio & Samples

Ask candidates for writing samples or portfolios relevant to your niche. Review these examples to ensure they align with your desired engagement level.

Discuss the Rates Clearly

Clarify your budget and understand the pricing structure—whether it’s per word, per article, or includes additional services like CMS publishing.

It is always better to mention everything in the beginning rather than regretting it later. So be clear with your terms and conditions.

Start with a Trial Period

Sometimes finding the right content writer feels like an uphill battle. You may be impressed with someone’s portfolio at the interview but feel it was just a loss of time or money at the end of the month. To avoid such a situation, consider a trial assignment to evaluate potential hires. This allows you to assess their writing style, structure, deadline adherence, and content quality.

Make Your Decision

After trials, weigh the pros and cons based on performance. Look for consistency in professionalism and alignment with your brand voice.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a skilled writer or writing company is crucial for creating high-quality content that attracts and retains customers. Following this structured approach will help you find the right fit for your business needs. Hire a content writer in USA at Workstaff360 and get noticed with the right content strategy.  Their expert Content Writers tell stories that align with your brand and resonate with your target audience to make an impact.