Outsourcing your content marketing to a specialist writing service is a smart move for any business looking to make the most of its resources — it’s a cost-effective way to get the job done while freeing up your time to focus on other vital income-generating tasks.
But outsourcing can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time working with an external service.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the art of outsourcing your content writing. We’ll cover everything from finding the right writer for your project to setting expectations and managing the workflow.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to hire external writers, what to keep an eye on, and how to get the best bang for your marketing buck.
1. Start by defining your goals
Before you look for writers, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Getting someone in place and giving them busy work or expecting them to find something helpful to do isn’t an effective use of resources.
Instead, take the time to define your objectives and figure out the type of content you need — what are your goals? What type of content do you need? Do you need a subject matter expert on a topic like ESG, for example? Once you know what you’re after, you can begin looking for writers who are experts in whatever it is.
Make sure you know what you want before you start, so you don’t have to waste time and money.
2. Start small
Once you’ve defined your goals and found the right writer for your project, it’s time to delegate tasks. But first, make sure you break down these tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will help ensure that the writer can deliver quality work within a reasonable timeframe.
One way to do this is to introduce the writer gradually to the different types of content you need. For example, you could start by assigning them a few SEO blog posts or social media updates. Once you’ve got a feel for their ability to deliver quality work in these areas, you can gradually introduce them to more complex tasks like whitepapers or case studies.
Another approach is to break down larger projects into smaller milestones. This allows you to track progress and make adjustments along the way if necessary. For instance, if you’re outsourcing a website redesign, you could break it down into milestones such as wireframes, design mockups, and development.
By breaking down tasks into smaller chunks, you can be confident the writer clearly understands what’s expected of them and can manage their workload effectively. This also helps prevent overwhelm and ensures they can meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
3. Don’t meddle
Once you’ve delegated tasks to your chosen writer, it’s important to trust them to get on with the job without interference. Nobody enjoys being micromanaged — it can be counterproductive and may even lead to delays or mistakes.
Remember, you hired a specialist writing service for a reason. They have the expertise and experience to deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe. By constantly checking in or making unnecessary changes, you’re not only wasting your own time but also undermining the writer’s confidence and ability to do their job effectively.
Of course, it’s important to maintain open communication and provide feedback when necessary. But try to balance being involved enough to ensure the work is meeting your expectations and giving your writer enough space to work independently.
By trusting your writer to get on with the task at hand, you’ll be able to focus on other important tasks while still getting quality content delivered on time. Remember, outsourcing is all about making the most of your resources — so don’t waste everyone’s time by meddling unnecessarily.
4. Give it enough time
When it comes to outsourcing your content writing, it’s important to give the process enough time to work. Rushing into (or out of) a partnership with a writer without taking the time to establish a good mutual fit can lead to disappointment and wasted resources.
It’s also important to avoid delegating tasks when you’re in panic mode, feeling desperate, or completely overwhelmed. If you’re not careful, you might hire someone who isn’t right for the job. Instead, take the time to weigh your options and choose a writer who is a good match for your goals and needs.
Once you’ve established a working relationship, give it enough time to develop and grow. This will allow you to build trust and confidence in your writer’s abilities, which will ultimately lead to better results.
For content creation, outsourcing to external writers can be well worth it. A professional writer will bring their fresh perspective, creative approach, and expertise to elevate the quality of your content and help you stand out in a crowded market.
Remember, outsourcing writing tasks can be a smart move for any business, but only if you do it strategically and with patience. With the right approach, it can be the ultimate secret weapon to boost your productivity and achieve business success.
By following these tips and giving the process enough time, you’ll be able to find the right writer for your needs and get quality content delivered on time.
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