K. Roth
Businesses, particularly smaller businesses, need every edge to stay ahead in a competitive market. One strategy many don’t think to consider is harnessing the expertise of freelance writers. Whether for website content, blog posts, marketing materials, or proposal writing and management, hiring a freelance writer for business writing can elevate a company’s brand, presence – and most importantly, reach. Hiring someone who’s not involved in the day-to-day running of your business can seem daunting, or even counter productive. But fear not! Here is a step-by-step guide to making the process of engaging a freelancer as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Define Your Needs
Before diving into the world of hiring a freelance writer, know what you need. Ask yourself:
- What type of content do I need? (e.g., blog posts, website copy, press releases, proposals, grants)
- What is the tone and style I want to convey? (e.g., professional, casual, technical)
- What are the specific topics or industries the writer should be familiar with?
- What is my budget and timeline for the project?
Step 2: Research Business Writing Services
Now that you know what you need, it’s time to look for the right writer. Look for platforms such as content marketplaces, freelancing websites, or local writing agencies, and also on places like LinkedIn – you probably already know someone in your network who knows a good freelance writer (or someone who knows someone). Ask around. Consider these factors during your search:
- Reviews and testimonials from past clients
- Portfolios showcasing samples of their work, if they can share them (non-disclosure agreements signed by the writer can make this a tricky step, but don’t eliminate them from your candidates just yet)
- Rates and pricing structures
- Availability and responsiveness to inquiries
Step 3: Avoid Cheap Online Sites Like Fiverr
When it comes to writing, you get what you pay for. While online platforms such as Fiverr may be tempting due to their low prices, be careful. Hiring through these platforms can often result in subpar work and missed deadlines, and a lack of availability and access when you need it most due to geographical differences. It may seem like a lot, but paying a standard rate for your freelancer will result in tailored, high-quality content that helps your business move forward instead of mediocre filler.
Step 4: Vet a Potential Freelance Writer Carefully
As you reach out to potential freelance writers, screen them carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Look for:
- Relevant experience in the business writing area you need help with
- Writing samples that demonstrate skill, creativity, and adherence to guidelines. If they cannot supply specific examples due to NDA obligations, ask them to provide non-client-specific examples instead.
- Professionalism and responsiveness
- A personality type that will work well with you and your team. Are you serious? Fun-loving? These are important communication considerations.
- A willingness to check in with you early on in the process to ensure that the content they are generating is indeed what you are looking for
- Availability to meet your project timeline
Step 5: Finalize Terms and Agreements
Once you’ve found the perfect match, it’s time to solidify the details. Create a clear contract or agreement that covers:
- The scope of work for the project, including specific deliverables (e.g., executive summaries, interviews with team members, writing of new vs. reconstituting existing content, timelines, etc.)
- Payment terms and methods (does the freelancer charge by the hour, or a flat rate for the project? Do they require deposit or progress payments?)
- Revision and approval processes for submitted content? How many rounds of editing does the contract include before going out of scope?
- Confidentiality and ownership of content
Step 6: Maintain Open Communication
Throughout the project, especially during large-scale operations such as proposals or website overhauls, maintain open lines of communication with your freelance writer. This ensures:
- Clear updates on progress, including research updates and drafts
- Opportunity for feedback and revisions, particularly as the project reaches its endgame
- Continued alignment with your project goals and voice
Step 7: Provide Your Freelance Writer with Constructive Feedback
Throughout the process, you should be never be afraid to provide feedback on the content your writer provides. However – and this cannot be stressed enough – that feedback needs to be CONSTRUCTIVE. Nothing sours a relationship between a business and a writer faster than feedback that is lacking or rude. Offer constructive feedback that:
- Highlights areas that you are happy with
- Is specific about any areas that you are having issues with. If it’s not making sense to you, don’t just say that – explain why, otherwise your freelancer will have no idea how to make it work for you.
- Remember that while it may seem like it sometimes, your freelancer isn’t the expert – you are. If there’s a knowledge gap, either point the writer to existing content or information they can draw from, or sit down with them for a short interview to go over what’s missing.
Step 8: Wrap Up the Work
This may sound like a no-brainer, but once the project is complete and has been submitted or posted, let your freelancer know! Because they aren’t in the office, freelancers will not necessarily be privy to information such as extensions or changes in deadlines, so letting them know that the project is actually complete extends a great courtesy on your part.
Step 9: Pay Quickly
Freelancers understand that some of their clients are on a set schedule with their accounting department when it comes to payment of invoices, but don’t make that process longer than it has to be. Review invoices as soon as you receive them, and if you have questions, reach out to your freelance writer as soon as you can. Then once everything is satisfactory, approve on your end and forward on to your accounting department so that the invoice gets into the system for payment.
Step 10: Build Long-Term Relationships
Great freelance writers can become valuable assets to your business. If your first collaboration is successful, consider:
- Offering additional projects or ongoing work
- Referring your freelancer to other businesses or colleagues who you know could benefit from their work
Final Thoughts
Following this basic guideline will help you find a freelance writer who is happy to help your business with its needs, one who will be willing to come back on project after project. The investment of time and money can seem huge in the beginning, but after working together a few times, you’ll find that engaging a freelancer will save funds, hours, and most importantly, your sanity.