Are You Hiring the Right Content Writer? Here’s What You’re Missing
Hiring the right content writer can be tough.
With so many choices, it’s easy to make mistakes that cost you time, money, and effort.
From missed deadlines to content that doesn’t fit your needs, a bad hire can really set you back.
But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be this way!
By knowing what to look for, you can avoid these mistakes and find a writer who gets your brand.
Let’s take a closer look at the common hiring mistakes and how you can avoid them, so you can find the perfect writer for your team.
Not Defining Clear Expectations
Imagine starting a project without fully understanding what’s expected of you.
That’s exactly what happens when you hire a content writer without clearly outlining your goals and needs.
Without a clear direction, writers may deliver content that misses the mark, wasting both your time and theirs.
To avoid this, make sure to provide detailed guidelines from the get-go.
Share specifics about your brand’s voice, the style of writing you want, and the topics you want to cover.
If there are certain keywords, tone preferences, or target audience details, be sure to mention them.
Clear expectations lead to better results, ensuring your writer delivers exactly what you need.
Focusing Only on Price
It’s tempting to hire the cheapest content writer you can find, especially if you’re working with a tight budget.
However, focusing solely on price can backfire in the long run.
Cheap writers may lack the experience, expertise, or quality that your content truly needs.
Remember, content is an investment.
A writer who charges more may bring better skills, a deeper understanding of your industry, and higher-quality work that drives results.
Instead of just looking for the lowest price, consider the value a writer brings to the table.
Often, you get what you pay for, and investing in a quality writer can ultimately save you money by helping your content perform better.
Ignoring Industry Expertise
Hiring a content writer without considering their experience in your industry can lead to content that misses the mark.
Imagine trying to explain your product or service to someone who doesn’t understand the basics—frustrating, right?
That’s what happens when a writer lacks industry knowledge.
Industry-specific expertise is essential for crafting content that’s not only relevant but also insightful and engaging.
A writer who doesn’t grasp the nuances of your field may struggle to create content that truly resonates with your audience.
When hiring, seek writers who have hands-on experience in your industry or the ability to quickly get up to speed.
They’ll deliver content that feels genuine, addresses your audience’s pain points, and positions your brand as a trusted authority.
Expertise isn’t just a bonus—it’s the key to content that connects and converts.
Overlooking Portfolio or Samples
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring a content writer is overlooking their portfolio or writing samples.
A portfolio provides a clear picture of a writer’s style, tone, and ability to produce quality content.
But without reviewing samples, you might end up hiring someone whose writing doesn’t align with your needs.
Always ask for samples of previous work that are relevant to your project.
This gives you a chance to assess whether their writing style fits your brand and if they can produce the kind of content you’re looking for.
Reviewing samples ensures you hire someone who can deliver the quality you expect.
Not Evaluating Writing Process
Hiring a content writer without understanding their writing process is like boarding a plane without knowing if the pilot has a flight plan—you’re taking a gamble on the outcome.
A writer’s process is the backbone of how they approach research, drafting, editing, and delivering content.
If you skip evaluating this step, you might find yourself facing delays, unmet expectations, or content that falls short of your quality standards.
Take the time to ask about their process.
- Do they conduct thorough research?
- How do they handle revisions?
- What steps do they take to ensure accuracy and quality?
A clear, structured writing process not only guarantees better results but also shows professionalism and a commitment to delivering content you can rely on.
Rushing the Hiring Process
In the rush to get content published, it’s easy to overlook the importance of thoroughly vetting a content writer.
But rushing the hiring process can lead to costly mistakes, like hiring someone who lacks the skills, experience, or understanding of your brand’s needs.
Take the time to properly review resumes, portfolios, and references.
Conduct interviews to understand their expertise, communication style, and approach deadlines.
A little extra effort upfront can save you from headaches down the road and ensure you find a writer who’s the right fit for your content goals.
Remember, quality content is worth the wait!
Not Setting a Trial Period
Skipping a trial period when hiring a content writer can be a costly mistake.
Without testing their skills on a small project, you might commit to a writer who isn’t the right fit for your brand or needs.
A trial period lets you evaluate their writing style, ability to meet deadlines, and responsiveness to feedback.
Start with a single blog post, article, or a short project before committing to a long-term contract.
This way, you can ensure the writer aligns with your expectations and delivers quality content.
Think of it as a test drive before making a bigger investment!
Skipping the Editing Process
Even the best writers aren’t perfect on the first draft.
Skipping the editing process can leave your content riddled with mistakes, awkward phrasing, or inconsistencies that weaken its impact.
Editing ensures your content is polished, professional, and aligned with your goals.
Always review and refine content before publishing.
This includes checking grammar, spelling, tone, and flow.
If possible, have a second set of eyes review the piece to catch things you might have missed.
Investing time in editing not only improves quality but also strengthens your brand’s credibility and keeps readers coming back for more.
Neglecting SEO Knowledge
In today’s digital world, great content isn’t just about good writing—it’s about being discoverable.
Neglecting a content writer’s SEO knowledge can result in well-written articles that no one sees.
Without proper optimization, your content won’t rank in search engines, and your audience might never find it.
When hiring, look for writers who understand the basics of SEO, such as keyword research, meta descriptions, and optimizing headings.
A writer with SEO expertise can naturally weave keywords into the content while keeping it engaging and readable.
Prioritizing SEO knowledge ensures your content not only resonates but also reaches the right audience.
Expecting Instant Results
Content writing is a long-term game, but one common mistake is expecting instant results.
Quality content takes time to create, and even longer to generate traction, build trust, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Thinking about a few blog posts that will lead to immediate traffic or conversions can set you up for disappointment.
Understand that content success relies on consistency, strategy, and patience.
A strong content marketing plan involves regular publishing, audience engagement, and performance analysis.
Give your content the time it needs to grow and show results, and you’ll reap the rewards of a well-thought-out strategy in the long run.
Lack of Communication and Feedback
Hiring a content writer isn’t a “set it and forget it” process.
Failing to communicate clearly or provide feedback can lead to misunderstandings, missed expectations, and content that doesn’t align with your goals.
Writers need your input to refine their work and ensure it matches your vision.
Establish regular check-ins and create an open line of communication.
Be specific when giving feedback—highlight what you like and what needs improvement.
This collaboration not only helps the writer deliver better results but also fosters a strong working relationship that benefits both sides.
Great content is always a team effort!
Finding the perfect content writer isn’t as simple as posting a job ad and picking the first applicant.
It requires careful consideration of their expertise, writing process, and how well they align with your brand’s goals.
By avoiding common mistakes like focusing solely on price or neglecting industry knowledge, you’ll be on the right path to hiring a writer who can deliver exceptional content.
Clear communication, defined expectations, and evaluating portfolios are crucial steps in ensuring that your content truly resonates with your audience.
Investing time upfront in the hiring process will pay off with content that engages, informs, and drives results for your brand.