Building an online presence for your business means developing a professional website that can be easily found in search engines. Every website needs content, and with so many websites popping up, the need for content is becoming increasingly important.
Whether you have an online or brick-and-mortar business, having a website is crucial to noticing your business. Many small businesses simply don’t have the time or skills to produce original, high-quality, reader-friendly content. Hiring a freelance writer is a viable option for putting content on your website. But how do you know who to hire?
While one option is to go to a bidding site, this may not result in the highest quality and it can be time consuming to sift through bids to find the best writers. Another option is to hire freelance writers directly. Business owners can take a few simple steps to ensure high-quality website content.
1. Hire a writer who owns a website. Most freelance writers who take their work seriously have a website. This means they have taken the time to establish a focal point to showcase their work and expertise. The website should have an “About” page and be easy to navigate. Browsing the site should give you an idea of whether an author is a good fit for your business.
2. Look at writers with examples. Along the same lines, look for writing samples on websites. This gives you insight into the quality of your work. Professional writers are happy to show you some of their previous work. These examples will determine whether a writer can produce a diverse writing product. Plus, samples are shown before you buy so you don’t buy blindly.
3. Outsource your freelance writing to a professional writer who has the skills, abilities and interest to understand your company’s goals, future goals and services. While many freelance writers specialize in one niche, the ability to adapt to a diverse client base is an important skill to have as a professional writer. A professional will take the time to understand where you want your website to go.
4. Choose a freelance writer who spends time researching your products and services. Your website should describe something relevant to your business. Visitors come to your website to learn more about what you have to offer, and the content should reflect that knowledge. This is important for attracting your target audience, developing a good internet presence and improving your website’s ranking in search engines.
5. Check your freelance writing qualifications. Check out past projects or testimonials from writers you’re considering hiring. Is there evidence that they produce quality content? Spending a few minutes on their website should determine whether they have credentials or experience.
6. Does the freelance writer you choose have good communication skills? Here are the questions to ask before making a hiring decision. When you contact an author, do they respond within 24-48 hours? Are they friendly and open with your questions or concerns? Professionals want to make sure potential customers are happy, and good customer service is one way to do that.
7. Don’t hire the writer with the lowest or highest rate. This general business rule of thumb also applies to hiring freelance writers. Low rate writers are either “amateur” writers or don’t produce the best quality. On the other hand, hiring people outside your budget can cause you stress and frustration.
When your visitors or readers see a high-quality website, you have a higher chance of converting them into buyers and increasing your online business. If you take your career seriously, you want to hire a writer who takes his or her career seriously.
Finally, remember that not only do you want your website to have quality content, but the formatting, layout, and design must also look professional. Your website should be eye-catching, but not overloaded with ads and flashing lights. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and offers helpful or interesting content.
The bottom line is that your website represents the showcase of your business. If your storefront looks unprofessional, customers will think your business is unprofessional. Even if you’re just looking for readers, those readers can become customers if the content keeps them coming back for more. Choose a writer who can achieve these goals.
