How Do You Know What You Are Getting?

In the online business world, people are finally starting to realize that "content is king".  For the longest time, I hated that phrase.  However, in the competitive online marketing arena, that phrase is 100% TRUE.  Content is everything and it impacts more than you may know or even want to know.  Too many people think of content as a space filler, when in reality, your website content: 

-  determines your rank in the search engines
-  increases or decreases your website traffic
-  markets your services
-  is responsible for keeping users on your site. 

If your content is weak or lacking, you will pay the consequences and lose business. 

Businesses Play It Smart by Hiring Content Writers
Fortunately, many website owners and businesses are starting to understand that to operate a successful website or internet-based business, they need to have strong content.  Businesses have also started to invest some of their marketing budgets into hiring content writers or purchasing content writing services, which has led to saturation in the market. 

Now days, if you conduct a search for the term "content writers", you will be flooded with over 42 million results, which can make it difficult for you to separate the professionals from the amateurs.  Additionally, you may be left wondering "just what am I getting?" when you contact some of these writers or companies.

In order to make your selection process easier for you, here are some questions that may help you select the right content writer for your website, blog or next big internet project.  Before choosing a content writer, you should ask these questions so you know what you are getting (and getting yourself into):

FEEL FREE TO ASK

What industries have you written for?  This will help you determine if the writer has experience in your field, will need to perform research or will need some hand-holding.

How will you improve my SEO rank?  Content and SEO go hand-in-hand and should never be overlooked.  Look for a writer who has SEO experience and can prove it.  Experienced SEO writers will be able to give you urls to sites they have optimized and be able to prove they have what it takes to get you ranked.

Will you be doing the writing?  Be leery of a writer who will simply pass on the assignment to another person.  Instead, work with a writer that will commit to your project and who cares about your needs.  Now, there are content writing companies that may have several writers, but they should make you aware of this and tell you exactly who is working on your assignment.  

How long will this take?  Getting a clear timeline will set expectations.

Do you charge a flat rate, by the page or by the hour?  I usually advise clients to choose writers that charge by the page so they know what they are getting.  However, if you are looking to hire by the hour, refer to the question above as you will want to know how much time it will take for the writer to complete your assignment.  This will give you an idea of how much you will be charged.

What about revisions?  You need to know if the writer will charge you extra to revise his or her work.  What if you need a complete re-write?  Get this information upfront to avoid headache later.  

By asking these questions, it will be easier for you to find a content writer that meets your expectations, is fair and that delivers quality content.