Key Takeaways
- Treat the hiring process like recruiting an employee – Don’t just pick the cheapest option or the first search result. Interview multiple writers, assess their fit with your goals, and build a relationship. If they’re not right for your project, they may refer you to someone who is.
- Ask about relevant experience, not just general writing skills – Inquire about their industry-specific experience, SEO/AIO knowledge, and familiarity with your type of project (blog posts, website copy, book ghostwriting, etc.). A writer with transferable skills from similar industries can often be a good fit.
- Understand their process and pricing structure upfront – Content writers typically charge per post or project, not hourly. Discuss their workflow, set expectations, and establish what happens if the project scope changes. This alignment prevents frustration and ensures smooth collaboration.
When hiring a content writer for your marketing agency, nonprofit, or book project, choosing the one with the lowest rates or ranks at the top of the search results is easy. They may not be the best writer for your project. Is it better to research a few writers and interview them as if you were hiring an employee? Yes! Just like I want to work with clients aligned with my experience and goals, I expect you would too.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Content Writer (FAQ)
Think of the process as if you were hiring a content author to be an employee and allow them to get to know you. It’s a process. If they’re not a good fit, ask if they can recommend someone who is. They may be able to refer your agency to another writer (I know I refer when possible), or you may be able to refer them to another agency. This way, your relationship is kept open, even if it isn’t a good fit for a particular project or client.
I’d be rich if I had a dollar for every time I was asked to write a resume. Instead of brushing off the requestor, I refer them to professionals in my network who specialize in updating resumes; that’s just not one of my specialties. That’s why it’s important to research writers before hiring someone.
How long have you been a content writer?
If you’re seeking a content writer who is familiar with SEO or has experience in a particular industry (more on that later), then a new-ish writer may not be the right fit. It’s great that your neighbor’s son has a blog, but he may not be the right fit. He may not understand business blogging techniques or book ghostwriting. Finding the right person takes time; we’re not all good writers. As with anything, it takes experience.
What kind of experience do you have writing for my industry?
A web designer called to ask if I knew anything about the roofing industry. While I hadn’t written for that industry, I have experience writing for other home services, including pest control and landscaping. She took the chance on me, and I wrote 12 blog posts for her roofing client, which they liked.
What is your SEO or AIO training and/or experience?
As digital marketing continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important to create content with search engine optimization, or SEO, in mind. We’ve entered the age of AIO or AI optimization; while the tactics are similar to SEO, changes are needed in how content is written. Writing a beautifully poetic piece is excellent, but if that’s not what your organization needs, that writer isn’t a good fit.
How do you get paid?
Content authors, writers, and ghost writers are paid per blog post or project. We’re not paid hourly or per word. I base my blogging on a per-post flat-rate structure, while website copywriting and book coaching or writing projects are per-project pricing.
What is your process?
This is a commonly asked question. I wrote a blog post, What is My Process When Working with Agencies, describing what happens from the first point of contact. It begins with a consultation about the project or ongoing work. If we connect on ideas and process, I will provide a scope of work and pricing. Then we schedule a kick-off call and begin creating.
What is your writing experience with the project we have in mind?
This will give you insight into the specific experience of working with agencies and how the writer collaborates with clients. My first client was a PR/Marketing agency, so I’ve had 15+ years of experience. My straightforward process usually aligns with my clients, and we can work together efficiently.
Share your expectations for the project or ongoing work. That way you’re both on the same page. If the project goes out of scope, you and the content writer know the cost and time for the next steps. It prevents us from getting frustrated with each other if we have a plan at the start of the work.
Before hiring a content writer at the top of the search engine results, interview a few to see who has the best experience and fits with your organization or personal book project. If you’re interested in learning more, schedule a consultation through the link at the top of this page. If you’re in Charlotte, NC, email me at anne@agencycontentwriter.com, and let’s meet face to face.