Hiring a freelance writer of your dreams is not as difficult as it may seem. You have a huge resource of the ‘pick of the crop’ on social media networks. Searches on Google will return more results than you can handle. You will have a choice of professionals from individual freelancers and agencies.

Here’s the deal………….

The key to finding a freelance writer is to determine what you are actually looking for beforehand and ask yourself:

• Do you require someone to write content, blog, write whitepapers or social media content?
• Also are you looking for someone who is familiar with your particular industry?
• Also ask yourself about quality and content and how important it is for your image?
• How long should the content be?
• What format do you expect it in and what sort of style?

That’s not all…………

Once you have identified what you need, you also need to make a budgetary figure of how much you are willing to pay them and how. All will depend on your circumstances. 

You have a couple of payment options:

• By the hour, which is less common
• By the article, which is the standard but remember you have to factor in the length of content you desire as well as other variables such as drafts, complexity of the topic, any work with marketing and designers.
• On a retainer, especially if they are in sync with your organization and are able to produce ideas quickly. In terms of cost this may be the most effective for you and is also an attractive proposition for the Freelancer who has a steady income. A win-win scenario for both.

Once you have a clear strategy and all your ducks are in a row beforehand, it is time to begin your search.

As mentioned before the internet is a great resource tool, type in ‘Freelance Writer’ in Google and you will get literally thousands of potential writing resources from individuals, agencies and hiring freelancers review sites. You can also put the word out amongst colleagues and friends for recommendations.

searching for freelance writers

Assuming you have chosen an agency, who have already vetted the freelancers, they will be able to send you a list of potential freelance writers that are best suited for you and your needs.

But first, you will have to include all the relevant information (which you have done your due diligence on beforehand) on their site in their questionnaire which is simple to complete. They will also include a section where you can request additional information on what you are looking for.

Why does this matter?

The agency is then able to sift out the good ones and send you a short list of the potential candidates best suited for you.

Let’s face it, it takes all the hassle out of sifting through the long list, saving you time and money.

Now, that you have selected the best candidate, you should ask the following questions before hiring:

• Ask for references
• Examples of work-this will give you a sense of their technical proficiency and whether they can spell, correct grammar and their creativeness.
• Give them a test assignment

The hiring process

It is best to set the ground rules in the beginning to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

So much time can be wasted on lack of communication, sit with them and explain what you envision going through style, formatting, structure and show them an example that has caught your eye, which you think is great.

Go through timelines and when they will be able to deliver a finished piece of work. In essence you need them to complete work with a deadline.

Set a trial period of between 30 to 60 days so that you can access if they are best suited for you and live up to your expectations.

working with freelance writers

Work out between you terms of employment with compensation in writing.

The best part?

Congratulations, you are well on the way to hiring the Freelance Writer of your Dreams.