So, you’ve decided to hire a freelance content writer for your small business—smart move! But the big question remains: how do you find the perfect fit?

There are so many content writers that are just a click away from helping (or hindering) your business. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start.

Let’s take a look at some of the best platforms to scout for the ideal content writer, key skills to prioritize, and the most important factors to consider before making that crucial hire.

The Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Content Writer

Running a small business comes with juggling a million tasks. One essential but often time-consuming job? Crafting killer content that speaks volumes about your brand. Here’s why roping in a freelance content writer might just be the superhero move your small business needs.

1. Expertise Without the Overhead: Freelance content writers bring specialized skills without the full-time salary baggage. You get top-notch writing, SEO mastery, or social media wizardry without adding another desk to your office.
2. Flexibility at Your Fingertips: Got a project that needs a quick turnaround? Freelancers are the cavalry riding in on short notice. Need content sporadically? They’re here for one-off gigs or ongoing collaborations, adjusting to your business’s fluctuating needs.
3. Fresh Perspective, Killer Content: An outsider’s view can breathe new life into your content. Freelancers often bring diverse experiences from working with various businesses, infusing creativity and fresh perspectives into your brand’s storytelling.
4. Tailored Talent for Your Needs: No one-size-fits-all here! Freelancers come in all shapes and sizes—specialists in blog writing, SEO gurus, social media mavens. You pick the talent that matches your content dreams.
5. Speedy Turnaround, No Compromise on Quality: Freelancers are known for their agility. Need content yesterday? They’re masters of hitting deadlines without skimping on quality.

The Best Places to Hire Content Writers

Hiring freelance content writers can be rough if you don’t know where (or how)to look, but there are some great platforms out there for finding exactly what you need.

Fiverr

Fiverr is a huge marketplace where you can find any kind of content writer that you need. Its uniqueness lies in its gig-based system, where freelancers create specific service offerings, known as “gigs,” with set prices or packages. This allows quick access to freelancers, making it easy for clients to browse and hire talent swiftly.

You can choose from different packages or negotiate directly with freelancers. Additionally, the transparent review and rating system on Fiverr will give you great insights into a freelancer’s performance based on past projects.

Related: Why Fiverr is the Best Website to Hire Freelancers

Upwork

Upwork operates on a bidding system where employers post job opportunities and freelancers bid on these projects, providing options for negotiation and price flexibility.

Upwork also offers workroom features, including project management tools, communication channels, and payment tracking within the platform. Clients can opt for hourly or fixed-price contracts based on project requirements, offering flexibility in payment structures.

Textbroker

Textbroker focuses on offering access to a network of content writers with varying expertise levels. Unlike other platforms, Textbroker’s primary emphasis is on content specificity. Clients place orders for specific content needs, such as word count, and Textbroker matches these orders with suitable writers. It’s best for long-form content rather than emails and social posts.

The platform incorporates a star-rating system for writers based on quality, providing clients with insights into a writer’s skill level. Its transparent pricing model, based on desired content quality, allows clients to select based on budget and quality requirements.

Each platform has its unique strengths, catering to different hiring preferences and offering a variety of freelancers, pricing structures, and project management tools.

Assessing Your Content Needs Before You Hire a Content Writer

Before you start the hunt for a freelance content writer, let’s first figure out what content you really need. Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned business, understanding your content needs is key.

Different freelance content writers will specialize in different areas, such as:

• Email campaigns
• Social media posts
• Blogs
• Website content
• And more!

What are your goals and what kind of content will help you reach them?

Identify your primary business goals. If immediate sales are your top priority, focusing on email campaigns or website content might be the way to go. If brand visibility or engagement is the aim,  start building a social media presence.

Your target audience is going to be another important factor. It’s a waste of money to hire a content writer for content your audience will never read.

Where does your audience spend their time online? What content types do they like?

That’s where you’ll want to focus your attention.

Next, take a look at what content you currently have. If you’re already posting frequently to social media (and getting engagement), but your website is sparse, hiring a content writer to focus on website content might provide a more balanced content strategy.

Related: How to Attract Guest Bloggers to Write for My Site

What Skills Should You Look for When Hiring a Content Writer?

As you set out to hire the perfect content writer, consider the specific skills needed for the role. While it’s unlikely to find a candidate with every skill listed here, that’s ok. Focus on the skills that directly contribute to achieving your business goals. For instance, if boosting website traffic is critical, SEO expertise becomes a priority.

If you’re already proficient with WordPress or don’t want to provide access, then you can forget about that altogether. Keep these things in mind while you list out what’s important to you.

High-Priority Skills:

1. Content Marketing: Proven experience managing and executing successful content marketing strategies.
2. SEO Expertise: Demonstrated ability to drive web traffic from search engines.
3. Social Media Marketing: Proven track record utilizing social media channels to amplify content, manage reputation, and drive website traffic.
4. Editing Mastery: Strong editorial skills, including the ability to maintain brand consistency in language, style, and tone.
5. Blogging Proficiency: Successful management of business blogs that align with organizational goals.
6. WordPress Proficiency: Ability to create and troubleshoot content within the WordPress platform.
7. Copywriting Expertise: Understanding the art of persuasive content creation.
8. Lead Generation: Experience using digital and print content to generate leads and sales.
9. Analytics Mastery: Proficiency in analytics platforms like Google Analytics to refine marketing strategies. (This is only a priority if you are hiring a long-term content strategist)

Additional Skills (Bonuses):

• Design Platforms: Proficiency in Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro for image creation and manipulation.
• Creativity: Demonstrated creative skills in typography, layout, and design via a professional portfolio.
• Organization: Ability to multitask and meet diverse deadlines.
• Coding Knowledge: Familiarity with HTML/CSS, with advanced knowledge in PHP and JavaScript as a plus.
• Critical Thinking: Identifying trends and adapting strategies using analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Journalism Skills: Experience in producing research-based content.
• Video Production: Ability to create compelling visual stories aligned with organizational goals.
• YouTube Optimization: Skill in driving traffic to video content and optimizing videos for YouTube search.

As you look at potential candidates, consider their strengths in these areas, understanding that a blend of these skills can greatly contribute to your content success depending on your needs.

What to Look for in Freelance Content Writer Profiles

There are thousands of freelance content writers out there. After reviewing profile after profile, things may start to blur together and make you want to hire the next writer you click on. (If you’re already at that stage, I have exactly what you need to hire right without the frustration.) Here’s what to consider and the key questions to ask to make sure you find the best fit for your content needs:

Freelance Content Writer Profiles:

• Portfolio and Samples: Does their portfolio of work show they can work in the style and tone you are looking for? Do they have examples of work within your industry? If it’s not on display, don’t hesitate to ask them if they have a sample of what you’re looking for.
• Ratings and Reviews: Check ratings and feedback from previous clients. Are there consistent positive reviews highlighting communication, quality, and meeting deadlines? What about negative reviews and posted responses to them?
• Experience and Expertise: Assess their experience and expertise in areas crucial to your project. Are they well-versed in SEO, social media marketing, or specific content types you require?

Key Questions to Ask:

• Previous Creative Projects: Can you share an example of your most creative/relevant/successful/etc.  content project? How did you market it, and what goals did it achieve?
• SEO and Traffic Generation: Can you discuss a piece of content that gained significant traffic from search engines or social media channels? What strategies did you employ for optimization?
• Handling Challenges: Share an obstacle faced while managing a content project. How did you resolve it while meeting deadlines and objectives?
• Content Optimization Skills: What tools or techniques do you use for content optimization, be it SEO, social media, or persuasive content creation?
• Analytics and Data-Driven Approach: How do you use data and analytics to adjust content strategy for better results?
• Editing and Quality Enhancement: Share an example of how you’ve improved the quality and impact of content through editing and revision.
• Lead/Sales Generation Content: Can you discuss content you’ve created that led to significant lead generation or sales? How did you persuade through content?

Related: What Questions to Ask When Hiring a Freelancer for Your Small Business Marketing Needs

These questions and profile evaluation criteria serve as a guideline to identify freelancers who align with your project needs, ensuring you find a content writer capable of delivering high-quality, goal-oriented content.

Hiring Content Writers for Ongoing Work

The great thing about hiring freelancer content writers is that you only have to hire them when you need them. No more busy work to justify keeping an employee, just projects completed as you need them.

But if you find that you really like a specific freelancer and want to hire them for ongoing work—great! Platforms like Fiverr allow options to subscribe to a specific freelancer and get recurring work done. Remember: If you found your freelancer on a freelance platform, it’s against terms of service to take them off the platform and hire them independently. It’s better to continue hiring them through the system so that you keep those protections in place.

Hiring a freelance content writer is like adding an ace to your business deck. They bring expertise minus the full-time expense, adaptability to match your changing needs, and a fresh, outside perspective that breathes new life into your brand storytelling. Whether it’s through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Textbroker, finding the right fit means tailoring your search to match your unique business goals and content needs. So, go ahead, harness the power of freelance content writing, and watch your business soar with content that truly speaks to your audience.

Eager to level up your business with the magic touch of freelance content writers? Download my free guide, “Outsource with Confidence: Lessons from Buying 1,000+ Gigs on Fiverr.” I’ve been on the outsourcing train for over a decade, and trust me, I’ve gathered some real gems and learned a few lessons the hard way. Let me help you scale up without the usual stress. Grab the guide now!