Whether it be a lack of time, lack of writing expertise, or any other of a dozen reasons, it is fortuitous that businesses can hire writers to create their website content, including their blog posts. And just like any other business decision, there are pitfalls to be avoided.
Hiring a quality content writer is one of the best decisions you can make for your business. Fresh quality content keeps the “Google monster” fed and happy. Engaging and entertaining content delights your readers and keeps them coming back for more. With all of this riding on your decision to hire a writer, you want to make sure you hire the right writer.
Therefore, when you decide to hire writers watch out for the following pitfalls:
1. Avoid the Least Expensive Option
The least expensive option is often not the most viable option; you get what you pay for. If a writer claims to be able to deliver massive amounts of content, there is a good chance they are pilfering content from other sites. This practice can get your site banned from searches altogether.
Well written material costs a little extra because it adds value through organic traffic, now and for many years to come.
2. Avoid a Writer Who Will Not Provide Published Writing Samples
If a writer will not provide published writing samples citing client confidentiality issues, find a different content writer. This is an evasion technique frequently used by less than stellar writers.
3. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
Stuffing your site with keywords, even relevant keywords, can result in your site being penalized by all the major search engines. It also produces content that is tedious and difficult to read and understand. Therefore, look for a writer who creates well written content using a few well-chosen keywords.
If the writer will be choosing the keywords to be targeted, ask them how they determine the keywords to use in their writing.
4. Failure to Consider Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Related Links
A good content writer should be well-versed in the basics of SEO. They should be able to create optimized content, titles and headers. They should also be able to create content that is easily linked to other related material already present on your site.
5. Failure to Use Social Networking
A good content writer understands the importance of social networking. Content writers who fail to offer blogging and other social networking services fail to deliver a comprehensive service.
If you need a content writer to take care of your social media needs, make sure they have the capacity to do so.
6. Failure to Communicate
Do not hire a writer who is unwilling to listen to you. A great content writer will take the time to understand you and your business. This enables them to create content that is well-suited to your business and the unique product or service you have to offer.
You will go a long way towards hiring a writer that will deliver the content your site needs for success by avoiding these pitfalls.
Cindy M is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
