Tips for Working with Contractors to Create Content
Many Internet marketers use writers to create content for their websites. I’m frequently asked for suggestions on working with contractors. So, today I’m going to answer some of the more common questions on the subject of hiring a writer. By the way, in the next week or two, Mila and I will have complete and free downloadable guide about outsourcing your content. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s ready.
How do I find the right person for the job?
When first looking for a writer, you might be tempted to go with the cheapest one just to save a few dollars. Cost should not be your only concern. This person is going to be writing as you and you should feel comfortable putting your name on the work they do. Here are some things to do to find the best fit for you.
- Request samples of their writing. This will give you a feel for how they approach different topics, the amount of time they put into making sure the content is informative and engaging to your readers, as well as if they have an understanding of the subject.
- Request references. Ask around your group of networking friends. Have they used the particular writer? Was the writer timely and did they ask questions for clarification? Were they happy with the outcome of the content? Did they need to tweak the article more than normal?
Another way is to look for testimonials from past clients on their site. Do they have more than a few? Keep in mind they won’t be posting any negative feedback on their site, which is where the checking of references will come into play.
- Test their work. Give the writer a small assignment so you can see how they work. Do they take constructive criticism well? Do they make certain they understand the assignment before beginning by asking questions? Do they need hand holding throughout the entire process or do they complete the project with very little direction?
What about payment?
How payment to the contractor is handled will be something the two of you should discuss up front, before any work is passed back and forth. You should find out the following from the contractor regarding payment:
- What are their rates? Do they charge by the hour, per page, per word, etc?
- Do they offer discounts for on-going work or client referrals? Keep this in mind for future projects.
- When do they invoice clients? Do they bill once the project is complete, weekly, or monthly? What are your payment terms? We’ll discuss how soon you should pay them later.
- Is a deposit required? If so, how much do you need to initially put down? Although paying a deposit is ok, never pay 100% upfront. I like to think the majority of contractors are honest and ethical, but it there is always a possibility a contractor will accept payment in full and then never complete the work. Give them an incentive for completion; payment or remainder of amount due.
- Will you be paying them via paypal, check, or some other method? Paypal is pretty standard in today’s virtual world, but not everyone does it this way, so be sure to double check.
How do I assure I keep a contractor that does a good job?
When you’ve found a writer that fits well with you and your business, you had better keep them. Some tips for keeping them include:
- Give them continual work. Don’t just throw them a task or two a month, when you need something and expect them to stick around forever. They can and will move on to bigger and better projects if they don’t have on-going work from you.
- Be patient during the learning curve.
- Pay them on time, every time. Swift payment makes them want to work with you more because they know they don’t have to worry about whether they will receive their money.
- Offer additional work.
- Allow them to correct any mistakes they make…don’t just fix it for them.
Using a contractor to create content for your business is a wonderful thing, once you find someone that works well with you. Take the time to be patient during the learning curve that comes with working someone else, but if you come across someone who just will not work for you, don’t sweat it. Let them go and move on.
How do I find the right person for the job?
When first looking for a writer, you might be tempted to go with the cheapest one just to save a few dollars. Cost should not be your only concern. This person is going to be writing as you and you should feel comfortable putting your name on the work they do. Here are some things to do to find the best fit for you.
- Request samples of their writing. This will give you a feel for how they approach different topics, the amount of time they put into making sure the content is informative and engaging to your readers, as well as if they have an understanding of the subject.
- Request references. Ask around your group of networking friends. Have they used the particular writer? Was the writer timely and did they ask questions for clarification? Were they happy with the outcome of the content? Did they need to tweak the article more than normal?
Another way is to look for testimonials from past clients on their site. Do they have more than a few? Keep in mind they won’t be posting any negative feedback on their site, which is where the checking of references will come into play.
- Test their work. Give the writer a small assignment so you can see how they work. Do they take constructive criticism well? Do they make certain they understand the assignment before beginning by asking questions? Do they need hand holding throughout the entire process or do they complete the project with very little direction?
What about payment?
How payment to the contractor is handled will be something the two of you should discuss up front, before any work is passed back and forth. You should find out the following from the contractor regarding payment:
- What are their rates? Do they charge by the hour, per page, per word, etc?
- Do they offer discounts for on-going work or client referrals? Keep this in mind for future projects.
- When do they invoice clients? Do they bill once the project is complete, weekly, or monthly? What are your payment terms? We’ll discuss how soon you should pay them later.
- Is a deposit required? If so, how much do you need to initially put down? Although paying a deposit is ok, never pay 100% upfront. I like to think the majority of contractors are honest and ethical, but it there is always a possibility a contractor will accept payment in full and then never complete the work. Give them an incentive for completion; payment or remainder of amount due.
- Will you be paying them via paypal, check, or some other method? Paypal is pretty standard in today’s virtual world, but not everyone does it this way, so be sure to double check.
How do I assure I keep a contractor that does a good job?
When you’ve found a writer that fits well with you and your business, you had better keep them. Some tips for keeping them include:
- Give them continual work. Don’t just throw them a task or two a month, when you need something and expect them to stick around forever. They can and will move on to bigger and better projects if they don’t have on-going work from you.
- Be patient during the learning curve.
- Pay them on time, every time. Swift payment makes them want to work with you more because they know they don’t have to worry about whether they will receive their money.
- Offer additional work.
- Allow them to correct any mistakes they make…don’t just fix it for them.
Using a contractor to create content for your business is a wonderful thing, once you find someone that works well with you. Take the time to be patient during the learning curve that comes with working someone else, but if you come across someone who just will not work for you, don’t sweat it. Let them go and move on.
1 Comments:
I'm just about to hire a writer and this will come in handy.
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