Many Internet marketers use writers to create content for their websites. We are frequently asked for suggestions on working with contractors. Let's take a look at some of the more common questions on the subject of hiring a writer.
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 but cost should not be your only concern - and never your first 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 she ask questions for clarification? Was the client happy with the outcome of the content? Did the writer need to tweak the article more than normal?
- Test their work. Give the writer a small assignment so you can see how she works. Does she take constructive criticism well? Does she make certain she understands the assignment before beginning by asking questions? Does she need hand holding throughout the entire process or do she 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 her rates? Do she charge by the hour, per page, per word, etc?
- Does she offer discounts for on-going work or client referrals? Many writers will offer this. 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?
- 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. We like to think the majority of contractors are honest and ethical, but there is always a possibility a contractor will accept payment in full and then never complete the work. Give your writer 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. If you want an alternate payment method, be sure to ask about that.
How do I assure I keep a contractor that does a good job?
When you find a writer that fits well with you and your business, you had better keep them. Some tips for keeping them include:
- Give her continual work. Don't just throw her a task or two a month, when you need something and expect her to stick around forever. She can and will move on to bigger and better projects if she doesn't have on-going work from you.
- Be patient during the learning curve. Working with someone new always has a learning curve. Your writer needs feedback and patience while she learns your writing style and preferences.
- Pay her on time, every time. Swift payment makes a writer want to work with you more because she knows she doesn't have to worry about whether she will receive her money or not.
- Allow them to correct any mistakes they make...don't just fix it for them. Your writer can't learn what you want if you don't let her know.
Once you find someone that works well, using a contractor to create content for your business is a wonderful thing. Be patient during the learning curve that comes with working with someone else and if you find it's just not working out, don't sweat it. Let her go and move on.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Corporate branding and technology outsourcing...unintelligent?
By: pluralconcepts | 27-09-2007
Plural Concepts is a corporate branding and technology outsourcing company. We are a team of practical consultants who provide our clients with what we call 'adaptive intelligence'. We have designed our bandwith of expertise in such a way that our technology outsourcing bandwidth provides us with a competive edge to support our corporate branding services.We are a new organization, probably an year old but we have come up with the capability of understanding the immense importance intelligence plays in everthing, may it be technology out sourcing or corporate branding.My question is can corporate branding be independent of technology? And when it comes to technology, doesnt adaptive intelligence play a significant role in building up a corporate brand through empowered technology?
Is anyone around here interested in technology ...
By: pluralconcepts | 12-09-2007
Is anyone around here interested in technology discussions? I am an internet consultant based in New Delhi, India.
Should Google cooperate with Indian authorities to infringe personal freedom?
By: Lior Haner | 10-09-2007
Google reportedly cooperated with Indian authorities in an incident where a Bangalore based engineer was arrested after posting "blasphemous" content to Google owned Orkut social network. Google operates according to local laws in each country. This is emphasized even more after hearing about Indian plans to install key stroke loggers in cyber cafes. Is it legitimate for a US company even when it infringing personal freedom?
Offshoring in India, where a US company has hired ...
By: jhally | 21-08-2007
Offshoring in India, where a US company has hired local employees and set up a division in India, not hired a third party contractor, to perform business functions. I need to know general trends in this process, cost savings, talent/labor pool trends, calculatings value.
Is there a web site to locate overseas workers ...
By: nmcgregor | 08-07-2007
Is there a web site to locate overseas workers looking for work they can do remotely? I am setting up a Remote Executive Assistants service and am looking for resources in countries such as India, Phillippines, Indonesia who are interested in undertaking this type of work on an outsourced basis. I'd like to find appropriate web sites where I can post a classified ad to find these types of resources. What job sites cater to those markets? Thanks for your help
China and India
By: ragoo | 02-06-2007
When you compare the two ?power houses? of this century, china and India, is there a similarity in the developmental steps they take. Is India today can be compared to china in the late 80?s or early 90?s?
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