THE Guide to Outsourced Content Writing
Life is full of tough choices that often leave us caught between a rock and a hard place. Classic "this or that" dilemmas make us ponder, laugh, and sometimes pull our hair out in frustration.
Haven’t you ever wondered, “coffee or tea,” “stay in or go out,” or “cake or pie”? Yet, if you’re a business owner, you might face an even tougher dilemma: in-house writing team or outsourcing content writing. Bam.
Even if you decide to outsource, should you go for contractors or an agency? Is it even beneficial for your content creation process? Is it cost-effective? And, of course, the classic rhetorical question – how do I outsource content writing properly?
Hold on a moment. We get it. You’ve got lots of questions. But before they give you a headache, let’s walk through our practical guide on how to outsource blog writing, find freelance content writers, and simply get talented writers to conjure up verbal worlds for you. Sounds like a plan?
Why Outsourcing Content Writing?
Outsourcing content creation is a big trend, which probably isn’t a surprise to anyone.
Source: ExplodingtopicsThe real question is: why does this trend keep growing every year? Here are a few key drivers and benefits of outsourcing freelance writers:
🌟 Huge Money Saver
Building and maintaining an in-house content creation team can quickly drain your wallet. Yes, it’s fantastic to have a writer (or even a team of writers) who understands your company’s tone of voice, can create guidelines, and makes your brand voice shine. But…
Salaries, benefits, and office space all add up. Outsourcing, on the other hand, allows businesses to access a wider talent pool at competitive rates, often with flexible payment structures, and from anywhere in the world.
🌟 High-Quality Content Delivery and Expertise
Creating killer content requires both writing skills and the time commitment of marathon training. Outsourcing frees up your internal team to focus on what they do best, like building the next unicorn startup or perfecting the art of the high five.
Plus, when you hire an outsourced content creation company, you’ll collaborate with a team of professionals you need, whether it’s a dedicated content manager and an SEO expert or a technical writer and a specialist in your topic — full house.
🌟 Flexibility & Wide Range of Skills
Let’s be honest: content needs can be as unpredictable as a toddler on a sugar rush. Even if you're in a more traditional industry, where you need a lot of typical, jargon-filled pieces, trends can change, tweaking the expectations of how that content needs to be written.
Outsourcing lets you scale your content production up or down faster than you can say "chameleon."
Need a blog post on the latest tech trends? Poof! It’s in your inbox. Suddenly obsessed with the psychology of cat memes? Consider it done. Outsourced content writing is flexible by default. That’s only true, of course, if you find truly talented freelancers.
🌟 Higher Motivation
Freelancers only thrive when they’re truly good at what they do. Think about it — they don’t have a guaranteed monthly wage. Instead, they need to actively search for projects and ensure their clients are satisfied.
Otherwise, their ratings on freelance platforms could plummet. Employees, on the other hand, don’t typically face this kind of review system.
While you might have the most motivated in-house writers on Earth, it’s hard to deny that many freelancers are genuinely eager to take on your project.
So, if you need a content marketing team that rocks, outsourcing professional writers isn’t a bad idea. Why? Here are just a few reasons:
- Experience: Freelancers often handle dozens of different projects.
- Focus: Many of them have been solely dedicated to content creation for years.
- Client orientation: Their success depends on keeping clients happy.
Freelance writers live and breathe content creation. It’s their bread and butter, their morning coffee, their late-night Netflix binge — well, maybe not that last one. The point is — they’re specialists who are laser-focused on writing.
Besides, they aren’t distracted by office meetings, corporate emails, or water cooler gossip — just pure, unadulterated wordsmithing.
And here’s a little secret: because freelancers are constantly honing their craft across various industries, they might bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your projects. Don’t we all need a bit of that?
When Outsourcing Content Creation Is For You
While outsourcing is trendy, hold on — you might not necessarily need to hit that "Post a Job" button. Hiring freelance writers seems like a popular solution these days, but is it for you?
Here are the most common scenarios where outsourcing content writing can be a lifesaver:
✅ Too Many Tasks
Feeling like a single-celled organism trying to run a corporation? If your to-do list is longer than your grocery list on a pre-apocalypse shopping spree, delegating content creation can free up your precious time to focus on, well, not staring at a blinking cursor.
✅ You Need Content (Badly)
Building a content empire takes more than just a pebble tossed into the vast pond of the internet. If you need a consistent flow of high-quality content to dominate your niche, it’s time for that job ad.
✅ Your Business Is Entering a Premier League
If your business is expanding or gearing up to take off like a bottle rocket, you’ll likely need to churn out a lot more content faster. And let’s be honest, doing this in-house only can be tough, so outsourcing content writing is something you can consider.
✅ You Are Pragmatic and Need an SEO Boost
SEO is like a secret language spoken by robots (or at least it feels that way sometimes).
If you want your content to dominate the search engine results pages (SERPs) but your SEO knowledge is stuck in the dial-up era, outsourcing content writers who speak fluent SEO might be your best bet.
If you feel like we’ve just described you, let’s move to the next step and see how exactly one can outsource content writing in the most efficient way.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hire Freelance Writers
All it takes to hire any freelance writer is to go to any platform and pick anyone. But we don’t want just any freelancer; we need a professional writer who will make us love outsourcing instead of cursing it.
Good news — you can do that in 6 easy steps.
Step 1: Pick Your Content Outsourcing Option
There are plenty of content outsourcing options you can turn to, but it’s important to understand which one is most suitable for you. When it comes to outsourcing content writing services, you generally get to choose between:
- Freelance marketplace: To put it simply, these platforms are your gladiatorial arena, where freelance contenders from all corners fight for your content crown. Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer are your one-stop shops for freelance talent.
- Content marketing agency: This is like hiring a whole team of professionals, but cheaper and with less involvement from you compared to an in-house option. Usually, in addition to multiple writers, you also get an editor, SEO expert, project manager, etc. Seems like a good deal? Then, we might just know the team :)
- Individual freelance content writer: If you have a lower volume of tasks and aren’t too picky about quality, you can opt for a freelance content writer instead of an agency. While this might not be the best option for bigger businesses, it’s one of the most cost-effective solutions. Just keep in mind that a quality freelance content writer won’t charge too little, either.
- Content writing platform: These are essentially websites where you can register, define your task, choose your writer (optional), and order a piece of content. It’s like DoorDash delivery but for outsourced content. Often, you can even find some options with a monthly subscription fee.
Before we dive deeper into the whole “how-to” talk, take a look at the table we’ve prepared to help you compare your options.
Okay, now you might have a better idea of what you need. This includes (or should include) understanding whether you need just one good freelance writer or multiple writers. So, what’s next?
Step 2: Define Your Content Marketing Goals
Yes, it’s nothing surprising at this point. Still, defining your goals is a vital content marketing step, the very first one that could give you a head start or put you on the wrong track. So, be careful and triple-check your goals. Different companies aim for different outcomes:
- Higher SEO rankings: Some may be looking to boost their search engine optimization with keyword research and SEO-friendly written content.
- More traffic & higher conversions: Others want to attract more traffic to their website and convert casual visitors into loyal customers.
- Thought leadership: There are also businesses that might want to establish brand authority — to make their voice heard loud and clear amidst the digital cacophony.
- Save time & resources: Some companies might aim to save time and resources, freeing up their in-house team to focus on core business activities.
- Expanding overseas: Others could be eyeing the international market, needing expertly crafted content that speaks to people across different cultures and languages.
- Maintaining your brand image: And let’s not forget the goal of maintaining a consistent and engaging brand tone across all platforms.
So, the main question is simple — what are your goals? Essentially, you can’t build an effective content strategy unless you answer this.
🙃 Gentle reminder: Btw, it’s totally okay to want every single outcome from the list above, and you can achieve that. But if you’re just starting out and your content marketing strategy is still raw, focus on one goal at a time. Trust us — you’ll have it all. Eventually.
Step 3: Figure Out the Content Writers You Need
Know your goals? Great! Now, it’s easier to determine what type of outsourced writers you need. This is crucial whether you’re planning to work with content marketing agencies or freelance content writers.
Of course, an agency can guide you a bit, but it’s best to have a clear vision yourself. So, who’s your choice?
- Technical writers;
- Certain niche expert writers;
- A freelance content writer for a single blog post;
- SEO qualified writer;
- Newsletter writers;
- Social media writers;
- Direct response content writers;
- Outsourced writers focused on conversion;
- Experienced content writers for turnkey work.
Of course, you can always find freelance content writers who can do all that. Yet, if you know that you need diverse content formats, a content marketing agency with a whole team of professionals will probably be a better pick for you.
Step 4: Specify Your Budget
Take a look at the next picture. You’ll see one possible way to gauge how decent writers charge their clients. Here’s the thing — you might need to outsource content writing for just a few months or hire someone for just a few blog posts.
But it’s important to crunch the numbers to understand what you can realistically offer.
Source: Smart BloggerWhat will influence the price the most? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Scope of work: Are you looking for a few snappy blog posts a month, or do you need an epic content marketing blitz? The bigger the project, the more you’ll need to invest. Yet, the price per blog will typically be lower when you have higher volumes.
- Content complexity: Simple, breezy articles might be easy on the wallet, but if you need in-depth, research-packed whitepapers or technical guides, be prepared for a higher cost.
- Writer expertise: Want to bring in the big guns? Experienced writers with expertise in your industry might charge more, but their quality wordsmithing can be worth every penny. It’s a quality-over-quantity approach. If you hire a talented writer with just 6 months of experience, you won’t pay much. But for an article from Oprah of the copywriting world, you’ll pay significantly more.
- Frequency: How often do you need content? Regularly scheduled programming might come with bulk pricing, but you’ll need a heftier budget to keep the content machine running smoothly.
Step 5: Create Your Workflow
When you outsource content creation, it's important to have a clear idea of what your typical collaboration will look like. To ensure you get the results you want, once you find your candidates, walk them through your workflow. You could follow these steps:
1️⃣ Kickoff Meeting
Start with a comprehensive kickoff meeting. Introduce your team, outline your goals, and set expectations. This is your chance to get everyone on the same page and build a solid foundation for your content outsourcing.
You can even prepare first drafts before hiring a content production team. This way, you can give your outsourced writers a clear blueprint to follow. While it might seem excessive, think of it as the train you can’t stop later without a disaster.
2️⃣ Communication Channels
The secret to any successful content writing service is proper communication. That’s why it’s vital to decide on your primary communication channels.
Whether it’s email, Slack, Zoom, or carrier pigeons, pick a method that works for everyone and stick to it.
3️⃣ Project Management Tools
How are you going to manage your content writers? Use Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and progress. These platforms make collaboration easy and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Here, you can post content writing projects and specify all the details for each of them, including word count, outline, and the date to get each blog post delivered.
4️⃣ Content Calendar
Develop a content calendar to schedule and plan your content marketing. This helps keep everyone organized and ensures a steady flow of material without any last-minute scrambles.
5️⃣ Regular Check-Ins
Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, address any issues, and provide feedback on your outsourced content. These meetings help maintain momentum and keep the lines of communication open.
6️⃣ Feedback Loop
Establish a clear feedback process. Be specific and constructive with your reviews to help writers understand your preferences and improve with each iteration.
If you provide detailed feedback, getting what you need will become so much easier. This is an essential step whether you’re hiring content marketing agencies or outsourced writers.
Content writing projects vary, and so do the teams that handle them. When you outsource your content writing, you might discover different, more effective workflows.
If that’s the case, consider trying something new. Who knows? It could be exactly the boost your content marketing strategy needed.
Step 6: Master Content Briefs
You can’t outsource content writing services and expect your new team to guess everything you require. That’s why mastering content briefs is essential to creating tasks that are clear and align with your content strategy.
A content brief is like a big map, covering everything from SEO strategy requirements to relevant documentation (optional but helpful).
When you hire content writers, you need to provide them with crucial information about your target audience and the writing style you want them to adopt. You have to teach them (or at least give them a clue) about the art of “speaking your business’s language.”
Essentially, every brief should equip your content writing team with all the details they need to deliver exactly what you want.
Clarify what you want to achieve with each piece of content. Are you looking to educate, entertain, convert, or all of the above? How many articles do you need? Setting clear objectives ensures your content hits the mark.
Here are 10 essential elements any content brief should have:
When You Shouldn't Outsource Blog Writing
Everything has its limitations. While outsourcing content creation can be a game-changer, there are some tasks you should keep in-house.
❌ Highly Confidential Projects
Keep in mind that internal-only communications requiring some almost ‘intimate’ knowledge of your company’s quirky culture, intricate product details, or top-secret projects are best handled internally.
❌ Immediate Content Needs
Freelancers might not be your go-to for fast-turnaround, real-time content needs where immediate action and deep company context are crucial. However, there might be exceptions. If you have a permanent partner content writing agency, they can handle these tasks as well.
❌ Daily Brainstorming
If your content creation involves daily in-person brainstorming or constant collaboration with other departments, in-house is where the magic happens. Again, if you have a solid partnership with a freelancer or agency, they can still attend these meetings.
❌ Strategic Planning
Let’s be clear — strategic planning and top-level marketing decisions? Those are best brewed in-house to keep everything aligned with your long-term goals and vision unless you hire an agency specifically for this.
So, while freelancers are fantastic for many things, some tasks just need that home-cooked touch. Even the most qualified writer needs time to understand all the nuances of your business and brand.
When you outsource your content, don’t expect the content creation team to reference an inside-company event or joke. Instead, rely on their industry knowledge — that’s where their value truly lies.
Extra Tips for Smooth Content Outsourcing
Freelance writers are a rare breed, and they might not be your typical marketing conversationalists. How you communicate with them can significantly impact their final work. Here are a few tips to follow for the best results:
✅ Time Zones Matter
Your outsourced pen pushers might be working in a different time zone. While you're sipping your morning coffee, they might be catching some Zzz's. Be patient with response times, and if something is super urgent, consider scheduling a quick call during overlapping work hours.
✅ Keep It Light
Communication doesn’t have to be dry — even if you’re in a finance or legal business. A little humor or a friendly emoji can go a long way.
Building rapport with your content writing agency makes the whole process more enjoyable (and who knows, maybe they’ll throw in an extra witty line or two in your content!).
✅ Celebrate the Good Stuff
Really. Did a writer absolutely crush a blog post? Let them know! Positive reinforcement goes a long way in keeping your team motivated and feeling valued. A virtual high-five or a funny meme can do wonders.
It’s easy to hold writers accountable for mistakes, but giving them credit for their successes might prevent those mistakes from happening in the first place.
Conclusion
Outsourcing content is like assembling an all-star team. With the right players and a solid game plan, you can achieve remarkable results. Sure, there might be a few bumps along the way, but with patience, flexibility, and a dash of humor, you'll navigate the process with ease.
Once your freelance writers are in sync and delivering high-quality content, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. If you have that feeling, congratulations — you’ve found your perfect word-taming team.
FAQ: Your What-Ifs Answered
What Is Outsource Content Writing?
Outsource content writing means hiring external writers or an entire agency to provide content writing services for you instead of doing it in-house.
Essentially, you can outsource anything from keyword research to all the writing you need, including social media posts, newsletters, case studies, corporate blogs, guest posts, and more.
How to Outsource Content Writing?
You can outsource your content writing in 6 easy steps:
- Pick your content outsourcing option, whether it’s an agency, a freelancer, or a content writing service platform.
- Define your content marketing goals to set clear expectations.
- Figure out what types of content you need and pick the writers with proper expertise.
- Specify the budget you can allocate to outsource content creation,
- Create a clear workflow that helps you be more efficient.
- Master the art of content briefs to get the results you want from your outsourced writers.
How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Blogging?
Outsourcing blogging can vary widely depending on your requirements, geography, niche, and other factors. Typically, the price per blog ranges between $50 and $500. Highly specialized pieces can cost over $500.
If you need regular blogs, you can find agencies that offer packages where each high-quality 1,000-word blog costs around $150.
How Much Do Freelancers Charge per Blog?
Freelancers typically charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per blog post. Of course, you can find options for $5-$10 per post, but it’s often better to just use ChatGPT.
The price varies greatly depending on your industry, the length of content, the level of research, and the writer’s qualifications. Generally:
- Entry-level freelancers charge around $50 to $100 for a standard post (up to 1,000 words).
- More experienced writers ask for at least $150 to $300 per blog.
- For a long, in-depth guide, rates can go up to $500+ per piece.
How Much Do Content Writing Agencies Charge?
These days, there isn’t much difference between what a good freelance writer and an agency charges. The most budget-friendly choice is to find an agency that offers a content package for a fixed price.
This way, you can get your corporate blog updated weekly with well-researched content for around $2,000 per month. A well-rounded agency with an in-house team can be one of the most cost-efficient options, providing extremely high-quality services.
