Hiring a full-time content writer for your website or blog is a great way to get high-quality content for your website. But how do you choose the right writer for your needs? Here are some tips to get you started:
Experience level
The experience level of a full-time content writer varies widely, but usually requires a bachelor’s degree. Experience with writing is preferred by some companies, while others will hire a recent college graduate with no experience in a niche field. Experience with writing for the web can be enhanced with additional training and certifications from online organizations or community colleges. A bachelor’s degree can also be helpful for advancing your career.
The duties and responsibilities of a Content Writer vary according to their specific area of expertise. Those working in creative industries may not need to do as much research, while those working in technical fields may focus more on their own ideas. Regardless of the area of specialty, all Content Writers should be able to turn client ideas into finished pieces of writing. Here are some of the main responsibilities and duties of a Content Writer.
Education
When looking for a content writer to write for your business, the first step is to create a detailed editorial calendar and provide the content writer with a list of guidelines. Clearly define your expectations and include examples of what you expect. Then set a call to discuss the content guidelines and timelines. You may need to give your content writer some topics or write a story, or provide feedback on the work. This is especially important at the beginning of the relationship.
After identifying the needs of your business, you need to determine whether you want a full-time or freelance content writer. Consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision. In-house writers are more dependable than freelancers because they are committed to your company and take ownership of their work. They will also have better communication and collaboration opportunities with you and your employees. The last thing you need is a writer who snoozes on a deadline.
Portfolio
In the writing portfolio, you should include a call to action to contact you or see a sample of your work. Clients want to know your name, age, educational qualification, and your writing style. It also helps if you can include your biggest achievements in a short but interesting description. Writers often have the same tone or style, so make sure that your writing style is unique to your work.
Create multiple portfolio websites: You should set up at least two of these sites. One is LinkedIn, which allows you to display publications and professional content on your profile, but it is not a standalone portfolio. Another website is Pressfolios, which is a free platform where you can upload clippings and articles. You can post up to 12 stories for free a month, with unlimited uploads possible. You can even have your own URL. If you are a journalist, this site is especially useful as you can categorize your clips by sections.
Rates
How do you determine the right rates for a full-time content writer? First, you need to decide how many hours per project you need the writer to complete. Then, consider the types of writing that you need done and how long each project will take. Then, estimate how much you’ll charge per hour for each one. These rates are likely to be different depending on the amount of work you need done.
While the most basic rate is per word, the more complex the project, the higher the rate. Expert-level writers typically charge up to $100 per hour, but a $1-to-$20 rate is also reasonable. The hourly rate can include research and strategy, but these services aren’t included in the base rate. A flat rate per email can also be a good starting point. If you need to hire a freelance writer for more complex tasks, you might want to consider hiring a content writer with a higher rate.