How to find and hire blog writers

Developing a blog is difficult. For an effective website, you require both quality and regular content. The recommended number of posts per month is still unclear, but marketing experts believe it is essential to post 16+ times monthly. Blogging consistently can be challenging, but it's essential for maintaining and growing your base and content marketing.

Impact of monthly blog posts on traffic (Source)

Sixteen posts may not seem like much, but ensuring you have quality articles to inspire readers with interesting information can become an arduous task. This is where hiring blog writers come in. A quality blog writer(s) can help you maintain a consistent output of quality content, saving you time and worry.

Finding a quality blog writer(s) can be just as challenging as writing the content yourself. Knowing where to find good writers and effectively working with them is essential for content marketing success.

1. Know where to find writers
2. What to consider before hiring a writer
3. How to hire writers
4. FAQS

1. Know where to find writers

There is a saying, “The best way to find a needle in a haystack is to know where the haystack is.”

So, the best place to hire freelance writers is knowing where to look. You can source these talented writers through online job boards, freelancer marketplaces, and content agencies.

With the rise of remote working, there are websites dedicated to helping people ditch the 9 to 5 by building remote income streams, as well as numerous online job boards, agencies, and marketplaces specifically for writers. Let’s take a look at some of these options.

Job boards

Job boards are insanely popular. They are sites where you can easily post your job details for writers to apply. Here are some excellent job boards to consider:

ProBlogger

ProBlogger is a job board specifically for bloggers. Darren Rowse, a well-known professional blogger, created ProBlogger to offer full-time and freelance blog writers a platform to submit their resume examples and samples.

To find writers on ProBlogger, create a free account and add your job posting.

ProBlogger is open to writers from all over the world, but you can use the location filter to find writers in your country or region.

BloggingPro

BloggingPro is another well-known job board for writers. List your freelance copywriting, journalism, or blog writing jobs here. There are many qualified writers who visit this site daily, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Content agencies

Many content agencies will help you with the development and management of content for your blog. They offer services like keyword research, tracking KPIs, and formulating content strategy. They are the go-to if you don't want to spend time vetting writers. Let’s take a look at a few content agency options.

#1 Strategically

We may be a little biased, but Strategically content agency is the go-to place for expert blog writers. We have a seasoned team of writers, editors, and content strategists who will create helpful content. 

Every professional who works here is taken through a vigorous vetting process. You’re always assured your work is being handled by a pro.

The best part? This award-winning content agency manages the entire content production process and gives you unlimited revisions. 

#2. Contently

Contently provides an online content management solution tailored for enterprise users. They offer a full-service blog writing program; however, if you only need a few regular blogs, they may not fill this niche, as Contently is geared toward business that wants content on a scale.

Writing Studio provides content writing services for websites. Writing Studio manage the process entirely, so there is no need to hire an expert to write and another to manage your blogs. Writing Studio streamlines the content production procedure where their team of 80+ writers and 15+ editors research, edit, format, and optimize content.

This platform is handy if you don't want the hassle of going through applications and vetting writers. However, it is more expensive than hiring freelance writers.

Skyword provides content marketing services to companies. Their services include content creation, content management solutions, training, data & insights.

They have a team of professional writers who primarily focus on preparing content and helping you with a content audit, content strategy, and tracking the success of your KPIs.

Verblio provides writing services in many content categories, including blog articles. They provide content for marketing agencies and businesses.

After signing up, you tell Verblio about your audience, your website's voice, and your SEO requirements. You then choose monthly credits that fit your needs and request content. However, if you don't have the time to manage the platform, you can use Verblio Valet, a fully managed service.

Brafton is a full-service content marketing agency. They provide an integrated SEO strategy that includes keyword search, SEO optimization, editing, and proofreading. 

Brafton is more expensive than hiring a freelance writer. However, if you need a dedicated content marketing agency, Brafton could be the right agency for you.

Content marketing firm Animalz helps SaaS companies develop and market quality content for growth.

Animalz's team includes strategic consultants, research writers, and editors, all of whom will assist in facilitating content development. Their clients include Google and Intercom.

Ask for recommendations if you know other businesses in your industry with a blog. They may have already gone through the vetting process to find the best blog writers and can save you time by sharing their experiences.

When requesting recommendations, Premium Content Shop recommends this template:

“Hey, [Name]. I'm on a search for a new B2B content writer for a project, and I'm wondering if you have someone you could refer? Particularly a writer you've worked with and loved their work?"

This strategy can also apply to finding blog writers on social media. You can post a status or tweet asking for recommendations.

Look for freelancers who write for other blogs

One way to find good blog writers is to look for freelancers who already write for other blogs. 

Search "freelance writer for hire" on Google. It will give you an entire list of results. Apart from the links that go to Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelancing websites, you'll also get search results that showcase specific writers' websites. Here's an example:

You can also get such writers by reading through your favorite blogs. If you’re in the SEO, affiliate marketing, or WordPress niche, for example, you may see bios like the one below on websites that post on such topics:

Look for writers who write for other blogs (Source)

When you see such information on an author's bio, click on the writer’s site link and reach out for a quote.

This approach is also beneficial because you can assess the writer's writing style and quality by reading their previous work. 

Use online portfolios

Writers often showcase their work in online portfolios. This option is an excellent way to get a sense of the writer's style, voice, and quality of writing.

When reviewing portfolios, pay attention to the topics the writer covers and whether they seem a good fit for your blog. You should also assess the quality of the writing and whether the writer's style matches your desired tone.

Hire a writing service

Many writing services provide blog writers for hire. These services will often have a team of writers with different specialties, so you can find a writer who is a good fit for your needs.

One benefit of using a writing service is that it can often provide a steady stream of content. This option can be helpful if you want to maintain a consistent publishing schedule.

Another benefit is that writing services typically have a vetting process for their writers. This means you can be confident that the writers are of high quality and can deliver the type of content you need.

Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be a valuable resource for finding blog writers. You can use the site's search function to look for professionals with experience in content or copywriting.

Use the "regular search" function to find someone who looks like a good fit. You can specify the location or add as many other filters as you like.

When you find someone who looks like a good fit, reach out and connect with them. Once connected, you can send them a message asking if they're interested in writing for your blog.

Another way is to ask for recommendations from your LinkedIn connections. Post a status update or use the "Ask for Recommendations" feature to request suggestions for content writers.

Freelance marketplace sites allow businesses to post jobs and receive bids from freelancers. These platforms can be an excellent way to find blog writers, but it's important to beware of low-quality writers who may provide subpar work.

When using a freelance marketplace, take the time to review the writer's portfolio and work samples. You should also read the reviews from previous clients to get a sense of their quality of work.

Some popular freelance marketplace sites include:

#1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most popular freelance marketplace sites. It's highly rated such that businesses can use it with confidence that they will get quality services from the freelancers. Once you post a job, you will receive bids from interested freelancers.

Alternatively, you can browse through the profiles of freelancers and invite them to bid on your job.

Fiverr is a popular freelance marketplace that allows businesses to find freelance writers for various needs.

To hire a blog writer on Fiverr, start by searching on the site's search bar to bring up a list of freelancers who offer blog writing services.

You can then browse through the freelancers' profiles and reviews to find someone who is a good fit for your needs. Once you've found a freelancer you'd like to work with, you can send them a message to get started.

Fiverr also allows you to toggle between Pro and Standard Services. Pro services are provided by handpicked, top-rated freelancers who have to undergo a rigorous application process.

This way, you can be sure that you're getting quality work from a professional writer.

#3. Toptal

Toptal is a freelancer marketplace that connects businesses with the top 3% of freelancers.

To find a blog writer on Toptal, start by creating a free account and submitting a request. They will then match you with a freelancer who meets your needs.

Toptal is a great option if you're looking for high-quality, professional technical writers. However, it's important to note that the platform does require businesses to pay a relatively high rate for its services.

Now that you know where to find blog writers, what qualities should you look for before hiring?

Not all writers are created equal, and it's important to find someone who fits your needs well. There is no shortage of bad writers, so it's important to be selective in your hiring process.

How much content will you need?

One of the first things you need to consider is how much content you'll need. This answer will help determine whether you should hire a full-time, part-time, or freelance writer.

Hiring a full-time or part-time writer may be best if you need a lot of content. This way, you can be sure that you'll have a consistent source of high-quality content.

On the other hand, if you only need a small amount of content, it may be best to work with a freelance writer. This option is often more affordable and can still provide quality content.

What type of content do you need?

Different writers specialize in different types of writing, so it's important to find someone who can write the type of content you need.

Some common types of content include:

• Blog posts
• Articles
• Product descriptions
• Website copy
• eBooks
• Email newsletters
• White papers
• Sales letters

If you need a mixture of different types of content, you may need to hire more than one writer. This way, you have a team of writers who can handle all of your content needs.

How much can you afford to pay?

Different writers charge different rates, so it's important to find someone who fits your budget.

To get an idea of rates, you can search for writers on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. On these sites, you'll be able to browse through freelancers' profiles and see how much they charge for their services.

It's important to note that you usually get what you pay for when it comes to content writing. In general, the lower the rate, the lower the quality of writing you can expect. Be ready to pay more because good content costs money.

What's your writing style?

It's important to find someone whose writing style matches yours, so you can be sure that the content will fit with the rest of your site.

Read through their previous work to get a real feel for the writer's style. Most writers have samples of their work on their websites or profile.

It's also a good idea to give the writer a writing prompt so they can show you what they can do—more on this later. This way, you can be sure they're a good fit for your needs.

Are they easy to work with?

However talented a writer is, having the necessary soft skills is paramount. It's important to find a writer who is easy to work with. After all, you'll be working with them closely.

When looking for a writer, pay attention to their communication skills. Do they respond quickly to your messages? Do they seem like they're easy to work with? How are their problem-solving skills? How do they react to criticism?

It's also a good idea to ask for references. Talk to others who have worked with the writer and ask what it was like to work with them.

Does your writer need to be a subject matter expert?

Depending on the content type, you may or may not need a subject matter expert writer. What's the difference?

For example, if you need a blog post about Javascript, it may be best to find a writer who is knowledgeable about Javascript and programming. This way, they can provide insights and perspectives that someone who isn't an expert may not be able to provide.

On the other hand, if you need a general blog post about gardening, you may not need to find a gardening expert writer. As long as they can do some research and write quality content, they should be able to handle the task.

You have found the writers, know what type of content you want, and know your budget. Now it's time to start the hiring process.

But how do you sieve through all the writers to determine the best from the bunch? These five steps below work like a funnel. After steps 1 and 2, we recommend you choose one of steps 3 or 4 and proceed to step 5.

#1 Ask for samples

Most writers have samples of their work on their websites or profile. Ask the writer for their most recent samples. It's also a good idea to ask for specific samples. For example, if you are looking for someone to write a white paper, ask specifically for a white paper.

This way, if you have many writers to choose from, you can start weeding out the ones who aren't a good fit for your needs. If a writer doesn't have any samples or the samples they do have aren't a good fit for what you need, it's probably best to move on to someone else.

#2 Use timed assignments

To eliminate lower-quality writers, you can give all the writers a timed assignment. Good writers may not produce exceptional content in 30 minutes, but they surely will be able to produce content in the given time at least. This process will help weed out writers who are not cut out for the job.

A study at the University of Auckland investigating the effect of a timed testing condition on the quantity and quality of writing found that the timed condition significantly affected the length and content quality.

Therefore, giving writers a timed test will help you gauge their content quality with accuracy, and the complexity of writing remains constant.

#3 Create a writing prompt

One of the best ways to see if a writer is a good fit is to give them a writing prompt. You can see firsthand what they're capable of and how well they match your writing style.

For example, if you need a blog post about gardening, you could give the writer a prompt like this:

"You've just started a gardening blog and want to write a post about why gardening is important. Write a post that is at least 800 words long."

This prompt will give the writer an idea of what you're looking for and show you their writing style and skills.

#4 Give the writers a paid test

If you're unsure about a writer, you can always give them a paid test to see if they're a good fit before you commit to working with them long-term.

This approach is a win-win—the writer gets paid for their work if they pass the test, and if the writer doesn't, they can always use the article in their portfolio.

You can also observe how well the writer takes feedback during editing. This observation is crucial because you want to ensure the writer can take constructive criticism and make the necessary changes to their work.

#5 Finally, evaluate the writers' soft skills

Many website owners want writers on a retainer basis. This option is cheaper and more convenient to have a ready pool of writers you can call on whenever you need them.

You will therefore want the writer to be perfect in every aspect, as this will be a long-term relationship.

According to LinkedIn 2019 Global Talent Trends Report, 89% of talent professionals and hiring managers feel that "bad hires" typically have poor soft skills.

2019 Global Talent Trends

Never stop at evaluating only the writer's hard skills; take the time to appraise their soft skills.

Some of the essential soft skills that you should look for in a writer include:

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Time management skills
• Organizational skills
• Research skills

If the writer you're considering doesn't have these skills, they might end up being a "bad hire".

FAQS

It’s not easy to find the perfect writer. Some aspects may be confusing. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the answers to some of your burning questions.

Should I just hire one writer?

No, you should not just hire one writer. Having a few writers with different skill sets on your team is always a good idea. You can assign different projects to writers depending on their skills and expertise.

One writer may also run out of ideas after a while, and it's always good to have a backup plan.

Should I hire often?

Yes, you should hire often. The needs of your website or blog will constantly change and evolve. You need to make sure that you have fresh content to keep your readers engaged.

A writer’s skills and abilities change over time. Some writers may improve, while others may worsen or become stale, and you’ll need to replace them.

By hiring often, you can ensure that you always have the best writers with a fresh perspective working on your projects.

What should I pay my writers?

This question is tricky because it depends on many factors, such as the writer's skill level, the type of project, the length of the project, etc.

In general, you should always pay your writers fairly. This means paying them enough to cover their time and effort and giving them incentives to produce high-quality work. But remember, if you want top-notch content, be ready to pay more.

Hire the ideal blog writer (and continue with the ongoing hiring process)

As your blog grows, your needs will change, and you will need to hire more writers to keep up with the demand.

Using the tips in this guide, you should be able to find and hire the best content writers for your needs. In no time, you will have a team of talented professionals in your ranks. Surround yourself with the best!