Understanding the Superior Choice in Content Creation

*This article was originally posted in April 2022 but was updated in January 2024.

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, content is king. Regardless of its niche, every business needs effective content for its digital platforms, from websites to social media. That’s where outsourcing blog writing comes in.

Here, we delve into a crucial decision facing many businesses: should you outsource your blog writing or hire internally? While my perspective as a freelance writer may have a hint of bias, my experience in both writing and hiring writers informs my belief that outsourcing is often the superior choice.

Let’s explore five compelling reasons why outsourcing blog writing can be more advantageous than internal hiring.

1. Access to Specialized Expertise When You Outsource Blog Writing

Outsourcing your blog writing means tapping into a specialized expertise pool. Freelancers like myself understand the nuances of creating content that’s not just informative but also SEO-friendly, ensuring your content ranks where you want it to on all search engines.

Unlike in-house writers, freelance writers are adept at crafting a brand voice that resonates with your audience, all while adhering to the latest SEO practices.

You may find someone who’s an expert in your industry and knows everything about what you do, but that doesn’t mean they know how to write for the internet. It’s not enough to have informational content; it must be written in an SEO-friendly format.

That’s why a freelancer specializing in SEO content writing can be a better solution.

2. Cost-Effective Solutions

Choosing a freelance writer or a writing agency like New Hill Marketing means you get a transparent payment model without the additional burden of taxes, benefits, or healthcare costs. This arrangement significantly reduces your overhead, allowing for more budget-friendly content solutions without compromising quality.

Take New Hill Marketing, LLC as an example. If you choose to work with me, what you see on the contract is what you pay. I pay for my taxes, and you pay for my services.

This helps you reduce overhead costs while getting expert service.

3. Enhanced Profit Margins

When you decrease overhead costs, you increase your profit. For example, let’s say you hire a freelancer to write a blog a week, so 52 blog posts per year at $250 a blog, meaning you’re spending $13,000 for the year. 

If you hired an in-house writer to do this, you’d be spending at the very least $40,000 to get the same quality content. You’d also have to pay for their equipment, time off, office space, and, of course, the taxes.

By outsourcing the writing, you save almost $30,000 in salary alone.

4. More Reliable

Freelancers take their jobs seriously and understand what it takes to get work done. You won’t have them calling off or being late on projects. We’re used to setting schedules and sticking to them to get work done.

You also won’t have to worry about your in-house writer leaving or looking for a promotion when hiring a freelance writer. We are freelance writers because this is what we want to do. We set our prices and are always going to be here for you.

5. More Time for You to Devote to Your Business

When you outsource your blog writing, you’ll have more time to spend on your business. Anytime you hire someone to do something internally, you spend time recruiting, onboarding, coaching, and managing.

As a freelancer, we know how to manage ourselves and give you the quality work you deserve. You get to decide how much or little time to spend on projects, and the longer we work together, the less time we take. 

Navigating the Challenges of Outsourcing Blog Writing

Outsourcing your blog writing, while beneficial, comes with its own challenges. It’s essential to approach these hurdles with a strategy to ensure you get the best out of your freelance partnership.

There are people out there who are less devoted or experienced, and you want to avoid ending up getting burned.

Ask many questions, and get referrals before hiring your freelance writer.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Freelancer

The biggest challenge in outsourcing is finding a freelancer who aligns with your business’s values, tone, and quality expectations. Not all writers are created equal – some may lack the commitment or experience necessary to meet your standards. This disparity can lead to content that doesn’t resonate with your audience or align with your brand voice.

To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to be thorough in your selection process. Ask detailed questions about their experience, writing style, and familiarity with your industry—request samples of their work to assess their writing quality and tone. 

Be sure to seek referrals or testimonials from previous clients to understand what it’s like working with them in terms of reliability and professionalism. This due diligence is critical to finding a freelancer who can deliver content that aligns with your vision and goals.

No Control Over The Process

Another significant consideration is the level of control you have over the writing process. When working with a contractor, you can’t dictate their working hours, location, or specific writing methods. Your influence is generally confined to setting deadlines and outlining project requirements.

This limited control can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows for a more flexible and dynamic creation process, as freelancers bring their unique methods and perspectives. On the other hand, it can be challenging if you’re used to having more direct oversight over how tasks are completed.

To navigate this, establish clear communication channels and set explicit expectations from the outset. Define your project requirements, deadlines, and any specific guidelines regarding the tone or style of the content. Regular check-ins and updates can also help make sure your project stays on track and aligns with your expectations.

Balancing Independence with Collaboration

The independent nature of freelancers means they are self-managed and self-motivated. While this independence is a strength, it requires a balance between their autonomy and your need for collaboration.

Foster a collaborative environment by maintaining open lines of communication. Encourage feedback and be open to their suggestions, as they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that can enhance your content.

How To Outsource Blog Writing

Outsourcing blog writing can greatly enhance your content strategy, offering access to specialized expertise and the flexibility to scale your production. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this process effectively:

1. Evaluate Outsourcing vs. In-House Writing: Assess if outsourcing fits your needs compared to in-house capabilities. Consider factors like cost, expertise, and content volume.
2. Define Your Content Goals: Clarify the type of content you need, your budget, pain points, expected article volume, and whether you require on-page & off-page SEO services.
3. Determine the Scope of Work: Decide on the extent of content writing you need to outsource. This can include creating original content, keyword research, on-page SEO, collaboration, content updates, managing CMS and SEO tools, and conducting research.
4. Search for Content Writers: Look for writers through freelance marketplaces (e.g., Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr), job boards (e.g., Indeed, Glassdoor, ProBlogger Job Board), social media (LinkedIn, Facebook groups), content aggregators (Medium, Quora, Reddit), referrals, and content agencies.
5. Check Industry Expertise: Choose writers with experience in your industry for more effective and relevant content.
6. Evaluate SEO and Writing Skills: Ensure writers have both good writing and basic SEO skills.
7. Make a Shortlist: Narrow down your options based on skills, experience, pricing, and industry expertise.
8. Assign a Test Task: Consider giving a paid test task to assess the writer’s abilities and compatibility with your requirements. If you’re going to do a test run, understand that the freelancer will expect to be paid. If you want to avoid paying, use their previous portfolio to understand their experience. 
9. Review Submissions and Provide Feedback: Critically evaluate test tasks and offer specific feedback.
10. Establish Responsibilities: Set clear expectations regarding deadlines, content delivery, brand guidelines, communication rules, and revision processes.
11. Draft a Contract: Include work details, payment, deadlines, copyright ownership, and possibly confidentiality clauses. When you work with New Hill Marketing, I’ll create the contract so you don’t have to worry about it.
12. Evaluate Performance Regularly: Conduct regular reviews to assess content quality and alignment with goals​​.

By following these steps, you can effectively outsource your blog writing, ensuring high-quality, SEO-friendly content that aligns with your brand and marketing strategy.

Start Outsourcing Blog Writing Today

Outsourcing blog writing presents a range of benefits, from accessing specialized expertise to enjoying cost savings and increased reliability. It’s a strategic choice that can significantly enhance your content quality and overall digital marketing efforts.

As you consider the future of your content creation, remember that the right partnership can be a game-changer in achieving your business goals. Start your search for an expert content writer today and take a pivotal step towards enhancing your digital presence.

If you’re ready to get started with an expert content writer, contact me today! You can read my writing samples here. Don’t wait to get the content you deserve; start ranking higher today!