Outsourcing Content Writing? Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes

Outsourcing content writing can be a great way to save time, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality content for your business. However, there are common mistakes that many businesses make when outsourcing content writing that can lead to unsatisfactory results. In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 mistakes to avoid when outsourcing your content writing.

By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can make the most of your outsourcing experience and get the best possible content for your business. These mistakes include not defining your goals and expectations clearly, choosing the cheapest option, failing to communicate regularly, not providing enough feedback, and overlooking the importance of SEO. By avoiding these common issues, you can ensure that your content writing projects are successful and meet your business needs.

1. Not Defining Your Goals and Expectations Clearly

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make when outsourcing content writing is not clearly defining their goals and expectations. Without a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your content, it can be challenging for the writer to deliver work that meets your needs.

To avoid this mistake, set clear goals. Decide if you want to increase website traffic, improve SEO rankings, or engage your audience. Provide detailed briefs that include information about the target audience, tone of voice, key messages, and any specific requirements. Sharing examples of content you like can also help the writer understand your preferences. By defining your goals and expectations clearly, you ensure the writer knows what you need and can deliver content that meets your requirements.

How to Avoid This Mistake while Outsourcing Content writing:

• Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your content. Are you looking to increase website traffic, improve SEO rankings, or engage with your audience? Clearly defined goals will help guide the writer.
• Detailed Briefs: Provide detailed briefs for each content piece. Include information about the target audience, tone of voice, key messages, and any specific requirements.
• Provide Examples: Share examples of content that you like and explain why they work. This can give the writer a better idea of your preferences.

By clearly defining your goals and expectations, you ensure that the writer understands what you need and can deliver content that meets your requirements.

2. Choosing the Cheapest Option

Another common mistake is choosing the cheapest option when outsourcing content writing. While it may be tempting to save money, opting for the lowest-priced writer can result in poor-quality content that fails to engage your audience or meet your goals.

To avoid this mistake, focus on quality rather than price. Look for writers who can deliver high-quality content. This may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for revisions or rewrites. Review the writer’s portfolio and previous work to ensure they can produce engaging and well-researched content. Check reviews or ask for references from previous clients to gauge the writer’s reliability and quality. Investing in a quality writer ensures you receive content that meets your standards and helps achieve your business goals.

How to Avoid This Mistake while Outsourcing Content writing:

• Focus on Quality: Instead of looking for the cheapest option, focus on finding a writer who can deliver high-quality content. This may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for revisions or rewrites.
• Review Portfolios: Take the time to review the writer’s portfolio and previous work. Look for samples that demonstrate their ability to write engaging, well-researched content.
• Check Reviews and References: Look for reviews or ask for references from previous clients. This can give you insight into the writer’s reliability and quality of work.

Investing in a quality writer ensures that you receive content that meets your standards and helps achieve your business goals.

3. Failing to Communicate Regularly

Effective communication is crucial when outsourcing content writing. Failing to communicate regularly with your writer can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and content that doesn’t align with your vision.

To avoid this mistake, set up regular check-ins with your writer. Schedule meetings to discuss progress, provide feedback, and address any questions or concerns. Use collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and communication. Make sure you are responsive to your writer’s questions and provide prompt feedback.

This helps keep the project on track and ensures the writer can make necessary adjustments. By maintaining regular communication, you can ensure that the writer stays aligned with your goals and delivers content that meets your expectations.

How to Avoid This Mistake while outsourcing content writing:

• Set Up Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with your writer to discuss progress, provide feedback, and address any questions or concerns.
• Use Collaboration Tools: Utilize collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and communication.
• Be Responsive: Make yourself available to answer questions and provide feedback promptly. This helps keep the project on track and ensures that the writer can make necessary adjustments.

By maintaining regular communication, you can ensure that the writer stays aligned with your goals and can make any necessary adjustments promptly.

4. Not Providing Enough Feedback

Another common mistake is not providing enough feedback to the writer. Constructive feedback is essential for helping the writer understand your preferences and improving the quality of the content.

To avoid this mistake, be specific when providing feedback. Clearly explain what you like and what needs improvement. Point out particular sections or aspects that need changes. Offer constructive criticism by highlighting what is working well and suggesting ways to improve other areas.

Encourage the writer to ask questions and seek clarification if they are unsure about any aspect of the content. This open dialogue helps the writer better understand your expectations and make necessary improvements. By providing detailed and constructive feedback, you can ensure that the writer delivers content that meets your standards and goals.

How to Avoid This Mistake while outsourcing content writing:

• Be Specific: When providing feedback, be specific about what you like and don’t like. Point out particular sections or aspects that need improvement.
• Offer Constructive Criticism: Provide feedback in a constructive manner. Highlight what is working well and suggest ways to improve other areas.
• Encourage Dialogue: Encourage the writer to ask questions and seek clarification if they are unsure about any aspect of the content.

Providing detailed and constructive feedback helps the writer understand your expectations and make necessary improvements.

5. Overlooking the Importance of SEO

SEO is a critical component of content writing, especially if you want your content to rank well on search engines and attract organic traffic. Overlooking the importance of SEO when outsourcing content writing can result in content that doesn’t perform well in search results.

To avoid this mistake, choose a writer who understands SEO. Look for writers who have experience with SEO and can naturally incorporate keywords into the content. Provide the writer with a list of target keywords and specific guidelines for using them.

Ensure that the writer prioritizes quality and readability while following SEO best practices. By focusing on SEO, you can improve your chances of ranking well on search engines and attracting more organic traffic to your website. This approach helps ensure that your content performs well and meets your business goals.

How to Avoid This Mistake while outsourcing content writing:

• Choose an SEO-Savvy Writer: Look for writers who have experience with SEO and understand how to incorporate keywords naturally into the content.
• Provide Keyword Guidelines: Provide the writer with a list of target keywords and any specific guidelines for using them.
• Focus on Quality: Ensure that the writer prioritizes quality and readability while incorporating SEO best practices.

By prioritizing SEO in your content writing, you can improve your chances of ranking well on search engines and attracting more organic traffic.

Additional Tips for Successful Content Writing Outsourcing

Establish Clear Deadlines

Ensure that both you and the writer agree on deadlines for each piece of content. Clear deadlines help manage expectations and ensure timely delivery. When everyone knows the timeline, it reduces confusion and helps the project stay on track.

Regularly check in to make sure the writer is on schedule and address any issues promptly. This practice ensures that your content is delivered on time, helping your business run smoothly and meet its goals. Clear deadlines are essential for successful content writing projects.

Test with a Small Project

Start with a small project when outsourcing content writing. This helps you evaluate the writer’s skills and ensure they meet your expectations. A small project allows you to see how well the writer understands your goals and how effectively they communicate.

It’s a low-risk way to assess their quality and reliability. If the small project goes well, you can confidently assign larger tasks. Testing with a small project helps you find the right writer for your needs, ensuring successful and consistent content creation.

Create a Style Guide

Provide a style guide that outlines your preferred writing style, tone, and formatting. This helps maintain consistency across all content pieces. A style guide ensures that all content matches your brand’s voice and standards. Include details like grammar rules, preferred vocabulary, and formatting guidelines. Share this guide with your writer to help them understand your expectations.

A clear style guide makes it easier for the writer to create content that aligns with your brand, ensuring a cohesive and professional appearance across all your materials.

Conclusion

Outsourcing content writing can be a valuable strategy for your business, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the quality and effectiveness of your content. By clearly defining your goals, choosing quality writers, maintaining regular communication, providing constructive feedback, and prioritizing SEO, you can make the most of your outsourcing experience and achieve your content marketing goals.

Remember, the key to successful outsourcing is finding the right balance between cost, quality, and communication. By following these tips, you can ensure that your outsourced content writing projects are successful and contribute to the growth of your business.

At MyVirtualTalent Company, we understand the importance of high-quality content and effective communication. We are here to help you achieve your content goals by providing experienced content writers who understand your needs. Book your appointment now. By partnering with MyVirtualTalent Company, you can ensure that your content writing projects are in good hands and will help drive your business forward.