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Trouble writing content for your web site?
Hire a web content writerBy Gary Antosh
http://www.web-writing.comWriting and building content for a web site can at times be very difficult. Some people have writer's block on a subject, others feel they can't write, some need fresh ideas or approaches to a theme, and others want to use the time to manage their site(s) and links better.
I've been hiring writers to help produce content for some of my sites. Here are some tips on hiring writers for articles; where you can go; and a few things to keep in mind.
Before ever hiring a writer I would highly recommend that you write some articles yourself. The only way to improve is to practice. Write every day even if it is only a paragraph or two.
You can also "practice" by taking the time to post in forums and write more through emails. But write, and write regularly. A couple of things come out of this. You'll know what to expect, you'll write better and it can help trigger ideas for more articles.
There are many factors in hiring a writer which are beyond the scope of this article but you've made the decision to hire a writer, so let's move on.
- Where to Start...
Assemble a list of keywords or phrases. Break your list into groups of 10 to 30 keywords or phrases into a simple text file. For tracking the status, I use my Site Build It Manager - http://AssociatePrograms.com/buildit - for SBI sites and a spreadsheet for non-SBI sites.
- Describe the Job
Try to be as descriptive as possible about your writing assignment. Remember you're having articles written to attract search engine visitors... you want to attract "qualified" writers who can do the job. Most of my articles are in the area of 200 to 800 words.
Writers do not need to be an expert on the subject; they need to be able to communicate the keyword phrase. What writing "style" do you want? Some of that depends on your site theme. Do you want technical, conversational, formal or just let them write? Determine the "rules" for your articles such as keyword density, edits, what you'll accept.
- Finding Writers
When I first started hiring writers I went to Rentacoder.com and I still use them to locate writers. Rentacoder may at first appear to be a little too "techie" but remember that people have other subjects they are passionate about.
- Wait for bids
When first submitting your bid, it is reviewed before posting, usually 24 to 48 hours ... be patient.
- Review your bids
* Look over your bids carefully.
* How did your writer respond?
* Did their reply have any typos?
* Make sure that you let the writer know up front - No Copy and Paste.
* ALL material MUST be ORIGINAL.
- Communicate with your "potential writer"
I've found the best writers ask for a keyword or list of keywords. Give them a quick assignment. Ask them to write you a quick paragraph on a keyword - three to five sentences.
How quickly did the writer respond? Were they creative? Above all, did they follow your instructions?
- What to bid or pay?
I've been able to have my articles written at a cost of $5 US. I don't play a bidding game. I post it right out front.
"I am willing to pay $5 / article, with a 10 article minimum ($50 / 10 articles)".
To some this is very reasonable, to others it is a fortune.
- The Job
Once you've selected your writer(s), email them your keyword list.
Normally, I have articles written in batches of 20 at a time. Writing on one subject for too long can be difficult. If you have multiple site themes or sections, break the keywords into groups of four or five per theme. Keep a constant dialogue with them.
Get the articles in small batches of five, review them quickly and give them input. This will make less work for you later.
- Payment
Rentacoder makes it easy since they hold the money until the job is completed and approved by you. Not using a system such as Rentacoder does involve some trust. I have been burned. When starting with a new writer I work in small batches of five. As each batch of articles is "delivered" they are paid. That way no one gets too far ahead.
One more note on payments - working with overseas writers can cause problems in transferring money. Discuss payment methods before you move forward.
- Your Job
Once the articles have been delivered, they are reviewed, tweaked, keywords are added, removed or moved around and then formatted on the web page to be uploaded.
Total time from start to finish is about 15 minutes per article.
- Alternatives to finding writers
* Place classified ads in newspapers
* Talk to members of a club or association
* Post ads at the local college
* Post to online forums
* Ask writers if they know of other potential writers
These are some basics of getting started with hiring writers to produce content for your web site. I've found using outside writers to be a terrific boost to my web site promotion and helped me find many new ways to approach writing more articles.
I've had well over 200 plus articles written using this method. When I find a good writer I try to keep passing them more work. This allows me to spend more time managing and improving my sites.
I'm sure you are wondering what a hired article looks like. Check out the links below:
http://www.internet-speed-guide.com/dsl-connection-speed.html
http://www.the-memory-guide.com/usb-flash-drive.html
Here are some outsourcing web sites:
