Why hunting for a good content writer is a big challenge?
Is it extremely tough for you to source a writer who lives up to your expectations or a content writer has penned your website content but its not upto the mark- you simply find it shabby, pointless, and you don’t resonate with it? Uff, what a task it is to find a content writer who could write exactly the way you expect or write content that is in sync with the brand.
There are various reasons why you can get disappointed with the quality of content churned out by a content writer. Here, I’m not considering plagiarised content picked up from various sources. Plagiarised content is certainly not healthy for any brand and is not what a content writer is expected to deliver.
Why hunting for a good content writer is a big challenge?
Have you set your expectations clearly?
No, most often we fail to share with the content writer about what we expect the content to look like? Do you have any sample write up or website content that you’ve simply loved? If you’ve just begun thinking about creating content for your company then its time you surf the internet as to what content is being shared by others. Read extensively and know more about content- read articles, blogs, website content, white papers, case studies, advertisements, social media, etc.
The more time you spend reading, the more you start understanding what content you simply love.
Once you’ve understood what you need, jot down your thoughts about your preferences and share it with your content writer.
That is not my job:
I hear many clients saying, “I don’t have time to read or research because it isn’t my job.” Well, if you don’t have time to build a connect with your clients and build an audience then building a business would be tough. Please don’t hire a content writer if you don’t have time to set your expectation. Since it’s a futile effort to hire a content writer and expect him/her to know what is on your mind.
Content is your voice that reaches the audiences and connects them with you, especially in today’s business world where digital presence is an inseparable part of business.
I’m disappointed with writers:
Let us understand one basic rule-
Writing is subjective and its all about perspectives. You have created a company/ a brand and you and only you will know how you wish the audiences to perceive the brand. The writer has no clue about the brand. Based on your briefing the writer will deliver /write. The writer will pen down your thoughts so its best to share everything that you wish to say to your audiences.
The writer doesn’t have a magic wand to read your mind. So, don’t expect him or her to write what you expect without sharing your thoughts.
What happens when you don’t brief your writer?
The writer will pen down thoughts according to his/ her perception and research. Obviously, the writer will read a lot and understand what is important based on the research. But, the writer’s perception about what is vital isn’t the same as yours. This is the biggest pitfall when you begin choosing writers.
Ask for a sample article:
The writer is experienced so why do I need to ask for a sample? No, that is another blunder that everyone is bound to commit. No matter how experienced the writer, brief him/her about what you expect and ask to write around 300 words based on the briefing. This brings clarity about the writer’s ability to grasp ideas and put them into words that resonate with your branding strategy and image.
I have been a writer / blogger for 12 years now and I understand these challenges. If you wish to know more about writing do keep reading my blogposts.
Rashmi Malapur Jaswal is a business blogger, content strategist & poetess with over 12 years of experience. She also loves to pen book, film, and theatre reviews & interview individuals.
Her book ‘Positive Sutra: Life says, ‘Never give up’ is a collection of poems and prose that reflect her experience of combating mental health issues.