What Will a Truly Great Web Content Writer Give You...

Wow. There are so many content writers out there these days. It's crazy. I blame (and, yes, I do believe there's a blame issue here) all of those people who advise everyone who's strapped for cash to hang up a shingle as a writer--regardless of whether they have the talent, skill and knowledge base to do the job.

But I digress...

There are thousands of people out there who are ready to write content for you. How in the world are you supposed to know who to trust. Yes, TRUST. You need to trust your content provider. If they hand you lousy material, you're either stuck embarrassing yourself and minimizing your profits (if you have any) or you've just wasted precious cash. Additionally, if a poor excuse for a writer hands you stolen content, you're looking at a bad situation complete with C&D letters, DMCA takedowns and even potential legal liabilities.

So, who can you trust? What will a truly great website content writer or content production team give you that the other guys and gals won't? Here's my mini-list:

Quality work. When you read it, you'll be impressed. You won't just be impressed that the person on the other end didn't screw things up. You'll be genuinely impressed with the work. It will be the kind of thing you want to read. It will have that certain professional feel and you'll know it will connect with your intended audience.

Timely delivery. Writers are known for missing deadlines. That's a fact, Jack. Even the best will occasionally miss a target by a day or so. The best in the business, however, make a habit out of delivering on time. The very, very best are willing to stake their end on it, providing on-time delivery guarantees. Those who meet deadlines are demonstrating professionalism, courtesy and a healthy respect for the people on the other end of the transactions.

Content that meets specifications. If you tell someone you want a particular keyword used at a 1.5% density, that's what you should get. If you request short paragraphs, third-person voice, the use of at least three cited outside resources and a pithy title, you should get it. A good writer will care enough to meet your needs.

Real understanding. Hiring a freelance content writer shouldn't be an exercise in hand-holding and babying the writer. The writer or content production team should understand the nature of the business, its language and how things are supposed to be. You don't have time to coach someone up; you deserve to work with a pro.

Those are a few of the things that a good writer or writing team will give you. Finding them in the crowd of half-a$*ed poseurs is a topic for another post...