5 things you must avoid when hiring a content writing service
Learn what to avoid when hiring a content writing service to ensure a successful partnership and quality content output.
Partnering with a content writing service that aligns perfectly with your company's needs can significantly streamline content creation. This translates your content goals from vision board to reality, moving your business forward.
However, working with content writing services can present unexpected challenges. Common pitfalls, if left unaddressed, can hinder your ability to achieve the desired results.
Fortunately, these challenges are often avoidable through strategic planning and clear communication during the initial project discussions and pre-contract consultations.
This guide explores five key areas to focus on during the initial stages of working with a content writing service, ensuring a smooth, successful, and mutually beneficial partnership.
1. Not establishing a communication workflow agreement initially
Problems with communication can happen for many reasons, like not making expectations clear, slow responses, or not understanding the audience and brand. This can lead to content that does not meet goals.
To avoid this, it is important to agree on how work will be done at the start, and include this in the contract. Using a system like a RACI chart helps everyone know their role and how to handle changes.
2. Focusing just on cost
Choosing the cheapest option can affect the quality of content. This might result in content that does not engage the audience or has errors. It is important to have realistic expectations about what your budget can achieve. Discussing this with the content team can help plan budgets better and decide whether to increase or decrease spending.
3. Not doing enough research
Not researching the agency's experience, portfolio, and fit with your audience can result in content that does not work well. It is good to look at reviews, discuss past work in detail, and get feedback from previous clients to ensure the agency fits your needs.
4. Having unrealistic expectations
Expecting too much too quickly, or expecting too high a quality or SEO results without understanding the work needed, can cause problems. It is important to discuss and agree on timelines and what is possible before starting work. Using a RACI chart can also help with this.
5. Limited ownership and rights
Not being clear in the contract about who owns the content and how it can be used can cause issues later. It is important to discuss how you want to use the content and make sure this is agreed upon in the contract. Talking about after-sales service, like content updates, is also helpful.
Before moving forward with hiring content services, the internal team should agree on important points. This step will help in choosing the right content writing service smoothly.
First, evaluate the service's understanding of your niche and ability to produce content that resonates with your audience. A partner that demonstrates deep knowledge of your industry can significantly enhance the relevance and impact of your content.
Second, assess their flexibility and willingness to adapt to your evolving content needs and feedback. A service that can pivot and grow with your business ensures a long-term, productive partnership.
Once you have discussed these points, take a look at one of the content writing services listed on this page. This service has a strong portfolio with tech industry and startups.
Content Collision provides performance-based digital PR services and B2B content marketing services for tech startups in APAC and beyond. Book a discovery call to learn more.