Should I Hire a Freelance Blog Writer or Content Agency for My Brand?
Wondering if you should hire a freelance blog writer or content agency for your brand's content marketing? The answer depends on your needs. Freelance writers are often the better choice if you're looking for specialized knowledge, a lower price, and flexibility. But you need to have at least some understanding of what your goals are. Content agencies are a better choice for those with higher budgets and in need of full strategic planning from an external source. But it's more complicated than that, and I will break down the reasons below.
The pros and cons of hiring a freelance blog writer for content marketing
Freelance blog writers come in all shapes and sizes. You will need to vet the abilities and experience of any freelance writer you're considering working with. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of working with a freelance blog writer.
The pros of hiring a freelance blog writer
When you hire a freelance blog writer for your SEO content marketing efforts, you are bringing on an external teammate. They are your one touch point. You can give them all of the information they need and they will turn it into something educational and optimized for search.
This is great for someone who wants to just work with a single person, rather than a whole team with many touchpoints. You can build a solid relationship with a freelance writer, but it's important to recognize that they work on their own time and you cannot dictate their hours or availability.
Benefits of hiring a freelance blog writer:
- Specialized knowledge: Most freelance writers for hire have special knowledge in specific topics. For example, I most often write about highly regulated industries such as cannabis, wellness, supplements, and even pet brands. All of these industries require building trust with an audience. They also involve compliance; the freelance writer must understand how to write without breaking any rules about marketing claims.
- Direct communication and working relationship: When you hire a freelance blog writer, they are your one point of communication. Your messages won't get lost in a sea of emails or other clients getting juggled around.
- Better prices: While every freelance writer has their own rates, you can often strike a better deal with a freelance writer because they are working alone and do not need to split costs among other employees.
- Quicker turnarounds: Freelance writers don't work on a whim, but they often can produce work faster than agencies. This is because they are working on their own timelines and are not dealing with chains of communication or juggling other tasks at work.
Cons of hiring a freelance blog writer
- Some require strategy and guidance: Freelance blog writers range in their abilities. Some write exactly as they are told and require a brief that outlines everything you need. Others can't put together blogs based on a few pieces of information you gave them. Because I am also a content strategist, I take all of the strategy off the plate of my clients if they'd like. I don't make them provide me with a blog brief or SEO strategy; I put that together and request their approval before beginning my work. However, that's not the case with all freelance writers.
- Limited capacity: Depending on their workload, freelance writers aren't always available to scale up their work. If you are getting a handful of blogs from them per month but want to double that, you might find that they don't have the bandwidth.
- Availability varies: Freelance writers cannot be told when to work or have their hours or schedules dictated. Therefore, if you need someone who is available on call, you might be better working with an agency.
The pros and cons of hiring a content agency for blogs
Content agencies can vary in quality and abilities, just like freelance writers. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Pros of hiring a content agency for blogs
- Higher capacity: Content agencies often have a crew of people who can produce content. You may be able to get more work out of an agency than if you were to work with an individual freelancer.
- Specialized knowledge: Most agencies work in specific industries and have worked with several brands similar to yours. They may be able to offer guidance about what works and doesn't work.
- Strategy: Content agencies can take all of the strategy off your plate. You don't have to offer a brief or give any guidance for your brand.
Cons of hiring a content agency for blogs
- Multiple touch points: Many agencies use several people to complete different tasks. You may have multiple people working on a single blog which can lead to inconsistencies in tone and expertise
- Less personalized and direct communication: Content agencies are often juggling multiple tasks across a variety of clients. They can only give so much time and attention to your blogs, which can sometimes lead to generic or inconsistent outputs.
- Higher prices: Content agencies often charge a higher price because the agency itself needs to pay the people producing the work. They also take on strategy and other tasks which can often make it worth the extra money.
So, should I hire a freelance blog writer or agency?
Whether you hire a freelance blog writer or content agency is totally up to you and your Brand's needs. I have personally written for many content agencies and I put this same amount of care and attention into every blog that I produce. I believe content agencies serve an important part of the content marketing ecosystem and help many brands thrive and grow.
But I've also worked individually as a freelance blog writer for many companies. I often prefer these relationships because I get to develop a stronger line of communication with the executives and really create a strategy that matches their vision. Because I am also a content strategist, I take all of the writing needs off of their plate and don't require intense briefs or outlines or even direction.
The most important thing is to figure out what matches your needs. Make sure the freelancer or agency has expertise in your industry and knows how to execute your vision effectively.
Finding good freelancers isn’t always easy. But you already made it to this website, which means you clearly figured out how to find a good freelance blog writer. I love writing SEO blogs for brands and I’m happy to bring your vision to life.
Let’s chat!
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