The 5 Ws of Outsourcing Your Company's Content CreationContent creation can get a bit out of hand, especially if you've made the brave decision to outsource some of the work. Trying to keep quality high, content on time and projects organized feels like a full-time job.

ByAaron Agius

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Pixabay

Content creation can get a bit out of hand, especially if you've made the brave decision to outsource some of the work. I've dealt with plenty of outsourcers, andit's a massive task. Trying to keep quality high, content on time and projects organized feels like a full-time job.

But if there's one thing entrepreneurs understand well, it's wearing several hats at once. When you decide tostart outsourcing content, there are several things you need to keep in mind. If you go at it blindly, expecting it to be a breeze, you're in for a rude awakening.

Related:5 Reasons Why Tech Is the Midas Touch of Content Marketing

Keep these five points in mind, and you'll be well on your way to a smooth operation:

1. Who: Choose the right content developer.

Finding a值得信赖的自由职业者是一个艰巨的任务。根据我的经验,许多content developers are incredibly flaky, and have even been known to disappear without a word in the middle of a project. After plenty of bad experiences, I've developed a system that allows me to evaluate the professional content creators from the wannabes. It goes something like this...

Review their websites:If you work in the online world, you need to have a solid website. I like to look for writers that are invested enough in their career to create a solid site withcompelling, helpful information. Look for things such as writing samples, testimonials from happy clients, links to bylined work and links to active social profiles.

Look for a specialty in your industry:I like finding specialist writers. If you have a technical industry such as manufacturing, medicine or even marketing, a specialized writer can bring a level of experience and knowledge that a typical generalist can't.

Read through samples and references:Ultimately,good writerswill prove their worth through writing samples and client references. If they've got great writing chops and a portfolio to back it up, it's worth taking a chance on them. Bonus points if they specialize in your industry!

2. What: Decide which types of content to outsource.

Everything we do online is driven by content, from connecting on social media to viral video marketing. Somewhere along the way, the written word gets involved. When it comes to outsourcing, there areseveral types of contentthat you can have a professional writer take care of, including:

  • Weekly blog posts
  • Social-media updates
  • Guest blogging
  • Email marketing
  • Pay-per-click ads copywriting
  • Web content
  • Landing-page copy
  • Script writing

As an entrepreneur, you need to decide which forms of content you need most, where you're lacking in development and how a freelancer can plug in and assist you.

Related:3 Inexpensive Ways to Build Up Your Website Content

3. When: Make a plan to start the process.

Outsourcing your contentisn't just about finding a writer. That's only a small portion of the work that will need to be accomplished. It requires an entire operational command in order to execute. Otherwise, you'll find yourself with too much managerial work and not enough preparation. As an entrepreneur, this creates a nightmare that ends up in more work than before you started outsourcing.

Decide who manages the writer(s):If you have a team, decide who willmanage the outsourced team. A marketing manager or managing editor can often take on this role. But if you don't have anyone in place like that, you can take on the responsibility yourself.

Develop a strategic workflow:You'll need to develop a workflow of how to deliver, instruct and receive content from the writers. This includes outlining a creative brief template, deadlines for drafts, turnaround times and a system for delivering completed content.

4. Where: Look for content developers in the right place.

Once you have the initial logistics figured out, it's time tostart looking for the writer(s)that you want to help you with content development work. I've found that the two best places to find writers include referrals from others in my peer group and direct connections with writers through social media, events or other connections.

While job ads and content farms may get the job done for some, they generally lack the quality, experience and skill you'll want from a content writer.

5. Why: Define the value outsourcing brings.

Don't get me wrong,outsourcing can be a huge reliefto the busy entrepreneur's mind. But don't mistake relief for a lack of work. In fact, when you're just getting started, outsourcing can seem like just as much work as writing the content yourself. Keep with it. It's a worthwhile investment if you're willing to put in the initial work up front.

You need to be clear about the value of outsourcing so that you can see things through to the end. What do you get out ofoutsourcing your content development work? More time to work on sales? The ability to build more local business connections? Freedom to build social media, another branch of the business or any other new development?

Define the value first, and it'll keep you from throwing in the towel too early.

Now that you know the five Ws of outsourcing your company's content, it's time to put it to work. Are you using outsourcing to keep your content queue full? If so, share your experiences by leaving a comment below:

Related:Use the 80/20 Principle to Build a Successful Outsourced Sales Team

Aaron Agius

Search, Content and Social Marketer

Aaron Agius is an experienced search, content and social marketer. He has worked with IBM, Ford, LG, Unilever and many more of the world's largest and most recognized brands, to grow their revenue. See more from Agius atLouder Online.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

Colorado's Football Team Was Robbed at the Rose Bowl, and Coach Deion Sanders Wants Reimbursement

At a press conference, the former NFL and MLB superstar and now college coach asked the NCAA to 'do something.'

领导

When He Tried to Buy and Develop a Distressed Shopping Center in Baltimore, He Found an 80-Year-Old Legal Covenant That Banned Black Ownership. Here's What He Did Next.

Lyneir Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Chicago TREND Corporation, discusses the company's efforts to accelerate economic development in urban neighborhoods.

Business News

Armed Delta Co-Pilot Indicted After Threatening to Shoot Captain 'Multiple Times' Mid-Flight

Jonathan Dunn was indicted on October 18 by a Utah grand jury.

Thought Leaders

Dismantling the 9 to 5 — Why Job Stacking Is the Future of Work

The rising trend of job stacking as a popular alternative to the traditional 9 to 5 work schedule, particularly among the millennials and Gen Z populations. Delve into the benefits of job stacking and discover its potential to revolutionize the American workforce by fostering greater satisfaction and autonomy.

Business News

Bill Gates' Former Right-Hand Man Is Now the 5th Richest Person in the World

Ballmer was Microsoft's 30th employee when he started in 1980.