« Smart Business: 5 Tips for Hiring a Good Freelance Writer »

Finding an experienced and reliable freelance writer can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Knowing what to look for in a good freelance writer can make the endeavor manageable, feasible and productive.

I am a successful freelance writer and, more important, at various times in my 20+ years in marketing I have hired a good number of quality freelance writers (as well as designers, illustrators and photographers). So, I know both sides of the business quite well.

Top 5 Things To Look for When Hiring a Good Freelance Writer

1. State-of-the-Art Smarts. You hire a freelance marketing copywriter for his/her expertise and also for his/her ability to use that knowledge to get your work done on time, on budget and on message. Experience is essential, but it must be up to date. In today's fast-changing, analytics-driven marketing world there's no room for posers. You either know it or you don't. Make sure the writer you hire knows SEO and the principles of online marketing and how these new methodologies integrate with traditional marketing methods to maximize results. Also keep in mind that age does not matter when you are looking for a writer. Skill and relevance make the difference. Personally, I don't care if a prospective writer has been around long enough to have worked for David Ogilvy himself, if that person has done the homework and can prove state-of-the-art smarts, he or she should make the cut as you narrow down your field of potential freelance writers. 

2. Organized Communication. It is the duty of any freelance marketing copywriter to be organized and efficient. At a moment's notice you deserve to know the precise status of the writing assignments you've entrusted to that individiual. Make it a standard practice to seek out writers who are exceptionally organized. It's especially nice if a writer shows the inclination to stay a step or two ahead of you, providing weekly projects updates and status reports (so you don't waste your time chasing down such basic information). A freelance writer who is this organized will help significantly in keeping your projects on track.

3. Bold Problem-Solving. In today's marketplace you have to be willing to test different approaches to reach your marketing goals. A writer with a proven track record for bold problem-solving can enhance your marketing project in untold ways. Look for a writer who can offer more than just words. Ideally, you can find a writer who is a good conceptual thinker and one you can trust to help identify opportunities for integrating new approaches (such as SEO and cross media marketing) that allow you to maximize reach and also measure results.

4. Courtesy and Respectfulness. Your time is valuable. Any freelance writer you hire should recognize and respect that fact. Look for a writer who will preplan for conference calls, web meetings and other interactions (rather than "wing it" on your dime). You should always have the feeling that a freelancer priotitizes the need to participate effectively and efficiently in order to use every minute of your your meeting time to its fullest (and, subsequently, help move your projects along faster). Find a writer like that and you'll probably end up working with him/her for a long, long time. 

5. Undiluted Honesty. Honesty is the best policy and it should be the foundation of any relationship with a freelance professional that you hire. Costs and job specs should be clearly stated upfront. Look for a writer who presents project quotes and invoices that are simple to understand and easy to read (absolutely no ambiguities). Honest, complete and clear communcation upfront means no surprises, disappointments or trust issues down the road.

Those are the things I look for in a freelance writer. They are also the things I deliver to clients who hire me as a freelance writer. As a result, I enjoy productive client relationships and enviable client retention rates.