some notes from personal experience using freelancer services:
- give direct instructions / don't expect a "consultant"
direct instructions are needed, like article length, number of keywords, which keywords, etc.
feel free to dictate tone, intention, direction, etc.
if you're looking for someone to "design" and "create" get ready to spend more $$. Hiring those type of people is not my specialty.
- hire multiple providers
freelancers will desert your project. If I get 20 bids, I'll accept probably 8 and maybe 2 will actually take the project on. One of them will complete it.
Don't get hung up on someone deserting you, instead have multiple options so you don't get stuck
- use the samples to check for language ability
and then hold the provider to that language level. Many companies will pose as individuals, and have a writing team behind them.
I've had one that provided beautiful samples, then the writing was utter gibberish. When I complained, they completely re-did it, in good English again. Most likely a team with 1 senior and a few junior writers.
- accept that deadlines will go past the required time
they just do. Hire more people than you need. Worst case scenario you get "too much content" which is a good problem to have
- try to pay in a few installments
this way you don't get the freelancer dropping 100 articles written like crap on your inbox, then demanding payment with no corrections. Changing it to 1/3 installments lets you see the project and correct as it happens. In the longer term you can give the writer a longer leash
- ability to follow instructions is priority #1
I put something in the job posting tucked into the bottom, along the lines of:
"if you're actually reading this, please include the exact sentence "I have read the complete posting" in your reply
(I used to do this in college with papers, write something like "if you're actually reading this, please write yes in the margin", which had a surprisingly low response rate....)
This will help you know who's actually reading the post and who's just replying to every offer that's being posted.
- sound like you know what you want
if you're a freelancer, the most annoying thing in the world is a buyer who doesn't know what they're looking for.
cost for a freelancer is time, and time is going back and forth, offering samples and corrections, typing emails and messages to "get it right"
people will post something like "I need 400 articles on a keyword written" - this tells nothing.
If you post something like
"I require the following:
- 30 x 400 word articles
Article Guidelines:
- 4-6 keywords per article (I will provide a list)
- Not spun
- I will provide articles to reference
- Must be written in American English
- English ability must be A+ top quality
- 3 other things you want
Timeline:
- 5 - 10 days preferred, willing to discuss
- I require (and will pay for) the first 5 articles
- other things to do with timeline
Payment:
- payment on each 10 articles
- payment through escrow if you prefer
Other notes:
- All articles are "family friendly"
This gives them a better idea of "what you want" and the freelancer knows there will be fewer suprises than working with a buyer that comes off as wishy-washy
Hope this helps. Happy selling.
