hiring copywriters for SEO blogs (asking for tips)

Hi everyone,

Currently looking for copywriters for an SEO blog and found that it's kinda difficult. Problems:

>Not enough expertise from general copywriters (no one will read a blog about obvious things)
>If I somehow find an expert, I can't be sure that he/she won't delegate copywriting to any general copywriter
>Price problem. When general copywriters take 30 per 1k, middle-grade SEO specialists will take much more, maybe 50-60 per 1k words (or more?)

So how do you resolve such a problem? I see few ways:
1) hiring junior-upper junior SEO that will also write 1 blog article
2) create detailed specification with a description of what each section should contain

Maybe someone had this problem too, looking for tips on how to resolve it

SEO blogs are started by someone as a personal blog, as far as I know. Someone with decent knowledge that is interesting to read would not do copywriting unless you offer something unrealistic, they would rather work as an SEO specialist which is more profitable. What is your goal? If it's to have a super-high competitive niche website to monetize it later, you better be ready to spend a lot (like a lot).

Finding good writers is a daunting task
90% of the users bidding on your project may not be serious
Post a request in HAF section mentioning niches in which you seek expertise

Create a Hiring Process:

• Your job post should identify exactly who you're looking for. The skills required, the position, etc.
  • Example: "I’m looking for a writer who can consistently deliver high-quality content. You must have at least 2 years experience writing in the SEO niche..This will involve optimizing and adding meta tags to the content."
  • Let applicants know they will be invited to a simple test.
• Test 1
  • Ask for samples of their previously published work.
  • Applicants may also be asked to do a short writing test.
• Test 2 (Assuming they passed Test 1)
  • This would include specific tests on English spelling and grammar, the ability to research and follow a content brief, etc.
  • Usually this includes writing an article, where they will be paid for their time.
• Assessment:
  • Here you evaluate the applicants to decide whether they are the right fit, not only for the job but to work with you. Was the content clear, engaging, well-researched and written like a subject matter expert? Did they complete the work in a timely manner? How was their communication? etc.

(Obviously tailor the above to meet your specific requirements)

Finding a good copywriter at a decent price takes 3-5 weeks if you make your search every day. I was able to find a good copywriter after 200 reviewed applications and written tests. I am sure that you will be lucky too, but this is really hard work because there are few experts now, and if they are really good experts, they charge lots of money for their work.