ContentWriter
Banned - Selling via PM
- May 8, 2013
- 5,735
- 975
I used to be a content writer for our company. I must say, there were challenging situations, most especially when instructions are involved.
You see, there are some that "skip" giving the details needed to write an article. They'd say, "you're the expert here, right? You know what to provide." But once you deliver, they'd ask for revisions because "it isn't what I was expecting."
Some were proactive. They sent an outline as to how they want their content written. Some even included headings and long-tail keywords.
On a writer's point of view, it's always "more is better." I'd rather receive three-page instructions than just get a keyword and a "good luck."
In general, a writer needs the following:
1. Keyword/s - If you have them. Some providers also have keyword research services, so ask. That's hitting two birds with one stone.
2. Title - Some give me the liberty to think of a witty title for their article. Others provide the exact title they want; rewording is prohibited.
3. Content-Type - It is vital for a writer to know what type of content you want them to write. Creating a blog post is different from writing a product review or a news article.
4. Preferred link sources - If there are any. Some clients are particular with the sites he would like me to research on.
5. Outline or sample articles - Most of the projects I got when I was a writer already had a framework or an outline. I'd say I was rather lucky. Other clients have a "peg" or a model article they want to pattern their materials with.
Currently, my position allows me to talk to clients directly. Some are still challenging, but in this perspective, I can tell them straight what a writer actually needs.
For writers, how do you deal with clients that provide a few instructions?
For those who need content, what are the usual challenges you encounter when giving instructions?
Your responses are highly appreciated.
You see, there are some that "skip" giving the details needed to write an article. They'd say, "you're the expert here, right? You know what to provide." But once you deliver, they'd ask for revisions because "it isn't what I was expecting."
Some were proactive. They sent an outline as to how they want their content written. Some even included headings and long-tail keywords.
On a writer's point of view, it's always "more is better." I'd rather receive three-page instructions than just get a keyword and a "good luck."
In general, a writer needs the following:
1. Keyword/s - If you have them. Some providers also have keyword research services, so ask. That's hitting two birds with one stone.
2. Title - Some give me the liberty to think of a witty title for their article. Others provide the exact title they want; rewording is prohibited.
3. Content-Type - It is vital for a writer to know what type of content you want them to write. Creating a blog post is different from writing a product review or a news article.
4. Preferred link sources - If there are any. Some clients are particular with the sites he would like me to research on.
5. Outline or sample articles - Most of the projects I got when I was a writer already had a framework or an outline. I'd say I was rather lucky. Other clients have a "peg" or a model article they want to pattern their materials with.
Currently, my position allows me to talk to clients directly. Some are still challenging, but in this perspective, I can tell them straight what a writer actually needs.
For writers, how do you deal with clients that provide a few instructions?
For those who need content, what are the usual challenges you encounter when giving instructions?
Your responses are highly appreciated.