What are the Exact Instructions a Content Writer Needs?

ContentWriter

Banned - Selling via PM
Joined
May 8, 2013
Messages
5,735
Reaction score
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. :)
 
Your bulleted points are highly appreciated. I think for most of the cases few keywords and reference/citation links would do in satisfying the client with deliverables. Besides, there's less number of clients who embeds in complex instructions along with their topics/headings. I believe fulfilling such requirements completely depends on the price your service works for. Take it or leave it, they don't deserve all fulfilments to be made in their expected content quality for the price point. Reasonable Rates, Reasonable Efforts.
 
You've mentioned some great points here. Everybody should go through this thread before placing orders.

Another point I would like to add is:

Please don't negotiate with the writer (at least on BHW, we're already on very tight rates). Yes, you can ask if there's an ongoing discount. If not, then please don't push the writer to charge lesser because you can't hire him/her.

Also, some buyers like to give instructions in bits. And if that's not enough of a problem, things get more complicated when the buyer starts asking for something entirely different after the piece is complete (ex: I don't like it the way asked before. Can you do it that way?). Sure, I will revise your content if I failed to follow the instructions, but, you can't expect me to hijack into your brain/future and absorb information from there to satisfy you.

However, as a writer, to keep the buyers satisfied and keep them coming back for more, you always have to go the extra mile. I had to do complete overhauls for the first times and mentioned to be more specific from the next time.

Being a writer, you also need to understand the psychology of the buyers. Be humble - Listen. Carefully. Write. Passionately. MEET THE REQUIREMENTS.
 
Last edited:
Please don't negotiate with the writer (at least on BHW, we're already on very tight rates). Yes, you can ask if there's an ongoing discount. If not, then please don't push the writer to charge lesser because you can't hire him/her.

I agree. Don't demand to get discounts, most especially when it's your first time ordering.


However, as a writer, to keep the buyers satisfied and keep them coming back for more, you always have to go the extra mile. I had to do complete overhauls for the first times and mentioned to be more specific from the next time.

Yes. Have a revision request policy. If it's the first time, of course, we'd never know what the clients actually wanted. You cannot always hit the nail on the head the first time. :)
 
Back
Top