The Tenets of a Dependable SEO Content Writer

The creation of search engine-focused content factors heavily into many business’s SEO efforts. Well-crafted content has the power to catch the attention of popular search engines, grow your audience and lead to an uptick in new business.

However, it’s important to remember that the quality of your content is heavily dependent on the writers your enterprise works with. While many writers are able to pump out snappy, engaging content, others leave a lot to be desired. To ensure that your business only employs the most competent SEO content writers, keep an eye out for the following qualities.

Experience in SEO

When reviewing applications from prospective writers, pay special attention to those that list SEO experience. While prior experience needn’t necessarily be the determinant factor in whether a candidate receives a callback, it should serve as a strong indicator that they’re up to the task.

A writer who has experience working with professional SEO services should be a particularly attractive candidate, as there’s a good chance they’re intimately familiar with the best search engine optimization practices. Not every writer with SEO experience is going to be a good fit for your enterprise, prior search engine and/or web marketing experience should at least net a candidate an interview.

Ability to Work Against Multiple Deadlines

Many people who write for a living are adept at working against multiple deadlines. This is particularly true in the case of freelance writers, who often have to juggle assignments from multiple clients.

Any writer with whom you intend to work on a consistent basis should be comfortable handling multiple assignments at once. This ensures that you’ll be able to give them numerous assignments at a time instead of waiting for one assignment to be submitted before assigning the next.

Proven Knack for Submitting Work on Time

Submitting assignments by agreed-upon dates seem like basic stuff for an experienced writer. After all, virtually every profession involves meeting deadlines, and content writing is no exception. However, in spite of this simple fact, a surprising number of writers won’t think twice before shrugging off a deadline. While missed deadlines can sometimes be attributed to miscommunications, some writers have no qualms about willfully failing to deliver work on time.

This is one of the reasons it pays to check references when screening prospective writers. If a candidate has been less than respectful of deadlines at previous jobs, there’s a good chance their former bosses will bring this to your attention. If multiple references report problems meeting deadlines, it’s probably in your best interest to move on to the next candidate.

Willingness to Ask Questions

Some writers are afraid to ask questions or request clarification on any points on which they’re unclear. Since they believe asking questions will make them seem ill-prepared or unprofessional, they’ll often guess their way through assignments they don’t fully understand.

This often results in unsatisfied clients, embarrassed writers and work that requires drastic revisions. When interviewing writers, make sure they understand the importance of asking questions whenever necessary and assure them that putting forth inquiries is not a bad thing.

Amenability to Revising Work

Few people relish having to make revisions to their work – and SEO content writers are no exception. However, there’s a stark difference between not wanting to revise one’s work and being unwilling to do so.

While no one in any profession enjoys making adjustments to completed work, it’s important for writers to take constructive criticism in stride and promptly attend to any revisions their clients request. You shouldn’t feel the need to walk on eggshells when dealing with content writers, and any writers you work with should be willing to revise their work as needed.

On its face, the creation of search engine-focused content seems relatively simple. However, as anyone who’s worked in web marketing or content creation can attest, this assertion is far from accurate. Not all SEO content is created equal, and not all content creators are equally obliging.

As is the case with any profession, some content writers are consistently willing to go the extra mile, while others will leave you high and dry. By working with writers who embody the previously discussed qualities, you can effectively reduce your chances of getting stuck with a lemon.

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