Why hire a freelance content writer? (Benefits and considerations)

You're busy. After all, your company isn’t going to run itself (wouldn’t that be nice?).

However, you’re all too aware that your content strategy isn’t what it should be. Your blog page hasn’t been updated in months, and your organic traffic is dipping.

Now, realistically, you’re not going to magically free up enough time to get an effective content strategy in place. What you need is a freelance content writer.

The advantages of working with a freelance content writer

First of all—yes, I am biased. However, freelance content writers do add real value to your business. I know because I’ve done it. So, let’s get straight into the advantages of working with someone like me (or maybe me if I make a good impression):

Writing might not be your thing

Most people can write words, but few can create content that genuinely resonates with readers. Sometimes, companies turn to AI to do their content writing for them. I can see the appeal of paying $20 per month to churn out endless content. But it’s too good to be true because the content is questionable in terms of its value.

Freelance writers, on the other hand, are skilled with words and know how to write to appeal to your audience rather than speaking in the most general terms possible. No ‘in an ever-evolving landscape’ or ‘in a fast-paced digital world’ intros here—just thoughtful, well-written content that inspires action.

You’re busy

We’ve already touched on this, but you’re busy. Understanding that you still need to get a good content publishing cadence going, you might be considering turning to a freelance content writer. You’d be right to do so because we’re here to make your life easier! Give us a brief and some time, and we’ll be back with content that stimulates interest in your business. In the meantime, you can do what you do best: run your business.

You get access to a subject matter expert

Many freelance writers have particular niches they focus on (but not all—you’re great, too, generalists). For example, as a B2B content writer, my niches are IT, digital marketing, technology, finance and travel. With me, you get access to someone who doesn't need to be brought up to speed because I’m already aware of what’s happening in your industry and the types of content that work well.

No overheads

With a freelance content writer, there’s no need to spend money on the bits and bobs employees need: benefits, equipment, office space, etc. Simply pay us our project or hourly rate for the work we do, and that’s it. While freelancers may appear expensive, we’re far cheaper than hiring a new employee, which, according to the British Business Bank, can cost double their salary in the first year (🤯). So, if your content needs don’t warrant the creation of an in-house position, you’re best doing some freelance content writer hunting instead!

Flexibility

Freelancers are pretty flexible. Yes, we’re generally working with three or more clients, but when you need us, we’re there. Got a last-minute project you need some support with? We’ll take it on! Need us to change the content strategy we’ve put in place due to some new developments? No problem.

Fresh perspectives

As a freelance content writer, I bring objectivity to my clients’ content strategies and fresh perspectives that open up new content angles they might not have considered. For example, I worked closely with a tech client who struggled to translate what they do into plain English before I worked with them. When you've studied and worked in an industry for long enough, it’s really hard to steer focus away from the technical bits, and that’s where I come in! Now, potential clients read long-form interviews and thought leadership pieces to better understand how the company will help them achieve their goals.

Things to look out for

So, if you’ve got to the point where you’re convinced you need a freelance content writer, it’s time to start searching for the right person. Here are a few pointers to help you during your search:

Portfolio

Check out writers’ portfolios. Ask yourself: Do I like their writing style? Have they created the type of content I need before? Is their work of a high enough standard to meet my content expectations? Oh, and if you like the look of their portfolio and they’ve got examples relating to your industry, don’t ask them to do an unpaid trial task. Pay them for their time, at the very least.

Client testimonials

Check testimonials from past clients. People don’t give glowing reviews willy-nilly, so if you find a freelance writer you like the look of with stellar reviews, approach them.

Relevant expertise

Are you looking for a generalist, or would you prefer to work with a content writer focused on your niche? Both have their benefits, but it’s important to make this decision before you start your search.

Rates

It’s understandable that you’re seeing good value for money. However, you need to be very wary of writers with low rates, as it may mean they have minimal experience or the content they produce isn’t up to scratch.

Those with low rates may cut corners, which could result in hidden costs from extensive editing or, in a worst-case scenario, scrapping the content piece entirely.

Just so you know what to expect to pay, the average pay range for experienced freelance content writers in the UK is between £40 and £75 per hour in 2024 (a wide range, I know).

A message from all writers to all clients: If a freelancer’s rate is outside your budget, let them know. They may still be able to help you by changing the deliverables to meet your budget, for example. We’d love to work with you, so most of us are willing to be flexible about what the work arrangement looks like.

You knew it was coming: The freelance B2B content writer pitch

We’ve arrived at the moment we both knew was coming: the moment when I promote my own skills and services.

But seriously, with over six years of experience in writing content for B2B SMEs and larger software companies, I’ve got the skills to create content that is so much more than words on a digital page but valuable content that encourages readers to turn into customers.

So, if I’ve made a good impression and you happen to be looking for a freelance B2B content writer…

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