How to Communicate Effectively as a Freelance Writer & Its Benefits
The concept of freelance writing and outsourced content writing was difficult to grasp several years back.
Businesses and entrepreneurs found it impossible to imagine how a stranger who knew nothing about their company/brand could do a good job representing them in a relevant and believable fashion, using the written word.
As time passed, web content writing started becoming much more structured and streamlined. Companies began to realize how simple it can be to outsource content writing to a dependable content writer or content writing firm without hiring someone full-time.
Word-of-mouth did wonders in getting more and more people online in search of a talented freelance writer. A lot of this method came about through clear and open communication, which is the key to a successful freelance writing association.
Since the relationship between a content writer and the client is one of give-and-take, there is no room for obscurity on both sides.
ESSENTIALS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR CLIENT & WRITERS
Keeping in mind that the benefits of effective communication are many, here are some simple techniques to communicate effectively with your freelance content writer / writing client.
CLIENTS:
Spell Out Your Requirement, Loud and Clear
When you contact a writer to outsource your writing job, make sure to be as detailed and precise about your requirement as you possibly can. Since the writer does not know you or your company, it is up to you to put across your demands and expectations as clearly as possible.
Be Willing to Answer Questions, Provide Information
If you have contacted an experienced freelance writer in India, rest assured of hearing back from him/her with some relevant questions as a follow up on your initial inquiry email.
When they do, make sure to provide answers to all their questions in detail. If you are not comfortable with writing down everything, talk to the writer over the phone.
Communicate your requirements clearly. The writer should get a clear idea of your expectations and the work involved. It is the only way you will get good quality content in line with your expectations.
As the project moves forward, the writer may ask you for some background information about your business.
· What does your company do?
· How do you want to represent your business?
· Who is going to read this content?
· What differentiates you from your competitors?
· What is the tone of voice you require?
· What are your expectations for the content?
· Where will it be published?
Give them all the relevant information or get them in touch with someone who can. Equip your writer with the right tools and they will give you good quality content.
WRITERS:
Perform a Need Analysis
When you hear from a new client, read their mail carefully to grasp the demands of the project. Understand what is required of you and judge your suitability for the project.
If you think this is the right job for you, take the next step. Send across a competitive quotation. If you think you are not interested in the project or would like more information about the job before saying yes, ask relevant questions.
Clarify All Your Doubts and Queries –
Before you begin writing, you must make it a point to clarify any doubts or questions you may have about the project. You may want to ask them about their –
· Company history
· Customer and clients
· Competitors
· Products and services
· Strengths
Ask away. Never compromise on the quality of what you write for lack of sufficient information.
If either party fails to communicate – the content writer does not ask relevant questions and writes without understanding the scope of the project, and the client does not express his/her requirements or fails to provide sufficient background information, the delivered content can be out of context, falling short of expectations.
Have you experienced the benefits of effective communication?
What kind of questions do you ask a prospective client before beginning the actual writing job?
Share your comments below.
