How to Manage Freelancers: 9 Non-Hacks for Quality Content

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freelance management There are an abundance of talented freelancers looking for their next gigs. If you play it right, these new independent contractors could rescue you from that steep drop-off in search traffic. But does your team know how to manage freelancers? You can’t engage with freelancers the same way you manage your in-house content team. How to properly manage your freelancers Unlike full-time employees, freelance writers get to choose their clients and projects. They may be working in different time zones or even different countries, and they may have minimal face-to-face contact with your team. Many companies work with freelance copywriters and agencies every day. Here are nine rules you should swear by to produce high-quality content while working as a cohesive unit with your freelancers. Stop treating them like freelancers Pay for content quality, not quantity Document and share your existing content strategy Create airtight project briefs Share what metrics matter most to you Assign an internal SEO gatekeeper Onboard and train them just like an employee Don’t micromanage Have a mutual agreement on a feedback process Scoring high-quality content starts with building high-quality relationships with your freelancers. That’s where we’ll begin today! 1. Stop treating them like freelancers You can find thousands of freelancers all over the world on sites like Upwork. But that doesn’t mean you should churn your way through stacks of them. Freelance workers are not all created equal. Some will be a better fit for your team than others. And when you find those gems, you should build strong relationships to hang on to them. To do this, make sure your freelance workforce feels like they’re part of your team. Try to use “us” and “we” in conversation to make sure they feel included. And don’t forget to dole out praise and recognition for jobs well done. You should also give your freelancers everything they need to succeed, just like your in-house employees. Invite them to virtual meetings , add them to your internal email lists, etc. Freelancing can be lonely and isolating. So efforts to get to know your remote team on a personal level go a long way. Celebrate birthdays or discuss weekend plans on your water-cooler Slack channel, for example. You’ll boost engagement and team camaraderie simultaneously. Churning through subpar or inexperienced freelancers wastes time, money, and company resources. You’ll need to find, onboard, and test out each new writer. Then they’ll need to become familiar with your brand’s content goals and tone. This trial period could last anywhere from a few weeks to a few projects. “The average U.S. employer spends $4,000 and 24 days to hire a new worker.” That’s why building relationships with freelancers is investing in your company’s future. When you find freelancers who deliver what you ask, they’ll be worth their weight in gold. Plus, giving them steady, repeat work may mean they’ll take on fewer clients and dedicate more time to your brand. 2. Pay for content quality, not quantity It’s best to […]

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