When you’re hiring a content writer, there are many types of content like SEO writing, copywriting, whitepapers, and more. Each type has its own set of needs, making it important to pick the right fit for your project.

Around 43% of content marketers say they use AI for ideas, but only 3% use it to write full articles (Orbit Media). So, it’s important to find a writer who does their own research, gathers key points, and writes original content.

The key is to hire a writer who matches your needs. Let’s go over the general things to look for in a content writer. Now, let’s dive into how to hire the right content writer.

What is a Professional Writer?

Most professional writers already have their own agencies, but let’s talk about how they got there and what makes them professional. First, they don’t wait for opportunities to come; they pitch clients, or clients find them based on their previous work. They build their portfolio and network along the way. This makes it easier to choose a genuine, professional content writer. On Upwork, the average hourly rate for content writers is between $15 and $40, so you can easily figure out which writer is a good fit for your project.

Types of Writing and How To Hire a Content Writer

There are about 11 types of content writing you can pay for online. I’ve listed them out for you, so you can easily find what fits your needs.

1. Blog Writing

Blog writing means creating helpful, easy-to-read articles for websites that keep readers interested and help with SEO. When hiring a blog writer, look for someone with good grammar, basic SEO knowledge, a clear writing style, and the ability to explain things simply.

2. Copywriting

Copywriting means writing words that make people take action like buying something signing up or clicking a link. It’s not about writing fancy stuff it’s about writing what works. If you want to hire a copywriter look for someone who understands your audience writes clearly knows how to sell without sounding pushy and can write headlines that grab attention fast.

3. SEO Writing

SEO writing is all about creating content that both people and search engines like. It means using the right keywords naturally while keeping the content helpful and easy to read. It’s not just about ranking. It’s about making sure your reader finds exactly what they’re looking for.

Key requirements for hiring an SEO writer:

• Knows how to do keyword research
• Can write clear and engaging content
• Understands search intent
• Has basic on-page SEO knowledge
• Writes in a natural, human tone
• Can follow SEO tools like Surfer or Yoast

4. Script Writing

Scriptwriting is all about creating engaging content for videos, podcasts, or ads. You want to keep things conversational and make sure the script flows naturally. When hiring a scriptwriter, look for someone with a creative mindset, attention to detail, and experience in writing for your specific medium or niche.

5. Technical Writing

Technical writing involves creating clear and concise documentation like manuals, guides, and instructions. It’s all about explaining complex topics in a way that’s easy to understand. When hiring a technical writer, look for strong writing skills, attention to detail, technical knowledge, and the ability to simplify complex concepts.

6. Social Media Content

Social media content is all about creating posts that grab attention, spark engagement, and reflect your brand’s personality. It’s not just about being witty but also about delivering the right message to the right audience. When hiring for this, look for creativity, consistency, strong writing skills, and trend awareness.

7. Email Writing

Email writing is all about crafting messages that grab attention and drive action. Whether it’s for newsletters or promotional campaigns, the key is clarity and engagement. When hiring an email writer, look for someone with a strong grasp of tone, clear communication, attention to detail, and CTA skills.

8. Product & Collection Descriptions Writer

Product and collection descriptions are all about making your product irresistible. You want to highlight key features, explain the benefits, and show how it solves a problem. Keep it clear, engaging, and focused on what matters to the customer.

For hiring a product description writer, look for creativity, attention to detail, and an understanding of your target audience. They should be able to write compelling, clear, and concise collection and product descriptions that drive sales.

9. Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is when someone writes for you but you get the credit. It’s perfect if you want to publish a book, blog, or article without doing all the writing. The writer captures your voice and style, so it feels like it’s coming from you.

When hiring a ghostwriter, look for someone with a versatile writing style, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to your tone. They should be trustworthy, as confidentiality is key in this role. A strong background in the subject matter is a bonus!

10. Press Release Writing

Press release writing is all about sharing news in a professional and clear way. It’s used to announce new products, events, or updates. You want it to be informative, straight to the point and have a strong headline.

When hiring, look for someone with strong writing skills, attention to detail, and journalistic experience.

11. White Papers

White papers are in-depth reports that explain complex topics clearly. They’re used to inform and persuade decision-makers, offering valuable insights and solutions.

For hiring a press release writer, look for someone who’s great with storytelling, concise, and knows how to craft newsworthy content that grabs attention.

What to Expect from Content Writers

Google doesn’t mind AI content, but that doesn’t mean you should hire a writer who relies only on AI without putting in their own effort. Content comes in many forms like podcasts, articles, videos, and social media posts. A content writer’s job is to create content that helps businesses attract, convert, and keep customers.

Content writers do more than just write. Their job often includes:

• Researching topics to create interesting, original, and convincing content.
• Planning a content strategy that supports advertising, sales, and other business goals.
• Editing content to check facts, fix mistakes, and make it easier to read.
• Working with different teams to make sure content is ready on time and matches the brand’s style.
• Managing content to make sure it’s delivered and published on time.
• Using SEO techniques like keyword research to help content rank better on Google.
• Writing attention-grabbing copy that connects with the target audience, starting with a great headline and ending with exciting offers.

Once you get content from your writer, you can make small changes to match your brand’s style and tone. Just tweak a few words or lines so it sounds more like you.

Tips For Finding The Perfect Professional Writer

The internet is now a crowded place, and smart marketers know that wherever there’s a big audience, there’s a chance to sell. But to get results, your product needs to match what that audience actually wants. In the same way, you can find content writers on many platforms, and I’ve listed some below.

• Upwork – Big pool of writers, good for long-term work
• Fiverr – Quick gigs, affordable options (just read reviews carefully)
• Freelancer.com – Similar to Upwork, but a bit more competitive
• PeoplePerHour – Great for UK-based writers but open globally
• Guru – Another freelance site, less crowded than the others.
• LinkedIn – Business and Employment-Oriented social network
• Google – Just search “[Content Type] writer” on Google and Boom!
• Social Media – Just make networks and work with a writer as a partner.

Actual and Genuine Content Writing Tips (Inhouse Writer)

The sad truth is, that most content these days isn’t as good as it should be. A lot of writers just copy stuff or rely too much on AI. And even when someone writes on their own, there’s usually not much research behind it.

The best way to get real, useful content is to hire an in-house writer and send them to see things in action. For example, let’s say you want a blog on “How a carburetor works in Jeeps.” Instead of Googling it, you send your writer to an actual Jeep workshop where mechanics are working. The writer spends time there, takes notes, snaps photos, maybe even shoots a video, and then writes a blog based on what they saw and learned.

Sure, this method costs more and takes time. But that one article will be way more helpful than 100 blog posts written from behind a desk.

Final words

Content writing isn’t something just anyone can do. So before you hire a writer, make sure to check their past work, read reviews, and see how good their writing is, how consistent they are, and how they present ideas. The way they write can either bring customers in or push them away.