Freelance bloggers are good at what they do, but they’re not mind readers. They don’t know the details of your company, unless you give them a little bit of extra information.
I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve asked someone for a little more information—sometimes to write About Us pages—only to be told to use my creativity. It’s not the creativity that is the issue. It’s about getting the facts right.
By helping your freelance blogger, you increase the chance of getting content that is perfect for your needs the first time. This is why I like meetings prior to working, whether in person or through Skype. I get to ask questions and learn more about the needs. Here are three things your freelance blogger need to write your blog posts.
Information About Your Company, Your Blog Needs and Your Industry
Nobody knows your company and your industry better than you do. Think about what you want to get from your blog posts, and share the deeper details of the industry. Just lately, I found out that a certain time of year is the biggest for a new client. I would never have known that had he not told me when we met. It was great information, because it gave me a place to start with writing.
Sharing as much as you can is important for all types of content, but especially for Home and About Us pages. The blogger isn’t going to know when you were established or all the different types of products you offer, unless you tell her!
When it comes to blogging, you know what you want to get out of it. Knowing this will help your freelance blogger craft the perfect posts for those needs.
Access to Protected Information
In some cases, the freelancer will need access to the protected information. If not information, then access to apps or software to be able to write about it. This is especially the case if your blogger is writing tutorials using the various elements within a piece of software.
Sometimes, the blogger will need access to physical products. Seeing a picture for a description is great, but creativity comes from being able to touch and smell items, too.
You want the best for your blog posts, right? Well, allow access to as much as possible.
There’s nothing wrong with asking for non-disclosures to be signed. This is a smart move, especially when it comes to a new product not yet released.
You won’t be able to give access to absolutely everything, but consider as much as possible when you find a blogger you can trust.
Open Communication Throughout the Writing
There will be questions that arise or problems that happen. Open communication is necessary for freelance bloggers to write. We need to be able to get hold of our clients, whether through phone or email.
This doesn’t need to be instant communication. We’re not asking you to be on Skype at 2am while we write. What we want to know is that you will get back with questions in a timely manner. Within one or two business days at the most is the best option.
If you’re not open, a freelance blogger can’t offer you the best work. There will always be elements that she may be unsure on, and that leads to revisions and extra time.
This does work both ways, too. For your open communication, you can expect the same from your blogger.
You can’t just pay a blogger for work and then disappear. Bloggers need more information and more help to create the perfect pieces of content for your needs. Look up at the three things your freelance blogger needs to write your blog posts and think about everything you can share.