A report by Linktree shows there were over 200M content creators worldwide in 2022.
While this means you have countless options to consider when you’re in the market for a content provider, it also presents a big dilemma – how do you sift through that large pile to find the right creator for your brand?
And most importantly, how do you know you can trust them?
There’s a whole raft of points to mull over before hiring a content provider, such as the quality and authenticity of their work, if they keep tabs on the best SEO practices, their social media presence, and knowledge about how different platforms work. Other important factors include their adaptability, communication and management skills, affordability, and the ability to beat deadlines.
Are you ready to let us help you land the best content provider for you? Here are 20 key factors you must consider before making your decision!
1. Prior Work From the Content Provider
Choosing a content provider is a bit like dating; you want to ensure you’re compatible with each other, share the same values, and there’s enough chemistry to make things work. The best way to know someone is by watching them in action, and the same is true of content providers.
Before you commit to working with a creator, do your homework. Take the time to review their portfolio to grasp their style, their approach to writing, and whether or not they’re a good fit for your needs.
It’s also a great way to rate their sense of humor, which can be important in deciding whether or not you should hire them.
2. Quality and Originality of Their Content
Before you partner with a content provider, take a step back to evaluate the quality of their content to ensure they avoid the most common content creation mistakes. After all, you don’t want to end up with a bunch of second-rate articles that don’t do your business justice.
Two key aspects you must consider when assessing content are quality and originality.
Quality is important because it determines how well the content engages your audience and drives conversions. If it’s poor, then readers will scroll past your articles.
Authenticity is also vital unless you want your content to blend in with all the other generic articles online. If a content developer’s work is truly unique, it will undoubtedly capture your target readers’ attention and compel them to learn more about your business.
3. Level of Customization for Branded Content
When it comes to branded content, you want to work with a team that can help you get the most out of your investment. This means the professionals you hire must offer a high level of customization for your specific needs; otherwise, you might as well be shooting in the dark.
Think about it this way: if you went to a tailor for a new suit, would you be happy with a one-size-fits-all approach? Of course not!
You desire something that’s going to fit you like a glove. And the same goes for branded content – you want it to perfectly capture your brand’s voice and style because that’s the entire point of marketing your business in the first place.
When choosing a content partner, only settle for the perfect fit. Ensure they offer highly-customized pieces to take your brand to the next level.
4. Understanding of the Best SEO Practices
After all, there’s no point in paying someone to produce content that’s not going to help you achieve your goal in the long run. Fortunately, there are a few key things you can look out for to gauge a content creator’s understanding of SEO.
For starters, are they familiar with keyword research and how to target key phrases?
You should also find out if they understand the importance of backlinks and how to get high-quality links pointing to your site.
Finally, evaluate their knowledge of on-page optimization and ensure they comprehend the latest trends in the ever-changing SEO world.
When you find a content developer who ticks all these boxes, you’re well on your way to getting quality content to help you achieve your SEO goals.
5. Their Track Record With Meeting Deadlines
When considering working with a new content creation company, find out if they can meet deadlines.
The last thing you need is a pile of undone work because it’ll make executing your content strategy an uphill battle.
It’s pretty easy to know if a content developer or agency meets deadlines – check their website for reviews left by previous clients to see how they fared in terms of timely delivery. If they have a history of falling behind on work, it’s best to look elsewhere.
On the other hand, content creators with a solid track record of beating deadlines could be worth it.
6. Field of Specialization
It’s always wise to settle for a content provider specializing in your industry.
Eager to understand why? Well, to begin with, they can provide you with invaluable insights about your field, which other creators might be unable to.
Furthermore, they get your target audience and can create content that resonates with them. When your users feel understood, they’re more likely to join your team or support your brand.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
We all know that social media is a powerful tool, and so are content providers who’ve mastered it.
Creators without a strong social media presence are less likely to help you improve yours. So, why should you hire them in the first place?
When evaluating potential content providers for your company, scrutinize their social media presence and engagement.
Do they have a strong following? Are they active on multiple platforms, and do they regularly interact with their audience?
The answers to these important questions should give you a good sense of whether they can manage your social media accounts properly and provide content that benefits your business.
8. Communication and Teamwork Skills
A content provider is only worth your attention and cash if they can communicate effectively and work well with others.
When looking for a content provider, you want to ensure they can communicate and collaborate effectively. Here are some key questions to ask yourself before signing them up:
- Do they answer your questions promptly?
- Do they provide clear and concise explanations?
- Are they open to hearing your input and feedback?
- Do they make an effort to understand your needs?
- Are they truly invested in the success of your project?
- Can they successfully collaborate with other members of your content creation team?
If the answer to any of these queries is “no,” keep looking.
Effective collaboration and communication skills are key components of a successful relationship with a content provider. Always choose someone ready to meet you halfway.
9. Pricing and Payment Options
The best content providers are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also affordable. They offer several subscription plans to suit different clients and accept many payment systems.
However, as you prioritize afforability, remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. If you’re looking for high-quality content, you may need to pay more, but it’s worth it to enjoy the best results for your business.
Also, some content developers might require you to make payments upfront, while others are okay with paying after delivery. Your best fit depends on your budget and if you’ve already established trust.
10. Policies for Revisions and Edits
No one’s perfect, especially when it comes to content creation. Even the most experienced and talented writers make mistakes, so reviewing a content provider’s policies for revisions and edits is crucial.
Their approach towards corrections should be favorable to help you request adjustments when necessary.
So, if you spot a mistake in a piece of content you ordered, you can contact the provider for a revision. That way, you can rest assured that the finished product will be polished and perfect.
11. Available Content Formats
When it comes to content, variety is the spice of life. Just like you wouldn’t want to eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, your readers don’t want to consume the same type of content daily.
Therefore, choose a content provider offering pieces in diverse content formats, including articles, videos, infographics, slide presentations, and more.
Otherwise, you run the risk of your content becoming boring and unengaging.
12. Understanding and Adherence to Copyright and Plagiarism Laws
When choosing a content provider, consider someone who understands and adheres to copyright and plagiarism laws. This prevents you from publishing plagiarized content that could hurt your SEO rankings and earn you avoidable penalties.
Notably, copyright and plagiarism laws are in place to protect the hard work of content creators. When your writer takes credit for another’s work, they jeopardize your brand’s future and credibility.
13. Relevance of Their Sources
Review a content provider’s sources before you partner with them to improve your brand. Are they quality, relevant and credible?
After all, you don’t want to offer your readers low-quality, false or outdated information.
For instance, imagine reading an article about the latest fashion trends, and it’s crafted from sources from last year’s runway. You’d be pretty unimpressed, right?
The same applies to web and social media content. Your readers crave pieces with updated information about topics they actually care about.
14. Ability to Provide Data-Driven Insights
In business, credibility is key. And content with data-driven insights is the lifeblood of any organization looking to win the trust of its target audience and, hopefully, climb the ranks to become a leader in their industry.
Therefore, if this is your dream, hire a content provider with exceptional data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills to deliver valuable data backed by relevant facts and statistics.
So, when assessing a content provider’s ability to provide data-driven insights, ask yourself: do they have a track record of success? Do they have a team of experienced analysts?
And most importantly, do they have the right tools and technologies to deliver insights that can make a difference?
If the answer to all these questions is “yes,” hire them, as they can help you attain your business goals.
15. Translation Services
In most cases, a content provider who also offers translation services is always a better fit for your company, especially if you’re serving a global audience.
They make it much easier for you to reach and tap into a wider market and ultimately expand your business.
16. Crisis Management Skills
Pay attention to a content provider’s crisis management skills before bringing them on board. Competent content creators think on their feet to devise creative solutions to problems.
They also have thick skin and can handle criticism without losing morale. Most importantly, they keep their cool under pressure and maintain a positive attitude even when things are tough.
17. Network and Connections in the Industry
Factor in a content developer’s network and connections in your industry before hiring them. Just because they have written a few articles or blog posts doesn’t mean they know the ins and outs of your field.
A good content provider has a vast network of contacts they can tap into to get the latest information on recent trends and news.
They are also well-connected with other content developers, such as editors, publishers, and marketing experts, who might be handy in helping them provide top-notch services.
18. Understanding of Audience Targeting
When creating content for your business website, leave nothing to chance. After all, it helps you attract and engage your target group.
So, when choosing a content provider, consider their understanding of audience targeting. The best creators grasp your specific target readers, their diverse needs, and how to reach them through various channels.
In other words, they’ll know how to get your content in front of the right audience when the time is right. With their help, you can rest assured that those who matter will find their way to your site.
19. Do They Have Any Additional Skills?
Determine if the content developer you want to hire has any extra skills to help them deliver better services for your brand.
For example, are they into graphic design and video production besides writing blogs and website content? If the answer is yes, that’s a big plus because you don’t have to return to the market to hire another professional when you need video content or ads.
Additionally, hiring multi-skilled content developers saves you money because they’re likely to give you an affordable quote since you’re providing more work.
20. Level of Adaptability
A content developer’s versatility and willingness to try new approaches always come in handy. You don’t want a creator stuck in their ways and not ready to embrace new or more advanced strategies to get things done.
Think of it this way: suppose you’re hiring a chef. Would you pick the one adamant about preparing the same dish time and again, or the one who’s always experimenting to come up with tastier delicacies?
A flexible content provider deserves a chance because they’re ready to try out new approaches to grow your brand.
Final Thoughts
Thankfully, you now know what to watch out for when hunting for a reliable content provider. It’s more convenient to go for a professional with at least a few years of experience, but this doesn’t mean you can’t give newbies a shot – some might even surprise you.
Break a leg!