6 Comprehensive Steps to Hire a Freelance B2B Content Writer for SEO

You already know that content is king, and so do your competitors. Every industry niche has players investing in content marketing and SEO, mostly with the goal of generating more traffic and leads.

So, with so much content already out there, how can you ensure your content stands out?

That’s where a freelance B2B content writer can help you.

A skilled B2B writer can create engaging, informative content that attracts visitors to your website and helps you rank higher in search engines.

What Differentiates B2B SEO Writing from B2C Writing?

B2B SEO writing differs from other forms of content writing in its focus on the specific needs and decision-making processes of businesses. Unlike B2C content, which often aims for broader appeal and emotional engagement, B2B content needs to be more informative, detailed, and tailored to a professional audience. It often involves complex topics, requires a deeper understanding of the industry, and should position your brand as a thought leader.

But how do you find the right writer for your B2B SEO needs?

In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to hire a freelance content writer who can create effective B2B SEO content for your business.

6 Steps to Hire Freelance B2B Content Writers for Your B2B SEO

A B2B freelance content writer understands the typical B2B sales funnel and can create content that aligns with that. Here are the steps to hire freelance content writers for your B2B SEO.

1. Determine Your Content Needs

Before you start your hunt for a freelance B2B content writer, it’s important to determine your content needs. This will help you identify the type of writer you need and ensure that they can produce the content you require.

Here is how you can determine your needs:

A. Identify the type of content that you need

For example, you may need blog posts, whitepapers, case studies, or product descriptions.

Each type of content requires a different writing style and level of expertise, so it’s important to be clear on what you need.

B. Consider your target audience and brand voice

Your content should be tailored to your audience and reflect your brand’s personality and values.

A freelance B2B content writer who is familiar with your industry and has experience writing for your target audience will be better equipped to create content that resonates with your readers. Here, identifying the specific skills of a B2B SEO writer early on can streamline your search.

C. Think about your SEO goals

Your content should be optimized for search engines to ensure that it appears in search results when people search for keywords related to your business.

A freelance B2B content writer who has experience with SEO writing will be able to create content that is both high-quality and optimized for search engines.

2. Research and Shortlist Writers

Start by exploring platforms like LinkedIn, Contently, and Upwork to find writers with B2B expertise. Review their profiles, noting their experience and areas of specialization.

It is important to seek for freelance B2B writers who has proven experience in your industry. Their experience should reflect an understanding of the B2B marketplace, including industry jargon, buyer personas, and the B2B sales cycle. This expertise ensures they can produce content that resonates with a professional audience.

Given that generative AI is at the disposal of content marketing, the writer should also be avid with the AI content writing tools.

If you wonder how writers can use AI to writer excellent piece of content, read my quick guide on tips to use ChatGPT for content writing.

Examine the writer’s portfolio for diversity in content types and depth in topics. Pay attention to how they’ve tackled complex subjects, their storytelling ability, and how they adapt their tone for different industries. This evaluation helps in gauging their versatility and expertise.

Then, compile a list of content writers whose skills and experience align with your content needs. Reach out to them with a brief overview of your requirements to gauge their interest and availability.

3. Assess Their SEO Knowledge

SEO knowledge is essential for a content writer, especially in the B2B space, as it ensures your content not only reads well but also performs well in search engine rankings. A writer proficient in SEO can effectively incorporate keywords, understand search intent, and structure content to maximize online visibility.

Additionally, impeccable proofreading and editing skills are non-negotiable to maintain the highest quality of content. These skills ensure that your content is error-free, coherent, and polished, reflecting well on your brand’s reputation.

During the interview process, ask specific questions about their TOFU & BOFU content, SEO and content strategy, including how they conduct keyword research and stay updated with the latest SEO trends.

You should also evaluate their marketing knowledge and their view on the modern context of digital marketing. I’d recommend you to ask B2B content writer for hire about the key pillars of marketing in the customer-focused era. Try to resonate their answer with the following piece I had written previously – What Are 7Cs of Marketing and How Do They Relate in this Digital Era?

Lastly, don’t forget to request examples of past work that rank well in search engines. This step will help you evaluate their SEO competence.

4. Conduct a Writing Test

When you hire a freelance B2B content writer, it’s crucial to ensure their understanding of SEO aligns with your strategy. A trial assignment, such as a blog article or a product description, can be a practical way to evaluate the writer’s actual work. This test should ideally reflect the type of content you need and allow the writer to demonstrate their skills in a real-world scenario.

Once submitted, assess the trial content for quality, adherence to your brief, SEO optimization, and how well it aligns with your brand voice. Pay attention to their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and engagingly.

Also Read: Who are Technical Content Writers? What Do They Write for Marketing Teams?

5. Discuss Communication and Workflow

Discuss and agree upon expectations regarding deliverables, timelines, feedback mechanisms, and revisions. Clarity in these areas helps in managing the workflow smoothly and ensures both parties are on the same page.

Have a discussion about your preferred communication channels, frequency of updates, and project management tools, if any.

Set clear expectations regarding deadlines, feedback, and revision processes.

6. Talk About Pricing and Contracts

Understanding the writer’s pricing model is important for budgeting. Whether freelance B2B writers charge per word, per hour, or per project, make sure their rates are clear and aligned with your budget and the market rates.

Here are the most popular pricing models you might consider:

• Per-word pricing: Often used but can disadvantage complex tasks requiring deep research.
• Per-hour pricing: Offers fairness for time spent, though not common in all regions.
• Per-project pricing: Ideal for clear scope work, offering budget predictability.
• Per-article pricing: Adapts to varying lengths and complexities of individual articles.
• Retainer or ongoing fee: Suitable for long-term engagements with regular content needs.

Discussing these models with potential hires will help establish clear expectations and foster a healthy working relationship.

Here, a formal contract should outline all aspects of the engagement, including scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and conditions for revisions. This legal document protects both parties and provides a reference for any future disputes.

If you need help in creating the contract, find a free template here.

Questions You Can Ask to the Content Writers

Here are seven insightful questions you can ask when interviewing a potential B2B SEO content writer:

1. How do you approach keyword research and SEO optimization in your writing?

This question helps gauge the writer’s understanding of SEO fundamentals and their ability to integrate SEO strategies into their writing effectively.

2. Can you provide examples of successful B2B content you have written, particularly those that have achieved strong SEO results?

Asking for specific examples allows you to assess the writer’s experience and success in writing SEO-optimized B2B content.

3. How do you adapt your writing style to different B2B audiences and industries?

This question evaluates the writer’s versatility and their ability to tailor content to various B2B audiences and industry-specific tones.

4. What is your process for staying updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes?

SEO is dynamic, so it’s important to know how the writer keeps their skills and knowledge current.

5. How do you measure the success of your SEO content, and can you share an example where your content significantly improved a client’s search engine ranking or lead generation?

Understanding their approach to measuring success and asking for a case study can provide insights into their effectiveness and results-driven mindset.

6. What is your experience in writing content that aligns with different stages of the B2B sales funnel?

This question helps you understand their grasp of the B2B sales cycle and their ability to create content that caters to different stages of the buyer’s journey.

7. How do you handle feedback and revisions in your writing process?

It’s important to know how the writer incorporates feedback and their flexibility in revising content to meet clients’ expectations.

Hiring a Content Writer is More than a Task; It’s Actually an Investment

Finding the right freelance B2B content writer for your B2B SEO needs is more than just a task; it’s an investment in the future of your business. As an experienced B2B content writer myself, I understand the intricacies of creating content that not only engages but also converts.

In a world of information overflow, the right words can make your brand stand out. By following the steps discussed in this article, you’re not just hiring a writer; you’re acquiring a strategic partner who can elevate your content and amplify your online presence.

Remember, quality content is a reflection of your brand’s expertise and authority in the industry. With the right writer on board, you’re not just reaching your audience; you’re resonating with them.

Now, it’s time for my sales pitch…

As someone who’s navigated the complex world of B2B content and SEO, I can attest to the power of well-crafted words. If you’re looking to take your content to the next level, let’s connect and explore how my skills can align with your vision for success.

Together, let’s transform your content into a compelling narrative that not only informs but inspires action. Because in the world of B2B, the right words don’t just inform; they influence.

If you’re interested in talking to me further, feel free to email me at madhukarjangir@gmail.com or ping me on LinkedIn.

Also Read: Can AI Article Writers Replace Human Writers? A Comparison