I’ve been a blogger-for-hire for two years already, so I thought I’d hop on over to the other side of the table for this post.

Here’s the skinny on what I’d do if I wanted to hire a blogger.

1. I’d jump online to sites like LinkedIn and Twitter to see who’s writing about my industry. If I were in the print industry, I’d search by hash tags, including #printmedia. I’d look under Posts on LinkedIn to see who’s writing in my field. I’d conduct a Google search on “bloggers in the print industry” to see what pops up. I’d visit the sites of trade associations to see if they have bloggers. Remember, not every blogger offers blogging as a service. Many blog to keep their names out there. Above all else, I’d want a writer who has experience in my industry and a style I like.

2. I’d pay attention to top bloggers for several weeks to get a sense of writing style and content quality. These are different. I’d look for consistent quality. And the writing style would be important – that doesn’t change, BTW. I’d do a Google search on the bloggers I really like, to see what else I could find out about them. I’d view their LinkedIn profiles.

3. After being satisfied I’d found the blogger (or two) that most interests me, and checking out their site/s to see if they offer blogging as a service, I’d get in touch to start the conversation.

4. In a phone call, I’d find out the blogger’s interest and availability and have an initial discussion about my needs (weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.). I’d ask for pricing and want to get a sense of how the blogger works. I’d expect this information by email within the week, and I’d pay close attention to the quality of this communication (grammar, spelling, format, etc.). It reflects on the writer. I have high standards and am sensitive to errors.

5. If everything looks good (price, availability, writing style), I’d let the blogger know the good news, and get an NDA signed. A simple Letter of Agreement also makes sense. Because the blogger is unknown (to me, anyway), I’d want a three-month trial to start, so that I could experience the blogger’s writing style, accountability, and evaluate the content itself (naturally).

6. I’d have a liaison assigned to work with my blogger (presuming it’s not me). This conduit is important. Most of the work will be done by email or phone calls.

7. I’d be flexible. It could take a few assignments to get into the groove with a new writer. Communication with my blogger (and vice versa) is critical. I’d try to be fair about what I expect and give as much information about each blogging topic as I have available.

8. Whenever possible, I’d line up blog topics in advance with my blogger and make sure she/he has everything needed to jump in.

9. I’d give feedback to help the relationship grow stronger, and I’d ask my blogger for feedback as well. If the fit just doesn’t feel right after a few posts (I’d know), I’d summon up the nerve to say as much to the blogger in a phone call and in a professional way.
10. I’d pay my blogger’s invoices promptly. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s much appreciated.

Have I left off anything important? Would you also have a Plan B ready in case your blogger stops delivering? Do let me know.

© 2015 Margie Dana