Too many people are hung up on trying to figure out the differences between a copywriter and a content writer. Which one writes to inform? Which one writes to persuade? It seems no one can agree on the distinctions. The good news is that by hiring a writer who can produce Media Grade Content®, you’ll get compelling, high-value content that is both persuasive and informative.
Well-written content helps attract clearly defined audiences, drives people to action and educates people about your product. But feeding your market’s insatiable need for fresh, interesting and relevant content can be challenging, especially if writing doesn’t come naturally to you. Here are five smart questions to ask before hiring a writer:
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- How well do you know my industry? Your reputation is on the line. Your content should position you as an industry expert. The writer should be able to present your content in fresh, new ways. Each piece of content should offer something unique and relevant. Hire someone who is already armed with the right resources and knowledge. Media Relations’ writers have written for more than 70 different industries and we’re not kids just out of college. We have plenty of life experience. We are also involved with virtually every area of our clients’ marketing programs, from press releases and pre-written articles to website content. When we write a blog or social media post, we have ample familiarity and context.
- How will you position this content relative the rest of my marketing plan? A well-integrated marketing plan should reinforce your messaging and calls to action at every point of contact with your target audience. Subtle changes in phrasing by someone unfamiliar with your brand and messaging, can dramatically change readers’ interpretation.
- Are you familiar with marketing fundamentals? Content can be well written but if it fails to take basic marketing principles into account, it can fail to communicate as intended. Our writers understand how to apply such essentials as production positioning, market segmentation variables, and primary and secondary value points.
- What SEO strategies will you use? Where will the writer get the very important SEO information? How will you be charged for that time? Capturing information that can be used for SEO purposes is part of our client onboarding process. Before any work begins, we understand your keywords, value points and intended goals.
- Does your writing style fit my needs? Avoid the risk of having your content sound unprofessional by asking for samples. Is the writer’s content media grade? In other words, is it as good as what might be written by reporters? You want content that sounds credible, informative and persuasive. Are the samples tightly written or are they filled with “fluff” that sounds good but doesn’t add to the meaning? Does the writer avoid clichés? Does the writer follow the media’s preferred AP Style?
Whether you need just one blog or you need help maintaining an ambitious social media content marketing schedule, we offer affordable options including on-call writing services, Pay Per Post and content packages to meet your needs. Our writers will work with you to create professional content that supports your marketing goals. Call us at 952-697-5269 or use this form.
