The mistake most companies make in working with a freelance writer

If you’re like most companies, chances are you’re not getting the biggest value your freelance writers have to offer. Here’s the mistake many companies make: they use their freelance writers just for the writing. 

Don’t get me wrong: clear, compelling prose matters, of course, but it’s not the most important thing I do for my clients. The most valuable thing I and other freelance writers do for clients is help them brainstorm, choose, and shape their strongest possible content ideas. 

Instead of involving the writer in the idea-generation stage, many companies come up with their own ideas, which doesn’t always produce the strongest possible content. While companies can certainly generate strong content ideas on their own, in my experience working with many companies, they generate better ideas when they consult with an outside writer who can see their ideas and products with greater objectivity. An outside writer can also help a company more effectively frame their ideas to make them more attractive to readers. 

The next time you hire a freelance writer, make sure to schedule regular meetings to brainstorm and decide upon content ideas. 

If you’d like to learn more about how I work with companies to help them conceive their strongest possible ideas, please contact me.