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How to find an experienced freelance content writer
by Marsha Maung

September 17th, 2007

Is it really hard to find an experienced freelance content writer on the Internet these days? Is it really? A recent client of mine told me that he had to search high and low all over the world, go through hard-to-get-over experiences with inexperienced freelance content writers, waste unnecessary money and time, spend a lot of time with content writers with no inkling as to what they are doing before finding an experienced freelance content writer he can depend on.

Well, based on this feedback, I'll clue you in on how to find an experienced freelance content writer without wasting energy, time, money and effort; whilst they're not TOP SECRET stuff, I am quite sure it will save you quite a bit if headache and heartache (is there such a thing as bank-ache?) later on.

Insist on a website where you can view all previous work
Being a freelance content writer with experience, there is, in my personal opinion, absolutely no reason why they can't have their own website, set everything up nicely and place some relevant previous work there to show you! If they don't, at least, have a blog or a website, forget it. You don't have that kind of time to waste. There are many other experienced freelance content writers for you to consider.

In my opinion, even if it's a free website from Geocities.com or Bravehost.com, it doesn't matter. If they have their own hosted websites all the better but if the freelance content writer can take the time to set something up to showcase their experience, it's worth a look.

How quick did the experienced freelance content writer take to respond?
It has nothing to do with how busy the content writer is with his or her work! No matter what, if they're experienced enough, the content writer should know that response should always be prompt. If the response wasn't quick enough for you, the experienced freelance content writer should give you an acceptable reason – like was on a holiday in Malibu or computer was down…which is, to me, acceptable. Things like that happen and the timing could have been wrong. Other than that, the response from the freelance content writer should always be quick and on the dot.

What are the methods of communication can the experienced freelance content writer provide you
Now, this is an important factor to consider if the freelance content writer is located halfway across the world. I mean, if the freelance content writer is located within your region, you know that he/she is just a phone call or email away. You're both awake and asleep at around the same time and there's no issue with communication. Most of my clients are located halfway across the world and based on experience, I know that in order for me to give my clients a sense of security, I have to use as many methods of communication as possible including instant messengers, phones, online conference rooms, etc. Decide for yourself whether you feel secure enough with the experienced freelance content writer to engage his/her services.

The nitty gritty details of engaging the services of an experienced freelance content writer
BEFORE you part with your dollars, you have to sure that the road ahead is as smooth as possible. And the only way to do this is to iron out the details before signing on the dotted line.

Things like ‘turnaround time', ‘payment method', ‘specialization' and ‘methodology' are important. NEVER say ‘this can wait' or ‘we'll work out the details later'….DON'T. I say this because many times, some of these issues will leave both of you disgruntled with the experience. It pays to work out these details before engaging the services of the freelance content writer and if the writer is experienced enough, he/she should know that these should be part of the contract.

Working with a freelance content writer with a little bit of experience makes a lot of difference. Why go through all the teething problems when you can work with someone who already knows all the ins and outs?

Marsha Maung is a Malaysian-based freelance writer who has been in the search engine marketing business for more than 8 years. Today, she spends her time alternating between being a mother to her kids and mother to her clients' websites and blogs! Now, she is a popular SEO blog content writer and service provider. Visit her website http://www.marshamaung.com for more info and if you want dirty personal details, visit her blog at http://www.marshamaung.blogspot.com .