A Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Blog Post Writer

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Hiring a professional to write blog posts for you or your business can elevate your online presence, engage your audience, and drive traffic.

However, understanding the process, expectations, and costs is crucial to making an informed decision.

This guide covers key considerations, including posting frequency, pricing, and what services are typically included.

Determining Blog Post Frequency

The frequency of blog posts depends on your goals, audience, and resources. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Business Goals: If you aim to boost SEO, frequent posting (1–4 posts per week) can help. For brand awareness or thought leadership, 1–2 high-quality posts per month may suffice.

  • Audience Expectations: Industries like tech or news may require weekly updates to stay relevant, while lifestyle or niche blogs can thrive with biweekly or monthly posts.

  • Content Strategy: Consistency is key. A schedule of 1–2 posts per week is common for businesses, but even one well-crafted post per month can be effective if it’s targeted and valuable.

  • Resources: Consider your budget and the writer’s capacity. Overposting low-quality content can harm your brand, so prioritize quality over quantity.

Recommendation: Start with 1–2 posts per week for active engagement or 1–4 posts per month for steady growth. Adjust based on performance metrics like traffic or conversions.

Pricing for Blog Post Writing

Pricing varies based on the writer’s experience, content complexity, and additional services. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

  • Freelance Writers:

    • Entry-Level: $25–$50 per post (300–500 words). Basic content, minimal research, and light editing.

    • Mid-Tier: $50–$150 per post (500–1,000 words). Well-researched, engaging content with moderate SEO optimization.

    • Expert: $150–$500+ per post (1,000+ words). In-depth, authoritative content, often including niche expertise, heavy research, or technical writing.

  • Content Agencies:

    • $100–$1,000+ per post, depending on word count, research, and add-ons like SEO or graphics. Agencies often bundle multiple posts (e.g., $500–$2,000/month for 4 posts).

  • Factors Affecting Cost:

    • Word Count: Longer posts cost more. A 500-word post is cheaper than a 2,000-word guide.

    • Research: Niche topics or data-driven posts require more time, increasing costs.

    • SEO Optimization: Keyword research, meta descriptions, and link-building add to the price.

    • Revisions: Most writers include 1–2 rounds of edits; additional revisions may incur fees.

    • Experience: Seasoned writers or those with industry-specific knowledge charge premium rates.

  • Payment Models:

    • Per Post: Common for freelancers ($25–$500/post).

    • Monthly Retainer: Ideal for consistent posting (e.g., $500–$5,000/month for 4–8 posts).

    • Per Word: Used by some writers ($0.10–$1/word).

What’s Included: A standard blog post package typically includes topic ideation, research, writing, basic SEO (keywords, headings), and 1–2 revisions. Add-ons like images, social media snippets, or analytics tracking may cost extra.

Tip: Request samples and clarify deliverables upfront. For example, confirm if the price includes formatting, publishing, or promotional support.

What to Expect When Hiring a Blog Writer

Hiring a blog writer involves collaboration and clear communication. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Initial Consultation: The writer will ask about your goals, audience, brand voice, and preferred topics. Be prepared to share your website, existing content, and competitors.

  • Content Plan: Many writers propose topics or a content calendar. You can approve or suggest changes to align with your strategy.

  • Writing Process:

    • Drafting: The writer researches and creates the post, typically delivering a draft within 3–7 days (depending on complexity).

    • Revisions: You’ll review the draft and request edits. Most writers aim to finalize within 1–2 rounds.

    • Delivery: Posts are usually sent via Google Docs, Word, or directly uploaded to your CMS (e.g., WordPress).

  • Publishing Support: Some writers offer to format and publish posts, including adding images or scheduling them. Confirm if this is included or extra.

  • Performance Tracking: High-end services may provide SEO reports or traffic analysis, but this is rare in basic packages.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Unreasonably low prices (e.g., $5/post) often indicate low quality or AI-generated content.

  • Lack of samples or unclear communication about deliverables.

  • No contract or agreement outlining scope, deadlines, and payment terms.

Tips for a Successful Partnership

  • Define Your Needs: Specify word count, tone (e.g., conversational, professional), and any SEO requirements.

  • Set a Budget: Balance cost with quality. Cheap content may require heavy editing, negating savings.

  • Communicate Clearly: Provide detailed feedback and examples of content you like.

  • Use a Contract: Outline deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and ownership rights (you should retain full rights to the content).

  • Test the Waters: Start with 1–2 posts to assess the writer’s fit before committing to a long-term contract.

Hiring a blog post writer can save time and enhance your brand’s visibility, but it requires careful planning. Decide on a posting frequency that aligns with your goals—typically 1–2 posts per week or 1–4 per month. Expect to pay $25–$500+ per post, depending on expertise and services, with freelancers and agencies offering different pricing models. Clarify what’s included (e.g., research, SEO, revisions) and communicate your expectations upfront. By choosing the right writer and setting clear guidelines, you can build a consistent, high-quality blog that resonates with your audience.

Shannon Parish, Creative Life Coach

CONTACT ME if you’d like to discuss my writing blog posts for you on a per-post basis or retainer.   

DOWNLOAD this BLOG POST INTERVIEW worksheet to assist you in making your decisions and planning ahead of time. We’ll discuss these questions when we get started.

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