Letter #22: 7 insider tips freelancers want you to know
Here’s how to build long-term relationships with freelance writers.
In my head, I’ve written this issue roughly 801 times.
No seriously, each time I’ve thought of penning it, something (read: another idea) has got in the way and I’ve ended up pushing this one to the back stash.
Not today though. Not today, fellas. I’ve done my research i.e. asked freelancers in my network and made notes when good clients do unexpected, like kinda slowing them down things.
So imma put my writer’s cap on and share the secret tips all freelancers want you to know.
But, first, a public service message (you could call it that lol): good relationships take two-sided effort.
You can’t expect freelancers to deliver what you expect without first delivering what they expect from you.
With that, the 7 tips:
Have your content priorities in order and documentation ready
Make sure your content strategy is ready before you go about finding freelancers. And for a smooth work ride, document your processes before onboarding freelancers.
Create “useful” briefs, not prescriptive ones
Provide the necessary context including product features to highlight. But trust the writer to do their job. They’re in the draft production biz for a reason.
Mutually agree on deadlines
Again, don’t be prescriptive. Instead, ask your freelancers what suits them and share when you’re looking to publish too.
Remember: good content creation takes hours of work so it’s best not to rush it.
Share as accurate estimates as possible
The best clients that I work with on a regular basis are ones who ask me about what suits my schedule. And when I tell them I appreciate them sending briefs at the start of the month, they stick with it.
So if you want a freelance writer to save a slot for your work in their schedule, be sure to share an accurate estimate of when you can send them the brief.
And if there’s a change in your plan, update them right away.
Equally important here is ensuring you give an estimate of how long it’ll take you to get back to them with edits.
You earn little respect if you rush a freelancer to meet a deadline only to share feedback 2 weeks later. Makes us think “hey wait! You said this was important so why is your feedback coming in so late?”
Don’t ask for updates – offer assistance
Dropping by to ask for an update can feel a bit micro-manage-y. A better way to check-in? Ask if you can help with anything.
Pre-discuss outlines
Be sure to let the freelancer know not only how detailed the briefs you send are but also how thorough your outlines are.
And make sure you point out that the outline is flexible so the writer has room for creativity.
Show your appreciation
This is particularly important for the long-term freelancers you work with.
Take the time to write them a recommendation. Refer them. Give them a shout on social media.
That’s all for today!
See you next week,
Masooma