6 Other Things a Freelancer Can Help You Write (Besides Articles)
The vast majority of client requests I get are for articles. Those typically fall in two categories: blogs to improve SEO and articles to position subject matter experts as thought leaders.
But there are many other types of content that it pays to have a freelancer write. All it takes is 30 minutes to an hour of the SME’s time on a call, then the time it takes to read and refine the draft sent by the freelancer, as opposed to many hours spent writing and then trying to edit their own work.
Working with a freelancer is like getting food delivery. Sure, you can cook it yourself. And necessity often dictates that you do. But paying someone else to do it has an ROI beyond the meal itself: time and a fresh palate.
When you hire a freelance writer, you get time back in your work week and you get the gift of reviewing a draft with fresh eyes. You also get a collaborator who probably sees a wide swath of your industry and can share valuable advice.
Here are five types of content besides articles that a freelancer can help you write.
1. Infographics
The words on an infographic are very important (because they’re few) and it can be tricky to write in a way that will look good designed, while still conveying the content.
2. Case studies
How many examples of client successes do you have floating around your company—either casually recorded or still inside the heads of client-facing people? Yet, case studies can be even more powerful in converting prospects to clients than thought leadership.
A freelancer can help do formal write-ups of your client successes. Beyond that, they can help you develop a case study template, or even help you unearth stories that should be told.
3. Proposals and submissions
This one may be the most overlooked. It’s easy to fire off a proposal or presentation submission composed of your ideas in bullet point form. But when the intention of the content is to persuade, you need the “why” and the benefits to come across, loud and clear.
A freelancer can help you spell out the benefits of your idea and make your proposal irresistible. (And once it gets accepted, they can help you craft a killer presentation deck, too.)
4. White papers
SMEs can be nervous to give the responsibility of writing a white paper away to a freelancer who’s not as close to the research. (The same thing happens with books.)
But the distance is actually an advantage; the freelancer can represent your target audience, anticipate the questions your audience might have, and write to them with the objectivity of someone who doesn’t spend all day, every day steeped in the subject matter.
5. Press releases
When you have something important to say to the public, a freelancer can be an excellent resource to check that the tone and positioning of a press release are in line with your goals. They can also help you conduct research and compare your press release with similar ones from other companies.
6. Internal communications
Expert writing help isn’t just for client-facing content. Sometimes you need to communicate a strategic change, new initiative, or other important message to employees. Working with an experienced freelancer can help you strike the right tone and include important information that employees may otherwise wonder about.
Looking for a freelancer to help write any of the above? You’ve come to the right place. Contact me here or email jane@janeesmith.com.