7 Websites To Find Superstar Freelance Writers

Chances are, you’re going to have to weed through a lot of mediocre writers to find what you’re truly looking for. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how and where to find freelance writers that are truly gifted.

What To Look Out For In A Freelance Writer

Freelance writers help you achieve your target number of blog posts, and before you know it, you’ll have multiple posts that bring in steady traffic.

A high number of blog content equals more Google-indexed posts.

And more Google-indexed posts means higher organic traffic.

To learn how to get steady traffic without having to promote your posts on social media all the time, download my Traffic Blueprint For Blogs guide.

The problem with writing quality blog posts is that it takes time.

And content marketing becomes exciting when you have several blog posts keeping your sales funnel active and running as they receive organic traffic.

Personally, the highest amount of content I can create in a month is two because of the effort and time I put into each one.

All my blog posts are in-depth guides, that’s another factor why I can’t create the typical four or more blog posts in a month.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one facing this issue.

Most productive bloggers prefer quality over quantity and quality over consistency. By the way, they also prefer conversions over crickets.

So, what do you look out for before you hire a writer?

How do you know when you’ve spotted your superstar freelance writer?

The answer is simple.

If your blog’s niche is on personal finance, then don’t hire just any freelance writer. Bring in a finance analyst or someone in a finance-related field and get him to write for you.

You want someone to create converting product pages for you. Forget about a freelance writer and get a kickass copywriter.

Maybe you want a writer to create epic blog posts capable of converting passive readers into email subscribers and creating brand awareness, then don’t settle for a random freelance writer. Get yourself a content marketing writer instead.

The point is, choosing a writer that has a specific niche or industry experience results in having amazing articles with an expert and unique spin on it.

These kinds of content are the ones with the highest conversion rates.

Need A Content Marketing and SaaS Writer for Your Blog? Hire Me

Do you need help creating high-quality posts on your blog with sales and conversion in mind?

I’m a content marketing writer who specializes in writing blog posts that generate leads and brand awareness for your company website.

You can hire me right here.

7 Places To Find Freelance Writers Worth Their Salt

With so many mediocre writers out there, it’s such a blessing to find a freelance writer who meets your expectations to work with on a long-term basis.

Here are the happening places to find freelance writers:

1. Google Search

Come to think of it…

…we search Google for every information we need, why then do job boards become our first port of call when looking for top-notch freelance writers?

Yes, a job board is a great place to find quality freelance writers, but the best writers showcase themselves on Google search results.

And what’s more?

You could search for writers based on their niche.

For example, let’s say you want to hire a content marketing writer. You’re very specific in what you need.

Instead of sorting through hundreds of writer applications that don’t match your criteria after posting on a job board, you can go straight for your superstar writer by finding him on Google.

If you type, “content marketing writer for hire” on Google, you’ll see the search results of content marketing writers.

Let’s say you want to hire a SaaS writer to be the voice of your company website. A simple Google search for, “saas freelance writer” will produce the top writers in that field.

If there’s one thing to note about these writers, it’s that their prices might be slightly higher than the writers found on job boards.

It is expected, though, as they seem to be on top of their game.

On the other hand, some of these writers also apply for writing work on job boards, so their price might be on the same level as those found on job boards.

How will you know if they’re reasonably priced, especially as you’ve seen one in the search results that caught your eye?

Click through to their website and send them an email or fill out their contact form.

It’s as simple as that.

You’ll find that they have very affordable rates.

That is one way to get a superstar writer.

2. ProBlogger Jobs

Another legit way of finding amazing writers is to post in a top job board.

In my opinion, the best job board to get a fine array of quality writers coming to you is the one found on Problogger.

I remember it was on the ProBlogger job board that I landed my first writing gig. Occasionally, I still apply for some writing positions there till this day.

The reason why this job board attracts a pool of qualified writers is because of the original job postings found on it daily.

And partly because it’s a niche job board that accommodates only writing jobs from different small businesses and companies.

Due to its popularity, you’ll have to part with $70 to post your job listing for 30 days.

You can do this by going to the ProBlogger job board. Click on the “Post a job now” link at the top-right side of the page.

Then you’ll proceed to create an employer account before posting. If you already have an account, you can immediately start creating your job ad.

While creating the job ad, there are options for selecting whether the writing project is a contract project, a freelance one-off project, a salaried full-time position or a salaried part-time position.

You can also set the location of your business and indicate whether the work can be done remotely or not.

The option to work remotely increases the number of potential writer applications you’ll receive as 90% of online workers prefer to work remotely for the rest of their careers.

Plus, the fact that having remote workers is cost-efficient than retaining staff workers.

When you’re done, review your job ad, make payment and proceed to publish it.

Also, be prepared for your email inbox to be flooded with applications.

Just so you won’t be overwhelmed with this process, I’ll explain how to stay sane while sorting through the hundreds of writer applications you’ll receive after posting a job ad.

I’ll share it after I’m done showing you these websites to find freelance writers.

3. Blogging Pro Jobs

Blogging Pro has a job board where you can source for great freelance writers and copywriters that are sure to deliver.

The job board is updated daily with the latest blogging jobs that cater to both freelance writers that live in the U.S. and those that work remotely outside the U.S.

Talented bloggers frequently visit this job board so you can be sure to attract a unique writer that suits your needs.

The price to post a job is lower than that of ProBlogger. You’ll have to shell out $30 to post a job ad that’ll last for 30 days.

To start posting, you’ll need to visit the Blogging Pro job board and click on the “post a job” image link.

Blogging Pro specifies that the minimum pay for a writer when creating your job ad is $15/hour or 500 words.

In other words, they’re simply letting you know beforehand that you should expect to pay writers.

Like ProBlogger, you can specify the job type you want, whether full time, contract, freelance, internship, or part-time.

When you’re done, preview your job listing, make payment and then publish.

The response time to get your job ad published on Blogging Pro is 24-48 hours and a little longer on weekends and holidays.

This is a cool job board for finding a superstar writer.

4. LinkedIn ProFinder

ProFinder is a feature LinkedIn developed to help employers and businesses find and hire all kinds of writers, ranging from a smooth blogger to a technical writer.

All you need to do is to describe your writing and editing needs and LinkedIn will send your job posting to their curated list of writers.

Then you’ll get offers from these writers and be in a position to make your pick from among them.

This process is similar to that of a job board – set up your job ad and buckle your seatbelt for incoming applications.

Wondering how to get started on ProFinder?

Fear not, let’s get started.

Head over to LinkedIn ProFinder and select the specific type of writing you need help with. Among them are technical writing, copywriting, translation, blogging, editing, and others.

Tick the box you want and continue.

Next up, you’ll be asked to describe the industry you’re in. Select your industry and continue.

Then you’ll need to specify how many pages you need to be written and if the scope of the project is ongoing or it’s a one-time need.

Tick the appropriate options and continue.

When do you want your writing project completed…this week, next two weeks, or next two months? You can indicate when.

And how would you like to work with your writer?

You prefer to work virtually or in person? You can also specify this.

The last step of this job posting is to describe the details about your writing projects and provide the ZIP location where you need the writing services.

That’s it.

LinkedIn will introduce you to available experts tailored to fit your needs.

That’s how professional writers are found on LinkedIn. On to the next place to source for freelance writers.

5. Media Bistro

Media Bistro is a premium job board that offers intensive training on several topics like digital marketing, copywriting, design, social media, journalism, advertising and a host of others.

Advertising on this board will get your job ad a lot of eyeballs.

The only downside to it is the high price of posting a job that stands at $297.

If you’re willing to let go of this amount, you can be sure you’ll get access to a wide pool of experienced writers considering the size of their audience.

Along with posting your job, you can have the bonus of having your job ad featured on their email newsletter that’s sent to over one million subscribers.

Who knows?

Your job posting could also find its way to AdWeek’s job board.

To begin creating your job listing, go to Media Bistro and click on the “Employers” button at the top-right corner.

You’ll be taken to the pricing page where the price to post a job for 30 days is indicated. Click on the “Post A Job” button.

If you haven’t created your account, you’ll be prompted to do so. If you already have an account, simply log in and create your job posting.

After you’ve set up your job ad, make payment and publish.

That’s how it’s done in Media Bistro.

6. Indeed

A cursory look inside Indeed reveals a voluminous database of freelance writers advertising their skills and uploading resumes to catch the attention of employers.

Most employers come to Indeed to hire experts for full-time office positions. That said, there are still lots of jobs for writers looking to work remotely.

Due to the large nature and overall quality of job candidates here, you can expect to get the best hands to fill any vacant position in your business.

To create your job listing, hop on Indeed and click on the text link, “Employers/Post Job” on the top-right corner of the page.

You’ll be taken to a page where you can begin posting your job. Click on the “post a job” button.

A popup box will spring up prompting you to create an account. If you already have an account, you can sign in. If not, feel free to create your account.

After you must’ve created your account, you’ll be redirected to an employer confirmation page to reconfirm whether you’re looking for a job or hiring an employee.

Go for the option of hiring an employee.

Now, you can finally start creating your job ad. All you need to do is to follow the instructions until you’re done.

Along the line of filling your job listing, there’s the option of specifying if the job should be fully remote or not.

When you’re done, sit back and prepare to sort through the applications you’ll receive.

7. Constant Content

This is a content writing service that seeks to connect businesses with pre-screened expert writers.

Constant Content prides itself on being able to produce writers with the highest editorial standards due to the meticulous writing test all their writers go through.

They currently boast of a pool of 100,000 writers with knowledge on every topic possible.

Constant Content allows you to buy ready-made articles, request custom content from a handpicked team of writers, or send a job ad to their entire writers and let them rush to you.

When creating custom content, they don’t have a fixed price per word. The average price is $120.

To kick off the process of finding freelance writers on Constant Content, visit their homepage and click on the menu titled, “for business.”

You’ll be required to sign up for an account.

After you’ve created an account, you’ll be presented with three ways on how to source for the content you desire.

The first is to get pre-written content, the second one is to order custom content, and the final option is to contact the team for enterprise support.

We’re going with ordering custom content.

You’ll see a small text link titled, “order content” above the options. Click on it.

You’ll be taken to a page where you can request for your desired content. I’ll tick the box for “order content” and “call for articles.”

Scroll down and click on “save and continue.” Keep going down and you’ll see the option to set your content type – be it articles, copywriting, blog posts or anything.

When you’ve set the content type, save and continue.

Scroll down and provide instructions on the type of content you need. The title, description, deadline, then save and continue.

Finally, you’ll need to set the budget for your writing project. After you’ve set it, you can submit your request.

Now that you’ve successfully created your job ad, it’s time to add credits (read: make payments).

The credits needed in this case is $100. When you’re ready, click on the “add credits” button and proceed to checkout.

The editorial team will review your job posting and send it to the writers soon enough.

That’s how getting quality writers on Constant Content is done.

How to Sort Through Writer Applications While Reducing Overwhelm

Just the thought of starting the process of finding freelance writers can feel overwhelming.

I’m here for times like this.

Having posted your job ad on your desired job board, how do you handle the flood of applications that come creeping into your email inbox?

Where do you even start?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you stay sane:

• Add your select few superstar writers to another list

When the applications keep rolling in, it’s easy to fall into the trap of selecting a writer right away.

Unfortunately, that’ll create an insane amount of pressure on your mind to get over it without a clear-cut system.

While perusing through the writers, you’ll find not one, but several, that directly fit your needs.

And it’s disastrous to force your brain to single out one of them immediately.

A better approach to it would be to add them to a different “top writers list.”

It is easier to transfer to another list any outstanding writer who applies for the position, rather than trying to make your choice now.

Wait about a month, and your “top list” will contain a few superstar writers that you can move forward with.

• Let them write a paid trial article

I know some companies give writers a free trial article to test them on writing skills and the ability to follow instructions.

However, you’re not just trying to recruit a random student writer, are you?

You want a badass superstar writer.

And no superstar writer will waste his quality time writing a free trial article.

The “free article trial” approach only magnets writers that are below par with the expectations you have in mind.

Come to think of it…

Quality writers guard the use of their time dangerously. More often than not, they’re already juggling between two or more high-quality clients.

Why will they spend time writing an article that has no guaranteed return on investments?

To keep them engaged in your job posting, request that they write a paid trial article via email.

Let them know you’ll pay for it.

Now, you can scrutinize the write-up of those who accepted the paid trial and take your pick.

• Check for compatibility

While communicating with the writers, you might want to check for compatibility.

Compatibility, to me, means that they respond to my emails on time.

It means that we’ve reached a comfortable price per word that won’t require me breaking the bank, while at the same time, leaving the writer satisfied.

Also, it means that the trial article must meet 90% of my expectations. It must be in accordance with the voice I told the writer to use – whether conversational and light, or educational and technical.

I hate sending editorial feedback to a writer only to receive a reply one week later.

Everyone has what they check out for; what they can work with, and what they can’t tolerate.

Best Practices for Working with Freelance Writers

To minimize misunderstandings and communication gaps between you and your superstar writer, you have to put some basic things in place.

I’ll go over them in a bit from the most important to the least important.

• Create a style guide

How do you quickly indoctrinate a new writer to create content in line with your expectations? By using a style guide.

Doesn’t a writer have to intuitively know your brand voice and editorial grammar rules?

No.

So, how is he supposed to know? By reading your style guide.

A style guide ensures that the content throughout your website will maintain consistency irrespective of whether you or your superstar writer is creating it.

By giving your writer a copy of your style guide, you save yourselves from stress down the line.

Your writer knows the tone of voice to write with, how you like your formatting and grammar to be, and also your prohibition of gargantuan words.

While there are many things to include in a style guide, it’s essential you make it short and include only things you want a new writer to know about your writing style.

Resist the urge to make it lengthy and complex. Most times, a two-page style guide does the job fine.

• Use of a grammar checking tool

It’s standard practice to include your grammar checking tool in your style guide. Let the writer know the exact app to use to cross-check spellings.

A popular grammar checking tool I and most bloggers use is Grammarly. It’s free.

Spelling out little things like this can increase the chances of having a productive relationship with your writer.

• Avoid setting ridiculous deadlines

It takes time to write high-quality content.

The fastest way to turn-off a top writer is to expect him to write a 2000-word article in a day.

That sounds like the stuff of content mills.

During my early freelancing days, I once had a client who made me write up to three different articles in a single day.

I thought that was how freelance writing should be.

In the morning, I’ll receive a 1000-word article to be completed in two hours.

I’ll hurriedly finish and submit it, only to receive a 2000-word article to be submitted in 2hrs 30 minutes.

After tackling it, I’ll submit the article and take my lunch.

On getting back to my computer, I’ll have another article waiting for me.

Damn!

Now that I think about it, I was pretty naïve to have accepted that job. It lasted for a week before wisdom caught up with me.

At the end of it all, I wasn’t even paid.

Pretty typical of content mills.

They keep pumping content and treating writers like article-spinning machines.

Sooner or later, writers looking to go pro take to their heels.

An efficient way to set healthy deadlines is by asking the writer how long it takes him to write a 1000-word article.

You’ll get a good idea of his writing pace and adjust your expectations accordingly.

• Be clear on how writers submit their work

Chances are, you want your writers to submit their work in a certain way. Maybe it’s through sharing a Google Doc file or simply attaching an MS Word document in an email.

Whatever style you prefer, let the writer know during the onboarding process.

I’ve worked with clients who prefer that I write in a Google Doc file and create a shareable link with “Edit” access.

Others prefer I attach an MS Word document in an email or on Skype.

The important thing is, your writer shouldn’t be left wondering how best to send you their finished work.

Looking For A Content Marketing and SaaS Writer? Hire Me

Do you need a SaaS writer to do your content marketing in writing for you?

I can help you with creating high-quality blog posts that’ll generate leads for your online brand on autopilot.