Since this has been discussed a bit around here, I thought I would share my experience, and what I have learned.
1. Finding a writer is as easy as putting and ad on craigslist. I got about 40 people to choose from, was able to narrow it down asking for writing samples and made my decision from there. These were 40 people willing to write a weekly article of approx 750 words for $20 a week. Post you ad in a major market, especially one where publishing is contracting. Do not waste your time trying to find someone local unless you live in one of these markets. If you want to catch a fish, go to where there are more fish.
2. Automate- give them access to the blog to post the articles directly. Be very clear about what you are looking for and when you wanted it. For me, I stated the number of words range, the general content direction, and stated that I wanted it posted no early than each Sunday at 10 pm, and no later than Monday at 10 am. Obviously, they can write ahead and schedule the posts, I do not care what they do on that front.
3. Specify SEO aspects of the articles. This I failed to do up front, and need to clean it up now, but minimal stuff like tags and categoriess keep you from having to go in and clean it up later.
4. Give feedback. This is someone who is looking to build a business, just like you are. Help them. Don't just sit back a grumble when they are not doing something exactly like you want, give them feedback. If after that, they do not change, replace them ASAP.
5. With a rapid replacement policy for lack of adherence, pick a generic name that they will post under. This will help continuity if you have to axe them.
6. You are earning each others trust, so do a trial period. For me, I paid my writer each week to start, and after that I went to monthly payments because that is easier for me.
7. It works- no ads, little SEO, and our visitors are growing organically. If you have an idea, and do not want to write, do not hesitate to outsource. For 1k a year bet, you can build a pretty nice following.
I think that is all I have for now, I hope this helps some of you crossover the blogging threshhold to starting you web business.:fastlane:
My next step is to monetize, design ignorance is my biggest barrier here, but easily overcome once I apply myself.
1. Finding a writer is as easy as putting and ad on craigslist. I got about 40 people to choose from, was able to narrow it down asking for writing samples and made my decision from there. These were 40 people willing to write a weekly article of approx 750 words for $20 a week. Post you ad in a major market, especially one where publishing is contracting. Do not waste your time trying to find someone local unless you live in one of these markets. If you want to catch a fish, go to where there are more fish.
2. Automate- give them access to the blog to post the articles directly. Be very clear about what you are looking for and when you wanted it. For me, I stated the number of words range, the general content direction, and stated that I wanted it posted no early than each Sunday at 10 pm, and no later than Monday at 10 am. Obviously, they can write ahead and schedule the posts, I do not care what they do on that front.
3. Specify SEO aspects of the articles. This I failed to do up front, and need to clean it up now, but minimal stuff like tags and categoriess keep you from having to go in and clean it up later.
4. Give feedback. This is someone who is looking to build a business, just like you are. Help them. Don't just sit back a grumble when they are not doing something exactly like you want, give them feedback. If after that, they do not change, replace them ASAP.
5. With a rapid replacement policy for lack of adherence, pick a generic name that they will post under. This will help continuity if you have to axe them.
6. You are earning each others trust, so do a trial period. For me, I paid my writer each week to start, and after that I went to monthly payments because that is easier for me.
7. It works- no ads, little SEO, and our visitors are growing organically. If you have an idea, and do not want to write, do not hesitate to outsource. For 1k a year bet, you can build a pretty nice following.
I think that is all I have for now, I hope this helps some of you crossover the blogging threshhold to starting you web business.:fastlane:
My next step is to monetize, design ignorance is my biggest barrier here, but easily overcome once I apply myself.
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