Realising it’s time to start outsourcing your writing needs to a professional is a moment to celebrate – your business is growing, and you can officially leave the pressure of SEO content in the hands of someone else!

But how do you actually outsource writing services?

As a content writer, I’ve worked with businesses of all sizes, and it’s become very clear that there is a best way to outsource your writing needs to a professional…and many ways not to.

In this post, I’m sharing everything I think you need to know if you’re considering hiring a freelance writer or content agency for the first time.

• Why Outsource Writing Services
• Common Content and Copywriting Services
• Freelance Writers vs Content Agencies
• What to Look For in a Freelance Writer
• How to Outsource Writing Services
• Looking for a Freelance Content Writer?

Why Outsource Writing Services

In 2025, most business and brand owners know that SEO and content is their MVP of marketing. They also probably know how much time it takes to do properly.

That’s where outsourcing writing services comes in: hiring external experts to get your copy and content writing done better and faster than you can.

At a certain point in a successful business, you’re going to need to scale. This is a good thing. It means the demand is growing, and/your team’s time is becoming more valuable…and better spent on your personal areas of expertise.

Instead of spending hours struggling to write blog posts, emails, or website copy yourself, you can delegate the work to skilled freelance writers or copywriting agencies and free up your time. Plus, bringing in outside talent often leads to fresher ideas, better writing, and more consistent content output.

If you’re at a point when you can’t keep up with content and the latest SEO trends, but are not yet ready to hire someone to take it on full time, then it’s time to start outsourcing your writing services.

Common Content and Copywriting Services

Realistically, you can find freelancers and experts to take on just about any writing task imaginable. That being said, there are several more common content writing and copywriting services that are often outsourced.

Check them out below:

Content Writing Services

• Blog and Web Articles: Long-form online content
• Newsletters: Email newsletters sent weekly/bi-weekly/monthly to share updates and events
• eBooks and Guides: Digital products designed to educate and build trust with an audience

Copywriting Services

• Social Media Posts: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram captions
• Web Page Copy: Website copy for things like landing pages and product descriptions
• Ad Copy: The wording used for Google and social media ads

Freelance Writers vs Content Agencies

When outsourcing writing services, you’ll usually choose between hiring a freelance writer or working with a content agency. The right choice is going to depend on your budget, workflow preferences, and how much control you want over the process.

On one hand, freelancers are often more flexible, affordable, and easier to build a long-term relationship with. You can communicate with them directly, focus on their understanding of your brand voice, and go back and forth for exact edits.

Finding the right freelance writer to work with, however, can require a bit more work. There are millions of freelancers sharing their work on LinkedIn and Instagram, so narrowing down the search isn’t always the easiest process.

Content agencies, on the other hand, do the work of matching client to writer for you. They do tend to cost more than a freelancer, with the process being a lot less personal, but if you need a high volume of work with a quick turnaround, this might be the option for you.

Freelance Writers

Best for smaller projects and consistent, ongoing content.

Pros:

• Usually more affordable than agencies
• Flexible and easy to work with one-on-one
• Direct communication with fewer layers between you and the freelancer
• Easier to build a long-term relationship with someone who “gets” your brand

Cons:

• May have a limited capacity for large-scale projects
• Sometimes need to manage editing, strategy, or project coordination yourself
• Takes more time to find and vet potential candidates

Content Agencies

Best for businesses that need high-volume content with quick turnaround.

Pros:

• Access to a team of writers, editors, and strategists
• Scalable for high-volume content needs
• Built-in quality control and editorial oversight

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than freelancers
• Less personal so content might feel more templated or generic
• Communication can be slower without a direct line to the writer
• Less flexibility for custom requests or niche brand voice

What to Look For in a Freelance Writer

If you want to hire a freelance writer but don’t know where to start, then don’t worry. There are a few specific things to take a look at to find the right writer for you. Here’s what to look for when hiring a freelance writer:

Niche

This should go without saying, but if the freelancer doesn’t explicitly know and work in your niche, then they’re probably not the right person for you.

The niche doesn’t have to be an exact, detailed match, however, a content writer specialising in finance probably isn’t going to be a fit for a beauty company.

Portfolio

As a content writer myself, this is probably the most important thing when it comes to hiring a freelancer. Their portfolio should be publicly accessible from the freelancer’s website or socials, and clearly show a variety of real and published work examples.

Think of it this way: the more professional a freelancer’s portfolio looks, the more professional they are likely to be in action.

Experience

A freelancer writer’s experience might be visible from their portfolio, LinkedIn, or resumé. Make sure to look for some tangible experience working with your niche and, ideally, other businesses or brands of a similar size to your own.

Rates

There’s no skipping past this point. Most freelancers don’t disclose rates until you meet with them in an interview or consultation, so expect to have to meet with them first.

A common mistake is to hire the freelancer with the lowest rates; experienced freelance writers know what the going rates are, and will price themself accordingly. Low-low rates are an easy giveaway of an inexperienced writer.

How to Outsource Writing Services

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find and hire the right freelance writer or content agency and outsource your writing services:

Step 1: Research

Start by understanding the kind of writer you need. Do you need someone who specialises in SEO blog posts, engagement-building social media, or informative eBook writing?

Research different writing styles, explore portfolios, and make note of writers (or agencies) who might be a good fit for your brand voice and goals.

Step 2: Create the Brief

Before you reach out to anyone, prepare a clear and detailed brief. Outline the type of content you need, target audience, tone of voice, length, frequency, and any specific goals (like conversions, traffic, or brand awareness).

This is also the time to think about the scope of work. Do you want to outsource a specific number of blog posts, or do you want to hire a freelancer on a recurring hourly contract?

Step 3: Share Search with Your Network

The best way to find reputable writing services is through word of mouth. Reach out to your network, speak with peers, and post on LinkedIn asking for writing services recommendations.

Be aware, posts looking for freelance writers can get hundreds (or thousands) of replies in a matter of days, so it might be best to make the post only visible to those in your network.

Step 4: Interview Candidates

Once you’ve got a few solid leads, set up short interviews or consultation calls. Ask the freelancer or agency rep about their writing process, turnaround times, and how they handle feedback or revisions.

Don’t forget to get a rates confirmation at this point, ideally in writing as a follow-up to the meeting. It is also common practice to ask a freelancer to complete a smaller paid test project to see how well they execute on a brief.

Step 5: Agree on Terms

Once you’ve found the right fit, make it official. Make an offer which clearly states the deliverables, deadlines, payment terms, and revision policies.

Whether you use a formal contract or a written agreement via email, getting everything in writing helps avoid misunderstandings later on.

Looking for a Freelance Content Writer?

You’re in luck. I’m a content writer working with travel and tech brands to create engaging SEO blog posts, articles, and newsletters. Check out my portfolio or get in touch, and let’s start working together.