How to Test a Writer

How do you know if a writer is any good or not? The classical way to vet a new writer you may be looking to hire for your company, or a freelancer that you’re considering, is to give them a paid writing trial. This involves giving them a trial project to see how they handle live content for your company, in your context, and for your audience. This should be a standardized process for almost any company, as it helps you evaluate the quality of the writer’s work, determine if they rely heavily on AI, check the accuracy of their content, and see if they understand your brand.

We test writers all the time, and we have developed a standardized process that sets up trials for success. This process provides us with the right information to make a quick decision, which is crucial when you receive numerous applicants. When you put out a call for writers, you’ll get a lot of applicants because AI has replaced a fair number of writers, and many freelance writers are always on the lookout for clients. You need to cut to the chase, weed out the less suitable candidates quickly, get your leading candidates in place, perhaps do a second trial, and then move forward into production.

Let me explain our writer trial process and what I specifically look for when vetting writers. This should help both writers and those who are testing writers.

Setting Up the Writing Trial

First, it’s essential to provide clear and detailed instructions. Make sure the writer understands which digital property they are writing for and provide information about the business. If you’re trialing writers for your own business, this would include your website and company information. Add as many relevant details as possible about your branding and audience. A good writer will likely ask for this information if you don’t provide it because they know it’s crucial for writing in a way that aligns with your expectations.

Next, include the writer’s name on the document for tracking purposes, along with the editor’s name, the payment for the article, the due date, and the expected length. Transparency in these areas prevents misunderstandings and sets clear expectations from the start.

Providing Resources

It’s helpful to give writers resources that outline your expectations. If you don’t have a copywriting guide, providing examples of what you consider excellent content can suffice. These examples could be pages from your website or specific blog posts that exemplify well-written copy. This helps the writer understand your standards.

Additionally, providing an SEO copy checklist is beneficial if you expect the content to be optimized for search engines. This checklist should include criteria such as keyword usage, headings, and meta descriptions. By providing these resources, you can see if the writer knows how to follow directions and aligns with best practices.

Evaluating the Submission

Once you receive the content, the first thing to check is whether it was submitted on time. Punctuality is crucial because a writer who misses deadlines is unlikely to be reliable. Next, ensure that the writer followed the provided guidelines, including the SEO checklist and any specific instructions.

Start by reading the first sentence. This is the most critical part of the article because it should grab your attention and make you want to read more. If the opening line is clunky, wordy, or unengaging, it’s a sign that the writer may not meet your standards.

Assuming the opener is good, continue reading to evaluate the overall flow and logic of the article. The content should have a clear structure and cover all the necessary points. It should match your brand’s voice and tone, and the writer should demonstrate an understanding of your audience.

Check the accuracy of any statistics or references used. They should be current and from reputable sources. This step ensures that the writer is a capable researcher and that you won’t need to fact-check all their work.

Finally, look at how the article concludes. A strong ending should summarize the key points and include a clear call-to-action if required. The ending is as important as the opening because it leaves a lasting impression.

Handling Subpar Submissions

If a submission isn’t up to par but shows potential, consider providing detailed feedback. Edit the document in suggestion mode, correcting errors and offering constructive criticism. See how the writer responds to this feedback. If they are gracious and implement the changes effectively, it indicates they are teachable and willing to improve.

On the other hand, if the writer is combative or dismissive of your feedback, it’s a sign that they may not be a good fit. You want writers who are both skilled and open to learning and growing with your company.

Find a Writer

Finding the right writer requires a strategic and thorough approach. By setting up a standardized trial process and evaluating submissions carefully, you can identify writers who not only have the skills but also align with your brand and values. Good luck with your writer search, and remember, investing time in the vetting process will pay off in the long run with high-quality content that meets your needs.

If you need help finding great writers, visit Winsome Marketing or Hire a Writer. We always have talented writers ready to assist you.