Deciding between hiring an SEO content writer on a freelance basis or bringing one in-house can be pivotal for your content strategy. We sought insights from a Marketing Director and a Public Relations Specialist, among others, to illuminate this choice. From considering your business type and budget to assessing specific SEO content requirements, explore the three expert perspectives we’ve gathered.
- Consider Business Type and Budget
- Scale Content Needs with Freelancers
- Assess Specific SEO Content Requirements
Consider Business Type and Budget
Choosing an SEO writer, whether freelance or in-house, really depends on your business type. For instance, if you’re a startup, hiring a freelance SEO writer might be a better choice. It’s usually less expensive, allows for closer communication, and can provide a high return on investment (ROI) for your website.
On the other hand, if you’re a more established brand with a bigger budget for SEO, you might choose either an SEO agency or create your own in-house SEO team.
Hiring a freelance content writer is generally less expensive than forming an in-house team. Freelancers typically charge by the hour or per project, with rates ranging from $10 to $100 per hour based on their experience and expertise. They might also charge a monthly rate, usually between $500 and $3,000, which can lead to a high ROI due to the lower long-term investment. However, the downside is that freelancers don’t have a structured work environment like an agency or in-house team, which could impact overall business results. Also, they might not be able to handle large projects since they work alone.
In contrast, in-house SEO content writers are more costly but offer greater control and potentially better SEO outcomes. This is because all resources are focused solely on achieving your business goals.
Patrick Beltran, Marketing Director, Ardoz Digital
Scale Content Needs with Freelancers
Depending on the size of your content needs, hiring freelance writers is usually the better choice. Working with freelancers, you can scale as your needs evolve; you’re not locked into a permanent position and salary. You can work with freelancers on a one-off basis or long-term, and many freelancers are willing to offer bulk rates for consistent work. Freelancers also have the benefit of working with multiple clients and industries, giving you a diverse perspective to help shape your content strategy that an in-house writer might be unable to offer.
Alli Hill, Founder and Director, Fleurish Freelance
Assess Specific SEO Content Requirements
Both options have their merits, but it depends on your specific needs and resources. Freelance SEO content writers offer flexibility, scalability, and often specialized expertise, which can be beneficial for short-term projects or when you need a diverse range of content. On the other hand, an in-house content writer can provide consistent output, a deeper understanding of your brand, and easier collaboration with other team members. Consider factors like budget, project scope, and long-term goals to determine which option aligns best with your business strategy.
Faizan Khan, Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy Australia
