I admit I've learned the hard way that friends don't let friends write bad content. I’ve received feedback like “I can’t believe you wrote and posted that,” and “yikes, what were you thinking.”
(You can’t hit a homerun EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.)
It sure would be nice if you could. Your content represents your brand, and if it doesn't convey the image you want, you're in trouble. Here are some of the reasons why you might consider outsourcing your content development, along with some tips on how to do a better job if you decide to tackle it yourself.
Reasons to Outsource Content Development:
Expertise: One of the top reasons to consider outsourcing is expertise. Professional content developers are well-versed in writing techniques, SEO, and understanding the nuances of your industry. They can create content that resonates with your target audience and keeps them coming back for more.
Time Efficiency: Content creation takes time, and as a business owner, your time is valuable. By outsourcing this task, you free up your schedule to focus on other critical aspects of your business, like strategy, customer service, and growth.
Consistency: Maintaining a consistent brand image is essential. Outsourcing your content ensures a consistent tone, style, and quality throughout your website, blog, and social media channels. It avoids the pitfalls of fluctuating quality that often come with DIY content creation.
Fresh Perspective: When you're deeply involved in your business, it's easy to develop tunnel vision. An outsider's perspective can bring fresh ideas, new angles, and a more objective viewpoint to your content, helping you stay relevant and innovative.
Cost-Effective: Contrary to popular belief, outsourcing content development can be cost-effective. You can pay for exactly what you need, and you don't have to worry about the overhead costs of hiring and training an in-house team.
Don’t want to outsource? Here are some ways to improve your DIY content creation:
Set Clear Objectives: Before you start writing, define your content's purpose. Are you aiming to inform, entertain, or persuade? Knowing your goal will guide your writing and ensure your content serves its intended purpose.
Research Extensively: Thorough research is key. Familiarize yourself with your industry, your audience, and your competition. The more you know, the better your content will be.
Edit and Proofread: Even the best writers make mistakes. Proofreading and editing are your best friends. Give your content some time to breathe before you review it and consider enlisting a friend or colleague to provide a fresh perspective.
Be Real: Your content should reflect your brand's personality and values. Authenticity builds trust with your audience. Inject your unique voice and experiences into your writing to make it more relatable.
Stay Updated: The digital landscape is ever evolving. Keep up with the latest trends and technologies in content creation, including SEO best practices, social media algorithms, and user preferences. This will help your content remain relevant and engaging.
In the world of content development, friends play a crucial role. They are the ones who won't let you put out that cringe-worthy blog post or social media update. They're the ones who encourage you to level up your content game.
So, whether you choose to outsource your content or embark on the DIY journey, remember that friends don't let friends write bad content.
With the right approach and a sprinkle of humor, you can ensure your content always conveys the image you want, and your audience will thank you for it.