How-to
How to Outsource Content Writing: Best Practices [+ AI Tools]
Tired of the content treadmill? This guide breaks down outsourcing content writing, from finding top talent to integrating AI for max efficiency.
Published Date:
Jul 15, 2025
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Let's be honest, the demand for high-quality content is relentless. You need blog posts, website copy, social media updates, and more—all while trying to run your actual business. It can feel like you’re on a content treadmill that never stops.
This is a huge challenge, especially when studies from the Content Marketing Institute show that nearly 70% of businesses are actively investing in content marketing. The pressure is on to produce, but with finite resources, effective content scaling strategies are more critical than ever.
So, how do you keep up without burning out your team or your budget? The answer for many smart founders, marketers, and agencies is learning how to outsource content writing.
But outsourcing isn't as simple as just hiring the first writer you find. Done wrong, it can lead to missed deadlines, off-brand messaging, and wasted money. Done right, however, it’s a total game-changer.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. We'll cover everything from setting your goals to managing writers and, most importantly, how to use AI tools to make the whole system run smoother than ever before.
Let's be honest, the demand for high-quality content is relentless. You need blog posts, website copy, social media updates, and more—all while trying to run your actual business. It can feel like you’re on a content treadmill that never stops.
This is a huge challenge, especially when studies from the Content Marketing Institute show that nearly 70% of businesses are actively investing in content marketing. The pressure is on to produce, but with finite resources, effective content scaling strategies are more critical than ever.
So, how do you keep up without burning out your team or your budget? The answer for many smart founders, marketers, and agencies is learning how to outsource content writing.
But outsourcing isn't as simple as just hiring the first writer you find. Done wrong, it can lead to missed deadlines, off-brand messaging, and wasted money. Done right, however, it’s a total game-changer.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. We'll cover everything from setting your goals to managing writers and, most importantly, how to use AI tools to make the whole system run smoother than ever before.
Let's be honest, the demand for high-quality content is relentless. You need blog posts, website copy, social media updates, and more—all while trying to run your actual business. It can feel like you’re on a content treadmill that never stops.
This is a huge challenge, especially when studies from the Content Marketing Institute show that nearly 70% of businesses are actively investing in content marketing. The pressure is on to produce, but with finite resources, effective content scaling strategies are more critical than ever.
So, how do you keep up without burning out your team or your budget? The answer for many smart founders, marketers, and agencies is learning how to outsource content writing.
But outsourcing isn't as simple as just hiring the first writer you find. Done wrong, it can lead to missed deadlines, off-brand messaging, and wasted money. Done right, however, it’s a total game-changer.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. We'll cover everything from setting your goals to managing writers and, most importantly, how to use AI tools to make the whole system run smoother than ever before.
What is Outsource Content Writing?
In simple terms, outsourcing content writing means hiring an external writer, team, or agency to create content for your business instead of using an in-house employee. It's about delegating the task of content creation to a third-party specialist.
This isn't just limited to blog posts. Businesses regularly outsourcing content writing for a wide range of assets, including:
Blog Posts & Articles: The most common type, used for SEO, audience education, and thought leadership.
Website Copy: Landing pages, "About Us" pages, and product descriptions that need a professional touch.
White Papers & Ebooks: In-depth, long-form content for lead generation.
Case Studies: Customer success stories that build trust and social proof.
Email Newsletters: Engaging copy to nurture leads and retain customers.
Social Media Captions: Short, punchy copy tailored for platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Video Scripts: Scripts for promotional videos, YouTube content, or online courses.
The core idea is to tap into external talent to fill gaps, scale production, and bring specialized skills to your marketing efforts.
In simple terms, outsourcing content writing means hiring an external writer, team, or agency to create content for your business instead of using an in-house employee. It's about delegating the task of content creation to a third-party specialist.
This isn't just limited to blog posts. Businesses regularly outsourcing content writing for a wide range of assets, including:
Blog Posts & Articles: The most common type, used for SEO, audience education, and thought leadership.
Website Copy: Landing pages, "About Us" pages, and product descriptions that need a professional touch.
White Papers & Ebooks: In-depth, long-form content for lead generation.
Case Studies: Customer success stories that build trust and social proof.
Email Newsletters: Engaging copy to nurture leads and retain customers.
Social Media Captions: Short, punchy copy tailored for platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Video Scripts: Scripts for promotional videos, YouTube content, or online courses.
The core idea is to tap into external talent to fill gaps, scale production, and bring specialized skills to your marketing efforts.
In simple terms, outsourcing content writing means hiring an external writer, team, or agency to create content for your business instead of using an in-house employee. It's about delegating the task of content creation to a third-party specialist.
This isn't just limited to blog posts. Businesses regularly outsourcing content writing for a wide range of assets, including:
Blog Posts & Articles: The most common type, used for SEO, audience education, and thought leadership.
Website Copy: Landing pages, "About Us" pages, and product descriptions that need a professional touch.
White Papers & Ebooks: In-depth, long-form content for lead generation.
Case Studies: Customer success stories that build trust and social proof.
Email Newsletters: Engaging copy to nurture leads and retain customers.
Social Media Captions: Short, punchy copy tailored for platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Video Scripts: Scripts for promotional videos, YouTube content, or online courses.
The core idea is to tap into external talent to fill gaps, scale production, and bring specialized skills to your marketing efforts.
When Should You Outsource Content Writing?
The "right time" to start outsourcing is different for everyone, but here are a few tell-tale signs that you're ready. See if any of these sound familiar:
You're the Bottleneck: You, the founder or marketing manager, are spending hours writing and editing instead of focusing on strategy, sales, or product. Your to-do list is a mile long, and "write blog post" keeps getting pushed to tomorrow.
Your Team is at Capacity: Your small marketing team is doing great work, but they're juggling social media, email campaigns, and paid ads. Content creation has become an afterthought, and your publishing schedule is inconsistent.
You Lack Niche Expertise: You’re a SaaS company trying to write for cybersecurity experts, or a finance brand trying to explain complex investment strategies. Your team is smart, but they aren't subject matter experts (SMEs), and it shows in the content's lack of depth.
Your Content Isn't Delivering Results: You’re publishing posts, but your organic traffic is flat, and you're not getting any leads. You need a fresh perspective from someone who lives and breathes SEO and conversion copywriting.
You Need to Scale - Fast: You've just secured funding or launched a new product line and need to flood the market with content. Your in-house team simply can't produce the required volume without a significant drop in quality.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how in-house creation compares to outsourcing:
Feature | In-House Content Creation | Outsourcing Content Writing | |||
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The "right time" to start outsourcing is different for everyone, but here are a few tell-tale signs that you're ready. See if any of these sound familiar:
You're the Bottleneck: You, the founder or marketing manager, are spending hours writing and editing instead of focusing on strategy, sales, or product. Your to-do list is a mile long, and "write blog post" keeps getting pushed to tomorrow.
Your Team is at Capacity: Your small marketing team is doing great work, but they're juggling social media, email campaigns, and paid ads. Content creation has become an afterthought, and your publishing schedule is inconsistent.
You Lack Niche Expertise: You’re a SaaS company trying to write for cybersecurity experts, or a finance brand trying to explain complex investment strategies. Your team is smart, but they aren't subject matter experts (SMEs), and it shows in the content's lack of depth.
Your Content Isn't Delivering Results: You’re publishing posts, but your organic traffic is flat, and you're not getting any leads. You need a fresh perspective from someone who lives and breathes SEO and conversion copywriting.
You Need to Scale - Fast: You've just secured funding or launched a new product line and need to flood the market with content. Your in-house team simply can't produce the required volume without a significant drop in quality.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how in-house creation compares to outsourcing:
Feature | In-House Content Creation | Outsourcing Content Writing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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The "right time" to start outsourcing is different for everyone, but here are a few tell-tale signs that you're ready. See if any of these sound familiar:
You're the Bottleneck: You, the founder or marketing manager, are spending hours writing and editing instead of focusing on strategy, sales, or product. Your to-do list is a mile long, and "write blog post" keeps getting pushed to tomorrow.
Your Team is at Capacity: Your small marketing team is doing great work, but they're juggling social media, email campaigns, and paid ads. Content creation has become an afterthought, and your publishing schedule is inconsistent.
You Lack Niche Expertise: You’re a SaaS company trying to write for cybersecurity experts, or a finance brand trying to explain complex investment strategies. Your team is smart, but they aren't subject matter experts (SMEs), and it shows in the content's lack of depth.
Your Content Isn't Delivering Results: You’re publishing posts, but your organic traffic is flat, and you're not getting any leads. You need a fresh perspective from someone who lives and breathes SEO and conversion copywriting.
You Need to Scale - Fast: You've just secured funding or launched a new product line and need to flood the market with content. Your in-house team simply can't produce the required volume without a significant drop in quality.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how in-house creation compares to outsourcing:
Feature | In-House Content Creation | Outsourcing Content Writing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
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How to Outsource Content Writing: A Step-by-Step Process
Ready to make the leap? Following this structured process will prevent 99% of potential problems and ensure you get a fantastic return on your investment.
Ready to make the leap? Following this structured process will prevent 99% of potential problems and ensure you get a fantastic return on your investment.
Ready to make the leap? Following this structured process will prevent 99% of potential problems and ensure you get a fantastic return on your investment.
Step 1: Identify Your Content Goals and Scope
Before you even open a job board, you need a crystal-clear plan. Don't just say, "we need to outsource blog writing." Get specific. Use the SMART goal framework.
Specific: We want to increase organic traffic to our blog.
Measurable: We want to increase traffic by 30% and capture 50 new email subscribers per month from the blog.
Achievable: Based on our current growth, a 30% increase is ambitious but possible with consistent, high-quality output.
Relevant: This aligns with our overall marketing goal of growing our top-of-funnel audience.
Time-bound: We want to achieve this within the next 6 months.
Once your goals are set, define the scope. Map out your content needs. It might look something like this:
Monthly Content Scope:
Type & Volume: 4 x 1,500-word TOFU blog posts, 2 x 2,000-word MOFU blog posts, 1 x 3,000-word BOFU product comparison guide.
Topics: Focused on keywords related to [your primary product/service].
SEO Needs: Each post must be optimized for a primary keyword and 3-5 secondary keywords.
Timeline: All drafts due by the 25th of the preceding month.
Before you even open a job board, you need a crystal-clear plan. Don't just say, "we need to outsource blog writing." Get specific. Use the SMART goal framework.
Specific: We want to increase organic traffic to our blog.
Measurable: We want to increase traffic by 30% and capture 50 new email subscribers per month from the blog.
Achievable: Based on our current growth, a 30% increase is ambitious but possible with consistent, high-quality output.
Relevant: This aligns with our overall marketing goal of growing our top-of-funnel audience.
Time-bound: We want to achieve this within the next 6 months.
Once your goals are set, define the scope. Map out your content needs. It might look something like this:
Monthly Content Scope:
Type & Volume: 4 x 1,500-word TOFU blog posts, 2 x 2,000-word MOFU blog posts, 1 x 3,000-word BOFU product comparison guide.
Topics: Focused on keywords related to [your primary product/service].
SEO Needs: Each post must be optimized for a primary keyword and 3-5 secondary keywords.
Timeline: All drafts due by the 25th of the preceding month.
Before you even open a job board, you need a crystal-clear plan. Don't just say, "we need to outsource blog writing." Get specific. Use the SMART goal framework.
Specific: We want to increase organic traffic to our blog.
Measurable: We want to increase traffic by 30% and capture 50 new email subscribers per month from the blog.
Achievable: Based on our current growth, a 30% increase is ambitious but possible with consistent, high-quality output.
Relevant: This aligns with our overall marketing goal of growing our top-of-funnel audience.
Time-bound: We want to achieve this within the next 6 months.
Once your goals are set, define the scope. Map out your content needs. It might look something like this:
Monthly Content Scope:
Type & Volume: 4 x 1,500-word TOFU blog posts, 2 x 2,000-word MOFU blog posts, 1 x 3,000-word BOFU product comparison guide.
Topics: Focused on keywords related to [your primary product/service].
SEO Needs: Each post must be optimized for a primary keyword and 3-5 secondary keywords.
Timeline: All drafts due by the 25th of the preceding month.
Step 2: Determine the Type of Writer You Need
Now that you know what you need, you can figure out who you need. There are three main models for outsourcing:
Freelancers: These are independent contractors you hire directly.
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Content Agencies: These are full-service firms that handle everything from strategy to creation and editing.
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Productized Services (Content Platforms): These platforms offer content as a "product" with set pricing and terms (e.g., "four 1,000-word blog posts for $X per month").
|
Now that you know what you need, you can figure out who you need. There are three main models for outsourcing:
Freelancers: These are independent contractors you hire directly.
|
Content Agencies: These are full-service firms that handle everything from strategy to creation and editing.
|
Productized Services (Content Platforms): These platforms offer content as a "product" with set pricing and terms (e.g., "four 1,000-word blog posts for $X per month").
|
Now that you know what you need, you can figure out who you need. There are three main models for outsourcing:
Freelancers: These are independent contractors you hire directly.
|
Content Agencies: These are full-service firms that handle everything from strategy to creation and editing.
|
Productized Services (Content Platforms): These platforms offer content as a "product" with set pricing and terms (e.g., "four 1,000-word blog posts for $X per month").
|
Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget
This is where many businesses go wrong. They search for the cheapest writer and then wonder why the content is unusable. Quality content is an investment, not an expense.
Here’s a breakdown of common pricing models and what to expect:
Pricing Model | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
Per Word | You pay a set rate for each word written (e.g., $0.15/word). | Clear and predictable for both sides. Most common for blog posts. | Can incentivize writers to add "fluff" to increase word count. |
Per Project | A flat fee for the entire project (e.g., $500 for a white paper). | Fixed cost, so no budget surprises. Good for well-defined projects. | Scope creep can be an issue if the project requirements change. |
Per Hour | You pay for the time the writer spends on your project. | Best for projects with unclear scope, like content strategy or editing. | Can be hard to predict the final cost. Requires a high level of trust. |
Retainer | You pay a fixed fee each month for a set amount of work. | Guarantees writer availability and fosters a long-term partnership. | You pay even if you don't use all the allocated hours/work. |
General Rate Tiers (Per Word):
Beginner/Budget (3-6 cents): Expect heavy editing, basic research, and potential language issues. Not recommended for customer-facing content.
Intermediate/Standard (7-15 cents): The sweet spot for most businesses. You get solid, well-researched content that requires light editing.
Expert/Premium (15-50 cents): Writers with deep subject matter expertise and strong SEO skills. The content is often ready to publish with minimal tweaks.
Elite/SME (50 cents - $1.00+): Top-tier journalists, conversion copywriters, and true SMEs. They provide strategic value beyond just writing.
Remember, a cheap writer who costs you 10 hours of editing time is far more expensive than a professional writer whose work you can publish in 10 minutes.
This is where many businesses go wrong. They search for the cheapest writer and then wonder why the content is unusable. Quality content is an investment, not an expense.
Here’s a breakdown of common pricing models and what to expect:
Pricing Model | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
Per Word | You pay a set rate for each word written (e.g., $0.15/word). | Clear and predictable for both sides. Most common for blog posts. | Can incentivize writers to add "fluff" to increase word count. |
Per Project | A flat fee for the entire project (e.g., $500 for a white paper). | Fixed cost, so no budget surprises. Good for well-defined projects. | Scope creep can be an issue if the project requirements change. |
Per Hour | You pay for the time the writer spends on your project. | Best for projects with unclear scope, like content strategy or editing. | Can be hard to predict the final cost. Requires a high level of trust. |
Retainer | You pay a fixed fee each month for a set amount of work. | Guarantees writer availability and fosters a long-term partnership. | You pay even if you don't use all the allocated hours/work. |
General Rate Tiers (Per Word):
Beginner/Budget (3-6 cents): Expect heavy editing, basic research, and potential language issues. Not recommended for customer-facing content.
Intermediate/Standard (7-15 cents): The sweet spot for most businesses. You get solid, well-researched content that requires light editing.
Expert/Premium (15-50 cents): Writers with deep subject matter expertise and strong SEO skills. The content is often ready to publish with minimal tweaks.
Elite/SME (50 cents - $1.00+): Top-tier journalists, conversion copywriters, and true SMEs. They provide strategic value beyond just writing.
Remember, a cheap writer who costs you 10 hours of editing time is far more expensive than a professional writer whose work you can publish in 10 minutes.
This is where many businesses go wrong. They search for the cheapest writer and then wonder why the content is unusable. Quality content is an investment, not an expense.
Here’s a breakdown of common pricing models and what to expect:
Pricing Model | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
Per Word | You pay a set rate for each word written (e.g., $0.15/word). | Clear and predictable for both sides. Most common for blog posts. | Can incentivize writers to add "fluff" to increase word count. |
Per Project | A flat fee for the entire project (e.g., $500 for a white paper). | Fixed cost, so no budget surprises. Good for well-defined projects. | Scope creep can be an issue if the project requirements change. |
Per Hour | You pay for the time the writer spends on your project. | Best for projects with unclear scope, like content strategy or editing. | Can be hard to predict the final cost. Requires a high level of trust. |
Retainer | You pay a fixed fee each month for a set amount of work. | Guarantees writer availability and fosters a long-term partnership. | You pay even if you don't use all the allocated hours/work. |
General Rate Tiers (Per Word):
Beginner/Budget (3-6 cents): Expect heavy editing, basic research, and potential language issues. Not recommended for customer-facing content.
Intermediate/Standard (7-15 cents): The sweet spot for most businesses. You get solid, well-researched content that requires light editing.
Expert/Premium (15-50 cents): Writers with deep subject matter expertise and strong SEO skills. The content is often ready to publish with minimal tweaks.
Elite/SME (50 cents - $1.00+): Top-tier journalists, conversion copywriters, and true SMEs. They provide strategic value beyond just writing.
Remember, a cheap writer who costs you 10 hours of editing time is far more expensive than a professional writer whose work you can publish in 10 minutes.
Step 4: Find and Vet Potential Writers
Now, let’s go hunting for talent.
Where to Look:
Premium Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr Pro.
Job Boards: ProBlogger, We Work Remotely.
Social & Professional Networks: Use advanced search on LinkedIn (e.g., "freelance SaaS writer"), and join niche Slack or Facebook groups for your industry. A simple Twitter search for "[your niche] writer" can uncover hidden gems.
The Vetting Gauntlet (Your Foolproof Checklist):
Portfolio Review: Do their samples match the tone and quality you need? Have they written for reputable brands in your industry? If their portfolio only has B2C listicles and you're a B2B tech company, they're probably not the right fit.
Social Proof Check: Look at their LinkedIn recommendations and testimonials. A writer with a strong professional presence is generally more reliable.
The Paid Test Project: This is the most critical step. Shortlist 2-3 writers and give them a paid test. It should be a small, real-world task, like writing the first 500 words of a blog post on a specific topic.
Sample Paid Test Project Brief:
Topic: "5 Ways to Improve Employee Onboarding with Automation"
Word Count: 500 words
Target Audience: HR Managers at mid-sized tech companies.
Primary Keyword: "employee onboarding automation"
Instructions: Please write the introduction and first two points of the blog post. Adopt a helpful, expert tone. Link to one high-authority external resource.
Deadline: 48 hours.
Payment: $75 (based on a $0.15/word rate).
When you get the test back, you're not just looking for good writing. You're assessing: Did they follow every instruction? Did they meet the deadline? How was their communication?
Now, let’s go hunting for talent.
Where to Look:
Premium Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr Pro.
Job Boards: ProBlogger, We Work Remotely.
Social & Professional Networks: Use advanced search on LinkedIn (e.g., "freelance SaaS writer"), and join niche Slack or Facebook groups for your industry. A simple Twitter search for "[your niche] writer" can uncover hidden gems.
The Vetting Gauntlet (Your Foolproof Checklist):
Portfolio Review: Do their samples match the tone and quality you need? Have they written for reputable brands in your industry? If their portfolio only has B2C listicles and you're a B2B tech company, they're probably not the right fit.
Social Proof Check: Look at their LinkedIn recommendations and testimonials. A writer with a strong professional presence is generally more reliable.
The Paid Test Project: This is the most critical step. Shortlist 2-3 writers and give them a paid test. It should be a small, real-world task, like writing the first 500 words of a blog post on a specific topic.
Sample Paid Test Project Brief:
Topic: "5 Ways to Improve Employee Onboarding with Automation"
Word Count: 500 words
Target Audience: HR Managers at mid-sized tech companies.
Primary Keyword: "employee onboarding automation"
Instructions: Please write the introduction and first two points of the blog post. Adopt a helpful, expert tone. Link to one high-authority external resource.
Deadline: 48 hours.
Payment: $75 (based on a $0.15/word rate).
When you get the test back, you're not just looking for good writing. You're assessing: Did they follow every instruction? Did they meet the deadline? How was their communication?
Now, let’s go hunting for talent.
Where to Look:
Premium Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr Pro.
Job Boards: ProBlogger, We Work Remotely.
Social & Professional Networks: Use advanced search on LinkedIn (e.g., "freelance SaaS writer"), and join niche Slack or Facebook groups for your industry. A simple Twitter search for "[your niche] writer" can uncover hidden gems.
The Vetting Gauntlet (Your Foolproof Checklist):
Portfolio Review: Do their samples match the tone and quality you need? Have they written for reputable brands in your industry? If their portfolio only has B2C listicles and you're a B2B tech company, they're probably not the right fit.
Social Proof Check: Look at their LinkedIn recommendations and testimonials. A writer with a strong professional presence is generally more reliable.
The Paid Test Project: This is the most critical step. Shortlist 2-3 writers and give them a paid test. It should be a small, real-world task, like writing the first 500 words of a blog post on a specific topic.
Sample Paid Test Project Brief:
Topic: "5 Ways to Improve Employee Onboarding with Automation"
Word Count: 500 words
Target Audience: HR Managers at mid-sized tech companies.
Primary Keyword: "employee onboarding automation"
Instructions: Please write the introduction and first two points of the blog post. Adopt a helpful, expert tone. Link to one high-authority external resource.
Deadline: 48 hours.
Payment: $75 (based on a $0.15/word rate).
When you get the test back, you're not just looking for good writing. You're assessing: Did they follow every instruction? Did they meet the deadline? How was their communication?
Step 5: Onboard and Set Clear Expectations
You've found your writer! Now, set them up for success with a world-class onboarding process. A great writer with a bad brief will produce bad content.
Your Content Brief is your bible. It should be non-negotiable for every single piece of content. Using a catchy blog title generator can give you a head start, but the brief itself needs detail.
Your Killer Content Brief Template:
Article Title: [Working Title]
Primary Goal: [e.g., Drive traffic, generate leads, explain a feature]
Target Audience: [Be specific: "SaaS founders," not just "business owners"]
SEO Information:
Primary Keyword: [Keyword]
Secondary Keywords: [List of 3-5]
Outline/Key Talking Points: [Use GravityWrite's blog outline generator to create a detailed structure here]
Word count: [Mention the number of words]
Internal Links to Include: [List of 2-3 relevant pages on your site]
Competitor Links to Review: [2-3 top-ranking articles for the keyword]
Call-to-Action (CTA): [What should the reader do next?]
Brand Voice Notes: [e.g., "Keep it conversational," "Avoid jargon," "Be professional but not stuffy"]
Your Style Guide is just as important. It’s a simple document that answers questions like:
Do we use the Oxford comma?
How do we format titles (Title Case vs. Sentence case)?
Are there any words we always/never use?
What is our tone (witty, authoritative, empathetic)?
You've found your writer! Now, set them up for success with a world-class onboarding process. A great writer with a bad brief will produce bad content.
Your Content Brief is your bible. It should be non-negotiable for every single piece of content. Using a catchy blog title generator can give you a head start, but the brief itself needs detail.
Your Killer Content Brief Template:
Article Title: [Working Title]
Primary Goal: [e.g., Drive traffic, generate leads, explain a feature]
Target Audience: [Be specific: "SaaS founders," not just "business owners"]
SEO Information:
Primary Keyword: [Keyword]
Secondary Keywords: [List of 3-5]
Outline/Key Talking Points: [Use GravityWrite's blog outline generator to create a detailed structure here]
Word count: [Mention the number of words]
Internal Links to Include: [List of 2-3 relevant pages on your site]
Competitor Links to Review: [2-3 top-ranking articles for the keyword]
Call-to-Action (CTA): [What should the reader do next?]
Brand Voice Notes: [e.g., "Keep it conversational," "Avoid jargon," "Be professional but not stuffy"]
Your Style Guide is just as important. It’s a simple document that answers questions like:
Do we use the Oxford comma?
How do we format titles (Title Case vs. Sentence case)?
Are there any words we always/never use?
What is our tone (witty, authoritative, empathetic)?
You've found your writer! Now, set them up for success with a world-class onboarding process. A great writer with a bad brief will produce bad content.
Your Content Brief is your bible. It should be non-negotiable for every single piece of content. Using a catchy blog title generator can give you a head start, but the brief itself needs detail.
Your Killer Content Brief Template:
Article Title: [Working Title]
Primary Goal: [e.g., Drive traffic, generate leads, explain a feature]
Target Audience: [Be specific: "SaaS founders," not just "business owners"]
SEO Information:
Primary Keyword: [Keyword]
Secondary Keywords: [List of 3-5]
Outline/Key Talking Points: [Use GravityWrite's blog outline generator to create a detailed structure here]
Word count: [Mention the number of words]
Internal Links to Include: [List of 2-3 relevant pages on your site]
Competitor Links to Review: [2-3 top-ranking articles for the keyword]
Call-to-Action (CTA): [What should the reader do next?]
Brand Voice Notes: [e.g., "Keep it conversational," "Avoid jargon," "Be professional but not stuffy"]
Your Style Guide is just as important. It’s a simple document that answers questions like:
Do we use the Oxford comma?
How do we format titles (Title Case vs. Sentence case)?
Are there any words we always/never use?
What is our tone (witty, authoritative, empathetic)?
Step 6: Create a Feedback and Revision Loop
Content creation is a collaboration. The first draft is a starting point, not the final product.
Give Actionable Feedback: Avoid vague comments. Use the "feedback sandwich" method.
Good: "This is a great start! I love the example you used in the second paragraph. For the intro, could you try to hook the reader with a surprising statistic instead? Overall, this is really shaping up well."
Bad: "The intro is weak. Make it better."
Use Tools for Collaboration: Use Google Docs' "Suggesting" mode. It's perfect for leaving specific comments and edits without creating a messy document.
Define the Revision Process: Be clear from the start how many rounds of revisions are included in the fee (1-2 is standard). This prevents endless back-and-forth.
Content creation is a collaboration. The first draft is a starting point, not the final product.
Give Actionable Feedback: Avoid vague comments. Use the "feedback sandwich" method.
Good: "This is a great start! I love the example you used in the second paragraph. For the intro, could you try to hook the reader with a surprising statistic instead? Overall, this is really shaping up well."
Bad: "The intro is weak. Make it better."
Use Tools for Collaboration: Use Google Docs' "Suggesting" mode. It's perfect for leaving specific comments and edits without creating a messy document.
Define the Revision Process: Be clear from the start how many rounds of revisions are included in the fee (1-2 is standard). This prevents endless back-and-forth.
Content creation is a collaboration. The first draft is a starting point, not the final product.
Give Actionable Feedback: Avoid vague comments. Use the "feedback sandwich" method.
Good: "This is a great start! I love the example you used in the second paragraph. For the intro, could you try to hook the reader with a surprising statistic instead? Overall, this is really shaping up well."
Bad: "The intro is weak. Make it better."
Use Tools for Collaboration: Use Google Docs' "Suggesting" mode. It's perfect for leaving specific comments and edits without creating a messy document.
Define the Revision Process: Be clear from the start how many rounds of revisions are included in the fee (1-2 is standard). This prevents endless back-and-forth.
Best Practices for Managing Outsourced Writing Teams
Once you have your writers, the goal is to build an efficient system and a strong relationship. Here’s how:
Centralize Communication: Use a single channel like Slack or a project management tool (Trello, Asana) to keep all communication and files in one place. Avoid scattered email threads.
Use Detailed Briefs (It’s Worth Repeating!): The better the input, the better the output. A great brief saves everyone time.
Be Thoughtful About Deadlines: Give your writers enough time to produce quality work. Rushing them often leads to sloppy first drafts that require more editing on your end.
Foster Long-Term Relationships: When you find a great writer, treat them well! Consistent work and fair pay will make them prioritize your projects, leading to better, more consistent content for you.
Once you have your writers, the goal is to build an efficient system and a strong relationship. Here’s how:
Centralize Communication: Use a single channel like Slack or a project management tool (Trello, Asana) to keep all communication and files in one place. Avoid scattered email threads.
Use Detailed Briefs (It’s Worth Repeating!): The better the input, the better the output. A great brief saves everyone time.
Be Thoughtful About Deadlines: Give your writers enough time to produce quality work. Rushing them often leads to sloppy first drafts that require more editing on your end.
Foster Long-Term Relationships: When you find a great writer, treat them well! Consistent work and fair pay will make them prioritize your projects, leading to better, more consistent content for you.
Once you have your writers, the goal is to build an efficient system and a strong relationship. Here’s how:
Centralize Communication: Use a single channel like Slack or a project management tool (Trello, Asana) to keep all communication and files in one place. Avoid scattered email threads.
Use Detailed Briefs (It’s Worth Repeating!): The better the input, the better the output. A great brief saves everyone time.
Be Thoughtful About Deadlines: Give your writers enough time to produce quality work. Rushing them often leads to sloppy first drafts that require more editing on your end.
Foster Long-Term Relationships: When you find a great writer, treat them well! Consistent work and fair pay will make them prioritize your projects, leading to better, more consistent content for you.
Benefits of Outsourcing Content Writing
A well-executed outsourcing strategy provides a massive ROI. According to Semrush, 49% of companies outsource content writing to scale their efforts. Here's a look at the top reasons why.
Save Time & Focus on Your Genius Zone: You free up countless hours to work on the business, not just in it.
Access Specialized Expertise & E-E-A-T: You can hire a former chemist to write for your lab equipment company. This instantly boosts your content's Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
Achieve Unmatched Scalability & Flexibility: Need 20 articles this month for a product launch and only 4 next month? Outsourcing allows you to adjust your output on the fly.
Gain Fresh Perspectives: An external writer isn't bogged down by your internal jargon or assumptions. They bring a fresh pair of eyes that can make your content more accessible to new audiences.
A well-executed outsourcing strategy provides a massive ROI. According to Semrush, 49% of companies outsource content writing to scale their efforts. Here's a look at the top reasons why.
Save Time & Focus on Your Genius Zone: You free up countless hours to work on the business, not just in it.
Access Specialized Expertise & E-E-A-T: You can hire a former chemist to write for your lab equipment company. This instantly boosts your content's Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
Achieve Unmatched Scalability & Flexibility: Need 20 articles this month for a product launch and only 4 next month? Outsourcing allows you to adjust your output on the fly.
Gain Fresh Perspectives: An external writer isn't bogged down by your internal jargon or assumptions. They bring a fresh pair of eyes that can make your content more accessible to new audiences.
A well-executed outsourcing strategy provides a massive ROI. According to Semrush, 49% of companies outsource content writing to scale their efforts. Here's a look at the top reasons why.
Save Time & Focus on Your Genius Zone: You free up countless hours to work on the business, not just in it.
Access Specialized Expertise & E-E-A-T: You can hire a former chemist to write for your lab equipment company. This instantly boosts your content's Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
Achieve Unmatched Scalability & Flexibility: Need 20 articles this month for a product launch and only 4 next month? Outsourcing allows you to adjust your output on the fly.
Gain Fresh Perspectives: An external writer isn't bogged down by your internal jargon or assumptions. They bring a fresh pair of eyes that can make your content more accessible to new audiences.
Common Challenges of Outsourcing Content Writing and How to Overcome Them
It's not all rainbows. Here are common problems and their solutions.
Challenge: The Quality is Inconsistent.
Solution: Create a simple, non-negotiable pre-publish checklist. It should include: grammar/spelling check, adherence to the brief, correct formatting, and a plagiarism check using a tool like Grammarly.
Challenge: The Writer Misses Deadlines.
Solution: Set deadlines 2-3 days before you actually need the content. This builds in a buffer. Also, for new writers, start with smaller, quicker assignments to test their reliability before giving them a major project.
Challenge: Plagiarism Concerns.
Solution: Clearly state in your contract that all work must be 100% original. Use a plagiarism checker as part of your final review process for every single article.
Challenge: The Writer is Reactive, Not Proactive.
Solution: Once a writer has proven themselves, start treating them more like a consultant. Ask for their ideas on topics or how to improve a brief. The best writers want to contribute strategically.
It's not all rainbows. Here are common problems and their solutions.
Challenge: The Quality is Inconsistent.
Solution: Create a simple, non-negotiable pre-publish checklist. It should include: grammar/spelling check, adherence to the brief, correct formatting, and a plagiarism check using a tool like Grammarly.
Challenge: The Writer Misses Deadlines.
Solution: Set deadlines 2-3 days before you actually need the content. This builds in a buffer. Also, for new writers, start with smaller, quicker assignments to test their reliability before giving them a major project.
Challenge: Plagiarism Concerns.
Solution: Clearly state in your contract that all work must be 100% original. Use a plagiarism checker as part of your final review process for every single article.
Challenge: The Writer is Reactive, Not Proactive.
Solution: Once a writer has proven themselves, start treating them more like a consultant. Ask for their ideas on topics or how to improve a brief. The best writers want to contribute strategically.
It's not all rainbows. Here are common problems and their solutions.
Challenge: The Quality is Inconsistent.
Solution: Create a simple, non-negotiable pre-publish checklist. It should include: grammar/spelling check, adherence to the brief, correct formatting, and a plagiarism check using a tool like Grammarly.
Challenge: The Writer Misses Deadlines.
Solution: Set deadlines 2-3 days before you actually need the content. This builds in a buffer. Also, for new writers, start with smaller, quicker assignments to test their reliability before giving them a major project.
Challenge: Plagiarism Concerns.
Solution: Clearly state in your contract that all work must be 100% original. Use a plagiarism checker as part of your final review process for every single article.
Challenge: The Writer is Reactive, Not Proactive.
Solution: Once a writer has proven themselves, start treating them more like a consultant. Ask for their ideas on topics or how to improve a brief. The best writers want to contribute strategically.
Top Platforms for Outsourcing Content Writing in 2025
Where should you actually go to find these writers? Here’s a look at the current landscape.
GravityWrite: Best for teams that want to supercharge their in-house creation or streamline their outsourcing process. Instead of just finding writers, you can use GravityWrite’s AI blog writing assistant to generate high-quality first drafts, which you can then send to a freelance editor for polishing. This "AI + human" model is incredibly efficient.
Upwork: The largest freelance marketplace. It has a massive pool of talent but requires more effort to vet and find the true gems.
Fiverr: Known for budget-friendly gigs, but its "Fiverr Pro" category features high-quality, vetted freelancers for more serious projects.
Textbroker: A platform built for bulk content orders. Good for when you need a high volume of straightforward content quickly, though quality can vary.
Content Marketing Agencies: The premium, full-service option for businesses that want to completely outsource their content strategy and execution.
Where should you actually go to find these writers? Here’s a look at the current landscape.
GravityWrite: Best for teams that want to supercharge their in-house creation or streamline their outsourcing process. Instead of just finding writers, you can use GravityWrite’s AI blog writing assistant to generate high-quality first drafts, which you can then send to a freelance editor for polishing. This "AI + human" model is incredibly efficient.
Upwork: The largest freelance marketplace. It has a massive pool of talent but requires more effort to vet and find the true gems.
Fiverr: Known for budget-friendly gigs, but its "Fiverr Pro" category features high-quality, vetted freelancers for more serious projects.
Textbroker: A platform built for bulk content orders. Good for when you need a high volume of straightforward content quickly, though quality can vary.
Content Marketing Agencies: The premium, full-service option for businesses that want to completely outsource their content strategy and execution.
Where should you actually go to find these writers? Here’s a look at the current landscape.
GravityWrite: Best for teams that want to supercharge their in-house creation or streamline their outsourcing process. Instead of just finding writers, you can use GravityWrite’s AI blog writing assistant to generate high-quality first drafts, which you can then send to a freelance editor for polishing. This "AI + human" model is incredibly efficient.
Upwork: The largest freelance marketplace. It has a massive pool of talent but requires more effort to vet and find the true gems.
Fiverr: Known for budget-friendly gigs, but its "Fiverr Pro" category features high-quality, vetted freelancers for more serious projects.
Textbroker: A platform built for bulk content orders. Good for when you need a high volume of straightforward content quickly, though quality can vary.
Content Marketing Agencies: The premium, full-service option for businesses that want to completely outsource their content strategy and execution.
Bonus: The "AI + Human" Hybrid Model
The smartest content teams in 2025 aren't asking "Should we use AI or humans?" They're using both to create a content assembly line.
This is the future of outsourcing content writing, and it’s incredibly powerful. Here’s the workflow:
Step 1 - AI Ideation & Outlining: You use AI to brainstorm dozens of topic ideas and angles. Then, you use a tool like GravityWrite's blog outline generator to create a comprehensive, SEO-friendly structure in minutes.
Step 2 - AI First Draft Generation: With your outline locked in, you use an AI blog writing assistant to write the first 80% of the article. This handles the bulk of the research and writing, saving hours of work. This is the secret to learning how to speed up content creation with AI.
Step 3 - Human Editing & Enhancement: You then hand this AI-generated draft to your skilled freelance writer or editor. Their job is not to write from scratch, but to enhance. They add personal anecdotes, refine the brand voice, fact-check critical data, and add the human touch that AI can't replicate. It's the key to using AI to write blog posts effectively.
This hybrid model gives you the speed of a machine and the soul of a human writer. You get content faster and more affordably without sacrificing the quality and nuance that builds a real connection with your audience.
The smartest content teams in 2025 aren't asking "Should we use AI or humans?" They're using both to create a content assembly line.
This is the future of outsourcing content writing, and it’s incredibly powerful. Here’s the workflow:
Step 1 - AI Ideation & Outlining: You use AI to brainstorm dozens of topic ideas and angles. Then, you use a tool like GravityWrite's blog outline generator to create a comprehensive, SEO-friendly structure in minutes.
Step 2 - AI First Draft Generation: With your outline locked in, you use an AI blog writing assistant to write the first 80% of the article. This handles the bulk of the research and writing, saving hours of work. This is the secret to learning how to speed up content creation with AI.
Step 3 - Human Editing & Enhancement: You then hand this AI-generated draft to your skilled freelance writer or editor. Their job is not to write from scratch, but to enhance. They add personal anecdotes, refine the brand voice, fact-check critical data, and add the human touch that AI can't replicate. It's the key to using AI to write blog posts effectively.
This hybrid model gives you the speed of a machine and the soul of a human writer. You get content faster and more affordably without sacrificing the quality and nuance that builds a real connection with your audience.
The smartest content teams in 2025 aren't asking "Should we use AI or humans?" They're using both to create a content assembly line.
This is the future of outsourcing content writing, and it’s incredibly powerful. Here’s the workflow:
Step 1 - AI Ideation & Outlining: You use AI to brainstorm dozens of topic ideas and angles. Then, you use a tool like GravityWrite's blog outline generator to create a comprehensive, SEO-friendly structure in minutes.
Step 2 - AI First Draft Generation: With your outline locked in, you use an AI blog writing assistant to write the first 80% of the article. This handles the bulk of the research and writing, saving hours of work. This is the secret to learning how to speed up content creation with AI.
Step 3 - Human Editing & Enhancement: You then hand this AI-generated draft to your skilled freelance writer or editor. Their job is not to write from scratch, but to enhance. They add personal anecdotes, refine the brand voice, fact-check critical data, and add the human touch that AI can't replicate. It's the key to using AI to write blog posts effectively.
This hybrid model gives you the speed of a machine and the soul of a human writer. You get content faster and more affordably without sacrificing the quality and nuance that builds a real connection with your audience.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Content Engine
Learning how to outsource content writing is more than just a way to get articles written—it's a strategic decision to build a scalable, efficient content engine for your business. It's about moving from being a content creator, stuck in the weeds of writing and editing, to being a content strategist, focusing on the big picture.
By defining your goals, creating a rock-solid process, and finding the right combination of human talent and AI tools, you can finally get off the content treadmill.
The process we've outlined—from setting goals to managing feedback and integrating AI—is your roadmap. The tools and the talent are out there, more accessible than ever before. You don’t have to choose between quality, speed, and cost.
With a smart outsourcing strategy, you can finally have all three. Your next great piece of content is just a good brief away.
Ready to streamline your content outsourcing? Get Started with GravityWrite Today!
Learning how to outsource content writing is more than just a way to get articles written—it's a strategic decision to build a scalable, efficient content engine for your business. It's about moving from being a content creator, stuck in the weeds of writing and editing, to being a content strategist, focusing on the big picture.
By defining your goals, creating a rock-solid process, and finding the right combination of human talent and AI tools, you can finally get off the content treadmill.
The process we've outlined—from setting goals to managing feedback and integrating AI—is your roadmap. The tools and the talent are out there, more accessible than ever before. You don’t have to choose between quality, speed, and cost.
With a smart outsourcing strategy, you can finally have all three. Your next great piece of content is just a good brief away.
Ready to streamline your content outsourcing? Get Started with GravityWrite Today!
Learning how to outsource content writing is more than just a way to get articles written—it's a strategic decision to build a scalable, efficient content engine for your business. It's about moving from being a content creator, stuck in the weeds of writing and editing, to being a content strategist, focusing on the big picture.
By defining your goals, creating a rock-solid process, and finding the right combination of human talent and AI tools, you can finally get off the content treadmill.
The process we've outlined—from setting goals to managing feedback and integrating AI—is your roadmap. The tools and the talent are out there, more accessible than ever before. You don’t have to choose between quality, speed, and cost.
With a smart outsourcing strategy, you can finally have all three. Your next great piece of content is just a good brief away.
Ready to streamline your content outsourcing? Get Started with GravityWrite Today!
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Outsource Content Writing
1. How much does it cost to outsource content writing?
Costs vary widely, from $0.05 per word for basic content to over $1.00 per word for expert-level work. A good starting point for quality blog content is typically in the $0.15 to $0.30 per word range.
2. How do I ensure the quality of outsourced content?
The keys are a thorough vetting process (including a paid test), providing extremely detailed content briefs and style guides, and maintaining a clear feedback and revision loop with your writer.
3. Can I outsource SEO-optimized content?
Absolutely. Many freelance writers specialize in SEO content. Just be sure to provide them with your target keywords, desired internal links, and any other on-page SEO best practices you follow.
4. How do I protect my brand voice when outsourcing?
Create a concise brand style guide that outlines your tone (e.g., formal, witty, playful), provides examples of good and bad phrasing, and includes a few links to your best pieces of content for them to emulate.
5. What mistakes should you avoid when outsourcing blog content?
The biggest mistakes are hiring based on price alone, providing vague or incomplete content briefs, having no formal review process, and poor communication. Avoiding these pitfalls will solve 90% of potential problems.
1. How much does it cost to outsource content writing?
Costs vary widely, from $0.05 per word for basic content to over $1.00 per word for expert-level work. A good starting point for quality blog content is typically in the $0.15 to $0.30 per word range.
2. How do I ensure the quality of outsourced content?
The keys are a thorough vetting process (including a paid test), providing extremely detailed content briefs and style guides, and maintaining a clear feedback and revision loop with your writer.
3. Can I outsource SEO-optimized content?
Absolutely. Many freelance writers specialize in SEO content. Just be sure to provide them with your target keywords, desired internal links, and any other on-page SEO best practices you follow.
4. How do I protect my brand voice when outsourcing?
Create a concise brand style guide that outlines your tone (e.g., formal, witty, playful), provides examples of good and bad phrasing, and includes a few links to your best pieces of content for them to emulate.
5. What mistakes should you avoid when outsourcing blog content?
The biggest mistakes are hiring based on price alone, providing vague or incomplete content briefs, having no formal review process, and poor communication. Avoiding these pitfalls will solve 90% of potential problems.
1. How much does it cost to outsource content writing?
Costs vary widely, from $0.05 per word for basic content to over $1.00 per word for expert-level work. A good starting point for quality blog content is typically in the $0.15 to $0.30 per word range.
2. How do I ensure the quality of outsourced content?
The keys are a thorough vetting process (including a paid test), providing extremely detailed content briefs and style guides, and maintaining a clear feedback and revision loop with your writer.
3. Can I outsource SEO-optimized content?
Absolutely. Many freelance writers specialize in SEO content. Just be sure to provide them with your target keywords, desired internal links, and any other on-page SEO best practices you follow.
4. How do I protect my brand voice when outsourcing?
Create a concise brand style guide that outlines your tone (e.g., formal, witty, playful), provides examples of good and bad phrasing, and includes a few links to your best pieces of content for them to emulate.
5. What mistakes should you avoid when outsourcing blog content?
The biggest mistakes are hiring based on price alone, providing vague or incomplete content briefs, having no formal review process, and poor communication. Avoiding these pitfalls will solve 90% of potential problems.
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