A perfect SEO content writer for your business content will not just write words! The content they present is strategy, visibility, and conversion. As an entrepreneur, it is the tool you need to ensure that your business survives in the current competitive digital world. Whether launching a new site for your product(s) or scaling your blog, choosing the right SEO writer can make or break your online presence.
Nevertheless, with thousands of business profiles and portfolios online, how do you get your customers and potential clients to visit your site? In this article, I’ll walk you through what to exactly look for in an SEO content writer, how to find the best fit, and questions to ask before hiring.
Let’s dive in!
1. Understand What An SEO Writer Really Does
An SEO content writer is not just a writer, they’re a strategist. Their responsibilities entail aligning every blog post, product description, or landing page with your business goals, search trends, and target keywords. A skilled SEO writer helps increase:
- Organic traffic by using high-quality content optimized for search engines.
- Search engine rankings through precise keyword placement and technical content optimization.
- User experience with informative, engaging, and easy-to-navigate writing.
- Alignment between your content strategy and search intent.
Note: Great SEO writing speaks to both Google and your human readers.
2. Key Qualities to Look for in A Skilled SEO Content Writer
When evaluating SEO content writers, look for a combination of technical knowledge and creative strength. Here’s a checklist:
- Proven SEO knowledge: Understands search engine algorithms, keyword research tools, and how to create SEO-optimized content
- Experience writing various content types: From long-form blog posts to Meta descriptions and link-building pieces.
- Strong research skills: Can write authoritative articles using relevant keywords with supporting evidence.
- Focuses on user intent: Can match tone and style to your target audience.
- Avoids keyword stuffing: Uses long-tail keywords and related phrases naturally for readability and search rankings.
3. Look for These 8 Key Traits
Apart from the above skills, here are 8 qualities of a good SEO content Writer:
- Strong grasp of SEO strategies and principles.
- Clear, concise, and persuasive writing.
- Experience with keyword optimization.
- Portfolio with SEO content optimization examples.
- Understanding of different content formats (blogs, web pages, product descriptions).
- Ability to align with your brand voice.
- Use of analytics to measure content performance.
- Reliability and ability to meet deadlines.
4. Where to Find the Right SEO Content Writer
Depending on your budget and business structure, you have a few options:
1. Freelance SEO Writers
- Best for businesses seeking flexibility and cost-efficiency.
- Found on platforms like Freelance Marketplaces, LinkedIn, or writer portfolio sites.
2. Content Marketing Agencies
- Ideal for bulk content needs, monthly retainers, or if you want full-service content marketing (strategy + creation + analytics).
3. In-house Writers
- Great for consistent content creation, better control, and closer collaboration with your marketing team.
Pro Tip: Whether freelance or in-house, ensure your writer understands the basics of SEO, including internal links, header tags, and bounce rate.
5. Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Whether you’re hiring from a freelance gig or an SEO agency, use these smart questions:
- Can you show examples of your SEO services, such as blog posts or product pages you’ve written?
- What keyword research tools do you use? (Look for mentions of Google Search Console, Google Analytics, SEMrush, etc.)
- How do you ensure your content matches search intent and user expectations?
- How do you measure content success?
- Do you provide content briefs or expect them from clients?
- How do you keep up with Google’s algorithm updates?
- Can you explain your process for content planning and optimization?
5. Align Content Writing with Long-Term SEO Goals
A writer should not only write for today. They should build for the future. Make sure their work supports:
- A long-term strategy with consistent content creation.
- Better content rank and visibility on Google Search.
- Seamless collaboration with your content teams or SEO specialists.
- Avoidance of duplicate content and confusion for both search engines and users.
Your writer should be someone who understands how to create high-quality, informative content that contributes to your digital presence; not just fill a word count.
6. Align With Your Content Marketing Goals
Hiring the right SEO blog writer should align with your overall business strategy. Ask yourself:
- Am I trying to rank for specific target keywords?
- Is my goal to educate or convert?
- Do I need a full SEO content strategy or one-off articles?
7. Test with a Paid Trial Project
Before committing long-term, request a trial article on a topic from your niche. This lets you:
- Evaluate keyword usage.
- Assess writing style and tone match.
- Review formatting and structure.
- Check for plagiarism.
Note: A trial article will allow you to evaluate your SEO content writer including their expertise, professionalism, and understanding of your needs, allowing you to make an informed decision.
8. Build a Long-Term Relationship
A great SEO content writer becomes part of your brand’s voice. Once you find a good fit:
- Provide a content brief and keyword list.
- Set clear goals and deadlines.
- Share feedback and performance analytics.
- Invest in ongoing collaboration and necessary SEO writing tools.
9. Expert Knowledge of Your Subject
A skilled SEO content writer must possess knowledge or have an idea of the subject they are writing about. The goal is to:
- Conduct thorough research during the writing process to demonstrate authority and sound like an industry expert.
- Follow guidelines based on your needs to create compelling content.
- Familiarize themselves with your brand to maintain your voice and tone.
Note: They do not need to be a professional in the industry related to the topic. For example, there is a chance that an SEO writer who can create quality, engaging pieces of content about fashion has never worked in the fashion industry before.
10. Measure the Impact
Track your writer’s content performance using:
- Google Analytics, which evaluates traffic, bounce rate, and session time to understand user behavior and website performance.
- Google Search Console presents ranking, impressions, and Click-Through Rate (CTR). It provides effective insights into your website’s visibility and engagement with Google search results.
- SEO tools, such as Ahrefs and SEMrush for keyword performance.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Content That Converts
Hiring the right SEO content writer is an investment in your business’s future. Whether you’re outsourcing through a freelance SEO expert, working with digital marketing agencies, or building an internal team, choose someone who will partner with you; someone who listens, strategizes, and writes content with search intent in mind.
Your SEO efforts should reflect your business goals, and your content strategy should always prioritize valuable content that resonates with both search engines and potential customers.
Ready to find the perfect writer?
Let’s connect. I’d love to help craft your next SEO-optimized blog post!