Being WebTech Solutions owner, a leading SEO and digital marketing agency, I often need to hire SEO content writer. And let me tell you, it is not as easy as it sounds because AI writing tools are just a click away. What’s worse? Many applicants who claim to be SEO writers rely heavily on them
Recently, I was hiring writers, and there, I faced so many struggles in finding candidates who can write authentic, high-quality human-written content. Then I realized that others may also be going through this, and when I searched the web, my doubts proved true.
So, if you are also an agency owner and struggling to get a quality SEO content writer, I have provided a complete guide below. Now, you need to follow the steps to shortlist the applicants and recruit the right one.
What Is SEO Content Writer?
An SEO content writer is someone who writes content that is not only easy to read but also helps your website show up on search engines like Google.
Unlike general writers who might focus only on storytelling or grammar, SEO writers are trained to structure content around specific keywords, search intent, and ranking strategies.
In short, an SEO writer combines two skill sets:
- Writing an article
- Search Engine Optimization
And he helps in creating blog posts, articles, landing pages, and other content that brings organic traffic to your site and keeps visitors engaged once they get there.
Why You Should Hire SEO Content Writer?
SEO content writers are really not like traditional writers. They not only write words but also focus on adding detailed insights to make the articles people first and helpful. Therefore, you should hire SEO content writer. Besides, these writers
- Focus on Search Intent: A skilled SEO writer knows how to align content with what your audience is actually searching for. They don’t just write to fill a page. They actually write to solve a problem.
- Know Keyword Integration: Rather than stuffing keywords randomly, SEO content writers naturally weave them into the content to maintain readability while helping you rank.
- Understand On Page SEO: Good SEO writers understand how to use internal linking, meta tags, headers, and formatting to make your content easily crawlable for search engines.
- Write for People First: Most importantly, SEO writers strike the right balance between pleasing Google’s algorithms and keeping readers engaged.
How to Hire SEO Content Writer?
When you hire an SEO content writer, it is not just a task you tick off. It is a process you want to get right the first time. I have been through it many times, and when I slowed down to follow a clear path, the results were always better.
So, in the under section, I will guide you through the exact process I follow when I need to find someone who can actually write content that ranks, converts, and makes my life easier, not harder.
Step 1 – Know What You are Hiring For
You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing whether you need it for city driving or off-roading, right? Same logic here. Before you embark on your journey to hire SEO content writer, you should get super clear on what kind of content you need.
You should ask yourself:
- Am I looking to publish SEO optimized articles, service pages, or in-depth guides?
- Do I need someone to just write, or someone who also does keyword research?
- How technical is my industry? Can a generalist do the job, or do I need niche expertise?
The clearer you are at the beginning, the better the results later. However, if you have vague expectations, it will always lead to vague results.
Step 2 – Finalize the Things to Look For in SEO Content Writer
You should know what separates an average writer from someone who can deliver results. And it is only possible when you build a certain criteria and finalize the things to look for in SEO content writer. If you want my suggestion, I would suggest the following:
- Portfolio With SEO Samples: If someone claims to write SEO content, they should have actual links or documents that show they have done this before, ideally with rankings to prove it.
- Keyword Research Ability: Writers should not just accept your keywords blindly. A good one will suggest better terms if your keywords are too broad or competitive.
- Knowledge of SEO Tools: SEO content writers don’t have to be SEOs themselves, but familiarity with tools like Surfer SEO, Moz, or even Google Search Console shows they take their writing seriously.
- Understanding of Content Structure: They should know how to structure blog posts with engaging intros, relevant H2s and H3s, and internal linking that guides readers deeper into your site.
Step 3 – Write a Job Post That Attracts Real Talent
Most people write job descriptions that are way too broad or way too demanding. The goal here is not to scare writers off. Instead, it should attract the right ones. It should include:
- A short intro about your business and industry
- What kind of content you need (blog posts, landing pages, pillar articles, etc)
- Your SEO goals, like whether you are trying to rank for long-tail keywords or build authority
- Preferred tone and voice
- Word count range and turnaround expectations
- Tools they should know (Surfer SEO, Ahrefs, Semrush, etc.)
- Payment range and whether it is per word or per article
Recently, I was on my way to hire SEO content writer and I made sure to write a job post that speaks directly to the kind of writer I want. I also ask them to submit 2 or 3 samples of SEO content, as it helps me see if they have really done what they claim.
Step 4 – Pick the Right Place to Find Writers
And now we have reached the point where most people trip up. They either go for platforms that are too cheap or too complicated. But I want you not to make the same mistake. I recommend you to start with the one mentioned below when you want to hire SEO content writer.
- Upwork: Great if you want to hire freelance SEO writers with filters for experience, hourly rate, and niche.
- LinkedIn: You would be surprised how many SEO writers post their work here. A simple search for “SEO blog writer” can go a long way.
- Content agencies: If you would rather purchase SEO content writing as a package deal, agencies can match you with a writer and manage the process.
- Referrals: Don’t underestimate the power of asking your network. If someone has worked with a great writer before, that’s gold.
Step 5 – Review Portfolios and Writing Samples
Once you have applicants or leads, don’t rush through the portfolio review. You have to separate the real SEO writers from the ones who just write “SEO” on their profiles because it sounds good. It will be best if you analyze the work of candidates manually.
You should look for:
- Articles that are actually ranking (enter the URL into Ahrefs or Google Search to check)
- Keyword usage that feels natural, not robotic
- A structure that uses proper H2s and H3s, internal links, and clean formatting
- A tone that matches your brand, like if they too academic others too casual
Step 6 – Interview SEO Writers
Once you have found a few candidates, it’s time to test their skills. You should ask them to come to visit your office for a short interview. In this way, you can better communicate your criteria and strategy with them and assess their skills quite effectively.
During the interview, you should ask SEO-specific questions. I am listing some queries in the section below that you should ask for a better assessment:
- How do you perform keyword research?
- How do you handle search intent?
- Do you use internal linking and formatting?
Their answers will tell you how deep their SEO knowledge really is. In this way, you can shortlist the potential candidates from the large number of applications you have received at the time of hiring.
Step 7 – Give a Short Paid Test (Always Paid)
It would be best if you pay for a test assignment. You are not just buying words. You are buying strategy, effort, and thinking. So, you should give writers a topic and a primary keyword, and ask them to write a 1000-word blog post or short SEO optimized article.
While setting the guidelines for the test article, you have to add:
- Primary keyword and a couple of secondary ones
- Suggested title (optional)
- A basic outline or structure
- Tone and style expectations
- Deadline (usually 48 to 72 hours)
This test lets you see how the SEO content writer handle real instructions, deadlines, formatting, and optimization all in one go.
Step 8 – Evaluate the Test Article with an SEO Lens
Once you receive the test article from the dedicated candidates, you should check it from an SEO point of view. For this purpose, I am giving you a mini checklist below to determine if it is the SEO friendly content or not.
- Is the main keyword used in the title, intro, and at least one subheading?
- Is the article skimmable with headers and short paragraphs?
- Does it include internal linking suggestions?
- Is it free from fluff and filler?
- Does it match your tone and engage the reader?
If the test piece checks all these boxes and the writer was pleasant to communicate with, you can move forward and get to know if the writer is a perfect fit for your needs.
Step 9 – Discuss Rates and Workflow Expectations
Before you lock anything in, get on the same page about how you will work together. The reason is that misaligned expectations can ruin a great hire. And I have faced this so many times throughout my career. So, it would be best to clarify some things.
These include:
- How do they prefer to get briefs (email, Google Docs, project board)?
- How many revisions are included
- Their preferred payment schedule (per article, weekly, monthly?)
- How fast they typically deliver
- What happens if the content doesn’t meet expectations
You should also talk about future content, like whether you have to book blog writing for SEO monthly or buy SEO article services in bulk, and what kind of communication cadence they prefer.
Step 10 – Keep the Relationship Going
After you have hire SEO content writer, you should build a close relationship with them because in this world where AI tools are easily accessible, it is extremely challenging to find good SEO writers. Once you have one, treat them well. Pay on time, give clear feedback, and involve them in your growth.
A few things you can do include:
- Sharing keyword performance to celebrate their wins
- Referring them to others when you are not using them full-time
- Checking in regularly to see their bandwidth for new work
When writers feel respected and part of your process, they bring their best work every time. Ultimately, they will write such content that brings value to the users and helps you grab the top positions in the SERP.
When Should You Hire Freelance SEO Writer or Agency?
Deciding whether to hire freelance SEO writer or work with an agency can be a tricky choice. That’s why I am going to break down the benefits of each so you can decide what fits your needs better.
- Freelance Writers Offer Flexibility: If you are looking for budget-friendly, project-based help, hiring a freelance SEO writer is usually the better option. You can buy SEO article service for specific pieces without committing to long-term contracts.
- Agencies Provide Full-Service Packages: Agencies are great when you want bundled services like keyword research, content strategy, and even publishing. They are ideal when you are looking to purchase SEO content writing on a consistent and scalable basis.
And if you have decided to go with hiring an agency, WebTech Solutions is present among the leading names for providing SEO Content Writing services. The company is working globally with headquarters in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Spain, and Pakistan. We offer budget friendly plans and make sure you get fully SEO optimized articles.
How Much Should You Pay to SEO Content Writer?
When it comes to pay SEO content writer, the rates can vary wildly. It depends on experience, industry, and type of content. But if you want a general to help you budget, I have provided that below:
Freelance SEO Writers
- Entry Level: $75 – $100 per 1000-word article
- Mid Tier: $100 to $150 per 1000-word article
- Expert Level: $150+ per 1000-word article
SEO Content Agencies
- Agencies typically charge $150 to $500 for a blog post. If you are buying a package, they may bundle keyword research, editing, and even publishing.
Key Point: If you are only looking to buy SEO article service without strategy or publishing help, going with a freelancer may be more economical.
Should You Hire SEO Copywriting Services Instead?
If you don’t have time to manage freelancers, you might want to hire SEO copywriting services instead. For this purpose, you have to determine what they offer. Their services typically include:
- Keyword research
- Blog content writing
- Meta tags and formatting
- Publishing assistance
You can purchase SEO content writing in bulk and hand over most of the process to professionals. And if you want done-for-you content or need a large volume each month, hiring a copywriting service is a great investment.
Final Thoughts
These are the details on how to hire SEO content writer. Just remember that this process doesn’t have to be a headache, and it won’t be if you follow the tactics I have mentioned in this guide. Whether you decide to hire freelance SEO writers, buy SEO article service, or go with an agency, what matters is clarity.
You should know your goals, ask the right questions, and take your time to evaluate skills. I have made mistakes hiring too quickly or without proper tests, and it has always cost me more in the long run. But with the right process, I overcame them, and you can too.
Further, you should build a long-term relationship with a writer who helps you grow your traffic, rankings, and revenue consistently.
