Content Marketing Outsourcing – Myth vs Reality

So you’ve committed to publishing on a regular basis. Great! Now comes the decision, who’s going to do it? This decision may be one of the most important marketing decisions your company undertakes this year.

Below is a list of 5 myths vs. realities of content outsourcing that I hope helps you with your own build vs. buy decision.

Myth #1: You’ll get better talent by hiring W-2 vs. 1099

Reality: The contractor market is rife with talent. In fact, my personal experience leads me to believe that freelancers are the most talented writers. Since writers are frequently loners (suggest more independent, autonomous, etc. Loner might be too strong of a word and cause negative feelings) and can write from anywhere, the 1099 lifestyle is attractive. Also, look on LinkedIn jobs, and you’re not going to find a lot of W-2 positions available for article writers.

Myth #2: Contractors can’t ‘get’ my business

Reality: A good article writer is a sort of chameleon who can readily adapt their (their or your company’s) tone and style. They’re also good at coming-up to speed on technical jargon to sound even more of an expert than you do. Due to their professional writing skills, people are more likely to want to read their content.

Myth #3: In-house writers will be more productive than contractors, since they’re under your watchful eye

Reality: Contractors are often-times hungrier than in-house folks, given their reliance on repeat business and word-of-mouth for gaining new clients. Are contractors always more productive than in-house writers? Of course not – there are wonderful in-house writers out there. However, I’ve found that more often than not, a quality contractor will fall all over themselves to hit deadlines and meet quality standards. That hungry look in their eye may be because they’re actually hungry…

Myth #4: Contractors are more expensive than in-house folks

Reality: Once you factor in all of the fully burdened costs of employment – and potentially dis-employment – you’ll likely be able to hire a very senior consultant for the same price as a junior in-house writer. I’ll leave you to do that math though…

Myth #5: Outside people are harder to manage since they are not in the office

Reality: Ideally you shouldn’t have to do much managing.  A good outside writer needs minimal supervision. Just make sure you’re prepared to do your job of providing good briefs, expectations,  timely communications and feedback, and everything will be hunky dory.

Which direction are you leaning?

If you’re dealing with the typical budget and time crunch(es) most companies deal with, I’m sure you’re tempted to pursue the outsourcing route. Give us a call if you’d like some advice on how to best get started, or to tap into our stable of talented writers.