Google’s top search results receive 32% of all clicks. Being at that spot gives you a higher chance of traffic and, ultimately, conversions. This is why the competition to be at the top of SERPs is also tough.
Knowledge of SEO best practices can help you rank high in SERPs. However, since not all business professionals are equipped to handle SEO efforts, hiring an SEO expert or the best SEO copywriting services can be game-changing for your brand’s online presence.
SEO copywriters craft persuasive and conversion-focused content that not only ranks well in search engine results but also encourages readers to take action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting a business.
What We Cover in This Article🧐
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What are the Roles of an SEO Copywriter?🖋️
Businesses mainly hire professional SEO copywriters to increase their chances of being found by their target audience online. Hence, their roles and responsibilities depend on the type of channel and content they want to use to attract potential clients online.
For example, website-related content will involve content focused on optimizing pages with relevant keywords, engaging product descriptions, compelling calls-to-action (CTAs), and informative landing pages to improve search engine placement and drive conversions.
What does an SEO copywriter do?
When creating content for social media platforms, copywriters craft concise yet attention-grabbing captions, headlines, and hashtags that resonate with the target audience.
Ultimately, a copywriter helps draw in, keep, and convert your audience into clients (see also converting clients through corporate gifts) by crafting excellent content.
Understanding SEO Copywriting🧠
SEO copywriting involves crafting high-quality content that resonates with your target audience and optimizes your website for search engines. A skilled SEO copywriter understands the complexities of search engine algorithms and knows how to create content that ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
By using relevant keywords, meta tags, and other optimization techniques, SEO copywriters can help businesses increase their online visibility, drive more traffic to their websites, and, ultimately, boost their conversion rates.
SEO copywriting goes beyond just inserting keywords into the text. It involves creating engaging, informative, and persuasive content that meets the needs of your audience while adhering to SEO best practices.
This double focus helps produce content that attracts search engines and keeps readers engaged and encourages them to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or sharing the content on social media.
5 Reasons to Hire an SEO Copywriter✋
Despite excellent on-page SEO, you won’t be able to attract your target audience or generate conversions unless your copy is great. Here are a few reasons to hire an SEO copywriting professional.
Time Saving
Even if you are good at copywriting, it’s still a time-consuming process. You can’t afford to go wrong with it, and hence, it’s always better to hire a professional. Freelance SEO copywriters can produce high-quality content quickly for your content marketing needs, collaborating with your SEO team to identify target keywords and incorporate them effectively. As your business grows and responsibilities increase, juggling all tasks can feel overwhelming.
That’s where copywriters come in. Hiring a professional copywriter can help you reclaim your time while ensuring your business gets top-notch, polished content that aligns with your goals and vision.
Brand Visibility
SEO content development involves identifying the right keywords and integrating them into your content through effective search engine optimization. They skillfully incorporate your target keywords into the content without disrupting its flow.
A copywriter who understands your business and knows how to talk to your customers can help you generate compelling and helpful content.
Quality Content That’s in Sync With Industry Trends
Writing services can help attract the right audience with keyword-optimized content, but your content needs to be catchy and engaging. To retain visitors, your content must be captivating and compelling.
SEO Copywriting content types.
To stay relevant, brands need to keep making content that shows they are updated with what’s happening in their industry.
A copywriter can effortlessly condense industry events and leverage current news to create relevant, informed, and valuable content for your audience.
Persuasion
Since the end goal of SEO efforts is lead generation and sales, readers must be persuaded enough through the content they consume so they take action. A good copywriter understands how to turn a website visitor into a lead or a customer.
Steps involved in making a persuasive copy.
Tip: Don’t keep your website copy too pushy. People prefer a more subtle approach these days. If your words sound too sales-focused, you might end up pushing away potential customers.
Minimizing Bounce Rate to Improve Search Engine Rankings
Bounce rate occurs when a visitor arrives at your website and exits the landing page without navigating to any other pages on the site.
When a copywriter creates content that catches people’s interest and keeps them reading, they spend more time on your site, which can lower your bounce rate.
Why does this matter? A lower bounce rate is good for your search engine positioning. By incorporating persuasive headlines, informative content, and clear calls-to-action, SEO copy specialists encourage visitors to explore multiple pages on the website rather than leaving after viewing just one page.
What to Know Before You Hire an SEO Copywriting Expert🤔
Literally all you need to know about hiring SEO writers. How to source, evaluate, hire, and pay.
byu/DrJigsaw inSEO
Even if a professional can take your page to new heights digitally through content marketing, it’s always good to know exactly what you are expecting out of the process; here are some specifics:
Content Goals
Are you looking to attract target audience, build authority, or increase conversions? Your content goals serve as a roadmap for your overall digital marketing strategy. Different content goals require different approaches to writing, whether it’s an article or a blog post.
Content Goals.
For instance, if your goal is to educate your audience, the copywriter needs to create high-quality, informative content. If your goal is to entertain, the copywriter must craft engaging and captivating content that resonates with them.
Knowing your website content goals allows you to effectively communicate your target demographic, preferences, pain points, and interests to the copywriter.
Define Your Niche And Target Keywords
Your niche provides a clear direction for the copywriter to align their efforts with your business objectives. Hence, your copywriter can leverage the unique selling points of your focus area to help you set your business apart from competitors.
I suggest picking a professional who’s got the scoop on your field because of Google’s rules. They’re big on something called E-E-A-T, which stands for ‘experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.’
Defining your niche.
Having a writer who’s known and trusted in your area can boost your content’s rank on Google.
Defining your area of specialization also helps the professional gain insights into the keywords relevant to your business. This enables them to optimize the content for search engines, improving its visibility and placement in search results.
Understand Your Brand Voice And Identity
It is important to understand your brand’s tone and have it consistent across all your content channels. For example, is your brand’s tone friendly and casual or serious and smart? Your audience and where you fit in the market will help decide this.
When your brand voice and identity are well-defined, it becomes easier to integrate SEO strategies seamlessly into your content.
Brand voice do’s and don’ts.
The professional can refine your content for relevant keywords while still maintaining the integrity of your brand voice, ensuring that your content ranks well in search results without sacrificing authenticity.
Where to Find Skilled SEO Copywriters🔎
Finding the right SEO copywriter can be a daunting task, but there are several ways to go about it. Here are some options:
- Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer a vast pool of talented SEO copywriters. These platforms allow you to review profiles, read client reviews, and compare rates to find the best fit for your project.
- Professional Networks: LinkedIn and Twitter can be valuable resources for connecting with experienced SEO copywriters. You can search for professionals with specific skills, join relevant groups, and even post job listings to attract qualified candidates.
- Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster can also be good sources for finding skilled SEO copywriters. These platforms allow you to post detailed job descriptions and receive applications from interested candidates.
- Referrals: Sometimes, the best way to find a reliable SEO copywriter is through word-of-mouth. Ask colleagues, friends, or industry peers for recommendations. Personal referrals can lead you to professionals who have already proven their skills and reliability.
By exploring these avenues, you can find a skilled SEO copywriter who meets your specific needs and can help you achieve your content marketing goals.
Skills to Look For When Hiring a Copywriter💡
There are certain key skills that set experts apart from the rest:
Creativity
Whether the writer has experience in your area of focus or not, creativity can bring out the writer’s adaptability, wordplay, and language skills.
By thinking outside the box, they can generate engaging content ideas that capture readers’ attention and drive organic traffic to websites.
SEO Copywriting skills.
Self-Motivated
Copywriting professionals must possess self-motivation to effectively handle their tasks, meet deadlines, and attain objectives autonomously. Given the solitary nature of their work, they must exhibit resourcefulness, perseverance, and initiative to thrive in their role.
Technical Knowledge of SEO
A professional should have a solid understanding of technical, on-page and off-page SEO and understand content optimization to make sure the brand gets the recognition it deserves.
On-page vs. off-page vs. technical SEO.
With on-page SEO knowledge, they can ensure that content is structured and written in a way that is easy for search engines to understand and index, ultimately improving the website’s visibility in search results.
Off-page SEO knowledge helps craft content that attracts natural backlinks and engages with the audience across various platforms, ultimately enhancing the website’s authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines.
Prior Experience
Although many copywriters come with relevant degrees, many of them are self-taught. Their expertise has been honed through hands-on experience, and they have a dynamic portfolio highlighting their skills.
Since practical expertise trumps degrees, it’s not advisable to overlook these candidates just because they lack the relevant degrees, as they offer a wealth of qualities and experience that can significantly benefit your team.
Best Practices for Hiring SEO Copywriters🏆
Check Their Industry Experience
Having an experienced copywriter is good, but I suggest hiring one with experience in your focus area. Here’s why.
Although many experts can write about anything provided they have access to the right resources, if your industry is in a more specialized niche (like medicine or law) that requires years of education and knowledge, it’s advisable to hire someone with relevant knowledge to produce content that helps you become an industry leader.
Go Through Their Portfolio
A portfolio provides tangible evidence of a copywriter’s skills and abilities. By reviewing their past work, you can assess their writing style, tone, creativity, and overall quality to ensure they align with your brand’s needs and expectations.
The portfolio often includes testimonials or references from previous clients, providing insights into their professionalism, reliability, and client satisfaction.
Positive feedback from past clients can instill your confidence in their ability to deliver results for your business.
Hiring an SEO Copywriter.
Check if They Have Experience Using SEO Tools
When a copywriter has had experience using SEO tools, it’s beneficial in several ways.
- Keyword research tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush allow copywriters to integrate relevant keywords strategically into their content, improving its visibility.
- SEO tools enable copywriters to analyze competitors’ websites and content strategies, helping them identify opportunities to create more compelling content and improve search placement.
- SEO tools provide analytics and reporting to track content performance, enabling copywriters to make data-driven enhancements for better SEO results.
Make Them Write a Sample Piece
Asking for sample pieces from copywriters is crucial because it gives you a chance to see how they write. By checking out their work, you can make sure they match your brand’s style and goals.
Plus, it helps you judge if their writing is high-quality and fits what you need for your project.
Decide on Turnaround Time
Deciding on a turnaround time helps everyone know when the work needs to be done. This way, both you and the copywriter can plan accordingly and make sure everything gets finished on time. It keeps things organized and ensures that the content is ready when you need it.
Understanding SEO Copywriter Pricing💰
The cost of hiring an SEO copywriter can vary widely depending on factors like experience, location, and market conditions. Here are some general rate guidelines:
- Beginner SEO Copywriters: $15-$30 per hour. These are typically less experienced writers who are building their portfolios. They can handle basic SEO tasks and create content that meets standard SEO requirements.
- Intermediate SEO Copywriters: $30-$60 per hour. These writers have more experience and a proven track record. They can handle more complex SEO tasks and create high-quality content that drives results.
- Advanced SEO Copywriters: $60-$100 per hour. These are highly experienced professionals with specialized skills. They can create sophisticated SEO strategies and high-quality content that significantly boosts search engine rankings and conversions.
- Package Deals or Retainer-Based Pricing: Some SEO copywriters offer package deals or retainer-based pricing. This can be a cost-effective option if you need ongoing SEO copywriting services. Discussing these options upfront can help you find a pricing model that fits your budget and needs.
Understanding these pricing guidelines can help you set a realistic budget and find an SEO copywriter who offers the best value for your investment.
Questions to Ask Copywriters Before Hiring❓
While hiring a copywriter, your goal should be to filter the best out of the lot that will preferably stick around for the long haul. Here are some common questions that can help you come to a good decision.
- What kind of content have you written in the past?
- Have you worked with brands like ours before?
- Do you offer keyword research or content strategy?
- Do you use SEO or content optimization tools?
- What are your rates?
- How do you measure results?
- Do you have any case studies or client testimonials?
Common Mistakes to Avoid🚫
Avoid these common mistakes when hiring a copywriter.
Overlooking Writing Sample Quality
Reviewing writing samples is useful for assessing a copywriter’s abilities, often carrying more weight than their resume, as they provide tangible proof of their expertise.
Failing to examine samples increases the chance of hiring a candidate lacking the required skills for the role. Skipping this step could result in hiring someone whose writing style or quality doesn’t align with your brand.
Expecting Quick Results
SEO marketing is a slow process. It takes time to get people interested and become an authority online. So, don’t judge an SEO copy specialist’s skill by quick results. It can take months to see a change from any SEO work.
Instead, look at how good their articles are or their word count.
Focusing Only on Cost
Quality copywriters come at a cost, and the saying “you get what you pay for” holds particularly true in this field.
While budget is important, opting for the cheapest option without considering the copywriter’s skills and experience may lead to subpar content that doesn’t yield the desired results.
Ultimately, you spend more time and resources rewriting the poor quality work.
Common mistakes to avoid when hiring an SEO Copywriter.
Overlooking Communication Skills
Effective communication is key for conveying your brand’s message. Hiring a copywriter who struggles with communication could lead to misunderstandings and delays.
Clear communication ensures that they know how to deliver content that aligns with your goals and resonates with your audience.
Ignoring SEO Knowledge
Ensure the copywriter has a solid understanding of SEO principles and practices. Without this knowledge, their content may not perform well in SERPs.
Failing to Set Clear Expectations
Clearly outline project requirements, deadlines, and expectations from the beginning to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth workflow. Make sure the copywriter knows exactly what you want, when you need it, and what you expect.
Failing to set clear expectations can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and potentially unsatisfactory results.
Without clear guidance, the copywriter may not fully understand your requirements or deadlines, resulting in content that doesn’t meet your needs or is delivered late.
Collaborating with Your SEO Copywriter🤝
Once you’ve hired an SEO copywriter, it’s essential to collaborate effectively to ensure the best results. Here are some tips:
- Clearly Communicate Your Project Goals and Expectations: Make sure your SEO copywriter understands your objectives and what you hope to achieve with the content. Clear communication helps align their efforts with your goals.
- Establish a Regular Feedback Loop: Regularly review the content and provide constructive feedback. This helps ensure that the content meets your standards and allows the copywriter to make necessary adjustments.
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where the copywriter feels comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification. Open communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that the project stays on track.
- Be Patient: High-quality content takes time to create. Trust your SEO copywriter’s expertise and give them the time they need to produce content that meets your expectations.
By following these tips, you can build a productive working relationship with your SEO copywriter and achieve your content marketing goals.
Final Thoughts
An SEO copywriter plays a vital role in reaching your content objectives, boosting domain authority, and crafting a compelling online identity for your brand. Yet, finding someone who possesses the necessary skills, flexibility, and industry insight can pose a challenge.
