• FAQs

          Search engine optimization (SEO) helps businesses drive visits to their website through organic search traffic. Given that the top organic search results receive a third of the clicks, a decline in ranking could be detrimental for your business. Implementing SEO best practices on your website will help to ensure that your web content is seen by as many potential customers as possible. The more visitors you have, the better your chances are of converting those visits into sales!

          Local search engine optimization (SEO) helps local businesses gain visibility by optimizing their local business listings for local search. A business that leverages local SEO will include its address, phone number, local opening times, and exact location in the form of a local citation. The goal is to rank for local searches which are usually performed by people in a specific geographical region looking for a business near them.

          We typically see results within the first 30 to 60 days, but when it comes to SEO, there are many factors at play. It's important to remember that SEO is a long-term strategy and results may not come as fast at you wish.


        • FAQs

          Digital advertising uses the internet to send advertisements to customers who are online through different websites and social media platforms like Google, Bing, LinkedIn and Facebook.

          The price for Google Ads management depends on the monthly ad spend. For accounts with $1,000 in monthly ad spend, the price is $550/month. Between $1,000 and $5,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $950/month. For $5,000 to $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $2,000/month. For more than $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $4,500/month.

          The price for Social Media Ads management depends on the monthly ad spend. For accounts with $1,000 in monthly ad spend, the price is $550/month. Between $1,000 and $5,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $950/month. For $5,000 to $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $2,000/month. For more than $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $4,500/month.


        • FAQs

          This depends on the complexity and size of a redesign and if eCommerce is needed. On average, it takes around 14-18 weeks from the web design intensive stage to launch.

          If your website experiences the following issues: it’s not responsive on all devices, has a slow loading speed, the design appears old and tired, users don’t spend long on the site, sales are stagnant, or your business is going through a rebranding - your website needs a redesign to boost your brand awareness and sales.

          Sometimes there’s no need to rebuild a website. Minor edits, refreshing page content and images, or restructuring page layout for SEO best practices can boost traffic and sales.


        • FAQs

          Semantic search launched in 2013 with the release of Google's Hummingbird update. Since then, Google's search engine has become more complex. The integration of machine learning, with RankBrain, and NLP, with BERT, has enabled the search engine to better understand the context of a query and deliver more personalized and targeted results. Semantic SEO is the process of creating machine-readable content using structured data and linked open data to help search engines better understand your content.

          On-page SEO is the practice of optimizing individual web pages in order to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines. On-page SEO refers to both the content and HTML source code of a page that can be optimized, as opposed to off-page SEO which refers to links and other external signals. From meta tags to page content, website structure, and HTML, on-page optimization services are focused on making your website more visible to search engines.

          Structured data refers to any organized data that conforms to a certain format, such as information in a relational database. When information is highly structured and predictable, search engines can more easily organize and display it in creative ways. Structured data involves using a piece of code that is laid out in a specific format easily understood by search engines. The search engines read the code and use it to display search results in a more dynamic way.


        • FAQs

          An SEO agency has experts in different areas of search engine optimization that may be out of the realm of your marketing team's abilities. SEO can be very complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, as search engine algorithms change it can be difficult to stay current on the latest ranking factors and strategies for improving online visibility. You will likely see a greater return on investment and better results from using a professional SEO agency than you would from tackling this on your own.

          As a digital marketing agency, SMA Marketing provides products and services in four areas: SEO, Local SEO, Digital Advertising, and Web Design

          We focus on building authentic, long-lasting relationships with our clients. We’re goal oriented and results driven and believe in doing good and making a difference in the world.

  • Contact

Tips for Working with Freelance Writers

Tips for Working with Freelance Writers

Once you’ve embraced inbound marketing and content marketing and get to work developing a game plan for your business, you’ll soon realize that you’re going to need lots of high-quality, engaging content for your website. The truth is that many marketing agencies and their clients don’t have the in-house staff, time, subject matter knowledge, and/or skills to write about all of the topics that will yield their desired results (i.e. leads, conversions, and high search engine rankings).

As an inbound agency, we work with clients in a wide array of industries, from plumbing and HVAC services to dental and medical practices to preschools to engineering firms. There is no way we would be able to write for all of those varied subjects ourselves, with our small staff. We simply don’t have the subject matter knowledge or time to do so. Many of our clients face the same issues. Although they have the subject matter knowledge, they don’t have the time or marketing knowledge to create strong blog content on their own. A scalable approach to content production is required for content marketing success.

The answer lies in using talented freelance content writers. By leveraging the power of outsourcing these skills, we’ve found that we can generate the content our clients need on a consistent basis.

There are some challenges inherent in contracting out this type of work. Gaps in communication, vague content production processes, and a lack of firm timelines can lead to content that misses the mark and missed deadlines. Over the past year, we’ve learned a few lessons about using freelance writers, which we are sharing below. We now have an excellent pool of writers who help us stay on target with content while staying on budget and meeting deadlines.

Tips for Working with Freelance Writers

Hire Great Writers

A good writer can take a topic and produce a well-written article. A great writer tells a story that is engaging, prompting the reader to take action. It’s not easy to find great writers, and it may take some trial and error. When you find them, hold onto them because they will become one of your firm’s greatest assets. The longer a writer writes for a specific client, the better they will get at writing for them as they learn their voice, their mission and values, and their subject matter.

A great writer will also understand the principles of content marketing and inbound marketing. They grasp the importance of keywords, calls to action, and writing for specific personas. Make sure your writers have this knowledge and use it in their writing, or you will find yourself having to edit their articles to suit your target audience and lead generation goals.

There are many sources online for writers. We use Zerys, Belay Solutions, and an independent freelance writer. Take your time finding writers. In addition to online sources, ask other agencies or business owners about writers they have hired and use referrals.

Hiring writers is as important as hiring for any other staff position. Ask potential writers for samples of their work and interview potential writers if possible. When hiring writers, look for these traits:

  • ability to write about various subjects, making complex topics easy to understand
  • excellent grammar and punctuation
  • responsive to requests and deadlines
  • ability to take feedback and critiques and adjust their writing as necessary
  • excellent communication skills and team player attitude

Create an Editorial Calendar

Rushing to produce content never fails to result in mistakes and missteps. Create an editorial calendar for your blog content and landing page offers at least a month in advance. Producing a quarterly content calendar is even better. Your writers will appreciate the lead time. We use a basic spreadsheet for our editorial calendar, but there are templates online if you need some help. Be sure to include these key pieces of info on your calendar:

  • writer deadline
  • publication date
  • title
  • keywords
  • internal links to include in articles

Empower Your Writers

I am constantly amazed at how our writers go from a vague article title and a few keywords and creating an eloquent piece of writing that makes a complex topic easy to understand. What helps a freelance writer go from a blank page to an article is the background information that you provide to them. There are several important resources you will want to provide to your writers for each client:

  • buyer persona(s)
  • website URL
  • websites in the same industry to use for reference
  • preferred writing style, tone, and voice
  • a list of phrases to avoid using

Open Communication

Develop an open and friendly relationship with your writers. It will make it easier to communicate feedback and concerns. Include your writers in discussions about content strategy and article topics. They will have some good insights about how to approach the subject matter. And, the more informed they are about clients the better equipped they will be to write for them.

If possible, meet with your writers periodically via video conference. It helps develop a good working relationship with them. Although they are independent or employed by a writing service, you want them to feel like part of your team.

Joseph Guida of Shoreline Copy, LLC, explains the importance of communication:

“Communication is very important. The best clients are ones that communicate clearly about what they want and when things are due, but trust their writers and other team members to get the job done.  Planning out a schedule for work and payment is very helpful. Meetings on a regular or semi-regular basis are good to make sure everyone is one the same page.”

Give Feedback

Writers need to know when they are on target and where they are missing the mark. It’s the only gauge they have regarding whether or not they are producing useful content. The more precise and detailed you can be in your feedback, the better, as it helps them refine their writing to suit the client’s needs. One of our writers had this to say about feedback:

“All feedback is helpful. I learn the most when people point out a flaw or something I did wrong, but I also learn what people like when I get good feedback.” ~ David, Belay Solutions

Be a Great Client

By following the tips above, you’ll develop a strong working relationship with your writers. Writers want to work with clients who are open, communicate frequently, and provide specific feedback. They also want to know that their work is valued and important to the mission of your agency or business.

One more piece of advice‚ pay your writers on time. They are one of the gears that keep the content wheels in motion, and if there is a breakdown in your relationship with them, your marketing machine can come to a screeching halt.

We are grateful to the professional writers who contribute to our agency’s success. We want to know, do you have any tips for working with freelance writers. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we’d love to hear from you.

New Call-to-action

Search by Topic

  • All Resources
  • SEO
  • Digital Advertising
  • Content Marketing
  • Web Development
  • Small Business SEO Tips from 10+ Years of Experience

    Small Business SEO: Tips from 10+ Years of Experience

    SMA Marketing has a long history of helping small businesses attract customers through effective search engine optimization. SEO is the foundation of our marketing strategy, enabling us to create a…

    6 Local SEO Tips to Improve Your Local Rankings

    6 Local SEO Tips To Improve Your Local Rankings [Infographic]

    From small businesses to larger enterprises, you need local SEO if you own a brick-and-mortar or online local business. Though local SEO (search engine optimization) is a long-term strategy that…

    What Is an SEO Agency?

    What is an SEO agency and what do they do? Learn how hiring an SEO agency will effectively drive traffic to your site and grow your business.

    Content Creation Ideas to Extend the Reach

    Content Creation Ideas to Extend the Reach of Your Blogs

    Developing a stream of content creation ideas is a constant part of every company’s digital marketing strategy. Regardless of the size of one’s social follower count and organic reach, a…

    The Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

    Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

    Developing a diverse Local SEO strategy for companies with brick-and-mortar addresses or clearly defined service areas includes establishing and optimizing a Google Business Profile (abbreviated GBP for this article).

    What is SEO

    What Is SEO?

    The term SEO has a variety of meanings and is often understood. Learn what SEO is and how SEO works to improve a website’s visibility in search results.

    What Is an SEO Agency?

    What is an SEO agency and what do they do? Learn how hiring an SEO agency will effectively drive traffic to your site and grow your business.

    What is SEO

    What Is SEO?

    The term SEO has a variety of meanings and is often understood. Learn what SEO is and how SEO works to improve a website’s visibility in search results.

    5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

    5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

    Learn how your web design impacts the conversion rate of you SEO leads and how a great design can grow your business online.

    SMART SEO & Content Marketing How Your Message Impacts Rankings [Infographic]

    SMART SEO & Content Marketing: How Your Message Impacts Rankings [Infographic]

    A SMART SEO strategy begins and ends with the development and marketing of awesome content. See how content marketing and SEO are connected.

    Why Design a New Website

    Why Design a New Website

    There are a few different ways to refresh your website. Learn the benefits of designing a new website as a part of your digital marketing strategy.

    Web Design and Development Services How To Find the Right Agency for Your Business

    Web Design and Development Services: How to Find the Right Agency for Your Business

    Learn the tips & importance of working with a digital marketing agency to find the right web design and development services for your business.

    • 6 Proven Methods To Improve Your Customer Experience Strategy

      Extend your relationships with customers beyond their initial purchase and create loyal fans with these methods for improving your customer experience strategy.

      Differentiating SEO vs. SEM

      SEM and SEO are digital marketing strategies that align to accomplish the same goals but consist of different execution. Learn more about SEM and SEO.

      What is Content Marketing?

      Excellent content marketing cuts through the noise of unhelpful information to attract the right customers. Read more from SMA Marketing.

      What Is Internet Marketing?

      Internet marketing is a powerful tool for businesses! Learn about digital platforms, tools, and content delivery systems to reach new customers.

      Guide to Search Engine Marketing

      Looking to expand your digital marketing portfolio? It may be time to explore search engine marketing. Learn more from SMA Marketing.

      7 Content Marketing Strategies You Can’t Ignore

      We’re highlighting 7 content marketing strategies you can’t ignore. A well-rounded content strategy helps you connect with your ideal buyer.

    • The Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

      Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

      Developing a diverse Local SEO strategy for companies with brick-and-mortar addresses or clearly defined service areas includes establishing and optimizing a Google Business Profile (abbreviated GBP for this article).

      Does Blogging Still Work

      Does Blogging Still Work?

      In the latest episode of Hack My Growth we’re going to look at blogging and what role it plays in marketing in the year 2021 and beyond.

      YouTube SEO Best Practices

      YouTube SEO Best Practices

      Did you know that YouTube receives 14.3 billion visits per month? That’s more than Facebook, Wikipedia, Amazon, and Instagram. Businesses and brands all over the globe are creating YouTube videos…

        6 Proven Methods To Improve Your Customer Experience Strategy

        Extend your relationships with customers beyond their initial purchase and create loyal fans with these methods for improving your customer experience strategy.

        What is Content Marketing?

        Excellent content marketing cuts through the noise of unhelpful information to attract the right customers. Read more from SMA Marketing.

        7 Content Marketing Strategies You Can’t Ignore

        We’re highlighting 7 content marketing strategies you can’t ignore. A well-rounded content strategy helps you connect with your ideal buyer.

      • 5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

        5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

        Learn how your web design impacts the conversion rate of you SEO leads and how a great design can grow your business online.

        Why Is User Experience Important in Web Design

        Why is User Experience Important in Web Design?

        Learn more about user experience (UX), why it is important for your website to have a good UX, and the benefits of having a good UX on your website.

        Why Design a New Website

        Why Design a New Website

        There are a few different ways to refresh your website. Learn the benefits of designing a new website as a part of your digital marketing strategy.

        Web Design and Development Services How To Find the Right Agency for Your Business

        Web Design and Development Services: How to Find the Right Agency for Your Business

        Learn the tips & importance of working with a digital marketing agency to find the right web design and development services for your business.

        Looking for a Web Designer? 10 Things to Keep In Mind

        Looking for a web designer but not sure where to start? Your website is your digital front door. Here are 10 things you need to look for in a designer.

        The History of Website Design: 30 Years of Building the Web [2022 Update]

        The History of Website Design. We’ve come a long way in 30 years of building the world wide web. Take a look at web design’s past, present and future.

      Get Up-To-Date Digital Marketing Tips Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!

      SMA Marketing Digital Marketing Agency Giving Back to Kiva Making Loans