This tool is designed to help you efficiently manage and leverage your team of writers. By maintaining detailed profiles of your writers’ strengths, experiences, and performance, you’ll be able to build teams faster and more effectively, matching the right writers to the right projects with ease.
Choose a location to save your copy and rename it if desired.
Click “Make a copy” to create your editable version.
Details Tab Instructions
The Details tab is for capturing essential information about each writer.
Here’s how to fill it out:
Upload a publishable bio photo if a photo of the writer is available.
Provide a brief, professional biography for the writer.
Fill in the writer’s personal information, including name, email, address, phone number, and date of birth.
Enter the writer’s payment information, such as pay rate (hourly or cost per word), preferred payment method, and PayPal address, if applicable.
Include any compensation notes, such as “Negotiated higher rate for technical content.”
Add any additional writer notes that are relevant, such as “Specializes in health care topics due to previous nursing experience.”
Event Log
The Event Log helps track significant events related to the writer’s performance.
How to use:
Use the dropdown menu to select the type of event:
Positive client feedback, critical feedback, missed deadlines, communication issues, or other.
In the Notes field, provide specific details about the event.
For example: “Received praise from Client X for in-depth research on AI trends.”
Topics and Content Types Tab
This tab allows you to track a writer’s strengths and weaknesses across various topics and content types using a matrix.
You can use this tab in several ways:
Symbol Method: Use ‘+’ for confirmed good performance, ‘-‘ for poor performance, and leave blank for no experience.
Color Method: Fill cells green for good performance, red for poor performance, and yellow for adequate performance. Leave cells blank for no experience.
Number Method: Rate performance on a scale of one to five or one to 10 by entering the appropriate number in the appropriate cell. Leave cells blank for no experience.
Example: If a writer excels at writing blog posts about insurance, you might put a ‘+’, color the cell green, or enter a high number in the intersection of “Articles/Blogs” and “Insurance”.
Remember to update this tab regularly as you gather more information about the writer’s performance. This will help you make informed decisions when assigning future projects.
By maintaining these profiles diligently, you’ll create a valuable resource for managing your writing team and optimizing project assignments.
Create effective job ads that target exactly the type of writer you need.
If you’re looking to attract top-notch writers and editors, you’re in the right place. This guide is designed to help you create effective job postings that stand out and draw in the best talent.
We understand that recruiting writers can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Getting responses to your job postings isn’t usually the issue. The real challenge? Attracting the right writers and vetting them effectively. Post your ad in the wrong place or keep it too vague and you might find yourself swamped with candidates who aren’t quite the fit you’re looking for.
Our goal here is to help you craft clear, targeted job ads that pull in the perfect candidates, making your recruitment efforts worthwhile.
Writer Profiles
Before you dive into crafting your job postings, it’s important to understand the various roles of writers and their unique skill sets. There’s a common misconception that “a writer is a writer,” but nothing could be further from the truth. Writing skills vary greatly, and being specific about the type of writer you need will help you attract candidates who truly fit the role.
We’ve compiled detailed writer profiles for different roles, such as technical writers, marketing copywriters, SEO content writers, and more. These profiles offer insights into each role’s specific responsibilities, required qualifications, and preferred skills, helping you tailor your job ads effectively.
You’ll find these, along with sample job descriptions specified for each writer role, in the job description section below.
Remember, not all writers are the same — there’s a significant difference in skills and expertise across different writing disciplines. While some writers are versatile, many specialize in specific types of content, and even the most versatile writers have their limits.
How to Use This Guide
This guide is divided into six sections to walk you through the entire process of creating a job posting, from outlining the structure to providing detailed examples and templates. Here’s what you can expect:
Typical Job Posting Structure: An outline of the standard elements included in a job posting.
Company Overviews: Guidance and examples for crafting a compelling company overview.
Customized Job Descriptions for Each Writer Role: Tailored job descriptions and profiles for various writer roles.
Work Environment Samples: Tips and examples for describing your work environment.
Benefits and Compensation Samples: Guidance on highlighting attractive benefits and compensation packages.
Application Instructions Samples: Tips and examples for providing clear application instructions.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the provided templates, you’ll create job postings that attract qualified candidates and streamline your recruitment process.
Heads up!This guide includes many samples you can copy and paste into your ad. However, be careful not to mislead potential candidates. Review and adjust the copy to ensure all details are accurate and fit your business.
Typical Job Posting Structure
A well-structured job posting ensures clarity and helps attract the right candidates by providing all necessary information in an organized manner.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical components:
Job Title: Clear and specific title that accurately reflects the role.
Company Overview: Brief introduction to your company, including mission, vision, values, and what sets you apart.
Job Overview: A concise description of the role, its significance, and how it fits within the company.
Key Responsibilities: Bullet points outlining the main duties and tasks associated with the role.
Required Qualifications: List of essential skills, experience, and qualifications needed for the role.
Preferred Skills: Additional skills and experiences that are desirable but not mandatory.
Work Environment: Description of the work setting, such as remote work options, office location, and team dynamics.
Compensation and Benefits: Information about salary range, benefits, and any other perks offered by the company.
Application Instructions: Clear instructions on how candidates can apply, what materials they need to submit, and any application deadlines.
Job posts that are thorough and accurate, while following this structure, may be lengthy — and that’s okay. Providing more detail reduces the number of unqualified candidates and decreases the likelihood of candidates dropping out once they realize the position isn’t right for them.
Company Overviews
A compelling company overview is crucial for attracting top talent, as it gives potential candidates a clear understanding of your company’s mission, culture, and values. This section includes detailed and templated examples to illustrate different approaches. We also offer guidance on crafting an overview that resonates with candidates and highlights what makes your company an exceptional place to work.
Sample 1: Detailed Company Overview
Company Name: Stellar
Company Overview: Founded in Victoria, B.C., in 2011, Stellar is a trusted content creation platform serving digital marketing agencies, large brands, and web publishers. We specialize in delivering exceptional content that drives SEO, engages audiences, and boosts conversions.
Whether through our robust self-serve Marketplace or our fully managed content production services, Stellar leverages innovative technology and flexible workflows to meet our clients’ unique needs, ensuring efficiency and outstanding results in every project.
Mission: We are committed to delivering superior editorial content that aligns with each client’s unique brand voice. Our mission is to support digital marketing agencies and brands by providing easy access to top-tier creators, fast turnaround times, and content that not only meets technical standards but also deeply engages and inspires audiences.
Vision: At Stellar, we envision a future where brands and agencies can effortlessly access premium content through a streamlined and scalable platform. While today’s outsourced content often meets only basic technical standards, it can lack depth and value. We’re here to change that.
Our platform delivers editorial excellence that reflects each brand’s unique voice, compels action, and resonates deeply with audiences. With Stellar, sourcing extraordinary content becomes reliable and predictable, transforming ordinary words into extraordinary impact.
Values:
Excellence in Storytelling & Craftsmanship: We are dedicated to producing editorial content that exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously created to exceed client expectations.
Client-Centric Obsession: We align ourselves with our clients’ goals and collaborate closely to ensure their success. We treat our clients like partners, striving tirelessly to help them achieve outstanding results.
Innovative Solutions: We embrace innovation in all aspects of our work. By leveraging advanced technology and creative problem-solving, we continuously push the boundaries to deliver solutions that address our clients’ needs and drive success.
Results-Driven Focus: We’re committed to delivering results that surpass our clients’ goals. Our focus on performance and growth ensures our content drives measurable success and offers genuine value to the audience.
Sample 2: Templated Company Overview
Company Name: [Your Company Name]
Company Overview: [Your Company Name] is committed to [mission statement]. We offer [services/products] and are known for [unique selling points]. Our team of professionals works collaboratively to deliver outstanding results for our clients.
Mission: Our mission is to [briefly state the mission, e.g., provide excellent content that meets the unique needs of our clients].
Vision: We envision a future where [state your vision, e.g., every client has access to exceptional content that drives engagement and growth].
Values:
[Value 1]: [Describe your first company value].
[Value 2]: [Describe your second company value].
[Value 3]: [Describe your third company value].
[Value 4]: [Describe your fourth company value].
Guidance: Tips on Creating a Compelling Company Overview
Be Concise and Clear: Your company overview should be easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon and keep sentences short and to the point.
Highlight Unique Selling Points: What sets your company apart? Mention any unique aspects of your services or culture.
Showcase Your Mission and Vision: Clearly state your company’s mission and vision to give candidates a sense of purpose and direction.
Emphasize Your Values: Share the core values that drive your company. This helps potential candidates understand what you stand for and how you operate.
Use a Welcoming Tone: Make your company overview approachable and engaging. Use a tone that reflects your company culture and appeals to potential candidates.
Job Descriptions and Writer Roles
A well-crafted job description is crucial for attracting the right candidates and aligning on skills and expectations. Detailed descriptions outline the responsibilities and qualifications for each role, helping candidates determine if they’re a good fit.
This section includes writer profiles and sample job descriptions for 15 writer roles, providing a comprehensive view of each type. By using these examples, you can create job postings that clearly communicate the specifics of each position and ensure applicants understand the necessary skills and qualifications.
Table of Contents: Writer Roles
Technical Writers
Marketing Copywriters
SEO Content Writers
Blog Writers
Thought Leadership Ghostwriters
Social Media Writers
Product Description Writers
Email Marketing Writers
White Paper and Case Study Writers
e-Book Writers
Press Release Writers
Technology Writers
Scriptwriters
Localization Specialists
Editors
Technical Writers
Technical writers are vital for creating clear and detailed documentation that translates complex technical concepts into accessible content for diverse audiences. Their expertise ensures technical products and services are well-documented and user-friendly.
Typical Audience: Technical users, such as engineers, technicians, and other specialized audiences.
Experience Level: Mid- to senior-level, requiring specialized training and expertise.
Sourcing Difficulty: High, due to the need for specialized training and expertise.
Salary:
$60,000 – $100,000 per year
$0.20 – $1.00 per word
Recruitment Tip: Seek candidates with relevant industry certifications or technical degrees. Additionally, assess their ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly with a brief writing exercise.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Understanding of complex technical concepts
Excellent research and organization skills
Proficiency in creating various types of technical documentation
Attention to detail
Concise writing
Ability to create and maintain style guides
Experience in creating multimedia content
Knowledge of structured authoring and single-sourcing
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with subject matter experts and stakeholders
Attention to detail for accuracy and consistency
Project management skills
Adaptability to work with diverse teams
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience with at least one technical writing tool (e.g., Madcap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker)
Version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN)
Content management systems (e.g., Drupal, SharePoint)
Knowledge of DITA or other XML-based authoring
Customized Job Description for Technical Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview:
As a Technical Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for developing clear, concise, and comprehensive documentation that translates complex technical concepts into user-friendly content. This role is essential in ensuring our technical products and services are well-documented and accessible to both technical and nontechnical users.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop, write, and maintain user manuals, guides, and technical documentation for various products and services.
Collaborate with engineering, product management, and customer support teams to gather information and understand the documentation requirements.
Ensure technical documentation is accurate, clear, and concise.
Update and revise existing documentation to reflect new features, enhancements, and feedback from users.
Create diagrams, charts, and other visual aids to assist in the explanation of technical concepts.
Conduct thorough research to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the documentation.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Technical Writer, preferably in a technology-related industry.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong understanding of complex technical concepts and the ability to translate them into clear and concise documentation.
Proficiency with technical writing tools such as Madcap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, or similar.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with content management systems (CMS) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and other web technologies.
Knowledge of structured authoring and single-sourcing methodologies.
Ability to create and maintain style guides.
Marketing Copywriters
Marketing copywriters are responsible for crafting compelling and persuasive content that aligns with brand voices and drives engagement and conversions. Their work includes a variety of marketing materials such as site copy, promotional content, and product descriptions.
Engaging: Captivates and holds the reader’s attention.
Compelling: Drives action and interest.
Brand-specific: Tailored to the specific brand’s voice.
Typical Audience: Consumers, including the general public and targeted demographics.
Experience Level: Entry to mid-level, with experience in various marketing campaigns and materials.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, requiring creativity and brand understanding.
Salary:
$45,000 – $90,000 per year
$0.10 – $1.00+ per word
Recruitment Tip: Review their portfolio for versatility and brand voice alignment. Too much similarity in voice between prior clients may signal a lack of ability to adapt to a voice outside their default tone.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Persuasive writing
Creativity
Brand alignment
Ability to craft compelling and convincing content
Innovative and original approach
Knowledge of SEO principles
Experience with various marketing channels
Ability to write for different mediums
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with marketing teams
Attention to detail for brand consistency
Ability to meet tight deadlines
Project management skills
Adaptability to work with diverse teams
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)
Experience with marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Understanding of A/B testing
Customized Job Description for Marketing Copywriters
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Marketing Copywriter at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating engaging and persuasive content that aligns with our brand voice and drives customer engagement and conversions. This role is vital in enhancing our marketing efforts across various channels.
Key Responsibilities:
Write compelling copy for advertisements, promotional materials, product descriptions, and other marketing content.
Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to develop and execute content strategies.
Ensure all copy is consistent with the brand voice, style, and tone.
Conduct research to understand target audiences and optimize content for engagement and conversion.
Edit and proofread copy to ensure accuracy, clarity, and quality.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate best practices into the content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Marketing Copywriter or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of marketing principles and how to apply them to content creation.
Ability to adapt writing style to different brand voices and target audiences.
Experience with SEO and understanding of keyword integration in marketing content.
Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and marketing automation tools.
Experience with A/B testing and data-driven content optimization.
Knowledge of graphic design principles and ability to collaborate with designers.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
SEO Content Writers
SEO content writers specialize in creating engaging, informative content optimized for search engines.Their work is essential in driving organic traffic and improving rankings through strategically incorporated keywords and exceptional content.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Blog posts, website content, and articles.
Writing Style:
Informative: Provides valuable information to the reader.
Accessible: Easy to understand and engaging.
Reader-friendly: Prioritizes user experience.
Typical Audience: Online readers, including the general public and search engine users.
Experience Level: Entry to mid-level, with an understanding of SEO principles and experience in writing optimized content.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, requiring a balance of SEO knowledge and writing skills.
Salary:
$35,000 – $75,000 per year
$0.05 – $0.50 per word
Recruitment Tip: Look for examples of content where they’ve organically incorporated relevant keywords, met search intent, and enhanced search result visibility. Ask for a brief explanation of their approach to balancing SEO with reader engagement.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Keyword optimization
Analytical skills
Adaptability
Ability to incorporate keywords organically
Understanding of search intent
Ability to optimize content for search features
Experience with various SEO tools
Understanding of search engine algorithms
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Attention to detail for accuracy
Collaboration with SEO and marketing teams
Project management skills
Continuous learning mindset
Ability to work with cross-functional teams
Tools/Tech
Familiarity with SEO tools (e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush)
Experience with content management systems (CMS)
Basic knowledge of HTML
Skilled with SEO tools
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Customized Job Description for SEO Content Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As an SEO Content Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating first-rate, search-optimized content that drives organic traffic and improves search engine rankings. This role is crucial in ensuring our content meets both SEO requirements and user engagement standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Write informative, engaging blog posts, website content, and articles to improve search engine rankings.
Conduct keyword research and incorporate relevant keywords naturally into content.
Collaborate with SEO and marketing teams to develop content strategies that align with SEO goals.
Ensure all content is aligned with the target audience’s needs.
Monitor and analyze content performance using SEO tools and analytics to refine strategies.
Stay updated on the latest SEO trends and best practices to continually improve content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as an SEO Content Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of SEO principles and best practices.
Ability to conduct keyword research and integrate keywords naturally into content.
Familiarity with SEO tools such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Analytics.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with content management systems (CMS) and basic HTML.
Knowledge of on-page and off-page SEO techniques.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to improve content performance.
Familiarity with different content formats and their SEO implications (e.g., blogs, articles, infographics).
Blog Writers
Blog writers create engaging, informative, and often entertaining content that resonates with a wide audience. They’re skilled at maintaining reader interest and optimizing content for search engines to drive traffic and engagement.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Blog posts, listicles, and how-to guides.
Writing Style:
Conversational: Writes in a relatable and informal tone.
Relatable: Able to connect with a wide audience.
Informal: Comfortable with a casual and friendly style.
Versatile: Adjusts to most common voice attributes.
Typical Audience: General public, with content that appeals to a broad audience.
Experience Level: Entry to mid-level, with prior experience writing blogs or similar content.
Sourcing Difficulty: Low, with many available candidates, though quality varies significantly.
Salary:
$30,000 – $70,000 per year
$0.05 – $0.30 per word
Recruitment Tip: Ask for published, bylined samples, but be mindful that what you’re reviewing may be heavily edited and not completely indicative of the writer’s skill level. Consider asking for drafts or unedited versions if possible.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Ability to create engaging content
Topical expertise
Ability to maintain reader interest
Understanding of blogging best practices
Knowledge of SEO for blogs
Experience with various blogging platforms
Ability to write for different niches
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with content teams
Attention to detail for accuracy
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Adaptability to different topics
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Familiarity with blogging platforms (e.g., WordPress, Medium)
Basic knowledge of SEO tools
Experience with content management systems (CMS)
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Understanding of social media integration
Experience with multimedia content creation
Customized Job Description for Blog Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Blog Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating engaging and informative blog posts that resonate with our audience and drive traffic to our website. This role is essential in establishing our brand voice and providing valuable content to our readers.
Key Responsibilities:
Write engaging and informative blog posts on various topics relevant to our audience.
Conduct thorough research to ensure content accuracy and depth.
Optimize blog posts for SEO to improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.
Collaborate with the content team to develop blog post ideas and editorial calendar.
Edit and proofread content to ensure exceptional, error-free blog posts.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate relevant topics into the content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Blog Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of SEO principles and best practices for blogs.
Ability to research and write on a wide range of topics.
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress.
Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with social media platforms and integrating blog content into social media strategies.
Knowledge of basic HTML and CSS.
Familiarity with analytics tools to measure blog performance.
Ability to write in a conversational and relatable tone that connects with readers.
Thought Leadership Ghostwriters
Thought leadership ghostwriters specialize in crafting authoritative content on behalf of industry leaders, providing unique perspectives and valuable insights. Their work includes thought leadership articles, white papers, and keynote speeches that position clients as experts in their fields.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Thought leadership articles, white papers, and keynote speeches.
Writing Style:
Authoritative: Demonstrates expertise and credibility.
Engaging: Captivates and inspires the audience.
Insightful: Provides unique perspectives and valuable insights.
Typical Audience: Industry professionals, executives, and decision-makers.
Experience Level: Mid- to senior-level, with extensive experience and industry knowledge.
Sourcing Difficulty: High, due to the need for specialized knowledge and strong writing skills.
Salary:
$70,000 – $150,000 per year
$0.50 – $2.00 per word
Recruitment Tip: Seek writers who have contributed to respected industry publications, either under their own names or as ghostwriters. Evaluate their capacity to emulate the style of various thought leaders by reviewing a writing sample or brief.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Subject matter expertise
Research skills
Voice adaptation
Ability to write authoritatively
Experience with industry publications
Experience writing for executives
Understanding of industry trends
Ability to craft keynote speeches
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with thought leaders
Attention to detail for accuracy
Adaptability to different voices and tones
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Project management skills
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with research databases and tools
Basic knowledge of publication processes
Proficiency with citation management tools
Understanding of industry-specific software
Experience with multimedia content creation
Customized Job Description for Thought Leadership Ghostwriters
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Thought Leadership Ghostwriter at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating authoritative and insightful content that positions our clients as leaders in their respective industries. This role is crucial in establishing and enhancing our clients’ reputations through exceptional thought leadership content.
Key Responsibilities:
Write thought leadership articles, white papers, and keynote speeches on behalf of industry leaders.
Conduct in-depth research to understand industry trends and gather relevant information.
Collaborate with clients and subject matter experts to capture their voice and perspectives.
Ensure all content is authoritative, is engaging, and provides unique insights.
Edit and proofread content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and engagement.
Stay updated on industry trends to incorporate the latest insights into the content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Thought Leadership Ghostwriter or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of industry trends and the ability to provide unique perspectives.
Ability to adapt writing style to match the client’s voice and tone.
Experience conducting interviews and gathering information from subject matter experts.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and research databases.
Experience with citation management tools and data visualization.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement written materials.
Social Media Writers
Social media writers create engaging and compelling content for various social media platforms, driving engagement and building brand presence. They’re skilled at crafting concise, impactful messages that resonate with audiences and encourage interaction.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Social media posts, captions, and updates.
Writing Style:
Casual: Informal and approachable tone.
Trendy: Keeps up with and incorporates current trends.
Engaging: Captures attention and prompts audience interaction.
Typical Audience: Social media users, with diverse, platform-specific audiences.
Experience Level: Entry to mid-level, with experience across various social media platforms and content types.
Sourcing Difficulty: Low, with many available candidates, though quality varies.
Salary:
$35,000 – $65,000 per year
$0.10 – $0.50 per word
Recruitment Tip: Check their social media profiles for originality and engagement metrics. Ask for specific examples where their posts significantly increased engagement or follower growth.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Brevity
Trend awareness
Engagement
Ability to write catchy and concise posts
Understanding of social media algorithms
Experience with various social media platforms
Knowledge of social media trends
Ability to create multimedia content
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Attention to detail
Collaboration with social media and marketing teams
Adaptability to different brand voices
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Familiarity with social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
Basic knowledge of graphic design tools
Experience with content scheduling
Understanding of social media advertising
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Sprout Social)
Experience with influencer marketing
Customized Job Description for Social Media Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Social Media Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating engaging and compelling content for our social media platforms. This role is essential in building our brand presence, driving engagement, and connecting with our audience on a personal level.
Key Responsibilities:
Write catchy and concise posts, captions, and updates for various social media platforms.
Develop content that’s on-brand and aligns with our social media strategy.
Collaborate with the marketing team to create and execute social media campaigns.
Monitor social media trends and incorporate them into the content strategy.
Engage with the audience by responding to comments, messages, and interactions.
Analyze social media metrics to enhance content performance and engagement.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Social Media Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of social media platforms and their unique content requirements.
Ability to create engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Familiarity with social media management tools like Hootsuite or Buffer.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark.
Knowledge of social media advertising and analytics.
Ability to adapt writing style to different brand voices and audiences.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Product Description Writers
Product description writers are tasked with creating clear, persuasive, and engaging descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of products. Their work helps drive sales by providing potential customers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Product descriptions, specifications, and feature lists.
Writing Style:
Informative: Provides necessary details and information.
Persuasive: Encourages purchase decisions.
Clear: Easy to understand and straightforward.
Typical Audience: Consumers and potential buyers.
Experience Level: Entry to mid-level, with experience in product listings and e-commerce content.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, as it requires finding writers who can balance detail with persuasiveness.
Salary:
$30,000 – $60,000 per year
$0.05 – $0.25 per word
Recruitment Tip: Review their portfolio for examples of effective and compelling product descriptions. Consider a test assignment where they suggest benefits for a list of product features and look for originality and specificity.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Detail-oriented
Persuasive writing
Clarity
Ability to describe features and benefits effectively
Understanding of product marketing
Knowledge of SEO for product descriptions
Ability to write for various product categories
Experience with e-commerce platforms
Understanding of e-commerce SEO
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with product and marketing teams
Attention to detail for accuracy
Adaptability to different product types
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)
Basic knowledge of graphic design tools
Experience with product information management systems (PIM)
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Customized Job Description for Product Description Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Product Description Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for crafting clear, persuasive, and engaging product descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of our products. This role is crucial in driving sales by providing potential customers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
Write detailed and compelling product descriptions that highlight key features and benefits.
Collaborate with product managers and marketing teams to gather information and understand product specifications.
Ensure all product descriptions are optimized for search engine rankings.
Edit and proofread content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and engagement.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate best practices into product descriptions.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Product Description Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of product marketing and the ability to highlight product benefits effectively.
Familiarity with SEO best practices and the ability to boost content for search engines.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with e-commerce platforms and content management systems (CMS).
Knowledge of graphic design principles and ability to collaborate with designers.
Strong research skills to gather accurate product information.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement written descriptions.
Email Marketing Writers
Email marketing writers craft compelling and persuasive email content designed to drive engagement, conversions, and customer loyalty. They’re adept at creating targeted messaging that resonates with specific audience segments and aligns with overall marketing strategies.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Email newsletters, promotional emails, and automated email sequences.
Writing Style:
Engaging: Captures the reader’s interest quickly.
Clear: Conveys messages succinctly and effectively.
Action-oriented: Encourages readers to take specific actions.
Typical Audience: Subscribers and potential customers.
Experience Level: Entry to mid-level, with experience in email marketing campaigns and tools.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, requiring a balance of marketing knowledge and writing skills.
Salary:
$45,000 – $80,000 per year
$0.10 – $0.75 per word
Recruitment Tip: Seek writers with a strong portfolio of high-performing email campaigns. Ask them to describe the strategy behind their most successful campaigns, including segmentation and personalization tactics.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Persuasive writing
Targeted messaging
Concise communication
Ability to drive conversions
Understanding of email marketing best practices
Knowledge of segmentation and personalization
Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
Ability to write for various email formats
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with marketing teams
Attention to detail for accuracy
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Adaptability to different campaign goals
Project management skills
Tools/Tech
Familiarity with email marketing tools
Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS
Experience with content management systems (CMS)
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Understanding of A/B testing
Experience with marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
Customized Job Description for Email Marketing Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As an Email Marketing Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating persuasive and engaging email content that drives customer engagement and conversions. This role is vital in executing our email marketing campaigns and enhancing customer loyalty.
Key Responsibilities:
Write compelling email newsletters, promotional emails, and automated email sequences.
Develop content that’s on-brand and aligns with our email marketing strategy.
Collaborate with the marketing team to create and execute email campaigns.
Conduct A/B testing to optimize email content for better engagement and conversion rates.
Analyze email performance metrics and refine content based on data insights.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate best practices into email content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as an Email Marketing Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of email marketing principles and best practices.
Ability to create engaging content that resonates with different audience segments.
Familiarity with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with HTML and CSS for email formatting.
Knowledge of segmentation and personalization strategies.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret email performance data.
Familiarity with marketing automation tools and CRM systems.
White Paper and Case Study Writers
White paper and case study writers are skilled in creating detailed, research-driven documents that provide valuable insights and demonstrate the effectiveness of products or services. Their work includes white papers, case studies, and research reports, aimed at informing and persuading an audience.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
White papers, case studies, and research reports.
Writing Style:
Authoritative: Demonstrates expertise and credibility.
Analytical: Presents data and insights in a clear, logical manner.
Formal: Maintains a professional and polished tone.
Typical Audience: Industry professionals, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
Experience Level: Mid- to senior-level, with extensive experience in research and technical writing.
Sourcing Difficulty: High, due to the need for specialized knowledge and strong analytical skills.
Salary:
$60,000 – $120,000 per year
$0.50 – $1.50 per word
Recruitment Tip: Look for writers with published case studies or white papers in reputable industry publications. Ask them to outline their research and writing process to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Research skills
Analytical thinking
Persuasive writing
Ability to present complex ideas clearly
Experience with technical writing
Ability to conduct interviews and gather testimonials
Experience writing for industry publications
Understanding of data visualization
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with subject matter experts
Attention to detail for accuracy
Adaptability to different industries
Project management skills
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with research databases and tools
Basic knowledge of data visualization tools
Proficiency with citation management tools
Understanding of industry-specific software
Experience with multimedia content creation
Customized Job Description for White Paper and Case Study Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a White Paper and Case Study Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating detailed and persuasive white papers, case studies, and research reports. This role is essential in providing valuable insights and demonstrating the effectiveness of our products or services to inform and persuade our audience.
Key Responsibilities:
Write comprehensive white papers and case studies that provide in-depth analysis and insights.
Conduct thorough research to gather data, statistics, and relevant information.
Collaborate with product managers, clients, and subject matter experts to gather information and case study testimonials.
Ensure all content is clear, concise, and well-structured.
Edit and proofread content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and engagement.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate relevant data into the content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a White Paper and Case Study Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner.
Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with content management systems (CMS) and research databases.
Knowledge of citation management tools and best practices.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement written materials.
E-Book Writers
E-book writers specialize in creating long-form, in-depth content that provides comprehensive information on a specific topic. Their work includes e-books, long-form guides, and comprehensive tutorials designed to engage readers and provide valuable insights.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
E-books, long-form guides, and comprehensive tutorials.
Writing Style:
Informative: Provides thorough and detailed information.
Engaging: Keeps readers interested over extended content.
Structured: Clearly organized and easy to follow.
Typical Audience: General public, industry professionals, and targeted niche audiences.
Experience Level: Mid- to senior-level, with experience in long-form content and in-depth topics.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, requiring writers who can maintain quality over long-form content.
Salary:
$40,000 – $80,000 per year
$0.10 – $0.50 per word
Recruitment Tip: Look for writers with a portfolio of published e-books or comprehensive guides. Assess their ability to uphold excellence and engagement over long-form content through sample chapters or outlines.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Depth of knowledge
Structured writing
Engagement
Ability to maintain reader interest
Experience with long-form content
Knowledge of SEO for long-form content
Ability to write for different genres
Experience with various e-book formats
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with editors and designers
Attention to detail for accuracy
Adaptability to different topics
Project management skills
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with e-book publishing platforms (e.g., Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing)
Basic knowledge of graphic design tools
Experience with content management systems (CMS)
Understanding of e-book formatting
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Customized Job Description for E-Book Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As an E-Book Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating detailed, engaging, and informative e-books that provide comprehensive coverage of specific topics. This role is essential in delivering long-form content that educates and engages our audience.
Key Responsibilities:
Write in-depth e-books and long-form guides on various topics relevant to our audience.
Conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and depth of content.
Collaborate with subject matter experts and marketing teams to gather information and insights.
Ensure all content is well-structured, clear, and engaging.
Edit and proofread content to ensure outstanding and error-free e-books.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate relevant topics into the content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as an e-Book Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong research skills and ability to present complex information clearly.
Experience with long-form content creation and structuring.
Familiarity with SEO best practices and keyword integration.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with e-book publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Knowledge of content management systems (CMS).
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement written materials.
Press Release Writers
Press release writers craft concise and impactful press releases that convey important news and announcements to the media and the public. Their work includes creating media statements and news articles that are clear, engaging, and aligned with the company’s communication goals.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Corporate press releases, media statements, and news articles.
Writing Style:
Journalistic: Professional and polished tone with a factual approach.
Concise: Delivers key messages quickly and effectively.
Engaging: Captures the reader’s interest immediately.
Typical Audience: Journalists, media outlets, and the general public.
Experience Level: Mid-level, with experience in media communications, public relations, and corporate messaging.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, requiring knowledge of media industry standards and marketing principles.
Salary:
$40,000 – $80,000 per year
$0.50 – $1.50 per word
Recruitment Tip: Seek writers with experience in crafting press releases that have successfully garnered media attention and clearly communicated corporate messages. Request that they draft a press release for a hypothetical scenario to assess their ability to create newsworthy content and demonstrate subtle marketing skills.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Newsworthy writing
Marketing savvy
Clarity
Ability to write engaging press releases
Understanding of media relations
Knowledge of PR best practices
Ability to write for various industries
Experience with corporate communications
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with PR and marketing teams
Attention to detail for accuracy
Adaptability to different brand voices
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Project management skills
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with press release distribution services (e.g., PR Newswire)
Basic knowledge of media monitoring tools
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Understanding of media relations software
Experience with multimedia content creation
Customized Job Description for Press Release Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Press Release Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for crafting concise and impactful press releases that communicate important news and announcements to the media and the public. This role is essential in ensuring our messages are clear, engaging, and aligned with our communication goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Write clear and engaging press releases that effectively communicate news and announcements.
Collaborate with PR and marketing teams to gather information and understand communication objectives.
Ensure all press releases are accurate, timely, and aligned with the company’s messaging.
Edit and proofread content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and engagement.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in press release writing.
Distribute press releases to relevant media outlets and manage media contacts.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Press Release Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of media relations and communication principles.
Ability to create engaging content that captures media and public interest.
Familiarity with press release distribution services and media contact management.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with content management systems (CMS) and media monitoring tools.
Knowledge of SEO best practices for press releases.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement press releases.
Technology Writers
Technology writers are specialized writers who have a deep understanding of technology topics and trends. They create clear and engaging content about complex technological subjects, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Tech blogs, product reviews, white papers, and industry analysis.
Writing Style:
Informative: Provides thorough and detailed information.
Clear: Breaks down complex topics into understandable content.
Engaging: Keeps readers interested in technical subjects.
Typical Audience: Tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, and general readers interested in technology.
Experience Level: Mid-level, with experience in tech writing and familiarity with industry standards.
Sourcing Difficulty: High, due to the need for specialized knowledge and strong writing skills.
Salary:
$50,000 – $100,000 per year
$0.20 – $1.00 per word
Recruitment Tip: Look for writers with published technology articles to ensure alignment with your niche and confirm their ability to convey complicated information in a clear and concise manner.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Technical knowledge
Clarity in explaining complex concepts
Analytical skills
Ability to write detailed and accurate content
Understanding of technology trends
Ability to write for different tech audiences
Experience with various tech platforms
Knowledge of industry-specific standards
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with technical teams
Attention to detail for accuracy
Project management skills
Adaptability to new technologies
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Familiarity with technical writing tools (e.g., Madcap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker)
Experience with content management systems (CMS)
Basic knowledge of programming languages
Proficiency with analytics tools
Understanding of version control systems (e.g., Git)
Experience with API documentation tools
Customized Job Description for Technology Writers
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Technology Writer at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating clear, engaging, and informative content about complex technology topics. This role is essential in ensuring our technology-related content is accessible and engaging to our audience.
Key Responsibilities:
Write in-depth articles, product reviews, white papers, and industry analysis on various technology topics.
Conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and depth of content.
Collaborate with subject matter experts and technical teams to gather information and insights.
Ensure all content is well-structured, clear, and engaging.
Edit and proofread content to ensure outstanding and error-free publications.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate relevant topics into the content.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Technology Writer or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of technology topics and trends.
Ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly.
Familiarity with SEO best practices and keyword integration.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with content management systems (CMS).
Knowledge of data visualization tools and techniques.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement written materials.
Scriptwriters
Scriptwriters specialize in creating scripts for various media formats, including videos, podcasts, and short-form content. They’re skilled at crafting engaging and visually compelling narratives that captivate audiences across different platforms.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Scripts for podcasts, YouTube videos, TikTok videos, and other short-form content.
Writing Style:
Engaging: Captivates and maintains viewer and listener interest.
Clear: Simple and easy to follow.
Adaptable: Tailors style to fit different platforms and formats.
Typical Audience: General public, targeted demographics, online viewers, and podcast listeners.
Experience Level: Entry to mid-level, with experience in video and audio production and scriptwriting.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, requiring a blend of creative writing and an understanding of multimedia.
Salary:
$40,000 – $100,000 per year
$0.20 – $1.00 per word
Recruitment Tip: Look for writers with a portfolio of produced scripts for videos or podcasts that demonstrate strong storytelling skills. Ask them to create a short script based on a brief to evaluate their adaptability to different formats.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Visual storytelling
Concise writing
Audience engagement
Ability to write engaging scripts
Understanding of different media formats
Knowledge of scriptwriting best practices
Experience with video and audio production
Ability to write for various platforms
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with production teams
Attention to detail for accuracy
Project management skills
Adaptability to different formats
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Familiarity with scriptwriting software (e.g., Final Draft, Celtx)
Basic knowledge of video and audio editing tools
Proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., YouTube Analytics)
Understanding of multimedia production software
Experience with podcast production
Customized Job Description for Scriptwriters
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Scriptwriter at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for creating engaging and visually compelling scripts for various media formats, including videos, podcasts, and short-form content. This role is crucial in ensuring our content captivates and resonates with our audience.
Key Responsibilities:
Write engaging scripts for videos, podcasts, and other short-form content.
Collaborate with creative and production teams to develop and refine content ideas.
Ensure all scripts are visually compelling and aligned with the project’s goals and audience.
Edit and proofread scripts to ensure clarity, accuracy, and engagement.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate best practices into scriptwriting.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Scriptwriter or similar role.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong understanding of visual storytelling and narrative techniques.
Ability to create engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Familiarity with scriptwriting software like Final Draft or Celtx.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with video and audio production.
Knowledge of SEO and content optimization for digital media.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement written scripts.
Localization Specialists
Localization specialists ensure content is accurately translated and culturally adapted for various markets. Their expertise ensures the message resonates with local audiences while maintaining the original intent and quality.
Writer Profile
Content Types:
Translation and localization of websites, marketing materials, user manuals, and product descriptions.
Writing Style:
Adaptable: Adjusts tone and style to fit cultural preferences.
Accurate: Maintains the original message and intent.
Culturally sensitive: Respects and incorporates cultural nuances.
Typical Audience: Local markets, including consumers and businesses in the target region.
Experience Level: Mid- to senior-level, requiring specialized training and experience.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium to High, due to the need for fluency in multiple languages and cultural knowledge.
Salary:
$50,000 – $90,000 per year
$0.15 – $0.50 per word
Recruitment Tip: Look for candidates with experience in the target region’s language and culture. Test their ability to adapt content accurately through a localization project sample.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Fluency in both the source and target languages
Strong understanding of cultural nuances
Excellent translation and localization skills
Attention to detail
Experience with industry-specific terminology
Knowledge of localization tools and software
Ability to handle multiple languages
Soft Skills
Strong written communication skills
Collaboration with local experts and content creators
High accuracy and consistency
Adaptability to different cultural contexts
Strong research skills
Continuous learning mindset
Tools/Tech
Translation and localization tools (e.g., SDL Trados, MemoQ)
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)
Basic knowledge of SEO for international markets
Proficiency with data visualization tools
Experience with multiple localization platforms
Customized Job Description for Localization Specialists
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As a Localization Specialist at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for translating and culturally adapting our content for [target language/region]. This role is essential in ensuring our message is effectively communicated to a global audience.
Key Responsibilities:
Translate and localize content to ensure cultural relevance and accuracy for [target language/region].
Collaborate with content creators, marketing teams, and local experts to gather information and understand localization requirements.
Ensure all localized content maintains the original message, tone, and quality.
Edit and proofread translations to ensure clarity, accuracy, and engagement.
Conduct research to understand cultural nuances and preferences of target audiences.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in localization and translation.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as a Localization Specialist, Translator, or similar role for [target language/region].
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills in both the source and [target language].
Strong understanding of cultural differences and the ability to adapt content accordingly.
Familiarity with translation and localization tools.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with content management systems (CMS) and localization platforms.
Knowledge of SEO best practices for international markets.
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to create multimedia content to complement localized written materials.
Editor
Editors play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and consistency of content. They refine and polish the work of writers, ensuring it aligns with brand guidelines and meets the highest standards of editorial excellence. Below is a profile and job description for editors, including key responsibilities, qualifications, and preferred skills.
Editor Profile
Content Types:
Editing blog posts, articles, white papers, and marketing copy.
Editing Style:
Meticulous: Ensures all content is error-free and polished.
Consistent: Maintains uniformity across different pieces of content.
Constructive: Provides feedback that helps writers improve.
Typical Audience: Internal team members, including writers, marketing teams, and stakeholders.
Experience Level: Mid- to senior-level, requiring extensive editing experience and expertise.
Sourcing Difficulty: Medium, requiring strong editing skills and experience.
Salary:
$50,000 – $90,000 per year
$0.05 – $0.30 per word
Recruitment Tip: Look for candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of edited content. Test their ability to refine and enhance a piece of writing through a brief editing exercise.
Required
Preferred
Strengths
Strong attention to detail
Excellent grammar and writing skills
Ability to provide constructive feedback
Familiarity with various content styles and formats
Experience with industry-specific content
Proficiency in multiple style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago)
Experience with multimedia content editing
Soft Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Collaboration with writers and other team members
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Adaptability to different content types and formats
Continuous learning mindset
Leadership and mentoring abilities
Tools/Tech
Proficiency with editing tools (e.g., Grammarly, Hemingway)
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)
Basic knowledge of SEO principles
Experience with project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)
Knowledge of analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
Customized Job Description for Editors
Copy and paste this description into your job post and adjust to suit your needs.
Job Overview: As an Editor at [Your Company Name], you’ll be responsible for reviewing, refining, and enhancing content to ensure it meets our high standards of quality and consistency. This role is essential in maintaining the integrity of our brand voice and delivering exceptional content to our audience.
Key Responsibilities:
Review and edit content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style consistency.
Ensure all content aligns with brand guidelines and editorial standards.
Provide constructive feedback to writers to help them improve their work.
Collaborate with writers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders to develop outstanding content.
Manage multiple editing projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in editing and content creation.
Required Qualifications:
Proven experience as an Editor, preferably in a digital marketing or publishing environment.
Excellent grammar and writing skills.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to spot errors and inconsistencies.
Proficiency with editing tools and content management systems (CMS).
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Skills:
Familiarity with multiple style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago).
Basic knowledge of SEO principles.
Experience with project management tools.
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
Work Environment
A well-defined work environment description is crucial for attracting the right candidates and setting clear expectations about the company culture. It helps potential employees visualize their daily working life and determine whether the company aligns with their personal and professional values.
This section provides examples and guidance on creating compelling work environment descriptions to enhance your recruitment efforts.
We begin with two sample descriptions: the first showcases Stellar’s remote work environment, highlighting specific elements that foster a positive and productive atmosphere, while the second presents a traditional in-person work setting for a hypothetical company. Additionally, we offer a step-by-step guide to help you craft your own work environment section.
Work Environment Samples
Work Environment Sample 1: Stellar
Company Name: Stellar
Work Environment Description: At Stellar, we embrace the flexibility and inclusivity of a fully remote work environment. Although headquartered in the vibrant city of Victoria, B.C., our team is spread across various locations, allowing us to draw from a diverse talent pool. We offer flexible work schedules to accommodate different time zones and promote a healthy work-life balance.
Stellar’s remote setup fosters collaboration through regular virtual meetings, team-building activities, and a suite of digital tools that keep us connected. We prioritize continuous learning and development by offering access to online training programs and workshops. Our culture values diversity, inclusivity, and a strong foundation of mutual respect and support.
Work Environment Sample 2: Hypothetical Company
Company Name: Innovative Solutions
Work Environment Description: At Innovative Solutions, we believe a positive and supportive work environment is key to our success. Our offices are located in the bustling city of Chicago, IL, providing a dynamic and inspiring setting for our team. We offer a traditional in-person work setting with a structured schedule to foster teamwork and collaboration.
Our modern office space features open-plan areas to encourage interaction, as well as quiet zones for focused work. We prioritize continuous learning and development, offering access to training programs and workshops. Our team enjoys a range of amenities, including a fully stocked kitchen, recreational areas, and regular team-building activities. At Innovative Solutions, we value diversity, inclusivity, and a culture of mutual respect and support.
7 Steps to Creating Your Work Environment Description
Describe the Location:
Mention your office location or indicate if your company operates remotely.
Highlight any unique aspects of the city or neighborhood that make it appealing.
Outline Flexibility and Work Schedules:
Outline your company’s approach to work schedules, such as flexible hours or remote work options.
Emphasize how your policies support work-life balance.
Describe the Office Layout and Design:
Describe your office layout if applicable, emphasizing collaborative spaces and quiet areas.
Mention any design elements that enhance productivity and creativity.
Discuss Company Culture and Values:
Discuss the core values that shape your company culture, such as diversity, inclusivity, and respect.
Highlight any specific cultural initiatives or programs.
List Amenities and Perks:
List any office amenities, such as a kitchen, recreational areas, or wellness programs.
Mention unique perks your company offers, like team-building activities or employee recognition programs.
Detail Learning and Development Opportunities:
Detail opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
Mention any training programs, workshops, or educational resources available to employees.
Include Employee Testimonials (Optional):
Include quotes or testimonials from current employees about what they enjoy about the work environment.
This adds a personal touch and provides real-life perspectives.
Benefits and Compensation
Offering a comprehensive benefits and compensation package is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. A well-crafted section not only highlights the tangible perks of working at your company but also reflects your commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.
Below are two samples that illustrate different ways to present benefits and compensation, followed by tips to help you create your own section.
Benefits and Compensation Samples
Benefits Sample 1: Narrative Format
Company Name: FutureTech Innovations
At FutureTech Innovations, we believe in taking care of our team just as they take care of our business. Our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees, ensuring they feel valued and motivated.
We offer competitive salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, along with performance-based bonuses that recognize hard work and dedication. Health and wellness are priorities for us, so we provide comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Our generous paid time off policy allows you to recharge and spend time with your loved ones. To support your long-term financial goals, we offer a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions. We are committed to your professional growth through continuous learning programs, including tuition reimbursement and access to industry conferences.
FutureTech Innovations also fosters an accommodating work environment with options for remote work and flexible hours, ensuring you can balance your professional and personal life.
Benefits Sample 2: Bullet-Point Format
Company Name: TechWave Solutions
Competitive Salaries: We offer industry-leading salaries ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 to attract and retain the best talent.
Performance Bonuses: Regular performance-based bonuses to reward your hard work and dedication.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy to help you recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.
Retirement Plan: 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and access to industry conferences and training programs.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for remote work and flexible hours to support work-life balance.
Wellness Programs: Wellness initiatives, including fitness memberships and mental health resources.
Company Culture: Regular social events, team-building activities, and opportunities for community involvement.
8 Tips for Crafting Your Benefits and Compensation Section
Be Comprehensive:
Cover a wide range of benefits, including health, financial, and personal well-being aspects.
Address different categories such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development.
Use Clear and Concise Language:
Clearly describe each benefit to avoid any ambiguity.
Use straightforward language to ensure all employees understand what’s being offered.
Highlight Unique Perks:
Emphasize any unique or standout benefits that set your company apart from others.
Mention perks like flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, or community involvement opportunities.
Include Specifics:
Provide specific details about the benefits, such as the percentage of company match for 401(k) plans or the number of PTO days offered.
Specifics help potential employees gauge the value of the benefits.
Be Transparent About Compensation:
Include salary ranges to provide transparency and set clear expectations.
Mention any performance-based bonuses or incentives.
Showcase Professional Development Opportunities:
Highlight opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
Mention programs like tuition reimbursement, access to industry conferences, and training resources.
Emphasize Work-Life Balance:
Mention flexible work arrangements, remote work options, or flexible hours.
Highlight any policies or programs that support work-life balance.
Make It Visually Appealing:
Consider using bullet points, icons, or infographics to make the benefits section easy to read.
Visual elements can help highlight key benefits quickly and effectively.
Application Instructions
Clear and concise application instructions are crucial for streamlining the hiring process and ensuring candidates know exactly how to apply. Even if you’re using platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn, it’s important to guide candidates through any additional steps they may need to take.
Application Instructions Sample
Company Name: FutureTech Innovations
To apply for the [Job Title] position at FutureTech Innovations, please follow these five steps:
Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have an updated resume and a cover letter that outlines your relevant experience and why you’re interested in joining FutureTech Innovations.
Submit Your Application: Visit our careers page at [FutureTech Careers Page URL] or apply directly through our job posting on Indeed/LinkedIn. Upload your resume and cover letter in the designated fields.
Include Additional Information: Include any additional documents that showcase your skills and qualifications, such as portfolios or work samples.
Complete the Assessment: If required, you’ll receive an email with a link to an online assessment after submitting your application. Complete the assessment within the specified timeframe to proceed to the next stage.
Participate in the Interview Process: If selected, you’ll be contacted by our HR team to schedule an initial interview. Prepare to discuss your experience and how it aligns with our company’s values and goals.
We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the FutureTech Innovations team.
6 Tips for Crafting Your Application Instructions
Be Clear and Concise:
Use straightforward language to explain each step of the application process.
Avoid jargon and complex instructions.
Include All Necessary Steps:
Detail every step a candidate needs to take, from submitting their resume to completing any assessments or interviews.
Ensure no steps are missed to avoid confusion.
Provide Links and Contact Information:
Include links to the application form, careers page, or job posting on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn.
Provide contact information for candidates who may have questions or need assistance.
Specify Document Requirements:
Clearly state which documents are required (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio).
Mention any specific formats or file types preferred.
Mention Deadlines:
Specify any deadlines for application submission or assessment completion.
Ensure candidates are aware of time-sensitive steps in the process.
Outline the Next Steps:
Briefly describe what candidates can expect after submitting their application, such as assessments or interview stages.
This helps manage expectations and prepares candidates for the process ahead.
Recruiting writers can be more time-consuming and challenging than you might expect, and the effort doesn’t always yield the desired results. Instead of spending valuable time sifting through candidates, let us help.
Contact sales@stellarcontent.com to get started with a vetted team of writers who are ideally suited to your specific content needs. We’re here to ensure you have the best talent to elevate your content strategy.
On-site: Schedule an in-person meeting or orientation session.
Remote Employment: Arrange a virtual welcome meeting via video conferencing.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Send a detailed welcome email with an overview of key information, including the company, project, expectations, and contacts.
Reminder:Ensure Legal Clarity For freelancers, clearly outline payment terms, scope of work, and timelines in the contract to avoid any future misunderstandings.
Legal Documentation
On-site: Provide physical copies of contracts and NDAs during the first meeting.
Remote Employment: Send electronic versions of contracts and NDAs to be signed digitally.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Include NDAs, payment terms, scope of work, and project timelines in the contract.
Access and Setup
Tool Access and Workspace Setup
On-site: Set up workstation with necessary hardware and software; provide building access and security passes.
Remote Employment: Guide the setup of remote access to company systems, VPN, and software. Send equipment or allowance if applicable.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Ensure access to project management and communication tools, and provide any necessary software licenses.
IT and Security Protocols
On-site: Conduct a brief training session on data security and IT protocols.
Remote Employment: Provide guidelines on secure access, including password management and data protection.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Emphasize the importance of secure data handling and provide resources for secure file transfer.
Additional Notes: Introduce and provide training on any time tracking or productivity measurement tools used by the agency.
Important:Set Up Secure Access Make sure all writers, regardless of their location, have secure access to necessary tools and systems, prioritizing data security.
Orientation and Training
Agency Overview and Brand Guidelines
On-site: Host a workshop or meeting to discuss the agency’s mission, values, and branding.
Remote Employment: Share a recorded presentation or live webinar on the agency’s mission, values, and branding.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Provide detailed written materials and examples of the brand voice and style guide for the project(s) the writer will work on.
Tools and Software Training
On-site: Schedule in-person training sessions with IT or a dedicated trainer.
Remote Employment: Conduct virtual training sessions and provide access to online resources.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Offer video tutorials and written guides for essential tools.
Content Standards and Processes
Content Briefs and Editorial Guidelines
On-site: Organize workshops on interpreting and following content briefs.
Remote Employment: Use virtual workshops or detailed guides to explain content standards.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Provide comprehensive written guidelines and a point of contact for questions.
Quality Assurance Procedures
On-site: Detail the QA process and provide checklists.
Remote Employment: Share QA protocols through webinars or written documents.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Include QA expectations in the initial project briefing and feedback sessions.
Additional Notes: Explain how projects are assigned, transferred, or handed over between team members.
Integration and Engagement
Team Integration
On-site: Facilitate introductions and encourage participation in office activities.
Remote Employment: Use video calls for team introductions and virtual social events.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Include freelancers in relevant virtual meetings and communication channels.
Additional Notes: Assign a mentor or buddy to help new writers acclimate to the agency culture and processes.
Note:Inclusion Matters Incorporate remote and freelance writers into team dynamics through virtual meetings and communication channels. This fosters a sense of belonging and improves collaboration.
Initial Assignments and Feedback
Assignment and Feedback Process
On-site: Discuss the first assignment in person and set a feedback meeting.
Remote Employment: Assign projects through project management tools and schedule a virtual feedback session.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Clearly outline deadlines and feedback loops via email or communication platforms.
Ongoing Development
Professional Development and Resources
On-site: Provide access to in-house training sessions and resources.
Remote Employment: Offer online courses, webinars, and virtual training.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Share access to industry resources and encourage participation in webinars.
Additional Notes: Establish a clear process for writers to provide feedback on the onboarding process and set up a system for ongoing feedback.
Documentation and Record-Keeping
Performance Tracking and Updates
On-site: Maintain records in HR or project management systems; conduct regular reviews.
Remote Employment: Use digital tools for performance tracking and documentation updates.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Keep detailed records of assignments, feedback, and contract terms.
Finalize Onboarding
Onboarding Completion
On-site: Conduct a final meeting to review the onboarding experience and address any questions.
Remote Employment: Schedule a virtual completion review and gather feedback on the process.
Remote Freelance/Contract: Send a final onboarding review form and schedule a call for any last queries.
Add some objectivity to an otherwise subjective evaluation process.
The Challenges of Evaluating Writers
The quality of your content directly impacts your marketing efforts, brand reputation, and audience engagement. But evaluating writers is no walk in the park. Here’s why:
Subjectivity of Writing Quality: Writing is subjective. What one person thinks is great, another might not.
Nuanced Evaluation Criteria: Beyond grammar and mechanics, there are more subtle elements such as voice, tone, engagement, and how well the content resonates with your audience. These are easy to miss but crucial for creating outstanding content.
Lack of Specialized Experience: Not every business has someone with the specialized skills to assess writing effectively. This can make it tough to spot truly exceptional writers among those who just meet the basics.
The Writer Evaluation Tool
To tackle these challenges, we’ve created the Writer Evaluation Tool. It’s designed to help hiring managers objectively assess freelance or in-house writer candidates. This tool offers a structured way to thoroughly and fairly evaluate a writer’s skills across critical content writing aspects.
The Writer Evaluation Tool covers 10 key categories:
Audience Alignment
Value and Helpfulness
Engagement
Originality and Creativity
SEO
Grammar and Punctuation
Transitions and Flow
Structure
Research Quality
Call to Action
Each category digs into important facets of writing quality and effectiveness, helping evaluators spot factors that might not be immediately obvious, especially for those less experienced in assessing writers.
Features
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation process, the Writer Evaluation Tool incorporates several key features. Below is an overview of these features, each designed to enhance the accuracy and fairness of your assessments.
Feature
Description
Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
The tool evaluates writers based on 30 specific questions, providing a detailed assessment of their skills and capabilities.
Weighted Scoring System
Each criterion is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with point values weighted based on the importance of each question, ensuring critical aspects receive proper focus.
Automated Calculations
The tool automatically calculates scores as you rate each question.
Optional Notes
You can add comments if desired, but it’s not mandatory.
Warnings for Poor Ratings
If certain questions receive a poor or fair rating, a warning appears, highlighting critical weaknesses that could outweigh a high overall score.
Score-Based Descriptions
After completing all ratings, the tool provides a final score with a description, helping you decide whether the writer is a good fit or if you should move on.
How to Use the Writer Evaluation Tool
Using the Writer Evaluation Tool is straightforward. Follow these eight steps to evaluate writer candidates effectively:
Access the Tool:
Open the Writer Evaluation Tool in Google Sheets. This link will take you to a view-only version. To use it, you’ll need to make a copy.
To make a copy, click on File > Make a copy and save it to your Google Drive.
Prepare for Evaluation:
Begin by reading the writer’s submission completely without stopping to rate. This helps you get an overall impression of the content.
Rate Each Criterion:
For each of the 30 questions across the 10 categories, select a rating from 1 to 5:
1 = Poor
2 = Fair
3 = Acceptable
4 = Very Good
5 = Excellent
Refer back to the content as needed to determine your ratings for each question.
Add Optional Notes:
If desired, add any specific comments or observations in the notes field provided. This can be helpful for detailed feedback or context, especially if you’re keeping a completed scorecard for each candidate.
Automatic Calculations:
As you input ratings, the tool will automatically calculate the scores based on the weighted values assigned to each question.
Check for Warnings:
Pay attention to the warning section. If certain questions are rated as poor or fair (1 or 2), a warning will populate, indicating critical issues with the candidate’s writing that must be considered, regardless of their final score.
Complete the Evaluation:
After rating all 30 questions and reaching 100% completion, the tool will display the final score along with a description based on the score range. This description will help you interpret the results and decide whether to proceed with the writer.
Continue to the Next Evaluation
To reuse the same sheet, simply highlight the dropdown fields and press the Delete key to start again.
To save and compare multiple evaluation results, enter the candidate’s name in the file name, then create a new copy for the next candidate by selecting ‘Make a Copy’ under the File menu.
Note: Keep in mind that no tool is perfect. Consider other factors such as the writer’s availability, reliability, and cost before making a final decision. Remember that one or two submissions are a small sample size, and they may not always be indicative of the writer’s true skill level.
We can help. Struggling to find the right writer or build a team capable of producing outstanding content at scale? Contact sales@stellarcontent.com and let us do the heavy lifting for you. With our expertise, you’ll have the support you need to create content that truly resonates with your audience and drives your brand forward.
Mastering the art of closing a deal means proving you’re the perfect solution to a potential client’s challenges. With more than a decade of industry experience under our belt, we’ve perfected our closing system.
Ready to learn our secrets?
5 Strategies for Effective Deal Closure in Content Services
Agencies need strategies that prove value to build trust, especially when your product is the effectiveness of the content you deliver. With the right tools in your arsenal, you can approach closing conversations with confidence.
Highlight your experience with their unique requirements
With a wide array of agencies providing content services, those who stand out win the deal. Generic pitches about “quality content” get drowned out. Instead, hone in on what sets you apart during closing conversations.
When you work with a content provider, you specialize in everything. Tailor your closing so it focuses exactly on your prospects’ needs. You have the flexibility to provide much more than a small team of limited generalists. You’ve got an experienced team that suits whichever oddball scenario comes up, whether it’s:
Case study production with face-to-face interviews
SME-reviewed agricultural thought leadership localized in three languages
Hyper-niche SaaS email campaigns with corresponding landing pages
High-volume SEO content with a tough-to-hit voice
Proactively address objections
Predicting roadblocks is critical to any closing sales strategy. You have to get ahead of common objections before they derail the conversation. Instead of hiding behind jargon, use concrete examples and custom samples to address concerns head-on.
Did a similar client have reservations about price? Demonstrate that the ROI exceeded their initial spend with a case study. Are they concerned about your grasp of a technical niche? Showcase your aptitude with a custom sample and put those concerns to rest.
Numbers speak volumes. Select a success story that spotlights measurable results. Skyrocketing website traffic, increased organic search rankings, and record-breaking lead generation are perfect examples. When prospects see the quantifiable impact of your content, it reassures them about ROI. This demonstrates your ability to be a catalyst for success.
Work with your team to compile a list of real-life statistics showcasing past project results, and keep adding to it as projects come and go. Having this list handy helps you build your prospect’s confidence that you’re the right choice for content production.
Adopt a consultative approach
Become a trusted advisor. Consulting your prospect, even in closing discussions, builds rapport and shows your primary focus is their success, especially when your advice conflicts with their strategy, demands, or workflows. Avoid the urge to agree when things don’t make sense just for the sake of winning the deal. It may work in the short term, but it can easily lead to mistrust and cancellations.
Utilize custom samples for impact
Stop talking to clients about what you can do, and show them. Custom samples turn your agency’s potential into an actionable asset. Doing this gives prospects a powerful reason to believe in your services.
Custom samples help prospects:
Visualize the final product. Custom samples offer proof of your writing prowess and give you an opportunity to get the client back to the table for feedback.
Assess quality and fit. Custom samples are solid evidence of your ability to adapt to a prospect’s brand voice and style.
Trust you. Custom samples build trust by turning a one-sided sales pitch into a collaborative experience. Samples showcase your value up front and shift the focus away from cost to the results you can deliver.
Agency Sample Program
Stellar’s Agency Sample Program helps you close more deals by providing free custom content samples for prospective clients. This program offers verifiable proof of your ability to deliver exceptional content, building trust and demonstrating your commitment to their success.
Let’s look at the benefits:
Benefits
Details
Free samples
Request up to two free samples per month (up to 1,500 words each).
Low-cost flexibility
Utilize unlimited $0.10/word samples for additional prospects.
Seamless integration
Tailor samples to address prospect pain points and showcase your understanding of their needs.
Here’s how it works:
How It Works
Details
Opt in
Contact your Account Manager to enroll.
Submit your sample request
Share your project details with your Account Manager via email. Include: Detailed content briefs and outlinesBrand and style guidesLinks to examples that illustrate your desired voice and styleAny other relevant resources
Streamlined workflow
Once we receive your request, our team carefully selects expert writers and manages the production process from start to finish. We provide a clear delivery date.
We deliver
You receive a premium sample, typically within 5 business days.
Close the deal
Impress your potential client with tangible proof of your ability to deliver exceptional content. Custom samples build trust and accelerate the sales process.
Use Custom Content Samples and Close More Deals
The best content service sales techniques don’t dazzle prospects with buzzwords. Instead, they prove your value and show clients you understand their needs.
Custom samples transform you from just another agency into a trusted, results-driven partner, and in our experience, conversion rates increase significantly when prospects agree to receive one. Let every sample be a proof point and testament to your commitment to client success.
A well-built sales deck makes it easier to close — and harder for clients to walk away.
If you’re selling content services, you’ll need to show how your agency tackles the things clients worry about most: hitting deadlines, sticking to brand voice, and keeping quality high at scale. Add today’s expectations around AI, and the stakes are even higher.
This guide breaks down how to structure your deck to address those concerns and make your pitch stick.
Tip #1: Start With a Strong Opening
Your opening slide sets the tone. It’s your first shot at showing you understand your prospect’s world and the challenges they’re up against. Whether they’re juggling multiple clients or managing inconsistent writers, the right opening can make them feel like you’re already in sync.
And today, that includes addressing concerns about content quality in an AI-saturated landscape. If you can demonstrate relevance in the first 30 seconds, you’ve earned the right to keep presenting.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Personalize the Greeting: Personalize your intro with the client’s name and a reference to their current challenges.
Lead With a Statistic or Fact: Lead with a compelling stat that highlights an opportunity or risk, especially one related to AI, SEO, or scalability.
Pose a Provocative Question: Ask a question that surfaces a pain point or misconception you’ll address later.
Deck Design Tips:
Visually Emphasize Key Points: Use bold visuals or text to highlight important statistics or questions right at the beginning of your deck.
Incorporate Brand-Specific Elements: Design the first slide to include elements from the client’s brand, such as colors or logos, to create an immediate visual connection.
Use an Engaging Hook: Start with an interactive element or multimedia content, such as a short video clip or an animated statistic, to capture attention instantly.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Personalized Greeting Example
Narrative: “Good morning, [Client Name]. As a leader in [Client’s Industry], you’ve likely faced challenges in scaling your content needs. Today, we’ll show how our unique approach can transform those challenges into growth.”
Using Statistics Example
Slide Title: “The Power of Content” Slide Text: “94% of B2B marketers create articles and blog posts. Almost 50% of buyers read a company’s blog when making purchase decisions.” Use engaging graphics and animations to highlight these figures.
Using a Provocative Question Example
Combination: Slide: “Is Your Content Performing as Expected?” Narrative: “Have you ever wondered why, despite significant investment, your content isn’t performing as expected? Could it be a misalignment in content strategy and execution? Let’s dive into how targeted content creation can turn that around.”
Tip #2: Clearly Define Your Value Proposition
Your value proposition is the core reason a client should choose your agency over the competition. It concisely outlines the unique benefits your services offer and directly addresses the client’s main challenges and goals. A clear and compelling value proposition is crucial for convincing clients of the value and relevance of your services.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Articulate Unique Benefits: Emphasize what makes your services unique and how they specifically address the client’s needs and pain points.
Highlight Competitive Differentiators: Clarify what sets your services apart from competitors, focusing on your strengths like faster delivery, better ROI, or superior content quality.
Deck Design Tips:
Feature a Standalone Value Proposition Slide: Design a slide that clearly states your value proposition in a compelling and memorable way.
Consistency Across Slides: Ensure each slide contributes to reinforcing your value proposition, using consistent messaging and visual elements that relate back to the main proposition.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Value Proposition Statement Example
Narrative: “Our content strategy increases your digital reach and engagement by leveraging targeted SEO practices and outstanding content creation uniquely tailored to resonate with your audience and exceed industry standards.”
Value Proposition Slide Example
Slide Title: “Why Choose Us?” Slide Copy: For digital marketing agencies employing over 50 staff members in North America who aim to provide a diverse client base with premium editorial content, Stellar is a content creation service that delivers timely, SEO content, aligned with the tone and voice of each agency client’s unique brand. Unlike many freelance platforms or generic providers, Stellar ensures consistent quality and brand voice across multiple client accounts thanks to its editorial oversight, intelligent platform, and curated freelancer network.
Tip #3: Use Engaging Visuals
Visual elements are more than embellishments in a sales deck; they’re powerful tools that significantly enhance comprehension and engagement. A deck with strong visuals makes abstract ideas more concrete and maintains viewer interest throughout your presentation.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Explain Visuals in Context: When you introduce a visual, make sure to explain its relevance. This helps the audience connect the visual elements with the narrative of your presentation.
Deck Design Tips:
Quality Over Quantity: Choose premium images and graphics that look professional and enhance the clarity of your message.
Highlight Key Data Visually: Use charts, graphs, and infographics to make complex data accessible and understandable.
Consistent Style and Theme: Maintain a uniform style, color scheme, and typography throughout the presentation to reinforce your brand identity and professionalism.
Bring the Deck to Life: Consider lightweight video clips or subtle animation to highlight key metrics or workflows early in the deck or in key case study slides. Tools with built-in AI can also help automate these animations or generate data visualizations from raw input.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Visual Explanation Example
Narrative: “As you can see in this graph (point to graph), our content strategies have led to a 50% increase in engagement for our clients within the first 3 months.”
Infographic Slide Example
Slide Title: “Impact of Valuable Content” Slide Copy: Include an infographic that shows a before-and-after scenario of client engagement metrics. Use contrasting colors to highlight the improvement and draw attention to the key metrics.
Tip #4: Keep It Concise
When attention spans are short, conciseness in your sales deck is key. Communicating your service’s benefits succinctly helps ensure your message lands and sticks.
Remember, rambling, poorly written slides might make prospects think you’ll deliver rambling content.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Get to the Point Quickly: Avoid fluff and get straight to what matters most to your audience.
Treat Slides as Prompts: Use slide content as a launching point for discussion, not a script. Let the conversation flow naturally around key bullets.
Deck Design Tips:
Limit Slide Content: Stick to one main idea per slide with minimal text to keep the audience focused on your verbal presentation.
Use Space Efficiently: Adequate whitespace around text and visuals can help draw attention to the key points and make the slide easier to read.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Bullet Points Example
Narrative: “In today’s session, we will cover three key benefits: increased engagement, improved SEO rankings, and enhanced brand consistency.”
Efficient Slide Design Example
Slide Title: “Core Benefits” Slide Copy: List the three benefits mentioned in the narrative with simple icons next to each: engagement (👥), SEO (🔍), brand consistency (✅). Keep the background clean and the text concise to ensure clarity and impact.
Tip #5: Tell a Story
Storytelling in sales presentations is a powerful way to emotionally connect with your audience, making your message memorable and engaging. A well-crafted story can illustrate the real-world benefits of your content services, turning abstract information into tangible and relatable ideas.
With AI-generated pitches becoming more common, real-world stories rooted in client outcomes help differentiate your agency as human, credible, and battle-tested.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Structure It Simply: Start with the challenge, explain your solution, then share the result. Keep it outcome-focused and easy to follow.
Relate to the Audience: Use scenarios or challenges your audience can identify with or has likely experienced. With content production, quality, voice, and reliability are usually a safe bet.
Deck Design Tips:
Visual Story Elements: Incorporate visuals that support the story, such as images of people, places, or data that relate to the narrative.
Progressive Disclosure: Use slide transitions to reveal the story progressively, maintaining engagement and building anticipation.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Storytelling Example
Narrative: “Imagine a content marketer struggling to meet deadlines and manage content quality. By partnering with us, they not only streamlined their operations but also achieved a 30% increase in lead generation within the first quarter.”
Visual Support Example
Slide Sequence: Slide Title: “Before Our Help” – Show an image of a cluttered desk with multiple open documents and a stressed employee. Slide Title: “Our Intervention” – Display a flowchart depicting the streamlined content process we implemented. Slide Title: “After Our Help” – Present a clean desk with a relaxed employee and a graph showing improved engagement metrics.
Tip #6: Address Objections Up Front
Proactively addressing potential objections in your sales presentation enhances your credibility and demonstrates that your agency is knowledgeable and prepared. It shows you understand the client’s concerns and have thought through solutions, which significantly strengthens your proposition.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Identify Common Objections: Before the presentation, prepare a list of potential objections clients might have about your services, such as voice consistency, cost, speed, or how your team uses or doesn’t use AI. Our guide on overcoming content-specific objections with responses can help here.
Incorporate Objections Into the Flow: Seamlessly integrate responses to these objections into your presentation to maintain the narrative flow and prevent disruption.
Deck Design Tips:
Highlight Solutions in Slides: Design slides that focus on how your services achieve specific positive outcomes, such as “Seamless Scalability” or “Ensuring Consistency With High-Volume Projects.” Avoid stating the objection in the slide.
Use Visual Aids to Reinforce Solutions: Employ diagrams, charts, and infographics that visually represent the effectiveness and benefits of your solutions. For example, a flowchart showing the streamlined content production process or a graph depicting ramp-up capabilities over time.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Objection Handling Example
Narrative: “When it comes to the scalability of content production, we really shine. Our content platform and processes are designed to handle increasing volumes efficiently, and we have an expansive pool of writers and editors who can handle practically any volume without sacrificing quality.”
Solution-Focused Slide Example
Slide Title: “Seamless Scalability for Every Project” Slide Copy: Display a flowchart or diagram that illustrates your scalable content production process, emphasizing efficiency and quality control at each stage.
Tip #7: Highlight Case Studies or Examples
Case studies and real-world examples are powerful tools in a sales deck, providing concrete evidence of your agency’s capabilities and the results you achieved for clients. They serve as proof points that substantiate your claims and demonstrate your expertise in action.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Detail Specific Success Stories: Choose case studies that are relevant to the potential client’s industry or challenge to make them more impactful.
Focus on Measurable Outcomes: Emphasize the measurable benefits achieved through your services, such as increased traffic, higher conversion rates, or improved AIO rankings.
Deck Design Tips:
Use Visuals to Tell the Story: Incorporate charts, graphs, and before-and-after images to visually represent the success stories.
Keep It Relevant and Concise: Each case study slide must be focused and to the point, highlighting only the most crucial elements that demonstrate your agency’s effectiveness.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Case Study Example
Narrative: “Our partnership with [Client Name] focused on developing a content strategy and on the production scale-up necessary to meet their seasonal marketing peaks. This approach increased their campaign reach by over 50% during the critical holiday season.”
Case Study Slide Example
Slide Title: “Integrated Strategy and Production Success” Outline the challenge: “[Client Name] needed to scale content production quickly without sacrificing quality during their peak season. “Detail the solution: “Implemented a combined strategy and production workflow that enhanced both the volume and quality of content. “Show results: Include a line graph depicting the increase in content output and engagement metrics before and after the intervention.
Tip #8: Include Social Proof
Social proof in a sales presentation can significantly enhance your credibility by showcasing widespread trust and satisfaction among your existing clients. This can include testimonials, ratings, and endorsements that reflect the effectiveness of your services.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Highlight Diverse Endorsements: Include testimonials from a range of clients to demonstrate broad applicability and satisfaction.
Emphasize Recognized Brands: If applicable, mention any well-known companies or industry leaders who’ve benefited from your services.
Deck Design Tips:
Create a Testimonial Slide: Design a slide dedicated to showcasing brief, impactful testimonials from satisfied clients.
Use Logos and Ratings: If you have permission, display client logos along with any industry awards or ratings that highlight your agency’s reputation.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Testimonial Example
Narrative: “Our work with well-known brands like [Brand Name] has enhanced their digital content strategy and set new benchmarks for industry standards in content quality and engagement.”
Social Proof Slide Example
Slide Title: “Trusted by Leading Brands” Slide Copy: Display a series of logos from key clients, accompanied by select quotes that praise specific aspects of your service, such as reliability and quality. If available, include any relevant industry awards or recognitions that further bolster your reputation.
Tip #9: Demonstrate Flexibility and Scalability
Flexibility and scalability are crucial aspects potential clients look for, especially in content production. Demonstrating these capabilities reassures clients that your agency can adapt and scale solutions according to their evolving content needs.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Emphasize Adaptive Solutions: Highlight how your services can be custom-fit to different workflows, volumes, and content types.
Share Examples of Scalable Success: Discuss past scenarios where your agency successfully scaled its services to meet client demands.
Deck Design Tips:
Visualize Scalability: Use diagrams or growth charts to visually represent your agency’s capability to scale operations effectively.
Highlight Flexibility: Include slides that showcase different project scopes or adaptations you’ve successfully managed.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Flexibility Narrative Example
Narrative: “For a startup client, we scaled our content production from 10 to 100 articles per month, adapting our strategy and workflow to maintain quality and meet growing demands.”
Scalability Slide Example
Slide Title: “Scalable Solutions for Every Growth Stage” Slide Copy: Use a line graph showing the increase in content volume over time for a particular client, paired with key performance metrics to demonstrate maintained or improved quality.
Tip #10: Discuss Technology and Tools
Showcasing the advanced technology and tools your agency uses can significantly enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards. This tip helps highlight your agency’s innovative approach and technical capabilities.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Detail Technology Benefits: Explain how specific tools and technologies you use enhance project efficiency, accuracy, and outcomes.
Connect Technology With Client Benefits: Make clear connections between your technological capabilities and the direct benefits clients will experience, such as faster turnaround times, clearer communication, or superior content.
Talk About AI: If your team uses AI tools for tasks like brief creation, voice calibration, or SEO optimization, be upfront about how they enhance — not replace — editorial oversight and creative quality.
Deck Design Tips:
Feature Technology Slides: Create slides that specifically highlight the technologies and tools you use.
Use Icons and Diagrams: Employ visual aids like icons and diagrams to represent technological processes or tools, making the information more accessible and engaging.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Technology Benefits Narrative Example
Narrative: “Our use of advanced SEO tools and content management systems ensures your projects are not only optimized for search engines but also streamlined for faster delivery.”
Technology Slide Example
Slide Title: “Cutting-Edge Tools for Superior Results” Slide Copy: Display icons or screenshots of key technologies, like AI content analysis tools or proprietary content creation platforms, with brief descriptions of how they contribute to project success.
Tip #11: End With a Clear Call-to-Action
A compelling call-to-action (CTA) is essential to conclude your sales presentation, guiding your audience on the next steps and encouraging them to take action. Whether it’s scheduling a follow-up meeting, signing up for a demo, or requesting a detailed proposal, your CTA should be clear and persuasive.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Be Direct and Specific: Clearly articulate what you want the client to do next and why it’s in their best interest.
Create Timely Relevance: Use time-sensitive offers, key upcoming dates, or project kickoff opportunities to encourage immediate action without relying on artificial pressure.
Deck Design Tips:
Dedicated CTA Slide: Design a standout slide that clearly states the CTA, using bold text and contrasting colors.
Visual Prompts: Include visual cues like arrows or pointing fingers that draw attention directly to the CTA text.
Examples
Example Type
Example
CTA Narrative Example
Narrative: “To take the first step towards transforming your content strategy to content production, schedule a consultation with our team today. Let’s craft a content plan that propels your business forward.”
CTA Slide Example
Slide Title: “Ready to Take the Next Step?” Slide Copy: “Let’s discuss how we can specifically tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Are you available for a follow-up meeting this week to explore this further?”
Tip #12: Practice Your Delivery
The effectiveness of a sales presentation often hinges on its delivery. Practicing your delivery ensures you convey your message clearly and confidently, making a strong impression on your audience.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Rehearse Regularly: Practice your presentation in realistic settings (like a Zoom call or conference room) to get comfortable with timing, transitions, and common interruptions.
Seek Feedback: Practice in front of colleagues or mentors and solicit their feedback for improvements. Record yourself for self-review.
Deck Design Tips:
Prepare Speaker Notes: Use speaker notes to remind yourself of key points and transitions, helping smooth out your delivery.
Timing Your Slides: Practice slide transitions to keep your flow tight and avoid lingering too long on any one visual.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Rehearsal Example (Narrative)
Narrative: “As you rehearse, focus on the transitions between slides, ensuring each point seamlessly connects to the next, maintaining audience engagement throughout.”
Speaker Notes Example (Deck)
Slide Title: “Key Strategies for Content Marketing” Slide Copy: Include brief notes under each bullet point to remind yourself of anecdotes, statistics, or questions to engage the audience.
Tip #13: Customize for Your Audience
Tailoring your presentation to the specific needs and context of your audience can significantly increase its impact. Understanding who you’re presenting to and customizing the content accordingly ensures your message resonates deeply and personally with potential clients.
Keys to Success
Narrative Tips:
Research Your Audience: Understand the business, challenges, and industry trends relevant to your audience to tailor your message effectively.
Adjust Examples to Fit: Use examples and case studies that are relatable to the audience’s sector, size, or specific needs.
Deck Design Tips:
Personalize Visuals: Adapt the design elements like colors, images, and data charts to reflect the industry or brand identity of the audience.
Interactive Elements: Include elements such as questions that directly engage the specific audience, making the presentation more interactive and engaging.
Examples
Example Type
Example
Personalized Example
Narrative: “For your tech startup, we understand the challenge of constantly needing fresh, innovative content to keep pace with rapid market changes. We can scale our content production to match your growth phases, ensuring you always have engaging, relevant content that resonates with your tech-savvy audience.”
Interactive Slide Example
Slide Title: “Custom Content Solutions for Your Business” Slide Copy: Include a visual flowchart that outlines a content production plan tailored to the business cycle of the prospect. Detail the steps such as initial content audit, strategy development, content creation, and performance review. Propose a spot in the slide where you ask, “Does this align with your current content goals?” Encourage the prospect to interact by providing feedback directly during the presentation.
Tip:Prepare Thoroughly for the Working Session Ensure you review all client materials and calibration content briefs in advance to lead a productive and focused session.
Schedule and Prepare for the Working Session:
Schedule a working session with key stakeholders (client, content production manager, client’s editor or content reviewer).
Send a detailed agenda for the working session, including key topics and goals.
Plan production logistics and timelines, including milestones and deliverables.
Advise on best practices for content creation, SEO, and quality control.
Schedule the calibration feedback call.
Post-Working Session:
Create a working session summary document and share it with all stakeholders.
Request approval or corrections to the working session summary from the client.
Phase 2: Preparation
Best Practice:Double-Check the Project Brief Compare the project brief to the working session summary to ensure no key details are missed.
Develop the Project Brief:
Create a comprehensive project brief that includes content goals, target audience, brand voice, content structure, style guidelines, SEO requirements, and other writer-facing content details.
Compare the project brief to the working summary to ensure all overarching content guidelines are covered.
Request a review of the project brief by a writer or an editor to identify gaps or opportunities for clarification.
Create a Content Brief Template (if your team is creating the briefs):
Develop a content brief template that includes the appropriate components and aligns with the project brief.
Include specific instructions for tone, keywords, linking, audience segment, outline, and any other relevant details.
Request a review of the content brief template by a writer or an editor to identify gaps or opportunities for clarification.
Review the template with the person creating the content briefs to ensure understanding of expectations.
Pro Tip:Use the Content Calendar to Stay on Track A well-maintained content calendar ensures everyone stays aligned with deadlines and project progress.
Set Up the Content Calendar:
Establish a content calendar with deadlines for each phase of content production.
Include columns for data points or information needed by the content brief creator.
Include a status field to keep all parties up to date on progress.
Ensure the calendar is shared with all team members and the client.
Instruct the client on their role in the content calendar.
Build Tailored Workflows:
Create customized workflows for the project, detailing each step from content creation to delivery.
Define and communicate roles and responsibilities within the workflows, ensuring clarity for all team members.
Document and share the process, expectations, and timelines for each step in the workflow.
Phase 3: Team Building
Note:Start Small, Then Scale Begin with a small, focused team to iron out any issues before expanding to full-scale production.
Assemble the Writing Team:
Choose writers and editors ideally suited to the project’s subject, style, and structure.
Identify which writers and editors will participate in calibration.
Provide calibration writers and editors with the project resources.
Communicate assignment day and completion deadline for calibration.
Communicate project timeline to non-calibration team, but don’t share the briefs until after calibration concludes (due to likelihood of updates).
Phase 4: Calibration
Focus:Use Calibration to Perfect the Process Calibration helps refine the content and processes before full-scale production, so take the time to get it right.
Assign and Produce Initial Content:
Begin the trial run with a small batch of content to test project resources.
Assign content orders to the calibration writers and editors.
Instruct the writers and editors to follow the project and content brief explicitly.
Review the Content:
Review the completed content to gauge the writer and editor’s understanding against your vision of the deliverable.
Identify any areas for improvement and make a note to update the resources (don’t update yet).
Adjust the content to match your vision.
Deliver the Content:
Submit the content to the client for review.
Send a calibration feedback questionnaire to the client and request that it be returned at least 24 hours prior to the calibration feedback call.
Important:Schedule a Calibration Feedback Call This call is crucial for aligning with the client on content quality and ensuring the final product meets expectations.
Conduct the Calibration Feedback Call:
Conduct a face-to-face feedback call with the client.
Discuss both positive and critical feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses in the content and processes.
Assess your understanding of the client’s vision of the final content against their feedback on the deliverables.
Determine whether additional calibration is needed.
If moving into ramp-up or full production, review cadence and submission decisions determined during the working session.
Refine the Resources:
Make necessary adjustments to the project brief, content brief template, and workflow based on client feedback.
Communicate resource updates resulting from the feedback call to the writers and editors who created the content.
Share resources with the non-calibration writers and editors to prepare them for production.
Ensure content and workflow precision through iterative feedback and adjustment.
What Is Calibration?
Calibration in content production is the process of aligning your work with the client’s vision. It ensures that the content meets the required quality, tone, style, and timing.
How Calibration Works
Calibration is the fourth phase of onboarding, following the working session, resource and workflow development, and team building. This stage involves testing content and workflows on a smaller scale to see how well they meet the client’s expectations. Feedback is then used to make targeted adjustments to content style, tone, and processes, ensuring everything is aligned with the client’s vision before full-scale production begins.
Here’s a high-level overview of the calibration process:
Assign and Produce Content: Test how well the style guides, tools and other resources capture the content’s vision and requirements.
Internal Review: Measure the writer’s and editor’s understanding against the content manager’s expectations.
Client Review: Evaluate the content manager’s understanding against the client’s vision.
Calibration Feedback Call: Gather positive and critical feedback to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the resources and processes.
Refinement and Launch or Recalibrate: Repeat the process until alignment is achieved, then move into scaled production.
Calibration tests these resources to ensure they achieve the desired results.
2. Start Small, Scale Smart
For long-form content: Calibrate with 2-3 articles using at least two writers.
For short-form content: Calibrate with 5-10 pieces using at least three writers.
3. Timeliness Is Key
Begin the calibration process within 3-5 days of the working session to keep insights fresh.
Schedule the feedback call within 3 days of content delivery.
4. Face-to-Face Feedback
Always hold a face-to-face call for the feedback session to prevent misalignment from relying solely on written comments.
5. Focus on Actionable Feedback
Prioritize feedback that can be applied across the entire project, such as style guidelines or tone adjustments.
Avoid overemphasizing feedback that only pertains to specific articles.
6. Set Clear Client Expectations
Ensure clients understand that calibration is a test of the workflow and resources, not necessarily an example of the final output.
7. Agree on Readiness
Both the client and the content team should agree they’re comfortable moving into ramp-up or full production after calibration.
8. Embrace Iterative Improvements
Be prepared to make thoughtful adjustments based on feedback. Calibration is iterative, and fine-tuning is expected.
9. Maintain Internal Communication
Communicate resource updates from the feedback call to the writers who created the content to ensure everyone stays informed.
10. Use On-Target Samples
Once an on-target piece is created, include it as a sample in the project brief for future reference.
11. Continue Calibration in Ramp-Up
For high-volume or large-team projects, continue calibrating internally with each new set of writers.
Scale up those who demonstrate a strong understanding while starting slowly with new writers and editors.
12. Set Proper Expectations for Yourself
Understand that calibration can be a bumpy process. Misalignments may occur due to unclear expectations or misunderstandings.
Remember, calibration is meant to identify and resolve these issues.
13. Stay Flexible
Expect that adjustments may still be needed after calibration is complete.
Treat your project brief as a living document that will evolve over the life of the project.
Calibration Feedback Questionnaire
The calibration feedback questionnaire is a critical supplement to the face-to-face feedback process.
It serves two essential purposes:
It allows the production team to review client feedback in advance and prepare questions for the calibration feedback call.
It documents the client’s approval, providing a reference point for any future revisions.
Calibration Feedback Questionnaire
We value your feedback and insights. Please take a few moments to complete this questionnaire to help us refine our processes and ensure we meet your expectations. Your responses will be reviewed before the calibration feedback call to prepare for an in-depth discussion.
Your Name and Role:
Company or Project Name:
Names and Roles of Others Who Reviewed the Content:
Rating Calibration Deliverables:
From 0 to 10, with 10 being exactly what you wanted, how would you rate the calibration deliverables compared to your vision of on-target content?
Rating Scale:
0 – Not even close
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 – Perfect!
Please consider the different components that go into good content creation. Check off all items that met your expectations and leave blank anything that missed the mark. If an item doesn’t apply to your content, please check it.
Writing Quality
E-E-A-T Principles
Voice
Content Structure
Non-Keyword SEO
Keyword Usage
Internal/External Linking
Flow
Consistency
Organization
Logic
Expertise
CTA
Introduction
Conclusion
Adherence to Instructions
Length
Delivery Format
Feedback on Unchecked Items:
Please provide brief feedback on what must be done to align with your expectations on anything left unchecked. Give as much detail as you’d like, but note that you’ll have the opportunity to go into detail during the calibration feedback call.
Feedback on Checked Items:
Do you have feedback on the areas you checked that would help us produce even better results? If so, summarize it here. We’ll go into more detail during the call.
Comfort With Moving Into Scaled-Up Production:
Based on these deliverables, do you feel comfortable moving into scaled-up production?
Yes
No
Not sure. Let’s discuss during the call.
Uncovered Issues or Bottlenecks:
Has the calibration round uncovered issues or potential bottlenecks that weren’t considered prior to this point? For example, the need for brief creation, the time it takes to review deliverables, the number of people reviewing content, the need for images, or the need for a more customized deliverable?
Additional Feedback, Questions, or Concerns:
Please provide any feedback, questions, or concerns not already covered in your prior responses.
Contact page copy:
Calibration is where all the preparation comes together and production begins, but a crawl-walk-run approach is key to ramping up an at-scale project. For questions on calibration or client onboarding, contact your account or content manager. Prospective clients can connect with us at sales@stellarcontent.com.
Create project and content briefs that keep writing teams producing stellar content that’s consistent with SEO requirements and brand voice.
Table of Contents:
The Importance of Briefs
Brief Component Table
8 Common Pitfalls in Brief Creation and How to Avoid Them
8 Best Practices for Using AI for Content Brief Creation
7 Essential Tools for Content Brief Creation
12 Guidelines for Creating a Project Brief
Creating a Content Brief Template: A 10-Step Guide
Project Brief Template
Content Brief Template
The Importance of Briefs
Begin your content project by defining its goals and deliverables with clear project and content briefs. These essential documents ensure alignment across your team and equip content creators with the guidance needed to meet strategic objectives and audience expectations. This step lays the groundwork for successful content creation, providing a solid blueprint for every piece produced.
Project Briefs
Project briefs are essential tools that provide a clear direction for the entire content project, ensuring all team members are aligned with the project’s goals, scope, and specific requirements. They contain high-level information crucial for guiding all content produced within a project:
Universal Guidance: Ensures every piece of content adheres to a unified strategic vision, including SEO, brand voice, and style.
Creative Boundaries: Outlines areas for innovation and strict compliance, balancing creativity with adherence to guidelines.
Consistency Across Content: Maintains a consistent approach to voice, tone, and style, enhancing brand coherence.
SEO Alignment: Includes vital SEO strategies that ensure content is enhanced for visibility and reach.
Content Briefs
Content briefs act as the tactical tools that translate the strategic insights of project briefs into actionable instructions for creating individual content pieces. They provide detailed guidance necessary to produce focused and impactful content:
Detailed Roadmaps: Offer precise instructions for each piece of content, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
Specificity in Execution: Address the unique requirements of each content piece, from structure to differentiation points.
Direct Knowledge Transfer: Convey specific insights, expertise, and strategic direction directly to content creators.
Enhanced Engagement: Tailor content to effectively engage the target audience and achieve specific business goals.
Prevention of Misalignment: Mitigate risks of misinterpretation and ensure content meets the intended business and audience needs.
Project Brief vs. Content Brief: Key Components
Our brief component tables outline the key elements of both project and content briefs, clearly distinguishing their roles in guiding content creation. This differentiation helps ensure clarity in overarching project goals and precision in individual content pieces.
Audience and Author Details
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Audience Insights
No
Yes
Audience insights aren’t about personas. This component details common pain points, what resonates with, or could possibly disappoint, the audience as it relates to the article.
Audience Persona
Yes
No
Include demographics, sociographics, and psychographics. If the audience is segmented, identify the segment for the writer.
Author
No
Yes
Content should be published under an individual’s name, ideally a proven SME on the subject. This informs the writer on how to approach the content.
Business Objectives and CTAs
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Business Objective
If consistent
Yes
Specify desired actions like clicking links, signing up for newsletters, or building topical authority.
Call to Action (CTA)
If consistent
Yes
Provide direction on placement and frequency of CTAs. Ensure alignment with the business objective.
Contact
Yes
Yes (if specific)
Writers should know who to contact for answers. Editor and project manager emails go in the project brief; specific subject matter experts go in the content brief.
Content Details
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Content Purpose
If consistent
Yes
Inform the writer of the search intent and what the reader should gain. Including the journey or funnel stage can help.
Content Type
If consistent
Yes
Define the content type to lessen confusion, such as listicles, how-tos, white papers, etc.
Deadline
No
Yes
Communicate deadlines clearly with date, time, and time zone. Distinguish between writer and editor deadlines if appropriate.
Differentiation and Linking
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Differentiation Opportunities
If consistent
Yes
Highlight how to make content stand out from competitors, such as recent advancements, poorly covered subtopics, or a different viewpoint.
External Linking
Yes (guidelines)
Yes (specific)
Provide specific links or directions.
Internal Linking
Yes (guidelines)
Yes (specific)
Provide specific links or directions.
Legal and SEO
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Legal/Compliance Guidelines
Yes
For exceptions
Provide thorough compliance guidelines in the project brief and highlight exceptions or specific requirements in the content brief.
Meta Description
Yes (if writer creates)
Yes (if pre-written)
Provide guidelines or pre-written descriptions.
SEO Requirements
If consistent
Yes (specific)
Include keyword usage, optimization requirements, and SERP-feature targets.
Additional Components
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Notes/Special Instructions
If consistent
Yes
Use for any additional information not covered elsewhere.
Outline
No
Yes
Provide enough direction while allowing for creativity.
Point of View
Yes (broad)
Yes (specific)
Provide specific stance, opinions, and insights.
Primary Keyword
No
Yes
Include one primary keyword aligned with the subject matter and search intent.
Keywords and Analysis
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Resource & Inspiration Links
If consistent
Yes (specific)
Explain the purpose of each link.
Samples
Yes
No
Illustrate instructions and set quality expectations.
Secondary Keywords
No
Yes
Target relevant long-tail keywords and synonyms.
SERP Analysis
No
Yes
Provide links to SERP competitors and findings.
Style and Visuals
Component
Project Brief worthy?
Content Brief worthy?
Considerations
Style
Yes
No
Include guidelines on perspective, language use, and stylistic elements. Use a Stylistic Exemptions or Special Notes component in the content brief for ad hoc changes to style.
Title
No
Yes
Provide the title and direction on its usage.
Updates
Yes
No
Summarize recent updates and date entries.
Visuals
If consistent
Yes (briefly)
Inform the writer of visual elements to ensure cohesiveness between copy and visuals.
Voice/Tone
Yes
For exceptions
Cover variations thoroughly and avoid vague descriptions.
Word Count
If consistent
Yes
Provide a reasonable range and instruct on word count limits.
8 Common Pitfalls in Brief Creation and How to Avoid Them
This section highlights eight typical challenges encountered during the brief creation process and provides practical solutions to avoid them. Understanding these pitfalls will help ensure your briefs are clear, effective, and aligned with project goals.
Vagueness and Lack of Specificity
Problem: Briefs that are too vague don’t provide enough direction, leading to misaligned content and revisions.
Solution: Be specific with your details. Use clear, concise language and avoid open-ended instructions, especially when working with multiple writers who interpret instructions differently.
Overloading With Information
Problem: Including too much detail can overwhelm writers, leading to key points being overlooked.
Solution: Prioritize information based on relevance to the specific content piece. Use bullet points for clarity and to emphasize important elements.
Ignoring SEO Requirements
Problem: Neglecting SEO aspects results in content that performs poorly on search engines.
Solution: Clearly outline SEO keywords, desired content length, and any linking strategies. Integrate these seamlessly into the content’s narrative.
Failing to Define Voice
Problem: Without a clear understanding of your brand voice, writers may produce content that doesn’t resonate or engage effectively.
Solution: Provide detailed voice attributes, examples, and audience personas in the project brief.
Not Setting Clear Objectives
Problem: Unclear objectives result in content that fails to meet business or reader goals.
Solution: Define the business objective and search intent for each piece of content. Whether it’s driving sales, improving SEO, or building brand awareness, be explicit about what the content aims to achieve, and be sure the writer understands the search intent associated with your topic.
Inadequate Instructions for Call to Action
Problem: If CTAs aren’t clearly defined, the content may fail to convert readers.
Solution: Specify the type of CTA, its placement, and the action you want the audience to take. Ensure it aligns with the business objectives.
Lack of Collaboration and Feedback
Problem: Briefs created in isolation may not cover all aspects or miss key inputs.
Solution: Involve stakeholders in the briefing process and ensure there’s a mechanism for feedback and revisions.
Expecting Too Much From a Writer
Problem: Expecting a writer to determine your point of view or create content that reflects your expertise without providing sufficient information leads to generic content that doesn’t stand out from competitors.
Solution: Ensure your content brief instructs the writer on how to differentiate the content they’re going to write. Include SME insights, original quotes, or your business’s stance or opinion on the subject matter to ensure unique content.
8 Best Practices for Using AI in Content Brief Creation
Leveraging AI can significantly improve brief creation by boosting efficiency and precision. To help you make the most of tools like ChatGPT, this list provides eight essential guidelines focused on quality, collaboration, and strategic use. These practices ensure you gain the advantages of AI while retaining control over content development.
Collaborative Creation
Best Practice: Engage AI as a partner in the content brief creation process, rather than relying on it to generate briefs independently. Use it to refine and expand sections collaboratively, ensuring each part of the brief meets quality standards and aligns with strategic goals.
Tip: Ensure the person using AI to create briefs has the capability to create a brief manually. This ensures they can effectively judge and enhance the AI-generated output.
Comprehensive Preparation
Best Practice: Before starting with AI, gather all necessary background materials such as SEO keyword research, audience data, competitive analysis, and content insights. This preparation ensures the briefs are grounded in strategy and informed by data.
Tip: Use AI to help organize these materials into a cohesive strategy that can be directly referenced in the brief.
Iterative Review and Enhancement
Best Practice: Treat the initial AI-generated content as a draft to be refined. Carefully scrutinize each output before incorporating it into the brief to ensure precision and relevance.
Tip: Use AI to suggest variations and improvements on key sections like the call to action or outline, ensuring they’re optimized for user engagement.
Quality Over Speed
Best Practice: Emphasize the quality of the briefs over the speed of their creation. Although AI can accelerate the drafting process, the focus should be on using AI to achieve a higher standard of clarity and strategic alignment.
Tip: Use off-the-shelf AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude effectively by providing clear and concise inputs each step of the way.
Integration of Rich Information Sources
Best Practice: Incorporate detailed input such as quotes and insights from SMEs and summaries from strategic discussions to inform the AI’s output. Transcripts from SME interviews and webinars are particularly useful for injecting unique insights into content briefs, and transcripts from a working session help with AI-assisted project brief creation.
Tip: Use meeting tools that are able to produce transcripts to make information sharing with the LLM simple.
Avoiding Overreliance on Automation
Best Practice: Be cautious of over-relying on AI for critical thinking or strategic decisions. Use AI to assist with data processing and suggestion generation, but keep strategic decision-making and final approvals in human hands.
Tip: Set clear guidelines for the human operator to ensure they guide the AI effectively, providing it with the information it needs to help create useful outputs.
Step-by-Step Component Focus
Best Practice: Follow a step-by-step process when creating briefs with AI, focusing on one component at a time. This methodical approach helps maintain control over the quality and relevance of each section.
Tip: Provide AI with the necessary information for each component, review its output carefully, adjust or redo if necessary, and then incorporate it into the brief.
Careful Outline Crafting
Best Practice: Be meticulous when using AI to create content outlines. While AI can generate comprehensive outlines quickly, they need to be guided by detailed input from the user.
Tip: Provide specific direction on how to differentiate the content, articulate the business’s stance or opinion on the subject matter, and specify the depth required for certain topics to ensure the outline leads to distinctive and competitive content.
7 Essential Tools for Content Brief Creation
Choosing the right tools is essential for streamlining and optimizing the brief creation process. This carefully curated list highlights tools that can support different stages of creating a content brief. Each tool is outlined with its key benefits, enabling you to build a technology stack tailored to your needs.
Automated Keyword Research: These tools generate a list of relevant keywords based on the primary topic, helping ensure search engine optimization.
Semrush: Offers comprehensive keyword research, tracking keyword strategy against competitors, and provides SEO audits.
Ahrefs: Provides keyword suggestions, search volume, and keyword difficulty, along with competitive analysis and site audits.
Google Keyword Planner: A free tool that generates keyword ideas and gives estimates on search volume and competition.
Content Outline Generation: Use these tools to create structured content outlines by analyzing top-performing content.
Clearscope: Generates content reports that help writers ensure their content aligns with search intent and industry relevance.
MarketMuse: Uses AI to analyze your content and compare it with existing content on similar topics to suggest improvements and keywords.
Audience Analysis: Understand your audience’s needs and behaviors to tailor your content effectively.
SparkToro: Quickly discovers what your audience reads, watches, listens to, and follows.
SimilarWeb: Provides analytics on your audience’s online behavior, including traffic sources, geography, and user engagement.
Competitive Analysis: These tools help identify content gaps and opportunities by analyzing your competitors’ content strategies.
BuzzSumo: Analyzes what content performs best for any topic or competitor, offering insights into popular trends and content engagement.
SpyFu: Provides insights into the search marketing formulas used by your most successful competitors.
SEO Suggestions: Get recommendations for optimizing your content for search engines.
Yoast SEO: A WordPress plugin that provides real-time page analysis to enhance your content, images, meta descriptions, and more.
Surfer SEO: Analyzes your pages against the top 10 ranking pages to suggest optimal keyword density, common words, proper content length, and more.
Quote Gathering: Tools and platforms to source expert quotes and insights can add authority and depth to your content.
Qwoted: A platform that connects media and content creators with industry experts to source quotes and insights.
SourceBottle: A free service where journalists and bloggers find sources for stories and content, including expert quotes.
Transcription Tools: Convert audio from interviews and webinars into text to easily extract insights and quotes for content briefs.
Otter.ai: Provides accurate real-time transcription services and includes features for sharing, editing, and organizing transcripts.
Rev: Offers audio and video transcription services with high accuracy, delivered by human professionals, suitable for detailed content creation.
12 Guidelines for Creating a Project Brief
This process guides you through the creation of a project brief, starting from the initial client interaction in the working session to the finalization of a comprehensive document. These 12 guidelines ensure all essential information is gathered, organized, and articulated in a way that guides your content team to successful content production.
Prepare for the Working Session: Utilize the working session deck and agenda provided in our resources to guide the discovery process with the client. These tools are designed to help gather comprehensive information about the project’s goals, audience, desired voice, and content structure effectively.
Conduct the Working Session: Engage in a detailed face-to-face meeting with the client, using the prepared materials to facilitate discussion and ensure all vital aspects of the content are covered.
Complete the Working Session Summary: After the session, use our template to compile a summary of all critical points discussed. This summary should capture the project’s scope, specific content requirements, and any client preferences outlined during the session.
Client Sign-Off on Session Summary: Before proceeding, have the client review and sign off on the working session summary to confirm all information is correctly understood and agreed upon.
Determine Necessary Brief Components: Refer to the table in this guide to decide which components are essential for your project brief. This step ensures the brief will include all the relevant sections needed for writers and editors to create content that aligns with the project goals. Aim for components that’ll contain information that doesn’t change at the individual article level.
Draft the Project Brief: Using our project brief template, start drafting the project brief, focusing solely on information that will direct the content creation process. This includes detailed instructions on voice, style, content structure, and any specific content formats discussed during the working session.
Review of Style and Tone Guidelines: Incorporate detailed voice, tone, and style guidelines to ensure consistency across all content. This section should be informed directly by the client’s input and aligned with the target audience’s preferences.
Peer Review by a Writer or an Editor: Have a writer or an editor review the draft brief. This step is crucial for identifying any potential blind spots or areas of confusion that can hinder content production.
Test the Project Brief: Assign a writer who has no prior knowledge of the project to create a piece of content based on the brief. This test helps evaluate the clarity and completeness of the brief.
Collect Feedback and Adjust the Brief: Gather feedback from the test phase and use it to refine the brief. Adjust any sections that are unclear or insufficient to ensure the brief effectively guides content creation.
Finalize and Distribute the Project Brief: Once the brief is finalized and polished, distribute it to all relevant team members involved in the content creation process.
Create Your Content Brief Template: With your completed project brief in hand, begin crafting the accompanying content brief template.
Create a Reusable Content Brief Template: A 10-Step Guide
Developing a reusable content brief template is key to streamlining your content production process for a project. This 10-step guide provides the framework for creating a template that can be adapted to various content pieces within a project.
Project Overview and Strategy Review: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the overall project’s strategy, goals, and target audience, as learned in the working session. This review helps inform the fundamental structure and components of your content brief template.
Define Template Components: Use the component table in this guide to select essential elements that should be included in every content brief for this project. Avoid including components that are defined in the project brief or aren’t needed by the writer.
Organize the Flow of Information: Arrange the chosen components in a logical order that will make sense to writers and editors. Start with the broad information like title and content goals, then move into specifics like keywords, links, and call to action. Outlines are typically left for last.
Gather and Prepare Resources: Compile all necessary resources that will consistently be part of each content brief, such as a link to the project brief and any templates for specific types of content (e.g., blog posts vs. white papers). Having these resources at hand will ensure each individual content brief is easy to complete and accurate.
Draft the Content Brief Template: Construct the template based on the organized flow of information. Ensure each section of the template is clear and provides guidance on how to fill it out.
For example:
Introduction: Brief description of the content’s purpose within the project.
Keywords: Primary and secondary keywords to be included.
Content Objectives: Specific goals for the content piece (e.g., lead generation, educational, SEO-focused).
Required Links: A list of internal links that must be included in the content.
Content Outline: Outline of headings and key points to cover.
Call to Action: Specific actions the content should prompt from readers.
Internal Review and Feedback: Have team members who will use the template, such as writers and editors, review it. This is to ensure the template addresses all necessary aspects of content creation and is clear in its instructions. Use their feedback to refine and improve the template.
Pilot the Template: Test the template, along with the project brief, with one or two pieces of content to see how well it works in practice. This helps identify any areas where the template may be lacking or additional guidance is needed.
Final Adjustments: Based on the pilot test, make any necessary adjustments to the template. This might involve adding additional sections, clarifying existing instructions, or rearranging components for better logical flow.
Template Finalization and Distribution: Once the template is fully adjusted and approved, finalize it for regular use. Distribute the template to all relevant team members and provide a brief training session if necessary to ensure everyone understands how to use it effectively.
Ongoing Updates and Revisions: As the project progresses, be open to making revisions to the template based on new insights, changing project needs, or feedback from content creators. This will help maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the template throughout the project’s duration.
Contact Page: Effective briefs are essential to producing outstanding content consistently. For information on how Stellar can help with brief creation, contact your account or content manager. Prospective clients can connect with us at sales@stellarcontent.com.
Main objectives of the content: Clearly define the goals of the content. For example, increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, educate the audience, or enhance customer engagement. These objectives guide the content strategy, ensuring it aligns with the client’s business needs.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for success: Identify specific KPIs to measure content success, such as page views, conversion rates, average time on page, social shares, or lead generation. Setting clear KPIs helps track the effectiveness of content and informs future strategies.
Target Audience
Demographics: [Specify target audience demographics, such as age, gender, location, income level, etc.]
Psychographics: [Describe lifestyle, values, interests, attitudes, and other psychological traits relevant to the target audience.]
Pain points and challenges: Understand and detail the primary pain points and challenges faced by the audience. For example, frustrations with current solutions, time constraints, financial limitations, or lack of trust. Addressing these helps in crafting content that resonates and provides value.
Content Specifications
Content types: [Specify content types, such as blog posts, social media updates, white papers, etc.]
Tone and voice: Define the tone and voice to ensure consistency. Should it be formal, casual, friendly, or authoritative? Clarify how the brand’s personality should be conveyed in the content.
Style guidelines: Include any style preferences or adherence to specific style guides (e.g., AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style) or custom brand guidelines to maintain consistency.
Preferred structure: [Outline the desired structure, such as headings, subheadings, bullet points, etc.]
SEO considerations: Detail SEO best practices, including targeted keywords, meta descriptions, headers, and alt text requirements. Optimizing content for search engines improves visibility and rankings.
Linking strategy: [Define internal and external linking strategies to support SEO and user navigation.]
Calls to action (CTAs): Clearly state the desired CTAs, such as signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or downloading a resource, to guide user engagement and conversions.
Word count range: [Specify the desired word count range for each content type.]
Client Preferences and Special Requirements
Brand-specific guidelines: [Include any unique brand guidelines that must be followed.]
Competitor considerations: [Mention any competitor content that should be reviewed or avoided.]
Any additional requirements: [List any other specific requirements from the client.]
Project Logistics
Content volume and frequency: Clarify the amount of content needed and the frequency of delivery, such as the number of blog posts per month, social media updates per week, etc.
Submission process: [Describe how drafts will be submitted for review.]
Delivery process and format: [Specify the preferred delivery format (e.g., Word, Google Docs).]
Content calendar: [Provide a content calendar outlining deadlines for drafts, reviews, and final submissions.]
Client review and feedback process: Detail the review process, including who will provide feedback, the number of revision cycles, and any deadlines for feedback to ensure a smooth content production process.
Calibration
Calibration resources provided: [List any resources provided for calibration.]
Calibration dates: [Specify any key calibration dates.]
Calibration feedback call scheduled: [Include details on any scheduled calls for calibration feedback.]
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