The 5Ws and one H of content outsourcing

What is content outsourcing, and how do you start?

Content outsourcing is hiring outside writers or agencies to plan and create your content, and you start by working through the 5 Ws and 1 H: who, what, when, where, why, and how. This simple framework keeps your content plan clear and on track.

• Pick the right writer for your field and style.
• Decide which content to outsource and when to start.
• Choose a reliable partner with a strong track record.

One of the biggest hurdles in writing great content is coming up with new ideas every time. You also have to keep the quality high and the content evergreen. That is probably why most entrepreneurs lean on content outsourcing.

Before you outsource your content creation, first get to know the 5 Ws and 1 H of content outsourcing. For a wider view, read whether you should outsource your content creation at all.

1. WHO: Choose the best-suited content writer.

Be clear about the skills you want in a writer, because they are not all alike. Writers have different styles and favor certain fields. On the other hand, some flexible writers can nail many styles and tones. Whichever you want, you must always evaluate the candidate first.

Review through samples and feedbacks:

Ask candidates to send a portfolio or share a blog they run. If you can, look up past client feedback that proves their quality. In most cases, professional writers will have samples and bylined work from past gigs. So these pieces give you a quick sense of their skill.

Look for specialty writers:

If you want a writer who knows your field, look for a specialty writer. These writers focus on a single area. For example, some are technical writers, medical writers, or business writers. A specialty writer needs little training. As a result, you can trust their output, because the topic is what they do best. An outsourced SEO writer is a good example when you need search traffic.

2. WHAT: Identify which content to outsource.

Everything you do for your business needs content. A website is of little use without it. The same goes for online marketing, where words always get involved. So when it comes to outsourcing, a professional writer can handle many content types:

• Blog posts
• Social media updates
• Guest blogging
• Website content
• Scriptwriting

Next, decide which kinds of content your business will need. You can also outsource content marketing to boost brand reach.

3. WHEN: Get your plan ready and set the starting date.

Content outsourcing is more than finding good writers. That is not even half of the work. To run the whole process, you may need a manager to oversee your writers and their output. Otherwise, it will all pile up on you.

Designate a manager for your writers:

If you plan to build a team of writers, put someone in charge of quality and deadlines. In most cases, a marketing manager or an editor is the best fit for this job. So the work stays on schedule.

Create a strategic workflow:

Like any process, there should be a clear content plan to keep things on track. The workflow should include a brief template, writing guidelines, and deadlines for drafts and editing. In addition, set clear turnaround times. A content marketing assistant can help keep this workflow running.

4. WHERE: Start looking for content writers in the right place.

Once your plan is set, you can start looking for professional writers. You have several options here. For example, you can post job ads or ask friends and contacts for referrals. Another option is to reach out to an outsourcing company in the Philippines. So you can get skilled staff for a fraction of the cost.

5. WHY: Define the benefits of outsourcing.

When you are new to outsourcing, doubt often comes next. However, firms that have relied on it for years call it a huge relief. They proved it is a worthwhile investment that gets better over time. So before you jump in, first learn what it is and how it can help your business.

Read more about outsourcing and its benefits here.

6. HOW: Partner with a dependable outsourcing company.

If you are 100% sure about outsourcing your content, it is now time to find a reliable partner. Picking the most capable company with a good track record in offshore digital marketing can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

To help you decide, read this list of factors to consider before choosing an outsourcing partner.

Choosing a company to handle your content outsourcing is not an overnight decision. So choose wisely, because it will play a big role in your business’ success. To compare roles further, see what SEO copywriters do to power websites.

We here at DBOS deeply values the importance of content and understand the part it plays for business growth.

Know more about our content outsourcing services, contact DBOS for a FREE consultation today!

Frequently asked questions about content outsourcing

Is content outsourcing worth the cost?

For most businesses, yes. You gain steady, high-quality content without hiring full-time staff. So you save on salaries and training while you free up your own time for core work.

How do you keep quality high when you outsource content?

Start with a clear brief and style guide. Then set an editor to review every draft. In addition, give feedback early so writers learn your voice fast.

What should you never outsource in content creation?

Keep your core strategy and brand voice in-house. You can outsource the writing, yet you should own the direction. So the content still sounds like your business, not a stranger.

How much does content outsourcing cost?

It varies by writer skill, topic, and location. For example, offshore teams often cost less than local agencies. So you can match the budget to the value each piece brings.

Can small businesses benefit from content outsourcing?

Yes, small firms gain a lot from it. They get expert content without a big in-house team. As a result, they can compete with larger brands online.