7 Must-Haves to Look For When Hiring an SEO Copywriting Subcontractor

Finding the right SEO copywriting subcontractor can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You need someone who not only understands the technical ins and outs of SEO, but also has the creativity to craft engaging, persuasive content that speaks directly to your audience. 

On top of that, they need to mesh well with your team and processes. It’s no wonder this task might feel a little overwhelming.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. By focusing on what really matters in your search, you’ll find the right person to elevate your content and help you reach your business goals. Here’s exactly what to look for when hiring an SEO copywriting subcontractor.

1. Proven Experience & Results

Experience isn’t just about how long someone has been working; it’s about the impact they’ve made. Start by asking potential hires to share specific examples of past work. 

Have they written blogposts that rank on the first page of Google? Have they helped a previous client increase website traffic or conversions? Look for measurable results like “Improved ranking for key terms by moving from page 3 to the top 3 positions.”

Bonus tip: Ask for case studies or testimonials from previous clients. These can give a glimpse of their reliability and the quality of their work.

2. Strong SEO Knowledge

SEO is more than sprinkling a few keywords into content. An effective copywriter understands how to optimize a piece for search engines without sacrificing readability or user experience. During interviews, ask questions like:

▹ How do you approach keyword research?
▹ What strategies do you use to create content that ranks?
▹ Can you explain how you optimize meta descriptions and headings?

Look for candidates who know how to balance technical SEO optimizations with human-friendly writing. They should explain concepts in a way that’s clear (even to non-technical team members) – a skill that will likely translate into the work they deliver.

3. Elevated Writing Skills & Style

SEO writing is part science, part art. Beyond knowing how to rank on Google, your subcontractor needs to genuinely write well. This means crafting content that’s engaging, readable, and in line with your brand voice.

Ask applicants to provide writing samples or, better yet, request a paid test project. When reviewing their work, focus on clarity, tone, grammar, and creativity. 

▹ Do their sentences flow naturally? 
▹ Are they persuasive without being pushy? 
▹ Would their style resonate with your target audience?

4. Versatility & Adaptability

Your subcontractor needs to be more than just a one-trick pony. They might need to write a technical blogpost this month, a product page next month, and a customer case study after that. You want someone who can adapt their tone, style, and approach depending on the piece of content and its audience.

Gauge their flexibility by asking, “How do you change your writing for different industries or audiences?” The best SEO copywriting subcontractors will share examples of past projects where they’ve successfully switched gears.

5. Excellent Communication & Responsiveness

The ability to write and optimize content is crucial, but so is communication. A subcontractor who doesn’t reply to emails or misses deadlines can throw off your workflow and stress out your team.

Consider how clearly and promptly they respond during the hiring process. Do they ask thoughtful questions about your needs, or do they seem disengaged? Are they upfront about their timeline and availability? These interactions will give you a preview of what working with them will be like.

Pro Tip: Look for a candidate who sets clear boundaries but also finds ways to be cooperative and solution-oriented. For example, they might say, “I can deliver this project by Friday afternoon if you confirm edits by Tuesday morning.” This shows they’re proactive and professional.

6. Knowledge of Analytics Tools

While you don’t need your subcontractor to be a full-fledged data analyst, basic familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or SEMrush is a huge plus. They should know how to track the performance of their content and use data to optimize future pieces.

Ask something like, “How do you measure the success of your work, and how do you use that data to improve?” Their answer should highlight their focus on improvement and their dedication to helping you reach your goals.

7. A Good Fit for Your Team

Finally, ensure they’re a cultural fit, whether working with your in-house team or on behalf of your clients; their personality and work ethic matter. This doesn’t mean they have to be your best friend. But how they handle collaboration, feedback, and problem-solving should align with your company’s values.

If your team values open communication, look for someone who’s direct and transparent. If you emphasize creativity, ask how they bring fresh ideas to their projects. The ideal subcontractor should complement, rather than disrupt, your workflow.

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Hiring an SEO copywriting subcontractor doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on the right mix of skills, experience, and compatibility, you’ll find someone who can help you reach your content goals and deliver measurable results.

Still feeling stuck? At simple sprout, we specialize in SEO copywriting that gets results. Whether you’re a business owner who needs more traffic or an agency looking for white-labeled support, we make it simple. 

Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation, and let’s chat about how we can lighten your workload and create content that converts.