Content Writing Service vs In-House Blog Writer: Making the Right Choice for Your Business
When it comes to creating compelling content for your business’s blog, the debate between hiring an in-house blog writer and outsourcing to a content writing service is as old as content marketing itself. Both options have their merits and demerits, which could significantly impact your business’s content marketing strategy, budget, and ROI. In this post, we will explore both sides of the coin, considering the unique needs of businesses, to help you make an informed choice.
The Case for Content Writing Services
A. Access to a Pool of Diverse Talent
Content writing services usually have a roster of writers with a range of expertise and writing styles. This is an undeniable perk, as you can get a subject matter expert for almost any niche you need content for.
B. Cost-Effective and Scalable
With a service, costs are typically flexible. You pay per piece or package, making it easier to scale up or down based on your content needs without the overhead of a full-time salary and benefits.
C. No Long-Term Commitment
The no-strings-attached nature of content services means you can discontinue the services any time if they’re not meeting your expectations, with no concern about severance or unemployment.
D. Time Efficiency
A content service speeds up the content production process. They can often turn around high-quality pieces in a shorter timeframe, which is invaluable when working on a tight schedule.
E. Hassle-Free Management
You won’t need to manage a content writing service as closely as an in-house writer. The service handles the hiring, training, and management of writers, leaving you to focus on other tasks.
The Drawbacks of Content Writing Services
A. Lack of Company Culture Integration
Outsourced writers might not be as ingrained in your company’s culture and ethos as someone on staff, possibly leading to content that doesn’t capture your brand’s unique voice.
B. Potential Quality Control Issues
The risk of getting a piece that doesn’t meet your standards is higher since the writers aren’t dedicated solely to your business. Revisions can be frequent, and quality may be inconsistent.
C. Communication Barriers
Outsourced content creation can sometimes lead to communication issues. Getting your precise requirements across or last-minute changes can sometimes be a challenge, with back-and-forth emails or calls often needed to clarify details.
The Case for an In-House Blog Writer
A. Brand Alignment
An in-house writer is entrenched in your brand’s culture and more likely to produce content that stays consistent with your brand’s voice, values, and goals.
B. Dedicated Focus
Having a writer whose sole job is to create content for your company means they’re entirely focused on your brand, leading to well-thought-out and consistently high-quality content.
C. Greater Control and Collaboration
An in-house writer allows for easier collaboration with your team. They can join meetings, pitch in ideas in real-time, and be a dedicated part of your content strategy discussions.
D. Long-Term Investment
Investing in an in-house writer can yield a long-term return. As they grow with your company, the quality of their work should deepen in its reflection of experience and understanding of your market.
The Drawbacks of an In-House Blog Writer
A. Higher Costs
Hiring an in-house writer means you’re responsible for their full-time salary, benefits, and possibly other costs like equipment, training, and office space.
B. Limited to One Person’s Expertise
An in-house writer might be versatile, but they may not possess expertise in all the areas you need content for. This can lead to a need for additional training or even hiring more staff.
C. Risk of Idle Time
When content demands are low, your in-house writer might not have enough work to fill their time, meaning you’re potentially paying for unproductive hours.
So, Which Is Better for Your Business?
A. Consider Your Content Needs
If your content needs fluctuate greatly or are project-based, a writing service might be more cost-effective and flexible. For businesses that need a consistent flow of content tailored closely to their brand, an in-house writer could be the better bet.
B. Weigh the Importance of Specialization
If you require highly specialized knowledge, finding an in-house writer with the necessary expertise might be challenging. A content service, on the other hand, can easily match you with a writer who has the specific skill set you need.
C. Think About the Long-Term
For long-term content strategy and brand building, an in-house writer can evolve with your business and provide continuity. A service is transactional and may be more suitable for short-term or less strategic content creation.
D. Budget Considerations
Analyze your budget carefully. If it’s limited or you need to prove ROI before committing to a full-time hire, start with a service and consider transitioning to in-house once your content strategy is proven successful.
E. Asses The Level of Control and Collaboration Required
If you need tight control over the content and expect collaboration across various levels of your organization, an in-house writer is likely a better choice. Content services offer less direct collaboration but provide broader expertise.
Conclusion: Tailoring to Your Unique Needs
Ultimately, the question of hiring a content writing service versus an in-house blog writer depends on your specific business needs, budget, and long-term content marketing strategy. Weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which option aligns best with your company’s vision and operational style.
Remember that your choice is not set in stone. Some businesses may even find a hybrid approach works best, utilizing both an in-house writer for core brand content and a content service for additional scale or specialized needs. As the digital landscape evolves, staying flexible and mindful of your unique content requirements will guide you toward the right decision.
