The success of your online business depends on the quality of your product content, which serves as a bridge between your brand and potential customers. In today's digital world, where competition is fierce, it's crucial to create content that engages and converts your audience.
However, according to a recent study, a staggering 87% of content writers are still struggling to produce material that resonates with their buyers. So, how can you ensure that you're hiring a product content writer who can deliver the results you need?
In this blog post, we'll discuss the key qualities to look for when hiring a product content writer who can help you achieve your business goals.
What are the key responsibilities of a product content writer?
A product content writer is responsible for creating written content for products sold on ecommerce websites. This may include product descriptions, specifications, features, benefits, and other information that helps customers make informed purchasing decisions. The writer's main goal is to make the product information easy to understand, engaging, and persuasive.
To create effective product content, the writer typically researches the product and its market, gathering information from sources such as the manufacturer, industry publications, and customer reviews. They then use this information to craft descriptions that highlight the product's unique features, benefits, and value proposition.
In addition to product descriptions, the writer may also create other types of content, such as blog posts, social media posts, and email newsletters, to promote products and engage with customers. This content may include tips and advice on how to use the product, customer success stories, or other relevant topics that help build trust and credibility with the audience.
What are the qualifications to look for when hiring a product content writer?
There are many exceptional writers in the industry. That said, you may want to consider these qualifications to ensure you’ll narrow down the top product content writers who truly understand your business and needs:
1. Excellent writing skills: The writer should possess strong language skills, able to write grammatically correct sentences and express ideas clearly and succinctly.
2. Knowledge of SEO: The writer should understand search engine optimization (SEO) and be capable of writing content that is optimized for search engines.
3. Understanding of your target audience: The writer should have an idea of your ecommerce business's target audience and write content that appeals to them.
4. Familiarity with product descriptions: The writer should be capable of writing product descriptions that are informative, accurate, and persuasive.
5. Knowledge of your product line: The writer should have a good understanding of your products and describe them in a way that highlights their unique features and benefits.
6. Attention to detail: The writer should be able to meticulously proofread their work and ensure that there are no errors or inconsistencies.
7. Ability to work within tight deadlines: The writer should be able to work under pressure and deliver on time, particularly during busy periods such as the holidays.
8. Portfolio: The writer should have previous work to demonstrate their writing ability and experience with ecommerce businesses.
How much does it cost to hire a product content writer?
When it comes to the cost of hiring a product content writer, there are several factors to consider, such as location, experience, and specific job requirements. In the United States, the estimated total pay for a Product Content Writer is around $53,226 per year, with an average salary of $49,304 per year.
However, it's important to note that these figures can vary based on a number of factors, including the writer's level of experience, the industry they work in, and the location of the employer. For example, product content writers working for large corporations in major cities may command higher salaries than those working for small startups in rural areas.
That being said, one way to save on employment costs is to hire professionals in low-cost countries like the Philippines. In fact, the average salary for a Content Writer in Manila, Philippines is around $24,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the average salary for the same role in the United States, which means that employers can save a lot of money on employment costs by outsourcing their product content writing to the Philippines.
Should you outsource or hire an in-house product content writer?
The decision to outsource or hire an in-house product content writer depends on various factors such as budget, workload, expertise, and company goals. Here are some pros and cons of each option:
In-house product content writer:
Pros:
- Direct access and communication: In-house writers are available on-site, making communication and collaboration easier.
- Deep knowledge of the company: In-house writers can easily understand the company's mission, values, and tone of voice, which is essential in creating product content that aligns with the brand.
- Dedicated resource: In-house writers can focus solely on creating product content without being distracted by other clients or projects.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Hiring a full-time employee is more expensive than outsourcing the work, especially when considering the additional costs of benefits, taxes, and equipment.
- Limited expertise: In-house writers may have limited experience and skills compared to outsourced writers who have worked with multiple clients.
- Lack of diversity: In-house writers may be limited to the company's perspective, which can lead to a lack of fresh ideas and creativity.
Outsourced product content writer:
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Outsourcing product content writing can be more cost-effective since the company does not have to provide benefits or equipment to the writer.
- Access to diverse expertise: Outsourced writers have worked with multiple clients, which gives them the experience and expertise to bring fresh ideas and unique perspectives to the product content.
- Scalability: Outsourcing product description writing services allows companies to scale up or down depending on their needs, without the added expense of hiring additional employees.
Cons:
- Communication challenges: Outsourcing may lead to communication challenges and a lack of direct collaboration.
- Less knowledge of the company: Outsourced writers may not fully understand the company's tone of voice and brand personality, which can lead to content that does not align with the company's values.
- Limited availability: Outsourced writers may have multiple clients, which can lead to delayed work and less flexibility in meeting deadlines.
How to find and hire the best product content writer for my ecommerce business?
Here are the steps you can take today to find the best product content writer for your business:
Define your requirements
Creating a detailed job description that outlines the skills and experience you're looking for in a content writer will help you attract the right candidates for the position. Your job description should clearly state the type of content the writer will be responsible for creating, as well as any other requirements or preferences.
Look for relevant experience
It's important to look for a content writer who has experience in writing great product descriptions, copywriting, and SEO. This type of experience will ensure that the writer has a good understanding of ecommerce best practices and can produce content that is optimized for search engines.
Check references
When you've identified a potential candidate, be sure to ask for references and follow up with them to learn more about the writer's work ethic, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines. This will help you get a better sense of the candidate's past performance and whether they will be a good fit for your team.
Conduct a skills test
To assess a candidate's writing skills, it's a good idea to provide them with a writing test that simulates the type of content they will be producing for your business. This will give you a better idea of the candidate's ability to write high-quality content that is on-brand and optimized for search engines.
Set clear expectations
It's important to be clear about your expectations for the content, including the tone, style, and format. Providing the writer with a detailed brief for each project will help ensure that the content aligns with your brand and meets your expectations.
Consider cultural fit
A writer who understands your brand and target audience will be better suited to produce high-quality content that resonates with your customers. Consider whether the candidate's values and communication style align with your team culture.
Offer fair compensation
Paying writers fairly is important for attracting and retaining the best talent. Be upfront about compensation and offer a rate that is commensurate with the writer's experience and skill level.
Review and provide feedback
Providing feedback on the writer's work will help them improve and produce better content over time. Regular check-ins and performance reviews can help ensure that the writer is meeting your expectations and delivering high-quality content that aligns with your brand.
Enhance Your Product Content Writing Strategy by Outsourcing Customer Care
Boost your online marketplace presence by integrating outsourced customer care from ManilaPros into your product content creation process. Our expertise in customer care provides crucial insights that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your product descriptions and content.
At ManilaPros, we offer a full-service, five-star customer care for retailers who want to establish a better connection with their customers. We'll provide you with vetted, trained, and certified customer support agents who are more than capable of effectively communicating with your customers using your brand's voice and values.
You'll also get a dedicated account manager who can gather valuable customer insights and feedback, which you can use in your product content writing strategy.
Book a call with us today to learn more about our retail customer care services.
