The writer/client relationship in any content writing service is of the love/hate sort. Writers love money and clients hate paying too much. Writers hate low pay rates and clients love paying less. Trying to find some sort of middle ground can be harder than finding a needle in a haystack. Granted, finding a needle in a haystack doesn’t have to be that hard. You just need a metal detector.
A lot of writers love what they do; they have a passion for it and are glad to work hard to earn their keep. There are others who are simply just trying to make a little cash on the side. But the fact remains that nobody really likes work. That’s why it’s called work, and not called “super-fun-awesome-cotton-candy time.” Everyone knows that workers are motivated by money, whether they’re the passionate hard-worker type or part-time just-trying-to-earn-a-little-pocket-cash type. But not all clients may be willing to shell out the extra money. There are some ways, however, to get more from your writer other than money.
Cut Down the Research
When you’re thinking about a possible article topic, try to think of something that requires less research. Research eats up a lot of time, time that could be spent writing other articles and making more money. We understand that you need an article on a specific topic, but if you could provide some possible research sources or at least steer us in the right direction, we would have an easier time writing those research-heavy articles.
Keep It Clear
Writers hate it when you leave vague instructions or no instructions whatsoever. If you want your article done quickly and without them asking you a bunch of questions, make sure that you’re clear in your instructions. It might be a bit time-consuming for the client, but writers appreciate it when you take the time to write out specific instructions for every topic. We know that clients usually send out orders in bulk and we notice when you use the same instructions for every topic, even if they’re vastly different in subject.
If The Price Is Right
I know that clients want to pay the lowest price they can, but all we writers want is to be offered the proper pay rate for the specific article. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across an order that had 1000 words of specific instructions with loads of requirements and additional research but were paying a ridiculously low rate. The fact is, if you want professional work, then you need to pay a professional fee. Money is motivation. A writer can write anything for the right price.
Writers want to have a good relationship with their clients. Most people may assume we just want your money, but we what we also want is to provide you with quality work. But it’s a two-way street. We need your consideration, time, and effort as well. Help us help you.
John S is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
