Marketers today have an almost overwhelming number of content sources to choose from. With more tools than ever (looking at you, ChatGPT!) and a growing list of job boards, finding writers and producing content has never been easier. But this abundance has a catch: it can trigger a race to the bottom, where speed and low cost overshadow quality. If your goal is truly exceptional content—not just “good enough”—some sources will serve you far better than others. This guide explains where to discover high-caliber writers and how to design a content workflow that protects quality without grinding progress to a halt.
Struggle 1: What actually makes a content writer ‘great’?
Figuring out whether a writer is great can feel a lot like sizing up a new romantic prospect. They look impressive on paper and nail the first interaction, but how can you tell if they’re really “the one”? The reality is that, just as with a relationship, you’ll need time working with a writer before you can know for sure. That said, you don’t have to go in completely unprepared. Use the non-negotiables below to boost your chances of finding a strong match without burning through time.
Start with the fundamentals
Does this writer have a solid grasp of grammar, spelling, clarity, and structure? You don’t need a formal assessment to figure this out—review their portfolio and writing samples. A short email back-and-forth during the hiring process can also reveal a lot about how confidently they write, how clearly they communicate, and how comfortable they are with the written word. Make sure they…