Outsource Writing Services To Empower Business Growth (Agency vs. Freelancer)

If you’ve ever faced the decision of whether to hire an agency or a solo freelancer for your business blog, you know it’s about more than merely landing on a good writer. You want to build a partnership to meet your strategic goals. 

It’s not as straightforward as it may seem. Should you choose an agency’s expansive resources or a freelancer’s personalized touch? Each option offers distinct advantages and challenges, and making the wrong choice can lead to mismatched expectations, inconsistent quality, or even delivery delays.

Having worked in both settings throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable insights from each side of the spectrum. It’s given me the unique ability to guide you through decision-making when you outsource writing services. I understand the nuances and demands of both paths, and I’m here to share a few of those lessons with you.

So, let’s jump right into it and explore how you can make the best choice between an agency and a freelancer for your business blog.

Why Is It Beneficial to Outsource Writing Services?

Running a business involves a myriad of tasks that demand attention—developing strategies, managing operations, and nurturing customer relationships, just to name a few. 

While keeping writing services in-house might initially seem like a good idea, it can quickly consume valuable resources and time that could be better spent on other pressing matters. 

After all, writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—there’s strategy, consistency, target markets, customer personas, and a whole slew of other factors to consider.

When you outsource writing services, you tap into the expertise of writers who have been there and done that, all while you focus on the core aspects of your business.

Not to mention, building a business blog and all the subtle nuances isn’t something you can typically master overnight. It involves a lot of trial and error—figuring out the right keywords, tone, style, and messaging to engage your audience.

It’s a learning curve that can, quite frankly, waste a lot of time and money, especially when you could use those resources to refine the core areas of your business. To outsource SEO writing services means putting experienced hands on the wheel right from the start.

Your Might Also Like: 11 Small Business Blog Mistakes That Sabotage Your Efforts

Calibrating Your Content Compass

Great—we’ve covered some of the benefits that come when you outsource writing services. Now, you need to assess a few key elements. One of the primary considerations is the volume and regularity of your content needs. 

According to Orbit Media, 50% of blogs publish weekly or several times per month, and those who publish most frequently are more likely to report “strong results.” Essentially, consistency is vital—a feat easier managed by an agency equipped to handle large volumes or a dedicated freelancer who can offer personalized attention.

That leads us to project complexity. If you need to integrate multiple content formats or coordinate with various marketing campaigns, an agency might be better suited to handle these complexities. Agencies typically have a broader resource pool and more diverse expertise across their teams. 

On the other hand, if your needs are more straightforward or highly specialized, a freelancer or subject matter expert (SME) might bring the focus and depth required to make your content stand out. Freelancers are also better at maintaining consistent messaging, as you won’t run into multiple writers trying to align or match your brand voice.

But with two sides to every coin, how can you determine the best option for your situation?

The Upsides of Using a Content Agency

There’s no doubt about it. These days, content agencies have a bad reputation in the industry. In most of these cases, it’s because an “agency” conducts its operation more like a glorified (or not so glorified) content mill. 

So, like most things, it’s a good idea to do a little research on your own before deciding to outsource writing services to an agency. Nevertheless, the nice thing about a content agency is that finding a good one can mean you’ve got yourself a one-stop shop. These agencies bring a blend of creativity, marketing prowess, and technical know-how that can elevate your content strategy from good to great. 

Varied Content Services	Agencies offer comprehensive services from content creation to SEO, ensuring that all aspects of your content are optimized for visibility and engagement.
Equipped for Diversity	Whether you need blog posts, white papers, or multimedia presentations, agencies can handle diverse content needs, including specialized SEO strategies.
Volume Management	Large and varied content volumes are managed efficiently, allowing consistent publication schedules without sacrificing quality.
Continuous Service	Agencies provide ongoing support to keep projects progressing, ensure deadlines are met, and continuously advance content goals.
Scalable Solutions	As your business grows, agencies can scale their services to support your expansion, adapting to new markets or products without missing a beat.

The Downsides of Using Content Agencies

While I learned a lot working within the setting of a content agency, it also came with challenges that might not make them the right fit for every business. Here are some potential downsides to consider if you outsource writing services to a content agency.

Higher Costs	Agencies often have overhead costs and agency markups, making them a more expensive option than freelance writers.
Standardization Risks	The very processes that allow agencies to operate efficiently can sometimes result in less personalized content, as creativity is funneled through standardized frameworks.
Communication Layers	Working with an agency means navigating multiple communication layers—content managers, SEO specialists, writers, and editors—which can dilute the directness and clarity you might achieve with a solo freelancer.
Control Issues	Maintaining control over the direction and tone of your content can be challenging when working through an agency that handles many clients simultaneously.
Flexibility Limits	Making quick changes or strategic pivots can be more cumbersome with an agency due to established processes and bureaucracies.
Feedback Delays	The revision process can be slower, as feedback must often pass through several hands before changes are implemented, potentially delaying content updates.

Advantages of Working With a Freelance Writer

For freelance writers, working outside the constraints or frameworks of an agency offers more freedom to think outside the box. We can form a personal and mutually beneficial partnership with a business—which extends to creating content. 

The benefits are particularly advantageous for projects that require a specialized touch or flexible engagement. Over time, it might even feel like your freelancer isn’t an external part of your business at all.

Cost Efficiency	For lack of a better phrase, freelancers don’t have to “spread the wealth” around. We operate with minimal overhead and can offer comparable (or even better) quality blog posts or content strategies for less.
High Flexibility	Freelancers can quickly adapt to changing project scopes and timelines, providing services on an as-needed basis without needing long-term commitments. (although we love a good long-term client).
Direct Communication	When you hire a freelancer, you communicate directly with the person creating your content. It streamlines the feedback loops and makes the revision process faster and more effective.
Specialized Expertise	Many freelancers specialize in specific niches or industries, offering depth of knowledge and expertise that can be hard to find in larger agencies.
Personalized Service	Freelancers have more freedom to adjust on the fly, meaning we can tailor services and the content to align closely with your brand’s voice and audience needs.

The Drawbacks of Working With a Freelance Writer

Despite their advantages, freelancers have limitations that can pose challenges, mainly when working on large-scale or highly complex projects. For example, an excellent blogger and content strategist might not necessarily be a marketing mastermind. You likely won’t get full-fledged, multi-channel marketing distribution when you outsource writing services to a freelancer.

However, scouting your freelance writer is similar to scouting an agency. Look for testimonials or experiences that other businesses have had with them. Take a look at their portfolio, ask other businesses for a referral, or try a commitment-free test run.

Limited Capacity	As individuals, freelancers may have constraints on how much work they can handle at once, which can be a limitation if your business needs large volumes of content.
Availability Issues	Freelancers juggle multiple clients and personal commitments, which might lead to availability issues during peak times or when immediate responses are required.
Scalability Concerns	Scaling up quickly for large projects can be challenging with a single freelancer, unlike agencies that can deploy multiple resources as needed.
Inconsistent Professionalism	When you find a good freelance writer, you’re golden. But, like any industry, you might have to drudge through the trenches before you land on someone who jives with your hive.

Making the Right Choice: Agency or Freelancer?

Choosing between an agency and a freelancer for your content needs involves more than just weighing costs and capabilities. You want to outsource writing services to the right strategic fit for your business’s voice and objectives. It’s a decision that can significantly impact the effectiveness of your communication and, ultimately, your brand’s success.

You Might Also Like: 10 Ways To Use Local SEO for Service Based Business Growth

Assessing the Best Fit for Content Writing Outsourcing

It’s crucial to make sure that the service provider you choose aligns well with your business’s communication style and values. Alignment guarantees that the content produced resonates authentically with your target audience and supports your brand’s overall messaging strategy. 

Conducting trial projects or pilot tests with potential partners can be invaluable. Trials allow you to evaluate the quality of the work and the working relationship and how well the provider meets deadlines, responds to feedback, and aligns with your business philosophy.

Now It’s Time To Choose Your Path

There’s really no wrong or right approach here; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when you want to outsource writing services. What works for Jimmy’s auto mechanic shop might not work for Barbara’s beauty salon. It all depends on your goals, resources, and preferences. 

The key to making the right decision lies in understanding your business’s specific needs and aligning them with the right type of service provider. Remember, the goal is to forge a partnership that enhances your ability to communicate with your audience effectively and achieve your strategic objectives.