To Outsource Content Creation or Not? Pros And Cons Explained

Content marketing has become an essential part of the overall marketing strategy for many businesses. However, creating quality content consistently can be a daunting task. This is where content outsourcing comes into the picture. To outsource content creation means hiring an external writer or agency to create content on behalf of your business.

According to a survey conducted by the Content Marketing Institute, approximately 84% of B2B marketers outsource their content creation. On the other hand, 52% of B2C marketers prefer to keep their content creation in-house. With these statistics in mind, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of outsourcing content creation before making any decisions.

In this article, we will explore the different aspects to outsource content writing services and examine whether it’s a viable option for your business. We will delve into the benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing while also exploring different outsourcing options available to businesses today. Finally, we’ll discuss how to choose the right outsourcing partner and what factors to consider when making that decision.

The Pros of Outsourced Copywriting

Are you struggling to produce quality content while managing other aspects of your business? Consider outsourcing your copywriting services. Not only can it save you valuable time, but it can also help you stay on budget and maintain flexibility in your writing team.

Saves time

A significant advantage of outsourcing is that it saves time. Forbes reported that outsourcing writing tasks can save up to 50% of the time spent on content creation by in-house teams. This saved time can be used to focus on other important aspects of running a business, such as sales, customer service, or product development.

Cost-effectiveness

Another key benefit of outsourcing is cost-effectiveness. Hiring full-time writers can be expensive, especially if you are a small business owner with a limited budget. On the contrary, freelancers or outsourced companies may charge less per project, which enables you to reduce expenses while still producing high-quality content.

Flexibility

Outsourcing also gives you more flexibility in your writing team, as you have access to a larger pool of writers when needed. For example, if your production demand increases by a large margin, you can hire more freelance writers to complete the work without having to increase the headcount or hours for your employees.

Additionally, by working with multiple writers from different locations, companies can experiment with different tones or perspectives in their outsourced content and identify what resonates best with their target audience.

Several successful companies have benefited from outsourcing their copywriting services. For instance, To enhance its organic performance, Pepper Content started working with 1mg to create an SEO strategy. Content for each page was created and optimized, helping them grab the top-ranking positions

Now that we have seen the pros of outsourcing your copywriting services, let’s look at the cons in the next section.

The Cons of Outsourced Copywriting

Outsourcing content creation may not always be the best choice for businesses. There are some cons associated with it that one should keep in mind before deciding whether to outsource or not.

Miscommunication

A significant risk associated with outsourcing is miscommunication. Sometimes, outsourced content does not align with a company’s values or voice leading to negative feedback from the audience. For example, if a clothing brand hired an outsourced writing team to create social media posts but failed to communicate its sustainable fashion approach effectively. The posts created by the outsourced writers wouldn’t align with the brand’s values and result in criticism from customers.

Control over quality

Another downside of when you outsource content creation is the lack of control over quality. While outsourced writers may provide quality work, there is no guarantee that all elements will fit perfectly into the company’s marketing strategy or message. For instance, say a coffee shop hired an outsourced copywriter to create product descriptions, but the writer used technical language that was too complex for their audience to understand.

Cultural differences

Cultural differences can also pose problems when you outsource content creation. Language barriers can affect the quality and appropriateness of outsourced content, causing confusion and misunderstanding among customers.

While outsourcing content creation may seem like a cost-effective option, it’s important to consider these potential drawbacks before making any decisions.

The Different Types of Options to Outsource Content Creation

When you outsource content creation, your business has several options to choose from. The most popular options are full-service marketing agencies, freelance content writers, and content mills.

1. Full-service marketing agencies

Full-service marketing agencies take care of all aspects of content creation from ideation to publishing. This can happen when you outsource content marketing as a whole. They have a team of experts who can help with everything from crafting a content strategy to ensuring that the content is SEO-friendly. Hiring a full-service agency can be expensive, but it can be worth the investment for businesses that need a comprehensive content marketing solution.

2. Freelance writers

Freelance content writers are individual writers who work on specific projects or one-off pieces. They are often specialists in certain niches and can bring a unique perspective to your content. Hiring freelancers can be cost-effective and flexible, but it requires more hands-on management from the business owner.

3. Content Mills

Content mills are websites that connect businesses with freelance writers who create low-cost, high-volume content. While they may seem like an attractive option for businesses on a budget, the quality of the content may suffer due to the fast turnaround times and lack of personalization.

It’s important for businesses to carefully consider their needs and budget before choosing an outsourcing partner. No matter which option they choose, they should ensure that the partnership aligns with their brand values and has a track record of creating quality content. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner

Outsourcing your content creation can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right partner. Your outsourcing partner will be responsible for creating content that represents your brand’s voice and values, so it’s crucial to choose wisely.

• Researching potential candidates is essential before you outsource content creation. Take time to evaluate their experience in your industry, their writing style, and the quality of their work. Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients and check their online presence to ensure they align with your brand.

• Evaluating sample work helps you understand what to expect from your potential partner. It also gives you an idea of how well the writer understands your industry and what they can offer in terms of creativity and originality. If you’re outsourcing to an agency, ask for a detailed proposal outlining their approach to content creation.

• Creating a good brief is crucial when working with an outsourced writer or team. A clear and concise brief helps them understand your expectations, goals, and vision for the project. Be specific about your audience, tone of voice, keywords, and any other requirements that are important to you. Providing examples of what you like and dislike can also help guide them in the right direction.

• Choosing the right outsourcing partner takes time and effort but pays off in the end. A successful partnership can help you achieve your content marketing goals while saving time and money. Remember to communicate regularly with your outsourced team or writer to ensure they are on track with your expectations

In conclusion, selecting the right outsourcing partner is crucial for achieving success in content development outsourcing. With careful research, evaluation of sample work, and effective communication through a brief, businesses can create a successful partnership that boosts their content marketing efforts. Take a free trial and try Pepper Content’s content writing services today!

FAQs

1. What is a full-service marketing agency?

A full-service marketing agency is a one-stop-shop provider that can handle all aspects of your content marketing needs from strategy development to content creation, distribution, and analysis.

2. What are freelance content writers?

Freelance content writers are self-employed professionals who offer writing services to businesses on a project or contract basis.

3. What are content mills?

Content mills are platforms that connect clients with large pools of freelance writers who are available to produce bulk content quickly at low rates.

4. Which outsourcing option is the most cost-effective?

Content mills can be the most cost-effective option as they offer cheap rates for bulk content production. However, this low-cost option may come at the expense of quality and uniqueness.

Understanding the different types of outsourcing options available can help you make informed decisions that meet your business’s specific needs and goals. It’s advisable to conduct thorough research, evaluate potential candidates’ work samples, and create an effective brief that outlines your expectations before choosing an outsourcing partner.