10 Common Questions Received from Content Managers

This post was first published on nickdarlington.com.

Have you noticed how often you get asked the same questions about your job?

Maybe it’s a work colleague asking what exactly it is that you do. Or, a writer asking about your experience managing a team of writers. I know that I ask this latter question to almost every content manager/director/marketer I speak to at the start of a new relationship.

Wouldn’t it be neat if you had a document with all these questions and answers so that anyone could read it without actually having to ask you? I think so.

Today I’ll create a document like this by answering the most common questions I’ve received from content managers over the years. Have a look to see if there’s an answer to a burning question you may have right now.

1. How Much Do You Charge?

This is the most common question I receive, and the answer always starts with: It depends. 

Yes, I know this isn’t the answer you want, but I really need to learn more about your specific project before quoting on the total investment. To help me learn more, please let me know if you’re available for a short chat in the coming weeks. This can be over the phone, Skype, or Google Hangouts—whatever you prefer.

That being said, here’s a price range based on projects I’ve tackled in the past:

• Blog posts: $450 to $1,200 depending on the research and length
• eBooks: $3,000 to $6,000 depending on research, length, and if you need case studies
• Pillar pages: $700 to $2,500 depending on research, length, and if you need case studies

2. What Is Your Rate per Word

I don’t charge per word. I charge per project, based on value. A pillar page, for example, is generally more valuable than any blog post: It better organizes content, improves site architecture, drives SEO, and boosts organic traffic. 

If I were to quote per word, I’d undercharge for pillar pages, and even eBooks which are lead magnets that help you capture email addresses and convert customers. As you likely also know, writing less is often much harder.

3. What Type of Content Do You Write?

I write blog posts (long and short), pillar pages and ebooks for B2B technology companies. I also, on occasion, write feature articles for magazines. I understand the sales funnel and know how to create content for the different stages of the funnel —whether it’s bottom, middle, or top-of-the-funnel. 

4. What Experience Do You Have?

I’ve written blog posts, lead magnets and pillar pages for various B2B Technology companies including FreshBooks, TouchBistro, LiquidPlanner, and 7shifts. 

5. Do You Have Examples to Share?

The answer to this question is highly contextual as those who reach out to me either request specific examples that showcase my ability to write certain types of content or about specific topics.

I then respond accordingly, handpicking the content that best showcases my ability to deliver what prospects want. To illustrate, here are some examples showcasing my ability to write different types of content for B2B Technology companies across finance, small business, project management, and the restaurant industry:

• eBook: Unlock Your Growth Potential with Working Capital for FreshBooks
• Long-form, SEO optimized blog post: How Much Does a Liquor License Cost? for TouchBistro
• Long-form blog post: In 2018, It’s Time to Get Over the Fear of Money Talk for FreshBooks
• Middle-of-the-funnel post: 3 Easy Ways to Spend Money to Buy Back Time for FreshBooks
• Short blog post: An Alternative Approach to Dealing with the Inevitable Team Conflict for LiquidPlanner

For more examples, please visit my portfolio.

6. How Do We Work Together?

Before we discuss pricing, scope and other details I first like to have a call to learn more about you, your brand, and your content goals. Think of the call as a brainstorming session where we get to know one another and where I share FREE ideas to grow your business. Ideas you’re free to “steal,” even if we don’t work together. If all goes well on the call, then we can discuss the finer details.

To schedule a call, follow this Calendly link and choose a suitable time. I’ll then send a follow-up email with further details.

7. What Is Your Process?

As soon as we’ve got to know one another over a call, had a chat about your project and agreed on the details, I’ll create an estimate. During these initial stages, I’ll request information on your target audience, buyer personas, content goals, and tone. This helps me craft the content.

Once you’ve approved the estimate, I’ll send an invoice with a request for a 50% deposit. Know that I often waive this deposit later on when we’ve built a stable business relationship.

I then get to work. I formulate a high-level outline in Google Docs and send it to you so that you’re happy with the angle of the article and the content I plan to include. This prevents constant back and forth and any unhappiness over the final product.

Once you’re happy with the outline, I write the article, before sending to you for approval via Google Docs. I will communicate during these early stages if I have any questions and I urge you to do the same.

You have two rounds of revisions, though I find that most of the kinks are ironed out after the first round —especially if we’ve done our work upfront. I then submit the final invoice for the balance, payable within 7 days of submission of the first draft.

8. What Is Your Turnaround Time?

I understand you sometimes have tight timelines and can accommodate you by providing an article within three to four days from request. However, I’m often working on a couple of projects at the same time so prefer a buffer of two weeks. 

This buffer also ensures I give your project the attention it deserves and allows me to let the first draft sit for a few days before returning to it for rewrites and edits.

9. How Do You Accept Payment? 

Either via PayPal, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency. Because I’m based in South Africa, I’ll need to supply a SWIFT code for a bank transfer.

10. Do You Ghostwrite Articles?

Yes, but I prefer a byline as it gives me exposure.

So, there we have it 10 of your most common questions answered. Did I miss any? Feel free to leave any questions and/or comments.

P.S. Here are a few articles I've been reading:

• Content Shock: Why content marketing is not a sustainable strategy
• After Writing 500+ Pieces of Content and Analyzing the Most Popular Content Today, This Is What I Learned About “Engaging Content”
• When you learn about fighting content fatigue you'll never put off blogging again

Nick Darlington is a B2B writer who conceives, writes, and produces engaging website copy, blog posts and lead magnets for technology companies. Notable clients include FreshBooks, TouchBistro, and 7shifts. Visit his website to see how he can help your business.