Outsourced Content Creation: Mastering Client Interviews & Overcoming Main Pitfalls

Being an outsourced content writer isn't just about crafting words; it’s about mastering the art of communication and extracting the gold from client interviews. The magic of creating content that resonates and goes viral lies in the synergy between the client’s vision and the content writer’s creativity.

At the heart of our approach at ModumUp - Social Selling for B2B Up is the commitment to regular touchpoints with our clients. Our interviews aren't just meetings; they're opportunities to dive deep into the essence of our client's brands, ensuring the content remains authentic and vibrant across all platforms, including LinkedIn. As a content creator, my role involves extracting valuable insights from these interactions, which can sometimes present challenges.

Let's get straight to the point—tackling the challenges of client interviews. Here’s how I've turned potential pitfalls into opportunities for growth:

1.???? Breaking the Ice with the Quiet Types

Encountering clients who are less than eager to share can be a common hurdle. Being interviewed tends to have a negative connotation, sometimes, because it assumes being prepared to share some personal information, which is inevitable in personal brand building. That’s why I try to call them “Interviews” as little as possible just to relieve the tension beforehand.?

So, not every person will be open to immediately start sharing with enthusiasm and eagerness. Some of them are not even there to talk at all - and that’s my favorite type of challenge.

Approach:?

• Understanding Communication Styles: Remember, everyone has their unique style of communication. Don't take initial reticence personally; it's just human nature.
• Gradual Questioning: Begin conversations with a single, focused topic. Avoid overwhelming with too many questions at once, allowing the dialogue to unfold naturally.
• Emphasize Collaboration: If openness is a challenge, steer the conversation towards the mutual goal of crafting a compelling content strategy. Highlight the interview's role in this collaborative effort.
• Exercise Patience: It may take time until it becomes a fine routine. Approach each interaction with patience, acknowledging that progress might be gradual but will eventually lead to more open communication.

2.???? Winning Trust for Your Ideas

Not every idea will land immediately, and that’s perfectly fine. It reflects the collaborative nature of our work. Skepticism, misunderstandings or differing visions on content strategies and formats are common, particularly with clients new to contemporary marketing trends.

Approach:?

Remember, creating content for clients involves building a certain level of connection; it's not just about writing. Never underestimate the importance of trust between you and the client in collaborative work—it's the key to success.

• Embrace the Challenge: Don't let initial mistrust or hesitation deter you after sharing your idea. Recognize that while a client's wishes are paramount, their ultimate interests and goals are equally important. Advocate for their needs, even if they don't fully grasp the path to their own goals. Stand your ground and fight for your ideas.
• Seek Understanding: Determine the root of the client's resistance. Is the idea not to their taste, or are they unfamiliar with the nuances of the strategy you propose? It's okay if they're not experts—that's what you're there for. Your role is to dispel any misconceptions and clarify the strategy.
• Provide Solid Justification: Be ready to explain how your idea benefits the overall strategy. Whether it's improving profile engagement, increasing likes and followers, or building trust with their audience, articulate the advantages clearly. Demonstrating how an idea can showcase their expertise is also crucial.
• Use Real Cases to Examplify: Support your arguments with tangible examples. Showcasing profiles that have successfully implemented similar strategies and the results achieved can be compelling. Use evidence from competitors or others in the same industry to illustrate the potential for success. This not only validates your idea but also illustrates its practicality and effectiveness.

3.???? Empowering the Hesitant Voices

Stepping into the social media limelight isn't for everyone, especially those new to the scene. As a result, they may lack the confidence to contribute valuable ideas, leading you to perceive a passive attitude on their part.

I take it upon myself to be both guide and cheerleader, helping clients find their voice and the confidence to use it. After all, every person has a story worth sharing—it’s just a matter of coaxing it out into the open.

Approach:

• Building Trust from the Start: Establishing a solid relationship with your client early on is key. This foundation allows you to tailor the content strategy and structure your interviews and brainstorming sessions more effectively. Often, clients will hint at their comfort level with social media in the initial meeting. Use this as an opportunity to engage further by inquiring about their relationship with social media as an ice-breaker.
• Unlocking Potential: Remember, not everyone starts as an influencer or social media expert, yet everyone holds the potential to excel in this space. This potential is rooted in the unique life and professional experiences that make us stand out. If a client expresses hesitation about engaging online, see it as your role to guide them gently towards sharing. Discover topics they are passionate about or achievements they're proud of; often, those least confident in sharing have the most valuable insights.
• Patience and Exploration: The goal is not to mimic the client's usual online persona but to help them discover an authentic voice that resonates. Experiment with various content formats and strategies, testing different approaches until you find what works best. This process takes time and patience but is crucial for developing a strategy that truly reflects the client's identity and goals.

Wrapping Up: Making Client Interviews Work

Mastering client interviews is a key part of being an outsourced content creator. It's all about getting on the same page with your clients, earning their trust, and helping them feel comfortable to share their ideas. This isn't always easy, but with the right approach, we can turn any interview challenge into a chance for better content. Remember, it's about teamwork - combining what the client knows with our creativity to make something great.

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