{"id":40317,"date":"2018-11-06T07:19:45","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T15:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/?p=40317"},"modified":"2022-05-16T14:34:23","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T21:34:23","slug":"content-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/11\/content-team\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build an Effective Content Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\"><p>Content marketing produces three times more leads than paid search. It also generates <a href=\"https:\/\/contentmarketinginstitute.com\/2017\/10\/stats-invest-content-marketing\/\">three times<\/a> more leads than outbound marketing and costs 62% less.<\/p>\n<p>But to truly reap the rewards of great content marketing, you need to have an awesome excellent content team.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f8c854; padding: 10px;\"><strong>Free Actionable Bonus:<\/strong> Looking to outsource your content writing?<span id=\"hiring\" style=\"color: #3366ff; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/07\/finding-vetting-and-hiring-freelance-writers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Get the complete guide to finding, vetting, and hiring freelance writers<\/a><br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"whats-a-content-team\">What\u2019s a Content Team<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A content team is responsible for the ideation, creation, optimization and distribution of your company\u2019s content marketing efforts.<\/p>\n<p>This means your content team needs to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/01\/content-marketing-strategy\/\">develop a content strategy<\/a>, create high-quality content, understand the nuances of creating SEO content, and be creative in how they share and promote content.<\/p>\n<p>While some companies choose to have their entire <a href=\"https:\/\/try.constant-content.com\/build-a-team-of-writers\/\">content team<\/a> in-house, many want to save money by hiring an in-house strategist and outsourcing the rest.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a small business, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/area\/for_self_serve.htm?utm_source=40317&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">agency<\/a>, or big brand, having an effective content team is an integral part of your content marketing success.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"what-are-the-positions-in-a-content-team\">What Are the Positions in a Content Team?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While many businesses will have slight variations on their content teams, there are a few common \u201ccontent positions.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"content-strategist\">Content Strategist<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A content strategist is the mastermind behind all the content. They control the content strategy and how the company will use content marketing to support the broader business goals.<\/p>\n<p>Many businesses will choose to hire a content strategist in-house and outsource the actual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/09\/content-creation-process\/\">content creation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>What to look for in a content strategist:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Understands how to develop a content strategy<\/li>\n<li>Able to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/08\/outsourcing-content-creation\/\">manage a team of writers<\/a>, editors, and designers<\/li>\n<li>Understand the importance of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/05\/how-to-keep-a-consistent-brand-identity-in-content-marketing-campaigns\/\">consistency and branding<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Can find creative ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/03\/content-distribution-strategies\/\">distribute and promote content<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"content-writer\">Content Writer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is the person producing most of your content. Whether it\u2019s an article for the company blog, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/writing-white-papers\/\">white paper<\/a> to support the sales cycle, an update for social media, and any types of written content.<\/p>\n<p>Many companies choose to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/freelance-content-writers\/\">hire freelance content writers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>What to look for a content writer:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>They understand your industry and your customer<\/li>\n<li>They understand SEO and how to produce keyword-rich content<\/li>\n<li>Able to create long-form, informative content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"copywriter\">Copywriter<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/06\/the-differences-between-a-copywriter-content-writer-and-content-strategist\/\">copywriting and content writing aren\u2019t the same thing<\/a>. The easiest distinction is that copywriters aim to persuade whereas content writers aim to inform.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a subtle but key difference. Copywriters are best used for writing ad copy, landing page, email copy, and the sort.<\/p>\n<p>What to look for in a copywriter:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Able to produce short-form copy that is persuasive<\/li>\n<li>Know how to stir emotions through storytelling<\/li>\n<li>Able to write text that is clear and concise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Looking to hire a copywriter? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/seo-copywriting-services\/\">copywriting service<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"content-editor\">Content Editor<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A content editor is responsible for making sure every piece of content is error-free and on-brand. Everything from tone, to style, to word choice will fall under the editor\u2019s umbrella.<\/p>\n<p>The importance of an editor shouldn\u2019t be underestimated. The competition is steep in content marketing, so errors in your content can be very costly.<\/p>\n<p>What to look for in a content editor:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>High attention to detail<\/li>\n<li>Understand your brand and company tone<\/li>\n<li>Strong communication skills to educate writers on how they can improve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"graphic-designer\">Graphic Designer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Visual content is also a crucial part of your content strategy. That\u2019s why many content teams include a graphic designer.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"how-to-build-an-effective-content-team\">How to Build an Effective Content Team<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"1-hire-a-content-strategist\">1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hire a content strategist<\/span><\/h3>\n<blockquote style=\"border-left: 2px solid; padding: 15px;\"><p><strong><em>73% of organizations<\/em><\/strong><em> have someone overseeing their content strategy. (<u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iab.net\/media\/file\/B2BResearch2014.pdf\">CMI, 2014<\/a><\/u>)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The most important role on your content team is the strategist that orchestrates all the other moving part.<\/p>\n<p>If content marketing is going to be successful, it needs to speak to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/12\/target-audience\/\">specific audience<\/a> about a particular need. Having someone dedicated to building and implementing a content strategy will ensure all of your content marketing efforts support your overall business goals.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"2-start-with-a-strategy\">2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Start with a strategy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before you start hiring writers, nail down your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/01\/content-marketing-strategy\/\">content strategy<\/a> first. That\u2019s because your plan is going to influence the type and number of writers you need to hire.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, having a documented content strategy will help new writers understand how your company uses content marketing, why it matters to the brand, and the target audience they are writing for.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, it\u2019s going to result in higher quality content.<\/p>\n<h6><span id=\"irp-posts7893-namehow-to-build-a-content-marketing-strategy\">[irp posts=&#8221;7893&#8243; name=&#8221;How to Build a Content Marketing Strategy&#8221;]<\/span><\/h6>\n<h3><span id=\"3-find-and-hire-great-writers\">3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Find and hire great writers<\/span><\/h3>\n<blockquote style=\"border-left: 2px solid; padding: 15px;\"><p><strong><em>64% of B2B marketers outsource writing. (<\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.toprankblog.com\/2014\/05\/b2b-content-marketing-statistics-2014\/\"><strong>TopRankBlog<\/strong><\/a><strong>)<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>With so much content published online every day, you need to find a way to stand out \u2013 and nothing speaks louder than well-written, useful content.<\/p>\n<p>But when the bar is so high, you can\u2019t afford to have a mediocre writer producing your content. Instead, consider hiring one or more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/freelance-content-writers\/\">professional freelance writers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Working with talented writers ensures you\u2019ll get quality content that drives meaningful results.<\/p>\n<p>Reading Recommendation<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/10\/places-to-hire-writers\/\">The 8 Best Places to Hire Freelance Writers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/07\/finding-vetting-and-hiring-freelance-writers\/\">The Step-by-Step Guide to Finding, Vetting, and Hiring Freelance Writers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/blog-writing-service\/?utm_source=40317&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-48167 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cc-west-blog-assets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Blog-Banner-Content-Writers-New.jpg\" alt=\"Blog-Banner-Content-Writers-New\" width=\"890\" height=\"251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cc-west-blog-assets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Blog-Banner-Content-Writers-New.jpg 890w, https:\/\/cc-west-blog-assets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Blog-Banner-Content-Writers-New-300x85.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cc-west-blog-assets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Blog-Banner-Content-Writers-New-768x217.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cc-west-blog-assets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Blog-Banner-Content-Writers-New-50x14.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"4-manage-your-content-team-effectively\">4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Manage your content team effectively<\/span><\/h3>\n<blockquote style=\"border-left: 2px solid; padding: 15px;\"><p><strong><em>44% of marketers say content production is their #1 challenge. (<\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inc.com\/sujan-patel\/10-statistics-about-content-marketing-in-2016-you-won-t-believe.html\"><strong>LookBookHQ<\/strong><\/a><strong>)<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Your job isn\u2019t finished once you\u2019ve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/freelance-content-writers\/\">hired writers<\/a>. At this point, it\u2019s about managing your team, so you get their best output.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few tips to help you manage writers.<\/p>\n<h4><span id=\"1-ask-for-writer-samples\">1. Ask for Writer Samples<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>As well as reading their biographies and finding out each writer\u2019s key areas of interest, it\u2019s a good idea to ask for a writing sample to see if you like their style.<\/p>\n<p>If you run a niche company, look for writers with experience in your industry; they can create the high-level content you need. However, bear in mind that many writers have the skill to research and write about a range of topics, so keep an open mind.<\/p>\n<h4><span id=\"2-provide-instructions\">2. Provide Instructions<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Even the best content writers are only as good as the instructions they receive. Make sure you\u2019re specific about each project, outlining your overall goals, the word count, subject, keywords, target audience, and tone of voice.<\/p>\n<p>When a freelance writer understands what you\u2019re looking for, you\u2019re more likely to be happy with the results. Don\u2019t be too specific though; writing that has to adhere to a very strict outline can sound robotic.<\/p>\n<p>[irp posts=&#8221;27953&#8243; name=&#8221;The Complete Guide to Outsourcing Content Creation&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span id=\"3-provide-resources\">3. Provide Resources<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Who are your competitors? Are there any websites or blogs that suit your style? Perhaps there are specific articles that relate to your topic. All of this information can be incredibly helpful to any writer.<\/p>\n<p>Good freelance writers will do most of the research, but giving them some pointers can help them deliver better content more quickly.<\/p>\n<h4><span id=\"4-communicate-clearly\">4. Communicate Clearly<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Keeping lines of communication open is key to getting the best results from your writers. Giving instructions and following up with comments is all part of building better relationships with your writers. Having a record of past conversations also helps to avoid ambiguity going forward.<\/p>\n<h4><span id=\"5-provide-feedback\">5. Provide Feedback<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Even though your team is based remotely, you should still treat writers with the same respect as you would treat employees working in your office. Positive feedback is always appreciated and will encourage every writer to deliver quality content in the future.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"5-hire-diverse-skill-sets\">5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hire diverse skill sets<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the biggest advantages of building a content team is that you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/freelance-content-writers\/\">hire writers<\/a> with diverse skill sets.<\/p>\n<p>By hiring diverse writers, you\u2019re able to pick the best writer for each project.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you can give the long, in-depth pieces to the writer on your team with the best technical writing skills. Or let the writer with the strongest copywriting skills write your sales copy.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to look for diversity not only in terms of their writing skills but also their industry expertise.<\/p>\n<p>Having one or two writers with lots of industry knowledge on the team is ideal for creating thought-leadership pieces, but these writers tend to cost more and may not be needed for simpler content.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"6-create-a-style-guide\">6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Create a style guide<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Consistency is an underappreciated principle in content marketing.<\/p>\n<p>Part of building a relationship with your readers is having a consistent and authentic personality in every piece of content or campaign.<\/p>\n<p>Part of that personality comes across in the tone of your content, the design and even simple word choices.<\/p>\n<p>Having a style guide helps everyone on your content team deliver a consistent message about your company and brand.<\/p>\n<p>Are you ready to <a href=\"https:\/\/try.constant-content.com\/build-a-team-of-writers\/\">build a team of writers<\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Content marketing produces three times more leads than paid search. It also generates three times more leads than outbound marketing and costs 62% less. But to truly reap the rewards of great content marketing, you need to have an awesome excellent content team. Free Actionable Bonus: Looking to outsource your&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/11\/content-team\/\">Continue Reading <span class=\"icon icon-circle-chevron-right\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":40327,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1323,1937],"tags":[312,1313,136],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v15.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Build an Effective Content Team - Constant Content<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.constant-content.com\/content-writing-service\/2018\/11\/content-team\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Build an Effective Content Team - Constant Content\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Content marketing produces three times more leads than paid search. 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