Content editors are the unsung heroes of any website, bringing life to pages with captivating content. They ensure that visitors are attracted and entertained by creating captivating text that provides value and helps keep people coming back time and time again.
Despite their pivotal role in maintaining your website's SEO and visitor experience, few take advantage of this opportunity for success. When choosing a suitable editor for your venture, it is crucial to select one who has demonstrated proficiency in these ten essential areas.
1. Find a Content Editor
The first step, of course, is to identify a suitable candidate. In addition to checking their work and credentials, be sure to evaluate the applicants' portfolio - this should provide ample evidence for their competence as an editor.
A content expert or writer who has extensive experience, proven skills and published pieces on similar topics are all signs of a competent hire.
2. Make Sure They’re a Reporter
Unlike writers, who cover subjects of their own accord and in their own way, reporters are responsible for producing high-quality content from start to finish - from finding sources to crafting articles of various formats.
That said, it is essential that a reporter possesses an inquisitive nature and be able to craft compelling narratives based on their knowledge. If you're seeking a content editor who can create captivating blog posts or other types of content, it's highly advisable that they're proficient in gathering information!
Not a Writer
If you're seeking a seasoned content editor, there's no need to hire someone who has extensive writing experience. All that matters is their ability to comprehend your message and craft relevant content that can be effectively shared across social media channels or published on an e-book or website.
For avid writers, don't despair! You can find new skills by enrolling in an online course or attending workshops led by industry professionals.
3. Define the Content Goals
Your company's goal with the content you create should be pretty straightforward by now. This is an opportunity to offer value to your audience.
What are you hoping to achieve? Do you want customers to be more inclined towards making a purchase or reach out for a live chat session? Or perhaps garnering new leads and securing repeat business - these are all worthy ends that can be attained via exceptional quality blog posts!
Gather all of your objectives in one place, so as to expedite the process. Be sure to keep them up-to-date as well - after all, things can change over time!
4. Check Their References
Candidly, there's very little to gauge the veracity of a candidate. Unless you can confirm that someone has worked with them before and was satisfied with the job they performed - then all one can do is trust their word!
If your team is conducting initial phone interviews using validated phone numbers, it should be possible for potential candidates to provide pertinent information about former colleagues' skill sets. If this isn't feasible - perhaps due to the size of your operation - don't hesitate in checking references during an in-person chat!
5. Set Up a Content Checklist Before Interviews
To establish a baseline for your interview process, it is prudent to create a checklist. This can help you assess candidates more proficiently as well as expedite the hiring process.
First, be sure to complete these five questions:
Are you investing in quality content?
Are you utilizing content management and marketing strategies? Are you obtaining valuable insights from them? Are you utilizing an editorial calendar to plan the dissemination of information on a regular basis? Are you employing a team of editors who can craft and produce masterpiece pieces?
6. Hire for Passion
Curiosity and enthusiasm are important prerequisites for content editors. No one wants to work with someone who's just going through the motions; they should be someone who is genuinely excited about their role. Look for somebody who exudes a passion for data, research and knowledge creation!
Believe it or not, there are subjects in which some individuals are simply more passionate than others. It all depends on who you're talking with: Some people love writing about finance, while others have an affinity for consumer goods - let your needs guide you throughout your hiring process when selecting those who will best fulfill them. If you take the time to understand what makes each individual tick and then select accordingly - chances are that content editing will prove to be quite a breeze!
Not Skills
You need to pay attention not only to the skills a potential candidate possesses, but also their degree of experiential expertise.
Don't get me wrong. You should be wary of anyone who claims to have 'enough experience' in order to get their foot inside the door - at all costs!
Experience alone does not make a proficient content editor, and it's imperative that you look beyond skill sets when seeking out candidates.
7. Ask About Tools and Languages
Though a content editor should be familiar with the tools and languages used on a site, it is advisable for you to inquire about those as well. Not only will this provide insight into their proficiency level but could also yield insights into your site's development process.
Alternatively, if it's revealed that they are proficient in both Python and WordPress respectively - this may signify that they possess knowledge of how to construct websites that incorporate these tools.
8. Check Out Job Openings in Your Field
There may be no better way to uncover job openings than by searching for them. After all, content marketing is not an industry that is exempt from constant evolution and turnover. If there are few open positions in your field, chances are high they will remain vacant; thus making it essential to quickly assess any openings that arise!
If you're seeking employment opportunities in the digital marketing space, our recruitment division can assist you with effective sourcing strategies.
9. Bonus Tip: Check Their Work History
We do not advocate that hiring managers take shortcuts when it comes to screening applicants' past experience and qualifications. At times, however - such as with this question - it can be prudent to investigate just how committed one might be to their envisioned role prior to applying.
When assessing a prospective content editor's work history, be sure to evaluate the individuals who were assigned to each position. Are they experienced? Were they involved in any noteworthy projects which demonstrate past success? How extensive has their experience been with building complex websites or leading online communities?
Conclusion
To ensure that your content remains on point, it's crucial to enlist the aid of an editor. Whether you're composing a blog post or crafting an email, this assistance can help provide greater cohesion in your marketing strategy!
