Ever have those days when you’re just not feeling creative? You know you need to get a couple more blog posts ready to go, you haven’t posted anything new on your socials, or maybe you want to knock out that company newsletter article due next week. Your intentions are good, but you can’t seem to find the time. You might need a content writer.

Or maybe you know what you want to say but you’re not sure exactly how to say it. You’ve got all these ideas but now what? Is this a series or a single article? Can I get more mileage out of this subject? Is my outline too broad/narrow? Maybe you’re unclear about grammar rules and while confident on the topic, you’re simply not a confident writer.  You too might need a content writer. 

A ghostwriter is a professional writer who can produce engaging articles, captions, emails, etc. for you specific to your audience and your needs. This writer should understand your voice so that any content produced sounds like it came directly from your keyboard. They should understand your purpose, audience, and the formats where you will post. Some content writers specialize in materials intended for web use and utilize search engine optimization techniques (SEO). While you might be able to go through a professional writing service for individual projects, knowing and working with a single writer has its advantages. If you use the same writer, your style will be more consistent from one story or piece of writing to the next.  

While it might seem like no one talks about their content or ghostwriters (or in some cases even admit to using one), it’s actually very common in multiple professions. When I was in law school, I was given the opportunity to research and write several briefs covering everything from child custody laws to amicus briefs over health care for different attorneys in the practice. Most lawmakers at the state and national level employ interns who do the bulk of the research and submit papers over what they have learned. Clerks, executive assistants, and administrators are all called on to do some writing for articles, emails, or blogs, when tasks need to be delegated off the boss’s desk. With blogs and social media becoming such an integral part of nearly every profession, more and more professionals are seeking out writers who can turn out content quickly, allowing the “author” to focus on other job-related tasks. 

When I provide content for someone, I do my best to get to know them. I want to hone in on phrases that are unique to their conversations. I want to step into their world for a little while, and write with their authority. I actually find it fun to try on different styles of writing to mimic those who hold very different jobs and titles than I do. I recently wrote a series of internal communications for a company who was rolling out a new corporate structure. They needed talking points, emails, and an article for the newsletter but they themselves were busy with the actual structure changes. After a Teams meeting where I got a feel for the tone and language necessary, I was able to submit several different communication options to which the company then added their own flair. They used the content I provided for different forms of communication over several weeks to keep employees updated on the new structure and changeover process. 

Hiring a content writer doesn’t need to be publicly shared, but it’s not shameful to admit you don’t have the time or inclination to do all of your own writing.  Look for a content writer who gets your voice and understands your audience, someone who can get to know you, and asks questions about your style. After a few projects, a good content writer will develop a list of words and phrases, sentence structures, and resources that are distinctly yours. Understand that rates may vary depending on level of SEO awareness and the amount of research needed if you’re looking for something written as a subject expert. If getting that writing assignment done isn’t going to fit on your schedule, start looking for a ghostwriter who can help you out.