Every once in a while, as I talk to prospective clients, I get asked whether or not I require a byline for the work that I write for them. I always find this an interesting question. It stems from many folks not quite understanding how the freelance industry works and what they are paying for when they hire a content writer. And while bylines are awesome, they’re not a requirement of my agreement to write for a business. The majority of the work I do is ghostwritten.
But, just what is ghostwriting? No, I’m not some supernatural storyteller, though I am sure that would be a pretty cool line of work. Instead, I am someone that businesses hire to write copy for their websites. And they get to take all the credit.
What Does it Mean to Be a Ghostwriter?
Think of it like this. For whatever business you are in, there are certain things that you are better at than others. For example, you might be an amazing salesperson. You know how to uncover objections and help consumers work through those objections to become a customers. Perhaps you are a therapist. You are patient and can listen to your clients as they share their concerns and thoughts with you. You can offer encouragement and healing words and can help them to overcome whatever it is that is getting their way.
There is an example for any business like the couple I shared above. Just as you have some things you might be great at, there is just as strong a likelihood that there are things you are not as great at or that you simply don’t have the time to focus on. And in reality, it’s hard for any one person to be everything to everybody.
When you have gaps in your skill set, you look for resources or other people who can fill those gaps. It’s this very reason that so many business owners turn to marketing and advertising agencies to take their marketing strategy and all tactics off their plates. This frees them up to manage the business’s day-to-day operations and allows them to focus on the things they love to do.
But when it comes to your content, do you really want to tie that work to someone else? Probably not. This is where ghostwriting comes into play. A ghostwriter writes content on behalf of you, from your voice and for your business. And, like I said before, you get to take all the credit.
The Benefits of Hiring a Ghostwriter For Your Business
Businesses hire writers all the time. They might hire a copywriter to write content for their sales pages. And they might hire content writers to help write blogs, articles, case studies, and other informative content for their websites and newsletters. And since content marketing needs to be a big part of your marketing strategy to help your target audience find you, the chances are that you’ll develop long-lasting relationships with the copywriters and content writers you hire.
Not convinced? Here’s why your business can benefit from hiring a ghostwriter.
1. High-Quality Content Tailored to Your Brand
When you hire a ghostwriter, you’re getting someone who knows how to craft content that speaks directly to your audience. These highly skilled content writers bring a polished touch to the words, weaving in your brand’s unique voice. This means the content reflects your business’s style and values, helping your audience feel more connected to you from the very start.
2. Saves You Time and Effort
Running a business can keep you plenty busy, and writing quality content often falls to the bottom of the list. A ghostwriter frees up your time so you can focus on what you love doing most. Instead of spending hours at the keyboard, you can leave the writing to a pro who delivers what you need with minimal input on your end.
3. SEO-Friendly Content that Connects with Your Target Audience
A skilled writer can write content that’s more likely to be found by search engines, helping potential customers discover your business online. They know how to use keywords and phrases naturally, making your content both search-friendly and enjoyable to read. With an experienced content writer, you get that blend of reader-focused and search-savvy writing to support your online visibility.
4. Quick Turnaround Without Compromising Quality
One of the biggest perks of working with a blog writer or copywriter is not having to wait weeks for content. Professional ghostwriters understand that your business needs consistent, timely content, and they’re prepared to keep up with your schedule. Having someone who meets deadlines without sacrificing quality makes it easy to keep your content on track.
5. Adaptable Across Different Content Needs
Whether you need a blog post, a case study, or a series of social media captions, a ghostwriter can handle different types of content. This flexibility means you have one resource for multiple content needs, so your messaging stays consistent across platforms, strengthening your brand’s overall voice and helping you build a cohesive presence online.
How to Find the Best Ghostwriter For Your Business Needs
Though your business can likely benefit from a ghostwriter, it’s important that not all ghostwriters are the same. I highly recommend that you do your due diligence to find someone—or a team of someones—who align with the unique needs of your business. I also encourage you to remember that when you are hiring a ghostwriter, you are hiring them for a specific skill set.
Many writers focus just on the writing. They love to write, and they do it well. So, this means they might not offer some of those extraneous services you are looking for. For example, many ghostwriters write the content for you and then hand it over to you to do with it as you please. You may need to manage the sourcing or images that align with your brand strategy. It may be up to you or your team to post the content to your website. You will very likely need to manage your social media strategy or hire a social media expert to take that content and turn it into bite-sized pieces that your target audience can consume on your various channels.
These are by no means reasons not to hire a certain ghostwriter—quite the contrary. In fact, I don’t typically offer some of these services either. The message here is to make sure you understand what is in scope and what isn’t so you plan accordingly.
Questions to Ask When Finding the Right Ghostwriter
Like I said, not all writers are the same. To find the right one for you and make sure you can supplement your team as needed.
1. Can You Share Examples of Work Similar to What I Need?
Seeing samples of a ghostwriter’s previous work gives you a sense of their style, adaptability, and experience with the type of content you’re looking for. Ask for pieces relevant to your industry or format to make sure they can match your brand’s voice.
2. How Do You Research and Understand My Industry?
A good ghostwriter will have a process for getting to know your business, industry, and audience. Ask them how they approach research to deliver informed content. This insight will show their commitment to producing content that resonates with your readers.
3. How Do You Approach Capturing My Brand’s Voice?
One of the challenges of ghostwriting is sounding like the client. Ask about their approach to capturing your tone, whether it’s through brand guidelines, previous materials, or initial conversations. This question will help you understand their adaptability and attention to detail.
4. What is Your Process for Revisions and Feedback?
It’s natural to want to tweak a draft to fit your vision. Understanding their revision process will prioritize an easy collaboration. Ask how many revisions are included, how feedback is incorporated, and how they handle any needed changes.
5. Can You Work Within My Timeline and Content Calendar Needs?
Deadlines matter, and so does having content ready when you need it. Confirm the ghostwriter’s ability to meet your schedule, whether ongoing content or one-time projects. For example, with just some exceptions, I offer a turnaround time of seven days or less for blogs and simple website content. This means that my clients know when to expect the work. And they’re often pleasantly surprised when I meet or beat the agreed-upon schedule.
Copywriting For You Offers Ghostwriting Services For Your Business
Are you looking for a ghostwriter for your business? I offer ghostwriting services for companies across many industries. From personal finance to health and wellness to pet care and more. Want to learn more? Schedule a free content planning call today.