How to Spot a Seasoned Pro (Not All Freelance Writers Are Equal)

If you want content that drives results, hire a writer who knows what they’re doing.
Not every freelance writer brings the same level of experience. Here's how to tell when you're working with a seasoned pro—and why that experience matters to your bottom line.

Look for a Track Record

Experienced freelance writers often have backgrounds in marketing agencies, in-house teams, or long-term freelance work. They’ve written for a range of clients and industries—and they’ve done it on deadline.

Want to know if a writer’s been around the block? Ask:

• How many years have you been writing for clients?

• What kinds of companies or industries have you written for?

• Do you have examples of similar content you’ve created?

A professional writer should be able to walk you through relevant work, talk clearly about their process, and provide samples or testimonials.

Where to Find the Clues

Check out their website or LinkedIn profile for:

• Writing samples.

• Testimonials.

• Client logos or case studies.

• Years in business or agency experience

No website? That’s not a dealbreaker. But they should still be able to speak confidently about past projects and provide references if needed.

The Discovery Call Tells You a Lot

During your first call, pay attention to the types of questions the writer asks. An experienced freelancer will want to understand:

• Your goals for the project.

• Who your audience is.

• What business results you’re hoping to achieve.

That conversation should feel more like a strategic consult than a quick quote request. If you only get a form and an hourly rate in return, that may be a red flag.

Bonus: Business Know-How

The best freelance writers also bring business-savvy basics to the table. They’ll be familiar with:

• Statements of work and contracts.

• Project timelines and scope.

• Content strategy and SEO fundamentals.

In other words, they’re not just writing. They’re helping your business meet its goals.

TL;DR

Hiring a freelance writer is more than just finding someone who can write. It’s about finding someone who understands how to write for your business—with the strategy, structure, and professionalism to deliver.

In my next post, I’ll cover what you can prepare on your end to get the most out of the relationship (and it’s less work than you might think).

Thanks for reading.