19 Practical Tips for Outsourcing Long-Form Content That Actually Ranks

Finding writers who can produce long-form content that ranks well in search results is one of the trickiest parts of running a content marketing operation. You need people who understand SEO, write naturally for humans, and can research topics thoroughly without constant hand-holding. This list is for business owners, marketing managers, and anyone who needs to scale their content production without sacrificing quality. You’ll find actionable advice on where to find these writers, how to vet them properly, and what to look for in each platform to ensure you get content that performs.

Start with Legiit and Use Their Filtering System
Legiit offers a marketplace built specifically for digital marketing services, including SEO-focused content writers. The platform lets you filter by service type, price range, and seller ratings, which makes it easier to find writers who specialize in ranking content rather than generic copywriting. Look for sellers who mention specific niches or industries in their profiles, as these specialists typically understand search intent better than generalists. Many writers on Legiit also include content samples and case studies, so you can review their work before committing to a project.
Request Writing Samples That Match Your Topic
Before hiring anyone, always ask for samples in your specific niche or industry. A writer who excels at tech content might struggle with healthcare topics, and vice versa. Pay attention to how they structure their articles, whether they use subheadings effectively, and if their writing flows naturally. Good ranking content balances keyword usage with readability, so if a sample feels stuffed with keywords or reads awkwardly, move on to the next candidate.
Test with a Single Article Before Bulk Orders
Never commit to ten articles with a new writer before seeing how they handle one. Order a single piece first and evaluate it against your standards for research depth, formatting, and SEO optimization. This test run also reveals how well they follow instructions, meet deadlines, and communicate during revisions. One trial article costs far less than discovering quality issues after you’ve paid for a dozen subpar pieces.
Create a Detailed Content Brief Template
The quality of your output depends heavily on the quality of your input. Build a standard brief template that includes target keywords, search intent, required word count, subheading suggestions, and any must-include points. Add examples of competitor articles you want to outrank and explain what makes them strong or weak. A solid brief reduces back-and-forth revisions and helps writers deliver what you actually need on the first submission.
Look for Writers Who Ask Questions
Writers who ask clarifying questions before starting are usually more invested in quality than those who just say yes to everything. If a writer asks about your target audience, the goal of the content, or specific formatting preferences, that’s a good sign they’re thinking strategically. Writers who never push back or seek clarification might be churning out generic content without considering your actual needs.
Check If They Understand Search Intent
Ranking content requires matching what searchers actually want when they type a query. Ask potential writers to explain the difference between informational, commercial, and transactional intent. Have them analyze a few keywords from your list and describe what type of content would rank best for each. Writers who understand this concept will naturally create content that satisfies both search engines and readers.
Verify They Can Handle Research-Heavy Topics
Long-form content that ranks well typically includes thorough research, data, and credible sources. Ask writers how they approach research and what sources they typically use. Request that they include citations or links to studies in their drafts. Writers who rely only on their existing knowledge or who scrape surface-level information from the first page of Google rarely produce content that stands out enough to rank.
Set Clear Expectations for Turnaround Time
Quality long-form content takes time to research, write, and polish. Be realistic about deadlines and communicate your timeline upfront. A 3,000-word well-researched article typically requires several days, not several hours. Rushing writers often results in shallow content that won’t compete with established articles. Build buffer time into your content calendar so you’re not pressuring writers to sacrifice quality for speed.
Use Upwork’s Filters for SEO-Specific Skills
Upwork allows you to filter freelancers by specific skills like SEO writing, content strategy, and keyword research. When posting a job, be explicit about needing writers who understand on-page SEO and can write for search engines without sounding robotic. Review profiles for mentions of ranking results or organic traffic growth, and check their portfolio for articles that actually appear in search results. The platform’s work history and client feedback provide useful context about reliability and quality.
Ask About Their Keyword Integration Method
How a writer handles keywords reveals a lot about their SEO knowledge. Ask them to explain their approach to using primary and secondary keywords throughout an article. Good writers will mention natural placement in headings, early paragraphs, and throughout the body without forcing awkward phrasing. If they talk about keyword density percentages or stuffing keywords everywhere, they’re stuck in outdated SEO practices that can actually hurt your rankings.
Review How They Structure Headings
Proper heading hierarchy helps both readers and search engines understand your content. Check if writers use H2s for main sections, H3s for subsections, and so on in a logical order. Well-structured articles are easier to scan, keep readers engaged longer, and signal topical relevance to search algorithms. Ask for a sample outline before the full article to ensure they plan structure thoughtfully rather than just writing in one long block.
Confirm They Write for Humans First
Content that ranks well satisfies real people, not just algorithms. Read samples aloud to hear if they sound natural or awkwardly optimized. Good SEO content answers questions thoroughly, uses conversational language, and provides genuine value. If you find yourself confused or bored while reading a sample, your audience will feel the same way. Search engines increasingly reward content that keeps readers engaged, so prioritize writers who balance optimization with readability.
Establish a Revision Policy Upfront
Clarify how many rounds of revisions are included in your agreement and what qualifies as a revision versus a scope change. Most professional writers include one or two rounds of reasonable edits. Be specific about what you’ll review for, such as factual accuracy, tone consistency, and adherence to the brief. Clear revision expectations prevent frustration on both sides and keep projects moving forward efficiently.
Pay Attention to Their Communication Style
How a writer communicates during the hiring process often reflects how they’ll communicate during projects. Look for prompt, professional responses that address your questions directly. Writers who disappear for days, give vague answers, or seem defensive about feedback will likely cause headaches during actual work. Good communication makes collaboration smoother and leads to better final products.
Check Contently for Industry Specialists
Contently focuses on connecting brands with experienced journalists and professional writers who have subject matter expertise. The platform vets its writers and often attracts people with backgrounds in specific industries. This makes it useful when you need content in technical or regulated fields where accuracy matters as much as SEO. The writers here typically charge more than general freelancers, but the quality and reliability often justify the investment for important content.
Request a Plagiarism Report with Submissions
Make it standard practice to require writers to run their work through plagiarism checkers before submission. This protects you from duplicate content penalties and ensures you’re getting original work. Most professional writers already do this, but stating the requirement upfront sets clear expectations. Tools like Copyscape or Grammarly’s plagiarism checker work well for this purpose.
Evaluate Their Understanding of Content Length
Writers who understand SEO know that word count matters for competitive topics. Ask how they determine appropriate article length and whether they research competing content before writing. Good writers will mention analyzing top-ranking articles to see what depth of coverage is needed to compete. They should also understand that hitting a word count with fluff is counterproductive, and that every section should add real value.
Use ProBlogger Job Board for Experienced Bloggers
ProBlogger’s job board attracts writers who specifically focus on blog content and understand the nuances of writing for online audiences. When posting here, be clear about your SEO requirements and ranking goals. Many writers on this platform have their own successful blogs, which means they understand what it takes to attract and retain readers. Review their personal sites to see if they practice what they preach about quality content.
Build Long-Term Relationships with Proven Writers
Once you find writers who consistently deliver quality work, invest in keeping them. Long-term writers learn your brand voice, understand your audience better over time, and require less oversight on each project. Consider offering regular work, prompt payment, and fair rates to retain good talent. The time and money you save by not constantly vetting new writers adds up quickly, and consistent writers help maintain quality across your content library.

Outsourcing content that actually ranks requires more than just finding someone who can write. You need writers who understand SEO fundamentals, can research thoroughly, and write naturally for human readers while satisfying search algorithms. By implementing these practical tips, you’ll filter out low-quality providers and build relationships with writers who help your content perform. Start small with test articles, refine your brief template based on what works, and invest in the writers who prove they can deliver. Quality content takes effort to produce, but the organic traffic and authority it builds make that effort worthwhile.