If you’re one of the few businesses with an advanced website, that is, you blog, you post new information, then most likely you may have a part time copywriter.

If you have recently begun searching for a freelance copywriter, here are few things we picked up when it came to finding a competent, affordable one.

1. Consider the cost of living in your area. Chicago, Southern California, Manhattan and the D.C. areas are not cheap places to live. Think Boise, Idaho, Tennessee, or Missouri. While this may not guarantee quality work, or the most affordable content, its a great place to begin. For a list of selected cities, visit this site

2. (For Lawyers) Most law schools have an online job postings. Seek out a writer with a Journalism or English background. Just be sure to remind them that the constant pounding of “legalese” into their brains is not to be transcribed to paper, which may only confuse or intimidate readers. For other industries look for a trade publication, a college club or organization.

3. Writing for the web is different then standard text. On the web we can immediately change from one website to the next of the same topic in a matter of seconds. For this reason, the writing must be concise and “scannable”, with good formatting for the user to browse.

4. Educate yourself on writing for the web. This will only protect you in the long run if you know what good vs bad writing looks like. Check out this book by Gerry McGovern , Killer Web Content . Its an easy read and an excellent reference tool. Skimming cover to cover you could have a very good understanding of web writing within 2 hours.

5. Skim (or read) the content posted. Know what is being said on your site, and check to be sure there are no rules (such as rules of the Bar for lawyers) being infringed upon. If there is an opinion in the article or content, be sure that you share that opinion and that it is not so ludicrous that it would send readers (or customers) away from your website.

Cheers, and go get em,

The Obu Team