Two years ago or so, I began to realize the immense value in outsourcing portions of the marketing to other service providers.
For example, when I first arrived on the web, I was handling every aspect of article distribution for my clients; writing the articles, researching the best places to submit them, and then opening new article accounts.
As my client base grew, I learned that this was not the best use of my time. So I gradually began assigning portions of the work to others who specialized in this area so I could focus strictly on the writing. My clients are aware that I do this; it pleases them, because their work gets done faster.
Another area that I outsource is Wordpress blog development. I know my way around, but when it comes to the heavy tech stuff, sometimes I’m like a stick of dynamite back there. It just makes so much more sense to have a real pro do the fine-tuning instead of me mucking around causing explosions.
An example: last week my client asked me to have a signup form automatically appear in new posts that he writes. I had no idea how to do that or even if it could be done. But my Blog VA knew, and quickly made it happen. I wrote the copy for the lead-in; she pasted in the form code. Everybody wins!
Now, I’ve branched out to have other writers team up on the copywriting with me.
I only do this for select clients who outsource a full load of marketing work to me each month and need backup. What I’ll do is have the other writer do a draft of, say, an article - and then I go back in and change the “voice” to match my client’s. Then, depending on the type of article it is, I might weave in a very subtle “soft sell.”
Finally, I’ll insert those little details that “you would only know about if you’ve worked with someone for a long time.”
This works out well for everyone involved. And it was inevitable; I’ve been a copywriter for 12 years and managed an online business for five. I was beginning to feel creatively stunted always working alone. Sometimes you really need another pair of eyes/set of typing fingers to keep the juices flowing.
In an upcoming article, I plan to talk about how outsourcing has taught me to see things through my clients’ eyes.
Have any stories of double outsourcing to share with the Wordfeeder? Leave a comment below.
- Dina at Wordfeeder.com Copywriting and Marketing
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3 responses so far ↓
I can definitely see your point about outsourcing. You’re providing your clilents with a one-stop solution to their marketing needs and that’s a valuable service that I’m sure they’re willing to pay handsomely for. However it sounds as if you’re becoming more of a project manager than anything else, which is fine if that’s the direction you want to go in.
I would definitely consider outsourcing technical stuff that I just don’t know how to do, but not my writing.
sorry, can’t type today. CLIENTS
Hi Mike.
Outsourcing the writing becomes necessary when client work keeps on pouring in but your mind has begun to crisp around the edges. As long as you’re honest about it, it’s not really a problem. Most clients just want to get the work done.
I can tell by your blog posts that you’re still “fresh.” Your ideas are nice and firm. You’re right; someone like you would not need to outsource the writing, no.
It’s funny how much you can pick up about someone just by reading their blog. Sometimes I see writers (even famous ones) looking desperate with their copy. They’re all, “Learn to write copy that hits like a tsunami!”
You can tell they’re either hurting for sales or just have drank too much of the Kool-Aid.
It’s easy to say that you’d never outsource the writing *now,* at the place where you are. But I always do that in my life (say I’d never do something), and I always turn out to be wrong.
-Crispy