Where to find quality bloggers with seo background for sub contract work

[anthonytjm]

We are growing faster than expected and are in need of bloggers to keep up with updates for a multitude of websites. Where do you guys go to find reputable bloggers who are well versed in seo, social media and creative writing?

We have tried ads locally but are not getting the quality we would like. Any recommendations or suggestions would be appreciated.

[Adam.Whittles]

Unfortunately there are a lot of, shall we say, 'lesser' quality candidates on those sites and you really have to wade through some poor candidates before finding decent writers.

My advice would be to actively search for contractors you would like to use from these sites rather than posting a job offer. If you use an advanced search you should be able to find a quality candidate. You should also be aware that the quality candidates with a very good level of English are likely to charge far more than candidates who's first language is not English.

You could try MyBlogGuest (I use the site quite often to find guest posting opportunities) but you may run into a similar problem there with receiving several candidates with a lower standard of English.

It really depende on whether you require volume or quality. You could potentially have both but this will be very, very expensive. Whereas a candidate with a lower level of English may charge around $8/hour, you may find that a writer with a high standard of English could charge from $20/hour upwards. If you need a large number of articles and a limited budget, then you might have to compromise on the quality somewhat.

[anthonytjm]

Thanks for your replies.

I have tried freelancer and odesk and have not had the response I was hoping for. I received applicants with one profile name, then when I ask questions another foreign name posts up. And they all seem to think seo is offering thousands of inbound links per month with just as outrageous blog posts and social media likes and tweets. All the while the main focus of content writing and blogging that we are looking for gets left on the back porch.

Gotta be a better source of qualified candidates out there.

[Adam.Whittles]

Hi Anthony,

You could try some of the online freelancing sites such as oDesk or Elance. I know you can find experienced bloggers with SEO backgrounds on those sites.

Hope that helps,

Adam.

[MattJanaway]

There are a few places I find useful. I often find the best bloggers by accident via MyBlogGuest but you can also try Elance and Freelancers.

I like to have a few good writers as they all have different writing styles and specialty subjects.

Matt