Outsourcing content creation can be scary because you worry that it’s hard for another person to capture your voice, or show the same judgement as you.

For many busy organizations, this fear results in inertia, and worse, overwork as you try to get everything done yourself. Content suffers.

Here are a few ways to get help before your content turns to mush, like your overworked brain:

Find the right person

The best way to ease your mind is to hire a professional, someone whose content you already admire. Read their writing samples carefully and see if they write in the same tone that you do. If you’re in a technical industry, hiring someone who also knows your industry jargon can be helpful, although I think it’s more important to hire a good writer. Jargon can be learned.

Talk to them in person

Once you’ve identified two or three candidates, interview them on the phone. Ask about their availability, the content channels that they create for (do they handle social as well?), their fee structure. A professional content creator will be happy to provide a free consultation, and should ask lots of questions of you as well, about your audience, about any branding you might have in place and about your goals for the content.

Onboard at a pace that’s comfortable

If you’re still concerned, set up as many approvals as you need to be comfortable. Professional content creators will take it on themselves to study your channels, reading through your back catalogue of blog posts or social posts to get a sense of your rhythm and things you post about. Don’t hesitate to start with detailed outlines and even snippets to help them along, relinquishing as you see that they are getting your brand voice without your involvement.