Questions to ask before commissioning ongoing content

The biggest mistake businesses make when commissioning ongoing content is assuming the relationship will work itself out. They sign up, hand over a topic list, and hope the writer understands their voice, audience and goals without ever spelling them out. Then three months in, they're disappointed with what arrives and unsure how to fix it. The real fix starts before the first word lands.

A content partnership only works if both sides are clear on what success looks like and how you'll get there. That clarity comes from asking the right questions—and listening carefully to how the writer answers. This isn't about grilling someone; it's about building trust on honest terms.

Questions that reveal how they actually work

Start by asking: "Walk me through your process for a typical assignment." A strong answer will mention research, a draft stage where you can give feedback, and a revision round or two. An evasive answer—"I just write"—signals they're not set up for collaboration. Good writers know that ongoing content for a real business isn't a spray-and-pray exercise; it's iterative.

Next: "How do you approach a topic you haven't written about before?" Listen for specifics. Do they ask you for reference materials, competitor examples, or key points that matter most? Do they say they'll do their own research? Either can work, but vagueness here often means they'll skip the digging and hand you surface-level stuff. A reliable answer includes how they'd fact-check and who they'd ask if they got stuck.

Then ask: "What do you need from me to get started?" The list should include style examples (previous articles, brand guides, tone samples), who the audience is, what you want the content to do (educate, convert, build trust), and any topics or angles you want them to avoid. If they don't ask for these things, they're not thinking seriously about your brand.

Another key one: "How often will you send me drafts, and when can I give feedback?" Ongoing content needs rhythm. Are they turning work around weekly, fortnightly, monthly? Is there a fixed day each week when you see a draft? Do revisions come back within a set timeframe? Vague timelines breed frustration. Clear ones protect both of you.

What to ask about continuity and standards

Since this is ongoing, ask: "How will you keep consistency across multiple pieces over time?" A thoughtful answer mentions keeping notes on your style preferences, recurring phrases you like, topics they've already covered for you, and maybe a shared document where those standards live. Someone who says "each piece stands alone" might miss the forest—your content should feel like it comes from the same voice and strategy.

Also ask: "What happens if I'm not happy with a piece after revisions?" You need to know whether they'll do another round, when they'd stop, and how disputes are handled. A professional writer will have a clear policy ("Up to two revisions are included; further rounds are billed separately" or "I keep working until you're satisfied"). Silence on this is a red flag.

Finally: "Can you give me examples of ongoing work you've done for other clients?" They don't need to break confidentiality, but they should be able to show you a series of 3–4 pieces they've written for someone in a similar space. This tells you whether they can sustain quality, adapt their voice, and stick with a brand for the long haul.

Write down their answers. Not to be adversarial, but so you can refer back to what was promised and remember what matters most to you. Then, when the first few pieces arrive, you'll know whether this person works the way they said—and whether the partnership is worth building on. Verification and clear onboarding matter hugely in content work. Finding a writer who is transparent about their methods and open to your feedback is half the battle. You can discover vetted content writers on Strove and check their portfolios and reviews before you commit to an ongoing arrangement.