Cost. Many freelancers are very affordable and provide their services for a fraction of the cost of an employee. This is because freelance work is typically very competitive and the marketplace is very fluid—there is little job security, and a freelancer must prove themselves with each and every job. Competition drives down price. Also, remember that you won’t be paying benefits, providing office space, or purchasing equipment for a freelancer. As your marketing and public relations budget shrinks, a freelancer may be a great value.

Timeliness. Oftentimes, freelancers can turn work around quickly, especially if they are between assignments. Moreover, freelancers are used to working nights, weekends and holidays, so that big job that has to be done by Monday morning may not be a problem when it’s assigned to a freelancer Friday afternoon.

Expertise. A good freelancer is a highly qualified professional. Good writers know how to research, interview, analyze, compile information and put it all together in a creative, compelling way. In addition, a good freelancer is steadfast, resourceful and flexible. These skills are essential because freelancers are always auditioning for their next paying job. Remember, just because someone is a freelancer doesn’t mean they’re less qualified. Most freelancers prefer being their own bosses and enjoy a career that lets them set their own hours. They bring skills as good as, even better than, a full-time employee, because they are constantly honing them in the rough-and-tumble free market.

Background. Freelancers come from a diverse and varied background. Because they work with so many different kinds of clients, they have to be comfortable in a wide variety of industries and with subjects they know nothing about. They are fast learners, quick on their feet, and may bring a unique perspective to your company and its needs. Freelancers won’t have the “blinders” that your employees may have after years at the company, and won’t be “too close to the subject” to offer fresh ideas and insight.

Freedom. If you’re a company owner or manager, it’s unlikely that your job description includes “annual report writer,” “white paper editor,” or any of the other tasks you may suddenly find yourself doing. And it’s doubtful that you have the time or inclination to master the latest edition of the Associated Press Style Guide. Hiring a freelancer allows you to focus on what’s most important about your job—results and the bottom line—while turning over technical duties to a competent and experienced professional.

The case for freelancers is clear. The only question is: why aren’t you using more of them? Call Trade Press Services today. We have a stable of talented freelance writers ready to tackle your next project.

Why place your company’s message in a trade publication—a magazine or periodical targeted to a specific industry? Fair question—and you’ll like the answer.

Editorial content—a fancy name for articles, as opposed to advertising—has many advantages over other forms of publicity. The first is shelf life. Display advertising in a magazine, e-mails and mailed promotional materials have very short shelf lives. At best, a display ad in a magazine lasts 30 to 60 days, depending on the publication. Printed promotional materials may stick around a day or two, or get placed in a filing cabinet for “future reference.” E-mails have the shortest shelf life, if they even get past your target’s spam filter.

In contrast, editorial content is forever. Trade Press Services can order reprints of your article to frame and display in your office, post to your website or blog, or distribute to clients. And because many, if not most, trade publications have a searchable, archived online index, your article will turn up in Google searches and be accessible to anyone with an Internet connection—anywhere, any time. Can you say the same about a 2” x 2” ad in the back of your industry’s trade journal?

Another benefit of editorial content placed in a trade publication is credibility. When Trade Press Services helps you place an article with your byline, photo and bio in a publication, you are instantly positioned as an industry leader or subject matter expert. When others in your industry (or your target audience’s industry) read that publication, they’ll automatically look up to you as a thought leader— someone who has the knowledge, skills and drive to not only do their own job well, but to advise others as well. And it’s a fact, readers assign more credibility and faith to the claims made in the editorial portion of a magazine than they do for paid advertisements.

Lastly, a final benefit of placing an article in a trade publication is cost. Other forms of publicity and advertising are far more expensive than targeted placement in the trade press. And when you consider the other benefits—shelf life and credibility—it’s a no-brainer.

Contact Trade Press Services today to start maximizing your PR dollar.