I recently had the opportunity to check out Content Runner, a service that helps you find quality writers. Weird, I know, why does a writer need to find writers? Well, the truth is that I sometimes take on a lot of projects, and have other writers create some of the articles so that I can keep my content fresh for clients.
To do this I use systems like Content Runner to make my life easier. Now, before I get too far, I will be honest with you – I was given a review account to check out Content Runner. However, to be objective and provide you with the best information possible I will provide you with a balanced approach that discloses some of the shaky things about this site as well as the benefits of using this system. I broke this review into the different sections of the site that I found useful or interesting (screenshots included for reference).
Style Guide
First, they have a cool style guide section already completed, where you can add or subtract different styling information you require for the site. I found this more useful than the approach taken by other sites like iWriter or TextBroker, where you have to write in every project bid what you expect from the writers.
One note: Content Runner talks about citing official sources and using headers. However, they do not touch on telling writers to make sure the grammar and spelling is up to snuff. While this might sound obvious, I included it because some writers just need to need that gentle reminder.
The other benefit to this, is that if you have multiple clients you can create multiple style guides for each client. Therefore, if one client is on grammar patrol, and another is more concerned about SEO then you can specify each client’s needs in separate style guides.
Ease of Use
The ordering process is easy enough for your kindergartener to do it (so hide the username and password from them). From the dashboard you click “Post Your Order.” Then a small pop up screen appears with your Order Request.
Next, you either fill out the form or upload your request into the form. For those who fill out the form, you just need to include the article notes about the topic along with the word count, deadline, and price. Remember that the style guide will provide your writers with the general criteria, so you do not have to keep repeating yourself every time you need an article on what you need.
The whole process, once your style guide is set up should take you no more than 5 minutes. Remember to check the article after you submit it to ensure that everything is correct. You can start getting offers from writers on your articles immediately. Then you approve the writer that fits your needs.
White Label WordPress Exporter
One of the coolest things I found while using Content Runner was their WordPress exporter plugin. This plugin enables you to post any content directly from Content Runner straight to your site without have to log on, or copy and paste files.
They even have a white label option for marketing firms outsourcing their content for clients. That way, you can import the content, and your clients will not be the wiser when they are on your WordPress site that you purchased content from Content Runner.
Writer List with Favorites and Blocked List
The final Feature on Content Runner is the Writers List. You can favorite and block writers you like and dislike as you go. Also, you can take into consideration what other clients thought of the writers as well. This way if someone has two or more blocks, you can block them as well from even applying for your article.
Need to be able to do full edits on instructions
The major downside that I saw on the articles is that once you have submitted an article you are not allowed to make edits without deleting the article entirely. If one aspect of your article changes, it is nice to be able to change that one specific area without having to start all over.
However, since your article is live I do understand why Content Runner does this. The only thing I would say is that, if you have to approve the writer in the first place, allow the clients to edit the article requests up to the point of the publication. That way, if you need to change the price for example to attract more talent, you can do so with ease.
It was driving me a bit crazy, because I play with how things look and feel. In other words, I want to be able to edit things the entire time until the article is with the writer. The lack of an editing feature would make it easier.
Content Runner Summary
Overall, I found the site very easy to use, and great for client work. As someone who writes and hires out writers as well for WordPress projects, the plugin to be one of my favorite add-ons to the entire site.
Since, I am new to the site I will update you also on anything new that I find as I keep using the site. Just approved my first writer to create an article, and am impressed with how easy the process is at Content Runner. Let me know if you have any questions on Content Runner below.
