A subject matter expert can help you grow your blog or other digital content. But is it really worth hiring one over a generalist writer?
There are a lot of reasons why you should hire someone who knows your industry inside and out. Read on to learn more!
What Is a Subject Matter Expert?
A subject matter expert (SME) is someone with expertise in a given field. In some cases, this only refers to super technical knowledge.
However, in the case of content marketing, an SME can ensure your content is high quality and provides value to your audience. That means they could be from any industry, including music.
They may have an advanced degree in the field or years of professional work experience. It’s also not uncommon for subject matter experts to pursue continuing education to stay up to date on industry changes and trends.
What a Subject Matter Expert Does
Subject matter experts can do a lot. In many cases, they analyze company activities to help their clients increase productivity.
As a content marketer and SME, I help my clients create content to market their businesses online. I use my own knowledge and experience to make the content more high value than a generalist writer could.
With the rise of AI writing tools, expert writers are even more valuable. We can do a better job than generalists, who often rely on similar information as AI tools.
Why Hire a Subject Matter Expert
If you want to expand your digital marketing efforts, you need to hire a subject matter expert to write your content. Consider some of the biggest benefits of doing so.
Specific Knowledge
An expert has knowledge of your industry or even your specific business model. They can use that expertise to craft unique, helpful content for you. Then, you. can use that content to attract more leads and students or clients.
Sure, you could hire a general content marketing agency. But not all of the writers on their team will have the same knowledge. That means some articles might be really good, while others will require more rounds of edits.
Advanced Training
It’s also not uncommon for subject experts to have advanced training in their given fields. For example, I specialize in creating content for music businesses, and I have a master of music degree.
Do I need that degree to do what I do? Maybe not, but it helps me write about music. Those two extra years of schooling provided me with valuable experience and training that I’ve used to grow my own various blogs.
Real Life Experience
Another benefit of hiring someone from the industry is that they most likely have industry experience. Using myself as an example, I taught private lessons for a while and used blogging to market that service.
If you want to grow your studio with a blog, I can help you do so. My experience using a blog as a marketing tool will work well for your business. Plus, if someone has experience, they can add a human element that AI can’t add.
Follows Changing Trends
A subject matter expert also typically follows changing trends in their industry. So if a new flute model comes out, they may know about it. Then, they can write about it for your blog to help attract more flute students, for example.
Experts should also stay on top of trends regarding their service. So a blogger may follow changing SEO best practices. That way, they can ensure your new posts rank on Google.
Unique Content
When hiring an expert for digital marketing, they can help you create content that your audience won’t find elsewhere. That means you can publish much better content on social media and your website.
And if you can do that, you can stand out from your competitors. You may start to gain more new students or clients.
How to Hire an Expert for Your Blog
If you want to start or grow a blog for your business, you should hire a subject matter expert. Here’s how to go about it.
Understand Your Goals
First, you should figure out the goal of your new blog. Maybe you want to use it primarily to retain current students by sharing news. Or perhaps you want to grow your studio and attract new students.
Knowing the purpose can help you find someone to help. It can also help you and the blog writer decide what types of posts to publish. Then, you can reach your goals more efficiently.
Know Your Product or Service
Another thing to keep in mind is what you’re selling. If you offer lessons, consider hiring a writer who’s marketed their own teaching. Even if they haven’t taught, they should know about your instrument.
Then, you can make sure they write content that will encourage people to click on your website and eventually sign up for lessons.
Review Writing Samples
Ideally, you’d hire a blog writer who already has a good blog with plenty of posts. Read some of their articles to determine if you like their writing style. If so, you can move forward with hiring them.
Someone may know everything there is to know about your industry. But if they sound just as bland as AI, it’s not worth hiring them. Look at a few examples, especially recent posts, to get an idea of how your blog posts may read.
Contact the Writer
Once you find someone you think you want to hire, contact them. Ask them about their services and rates. Then, you can discuss a partnership and start creating excellent content.
If you want to work with me, send me an email or a message on Instagram. I’d love to work with you on your music business’s blog.
Final Thoughts
A subject matter expert knows a lot about their industry. While this isn’t always the case, some SMEs can help you create digital content.
For example, I specialize in working with music businesses. So if you’re looking to grow your blog with the help of an expert, let’s chat!
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