8 Tips for Managing a Remote Content Writing Team
Managing a remote content writing team can be a challenge. To help you navigate this, we’ve gathered advice from eight industry professionals, ranging from Editors in Chief to CEOs. From establishing clear feedback loops to embracing communication, setting goals, and trusting your team, discover the top strategies these experts recommend for effective remote team management.
- Establish Clear Feedback Loops
- Keep Channels Clear and Set Defined Expectations
- Foster a Culture of Quality and Timeliness
- Implement Robust Communication and Respect Boundaries
- Ensure Thorough Briefing
- Schedule Regular Communication Routines
- Hone Transparent Written Communication Skills
- Embrace Communication, Set Goals, and Trust Your Team
Establish Clear Feedback Loops
Managing a remote content writing team requires being creative and consistent with communication processes. One good piece of advice is to create a plan for clear feedback loops. This plan should include the expectations set for your team in terms of deadlines, style guide requirements, and standards from editors.
One example could be establishing office hours and scheduling weekly Zoom meetings with individual writers to check in on their progress, discuss any editing they have received, or ask questions they may have about assignments. This interaction ensures that your remote team stays connected, engaged, and productive while keeping the human connection alive despite physical distance.
Kate Duske
Editor in Chief, Escape Room Data
Keep Channels Clear and Set Defined Expectations
In my experience, effective management of a remote content writing team relies on two factors: establishing clear communication channels and clearly defining goals and expectations.
This means that you should clearly communicate the preferred means of communication and set expectations for how often information should be shared with your team’s members, even if you’re already using a CMS platform like Slack or Jira.
Make your preferred means of communication transparent for various tasks and events to keep you and your team connected and informed of major and minor updates alike. Whether it’s setting up weekly video meetings, sending daily updates via Slack, or setting up a bi-weekly group email for project updates, specify what should be shared and made available to whom so you can encourage an efficient and collaborative environment.
Eva Chan
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Senior Content Specialist, Resume Genius
Foster a Culture of Quality and Timeliness
I’ve worked as a project manager for a digital marketing company where I was managing a team of 10 writers. When I started, the most challenging part was getting everyone to submit their work on time while still sending quality work.
I changed this by having bi-weekly meetings and keeping open communication channels with the team. I also ensured we were a few days ahead of work to meet all client deadlines.
My best advice when managing a remote content writing team is to create a culture where writers know they have to send in quality work and send it on time. To do this, I keep communication channels open and make expectations clear. I attach consequences to important aspects like missed deadlines and low-quality work, so the writers know I will not stand for mediocre work.
Shalom Kamau
Freelance Parenting Writer, Active Little Feet
Implement Robust Communication and Respect Boundaries
The best piece of advice I can give on managing a remote content writing team is to establish a robust communication system. Frequent, transparent communication is key to keeping everyone aligned and motivated.
Use digital collaboration tools for daily updates, virtual meetings, and feedback sessions. However, don’t forget to respect boundaries; understand time zones and personal schedules to prevent burnout. Pair this with a culture of trust and autonomy, giving your writers the freedom to be creative within set guidelines.
Finally, make recognition a regular practice to appreciate their hard work, keeping them motivated and committed. This approach fosters a productive, harmonious, and successful remote content-writing team.
Vikrant Shaurya
CEO, Authors On Mission
Ensure Thorough Briefing
The best work comes from the best briefs. When we’re briefing remotely, we may miss out on the essentials of communication, from tone of voice to facial expressions. This is why your brief needs to be thorough—everything from word count to targeted keywords, brand tone of voice, house style, references, and internal links.
Your teams may be communicating with you from all over the world, so agree on one communication channel and stick to it. There’s no use sticking to Slack if somebody sends in a question over email. Empower people with the confidence to ask questions and you’ll be far more likely to get it right the first time.
Katie Thompson
Director, Katie Lingo
Schedule Regular Communication Routines
A successful strategy I’ve adopted for managing a remote content writing team revolves around implementing regular communication routines. These include scheduled weekly video calls, daily team check-ins, and structured updates.
These routines help maintain alignment among team members, ensuring everyone is aware of ongoing projects and individual responsibilities. Another key to keeping these calls successful is to keep them informal and relaxed so that employees don’t feel nervous about showing up to the calls.
They also foster a sense of connection and unity in a remote setting. Regular interactions stimulate collaboration, facilitate the sharing of ideas, and present opportunities for addressing any concerns or obstacles. This system is instrumental in boosting team spirit and ensuring smooth and productive operations.
Madhurima Halder
Content Manager, Recruit CRM
Hone Transparent Written Communication Skills
Thoughtful, sincere, transparent communication is essential to managing a remote content writing team. Much can be lost in written communication, so you’ve got to ensure you are delivering your written messaging with the intended tone and meaning intact. Anticipate possible questions or concerns and address them upfront.
Be kind and genuine—people know when you’re fake or when you’re not being honest. Make sure you’re available for follow-up questions or requests for meetings and know where to locate the information if you don’t have it on hand.
In summary, hone your communication skills!
Devon Fulford
Editorial Director, IKO Brands
Embrace Communication, Set Goals, and Trust Your Team
The best piece of advice on managing a remote content writing team? Embrace the power of communication, my friend! It’s like oxygen for remote teams. Set up regular virtual meetings and foster an open and transparent environment. Tools like Slack and Zoom will be your trusty sidekicks.
Now, let’s talk about real-life examples. Picture this: You’ve got a team of wordsmiths spread across different time zones, juggling deadlines like circus performers. To keep everyone in sync, establish clear goals, create a shared content calendar, and keep that project management software handy. It’s like conducting a symphony of words, except you’re doing it remotely.
Remember, trust is key! Give your team the autonomy they deserve, and watch them unleash their creativity. Just be sure to sprinkle in some virtual team-building activities to keep the remote vibes alive.
Himanshu Sharma
CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing
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