Your website is only as good as the content it contains, and especially so if your site is based on subscription memberships.

Your subscribers want to find interesting, relevant, and regularly updated content, otherwise they won't want to renew their subscription.

The importance of good content

Finding good content, then, becomes one of your top priorities for running the site. You are probably going to write the majority of content yourself, since your website is based on a subject you're passionate about, but sometimes it's hard to keep up with the need for fresh material. The internet is full of freelancers, small companies, and others who would be delighted to supply you with content, some of which is even free.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Write your own content

If you have done your homework, your website is focused on a topic for which you have great passion and enthusiasm. It's only natural, then, that you would have the ability and interest to write much of your own content. This is the least expensive way to keep website content fresh, but be careful to ensure everything you put on the site is accurate, well written, and mistake-free.

Follow the same process you would if you were writing a book report or essay for an English class.

• Research the topic
• Create an outline
• Write a first draft
• Edit first draft
• Repeat write/edit as needed
• Write final version
• Proofread (ask a trusted friend or relative to help with this)
• Set it aside for 24 – 48 hours
• Upload to the site

This may seem like a lot of work, but once you get into the habit of following this process it becomes easy and comfortable. And the amount of time it takes will vary depending on the length of the piece, so the time spent will not be burdensome.

Find free or low cost content on the web

There are many sources on the internet for free or low cost content on almost any topic. It's an easy, convenient way to access material quickly when you're in need of it. Two of the best sites are AssociatedContent.com and Constant-Content.com, but a simple Google search will reveal dozens and dozens of other potential sources.

Always be sure to check the content for accuracy and to make sure it's mistake-free. This is a critical step which you might be tempted to skip, but don't take the easy way out. Remember that everything you put onto your website reflects on you, so it's in your best interest to ensure it's correct and appropriate.

Contract for content with a freelance writer

This option is one to consider if you're willing to pay for content, but it is also the most expensive option. Finding a high quality freelancer is not as easy as it might seem, because they all claim to be excellent writers who deliver quality material. You have to be very careful and do good research.

A good place to start is at one of the major freelance sites such as Elance.com or one of the smaller high quality sites such as ExquisiteWriting.com. No matter where you go to contract with a freelance writer, always pay attention to the following:

Feedback ratings – These are the very best indicator of the quality of material you will likely receive.

Experience – Look for writers with solid freelancing experience in a wide variety of subjects.

Samples & References – Ask for work samples and references, and check them thoroughly.

Cost – This is of course a factor, but it's also much less critical than the first three factors on this list. Beware of extremely low-cost providers, because the quality of their product is likely to be along the same lines as their rates.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember about finding good content for your website is that whatever source you use, quality and accuracy is critical. Once content is uploaded to the site, it doesn't matter who actually wrote it because your subscribers will see it as a reflection of you.