So, you’re hiring an SEO copywriter for your business (or at least trying to). You’re certainly not alone, even in the wake of artificial intelligence.
As of 2025, the majority of businesses (62%) of businesses are outsourcing their content marketing. The question is: How do you separate the SEO writers who understand search engine optimization strategies from the ones who just sprinkle “best dentist in Tampa” 14 times into a blog post?
Here’s the thing: most self-proclaimed SEO copywriters know just enough to be dangerous. They’ve heard of keyword research, they can spell “Google,” and maybe they even use digital research tools.
However, when it comes to writing content that actually drives organic traffic, boosts your website’s search engine rankings, and speaks to human users, many are…let’s say, still in beta.
Let’s break down how to spot someone who actually gets SEO copywriting—and isn’t just faking it with vague buzzwords and AI-churned mush. These are razor-sharp tips from people who genuinely do this for a living.
1. They Don’t Write for Search Engines—They Write Through Them
A talented SEO copywriter isn’t just jamming specific keywords into random places and hoping Google takes the bait. Instead, they know that writing for search engines is about writing for real people within the rules of search engine algorithms.
Do their sentences flow? Do their headings make sense? Are they creating high-quality content that addresses search intent without sounding like a robot swallowed a thesaurus?
If you feel like you’re reading for fun and suddenly you understand how to fix a 404 error or finally rank for long tail keywords, your SEO copywriter is doing their job right.
2. They Can Explain the “Why” Behind Every Word
Ask the writer: “Why did you use this target keyword?”
If they freeze, stammer, or throw out something like “It just felt right,” you’ve got a problem.
A real SEO copywriter can break down that keyword like a sommelier explaining a vintage wine. They should know exactly how it ties to what people type into Google at 2 AM, how much search traffic it pulls, and how it slots into your brand’s bigger SEO strategy without making your content sound like spammy word salad.
Because here’s the truth: keyword stuffing died with dial-up.
Pros don’t jam in competitive keywords like they’re seasoning a stew and hoping for the best. They research, analyze search trends, and work the keyword density to the appropriate ratio (never too light, never too extra).
They definitely know that slapping “best tacos near me” 23 times into a blog post doesn’t get you page-one real estate. In fact, it gets you bounced.
Bottom line: If your SEO copywriter can’t explain the why behind every phrase they picked, they’re not doing SEO. They’re basically just typing.
3. They Actually Use Tools (Not Just Talk About Them)
“Yeah, I use tools.” Okay, but which tools?
A professional SEO copywriter uses Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Clearscope, or even good ol’ Google Trends. They live inside spreadsheets, monitor how a search term performs, and know how to identify search trends that others miss.
If their “SEO process” is just opening ChatGPT and crossing their fingers, no thank you.
A professional SEO copywriter knows that AI can assist, but it cannot replace real keyword research, smart search engine optimization strategies, or the ability to write like a human who actually gets your brand.
4. They Can Write a Meta Description That Doesn’t Suck
Here’s a quick test: Ask them to write a few meta descriptions and title tags for your landing pages or blog content.
If their title looks like clickbait and their meta sounds like a bad dating profile (“We’re the best! Call now!”), that’s a hard pass.
A solid freelance SEO copywriter knows how to pack meaning, relevant keywords, and urgency into a clean, readable 150 characters. Bonus points if they can earn a featured snippet spot!
5. They Know When to Kill Your Darlings
SEO strategies focus on creating content that ranks—and sometimes that means cutting your favorite line because it muddies the target keyphrase, clutters the writing process, or confuses the target audience.
A real freelance copywriter knows how to edit with a machete rather than a feather. They zero in on words that punch, write copy that grabs attention, and build a clear hierarchy that helps search engines and humans find exactly what they’re looking for.
In short, their entire approach should revolve around structuring SEO content so it works hard behind the scenes and reads like something people want to share.
6. They Don’t Say “Just Trust Me”
This is the SEO version of a red flag parade.
Professional copywriters should be able to back up every SEO content strategy with data, explain how their work affects search engine results, and tell you exactly why your existing content needs a revamp—or why your homepage should stop targeting LSI keywords that don’t even belong there.
If they can’t teach you something in five minutes, they probably don’t know much themselves.
Final Thoughts (aka: What Now?)
Hiring a freelance SEO copywriter shouldn’t feel like gambling with your time, budget, or brand. It’s not just about pretty words or perfect grammar—it’s about SEO copy that climbs the rank, blog posts that stick, and brand messaging that actually sounds like you.
At Razorcopy, we know what we’re doing. But if you’re shopping around, now you do, too.
Looking for SEO Copy That Doesn’t Make You Cringe?
You’re not here for keyword soup or paragraphs that sound like they were written by a chatbot on its lunch break. You want SEO copy that ranks, converts, and sounds like a human wrote it (a smart, funny, brand-oriented human, at that).
At Razorcopy, we write copy that impresses in an increasingly AI-fueled world. Whether you’re building a blog,
reworking your website, or trying to outrank your most annoying competitor, we bring smart keyword research, no-nonsense SEO strategy, and scroll-stopping content your readers (and Google) will love.
Let’s turn your ideas into copy that punches above its weight. Schedule your free call and see what happens when search engine optimization meets actual human personality.
