Protect Your Assets when Outsourcing
Use Caution When Outsourcing
Chances on you have spent a lot of time, energy, and money developing your niche, selecting your list of keywords, creating marketing strategies, and more. You have worked hard and must protect your assets when outsourcing. It is important to be aware of the dangers.
Hopefully, the niche you have selected has a large audience and not too much competition. You have done your research and are very aware of critical keywords and strategies that have gotten you where you are today and will continue to serve you.
Because of that – you want to outsource carefully. You must be selective about the type of work you outsource in order to protect your niche and your business
Since we are talking about primarily outsourcing content creation, you are probably fairly safe. As a rule most Internet marketers are comfortable outsourcing copywriting and website design. But, they hold marketing and keyword development a little closer to the vest.
Copywriting involves optimization of keywords rather than secret strategies for developing a niche and selecting keywords. However you will be sharing keywords and this is where you have to be careful.
NEVER post a list of keywords in an advertisement for a copywriter. Do not make them easily accessible to anyone who may be looking. It is fairly common knowledge that Internet marketers often make the mistake of posting their keywords on job boards; and scavengers visit such websites frequently to cherry pick at will.
Share relevant keywords through an email with the individual that you select to create your content and ask him/her to sign an non-disclosure agreement before you do so.
Once you have selected the individual(s) you feel are a good fit, share only the keywords you want for the focus of each assignment through a protected email account.
Non-disclosure Agreement
A non-disclosure agreement is a good way for an Internet marketer to protect his niche when he is outsourcing.
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) specifies the rights of the business owner (you) and clearly outlines what is and is not permissible use by the contractor regarding sensitive materials.
Examples of things you may want to include to protect your assets (and definitely not all inclusive):
- Purpose of the contract – restrictions and limitations.
- Time duration that the contract is binding
- Parties involved and their roles
- Definition of sensitive materials (e.g. the niche, keywords, and any information regarding marketing strategy)
- Explanation of how materials can be transmitted (e.g. secure emails and telephone conversations)
- Non-compete in niche for specific time period (e.g. for the term of the contract and one year after the contract ends.)
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. This is for information purposes only. My recommendation is that you speak to an attorney and have a non-disclosure agreement drafted that is legally sound.
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