A Freelance Copywriter’s Journey Across Different Industries

As a freelance copywriter, one of the most exciting (and sometimes daunting) parts of the job is writing for new industries and learning their ins and outs. Each one has its own unique language, audience, and style, and being able to adapt your writing to fit these nuances is a skill that can set you apart. Here’s a peek into my personal journey of writing for various industries, complete with some real-life examples and tips to help you succeed.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1 - Tackling the Tech World: When I first started writing for a tech client, I knew it wasn’t just about knowing the latest gadgets. It was about understanding the benefits of the tech and being able to explain them in a meaningful way to both tech-savvy and non-tech personas.

For instance, I was asked to write blog posts about their new SaaS product. By weaving in case studies of businesses that had successfully implemented their software and highlighting the tangible benefits, I created content that was both engaging and persuasive. I spent hours reading up on the latest trends and talking to industry experts to get a handle on the terminology and nuances. The result? Content that was accurate, engaging, and accessible to a broad audience.

Example 2 - Navigating the Finance World: Writing for a large building society was one of my more challenging gigs. The content needed to exude accuracy and reliability. I switched to a more formal tone, backed up claims with data and made sure every piece of advice was rock-solid. Compliance also plays a huge role in this industry. Financial content must adhere to strict regulations to ensure it is accurate, transparent and legally sound. So I collaborated closely with their legal team and double-checked all data and claims for compliance.

Example 3 - Writing for a Virtual Assistant Service: I once worked with a virtual assistant (VA) service provider who wanted to highlight the unique benefits of using their services. To make the content engaging, I created narratives around busy professionals who drastically improved their work-life balance by hiring VAs. By showcasing relatable scenarios and injecting a bit of humor, the content not only informed potential clients but also connected with them on a personal level.

Additionally, I produced a couple of videos to further illustrate the benefits and real-life applications of their services. These videos provided a dynamic and engaging way to showcase the VA’s impact, and you can check them out here.

Practical Tips

Tip 1 - Immerse Yourself in Industry Resources: Dive into industry resources - reports, articles, and case studies. If possible, talk to someone who’s been in the field for a while. Their insights can be invaluable.

Tip 2 - Adjust Your Tone and Style: Consider the different types of personas and look at the top content in the industry you’re writing for. Blend this with your client’s unique voice to create content that hits the mark.

Tip 3 - Consider Compliance in Regulated Industries: In regulated industries like finance, compliance is crucial. Ensure that your content adheres to all relevant regulations and guidelines. Collaborate with legal teams and conduct thorough research to make sure your content is both accurate and legally sound.

Tip 4 - Use Real-Life Examples: Always look for ways to incorporate real-life examples. They make your content more relatable and help build trust with your audience.

Tip 5 - Think Outside the Box: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Use storytelling, humor (if appropriate) and unique angles to make your content memorable while still respecting industry norms.

Wrapping It Up

Writing for different industries can be a rollercoaster, but it’s a ride that’s definitely worth taking. By understanding industry jargon, adjusting your tone, considering compliance, using real-life stories and balancing creativity with standards, you can create compelling content that resonates with a wide range of audiences.

Embrace the challenge, enjoy the learning process, and let your adaptability and creativity shine. With each new industry you tackle, you’ll not only grow as a writer but also help your clients achieve their goals with powerful, well-crafted content.