I probably don’t need to say it, but there’s more opportunity than ever to work with remote clients. (I guess that’s one small bright side to a pandemic, though the trend was definitely on the upswing before 2020.)
And that means that not only can you write for clients on the other side of your country from you, you can also write for clients on the other side of the world. And today’s post is all about how to do just that.
One quick thing before I dive in, though: We don’t generally recommend trying to write in languages other than your native language. Why? Well, there are so many nuances, idiosyncrasies, and constantly evolving slang terms in each language that even some native speakers have a hard time keeping up.
Now, you are in charge of your own career and if you feel that you utterly and completely mastered another language then we’ll leave it to you to decide, but just please note that you’ve been warned.
Writing for international clients could mean writing for a company in another country that wants copy in English. Alternatively, it could mean writing for a company in a country that uses an alternate version of the language you speak. (Think: US versus UK English.)
In the case of UK versus US English, it’s good to know some of the differences between the two (favourite versus favorite, etc.) but you don’t need to know every single difference. The company you write for will be able to help with that.
But there are a few things that you do want to keep in mind. First, especially since there may be a slight language barrier and there will at least be a slight cultural barrier, you want to be extra thorough in your input call.
Don’t hesitate to ask any questions about the company, the project, the target audience, or any key elements. You should record any input call, but this is an instance when it will be especially helpful.
If your client uses certain terms, be sure to ask if they’re company terms or if they’re terms that would be used by the target audience. Beyond that, too, of course, ask about any and all terms and phrases in general that the target audience is likely to use in relation to the project.
Be sure to get any other materials (in your language) that the company has used and is happy with. You need to allow ample time for research and input.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the project, too. You could even set up “progress calls” in the middle of the project to review pieces of copy and make sure you’re on the right track.
As you’re writing, be sure to keep the language straightforward—especially if your copy is going to be translated to other languages after the fact! Even though, presumably, you’re writing in your language for other speakers of your language, the culture and word usage may be different. Be careful to use turns of phrase (like turns of phrase!) that are common for you but may not be common in other countries that speak your language.
And finally, this isn’t a copy tip but still an important one: Be aware of your time zones! Many a global freelancer has been tripped up by time zone confusion and ended up missing a call or inadvertently scheduling them for the middle of the night.
Writing for international clients is a big opportunity that’s only going to get bigger both as people get more used to working remotely and as the world develops even more of a global economy. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be starting out on the right foot.
Your turn! Would you be interested in writing for international clients? Or are you more interested in (writing for your native country but living internationally? (Or both!) Let me know in the comments below.
I would love to write for international clients! I have lived abroad and have met and interacted with people from many different countries – I feel like a have a personal link to diverse ideologies and cultures.
Hi Gabriele,
Your background sounds like you’re perfectly suited to writing for international clients–good for you! Plus, what a great excuse to eventually travel to their headquarters to meet them in person. 😉
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Hi Nicki.
My name is Martin Cox. I am an Englishman, married to a beautiful Asian lady currently residing in Las Vegas.
2020 has not been kind to our town and I am still laid off, due to the Covid 19 scourge.
I am a produced script writer who has always been fascinated by good (and not so good), copy and narrative.
I would love to be able to learn the intricacies of writing excellent copy and trust that I can become a fully immersed student.
Martin.
Hi Martin,
I’m sorry Covid has been a challenge for you. One upside of the pandemic, though, is that companies have a much better understanding of just how easy it is for people to work remotely–which is a benefit for freelance copywriters! If you haven’t yet, I’d encourage you to sign up for our free video training; it’ll offer even more insight into the industry and opportunities.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Thanks Nicki for that post! I am Polish, living in France, and working in English! This is exactly my struggle! I am aware of the language and cultural differences (you need to always keep that in mind too!) but still, it’s way easier for me to: 1- Find clients who need copy in English rather than in Polish; 2- Make better money writing in English than in Polish. Polish brands (except the international corporations, of course) are not used to pay ‘ok money’ for copy and the rates are lower…
In today’s world, basically EVERY company needs a copy in English. To develop this opportunity and scale my work around the globe, I am using online tools like Grammarly or ProWriting. Of course, it doesn’t replace the human work, so for larger projects, I hire an editor to proofread my texts.
Hi Martyna,
I’m excited for you to start your copywriting journey! I’d just caution you about making broad statements about how many Polish companies need copywriters and how much they pay—-there are plenty of people who will say that you “can’t make money as a copywriter in the U.S.” They’re wrong of course, but they’re making an assumption and I’d just gently caution you against doing the same. 🙂 And it’s very smart of you to hire a proofreader; I use Grammarly but it still consistently misses things! 😀
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
This was very useful! You gave tips I wouldn’t have thought of before approaching an international client. Thank you!
Hi Hailey,
I’m so glad you found it useful! 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
I don’t really mind where the work is, national or international.
Hi Seán,
That’s a great attitude to have! It’ll make it all the easier to find work. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Hi Nicki,
Thanks for addressing my most burning question with this article:
Copywriting in another language other than your mother tongue.
I am German, but have lived in Scotland for almost 14 years now. I teach German, so I constantly work with both languages and their fine nuances, especially when translating or interpreting from one to the other. I wouldn’t consider myself a writer as such, but I have always enjoyed formulating (and reformulating) sentences and phrases. I embrace the challenge of finding other, i.e. more fitting, and often more concise ways of expressing my thoughts and ideas. I am very structured in my work, analytical and always careful to write clearly and easy to follow for my students.
Now, my big question is, of course: Is copywriting for me?
Is enjoying working with language(s) per se enough or am I perhaps lacking the most basic ingredient, i.e. being (calling myself) a ‘writer’ (who writes a lot!) in the first place?
Many thanks in advance for your advice!
Regards,
Maren
Hi Maren,
Well, I will say that an affinity for writing/languages is definitely a great place to start. Someone who doesn’t like words certainly won’t enjoy using them every day! If you find yourself enjoying crafting effective language, that’s also a pretty good sign. I can’t make any guarantees, of course, and I also don’t know you, but don’t forget that it also doesn’t have to be your new career. It can be something you do part-time to bring in extra income and, if you like it, then you can evaluate moving into it full-time.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
I am interested in writing for international clients.
Hi Isaac,
Super! It can be a great way to open yourself up to even more opportunities.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Hi Nicki,
I feel there is a need for copywriters in the international market. For the past 12 years, I have been an international teacher in a variety of countries in Asia and Europe. I am really burnt out from teaching during the Covid pandemic (being forced to go to school in a country where they don’t believe covid exists). I’m looking for a career change where I can work from home and move to Lithuania.
My background includes 20+ years in teaching, HR, and management. I am very interested in pursuing copywriting in an international market, specifically focused on English. I see so many websites, printed material, advertisements, etc. that need help. Could you recommend where to start to transition into this career.
Best regards,
J
Hi Jessica,
There’s absolutely a need for copywriters internationally. If you’re interested in getting started and haven’t seen it yet, I’d recommend you check out our on-demand training at freecopywritingtraining.com.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
I am Okolosi Rewa Akpojaro, from Nigeria.
I am direct response copywriter who is still learning the skills of copywriting.
I really want to learn how i can write great copies and also get international clients.
I speak English and write in English
Hi Okolosi,
Great! If you haven’t yet, I’d encourage you to look through our blog post archives and subscribe to our podcast. We have a lot of content to share! 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Hey Nicki!
I have been reading, and listening to, all of your emails, free training and pod episodes for the past week. I love writing but it isn’t something that I have been nourishing much, but I have always been good at it.
Now, I am Swedish but have lived abroad for the past 4 years. My partner is from New Zealand so I’m speaking english at home. My biggest concern, with trying out copywriting, is that it might be hard for me to do a good job in english, but at the same time I am more used to the New Zealand way of living than I am the Swedish. Im just worried that my english skills wouldn’t be enough and my knowledge of Swedish slang and life might slowly be fading.
Would you have any tips for this? or is it just to keep up with the Swedish way of living and write in Swedish? In general I am better in Swedish because of it being my language and while listening to you and trying out some writing I have noticed a huge knowledge difference. Especially in word vocabulary.
or is there any way I could get better. Take classes for example? or is it just knowing slang and way of living that is of most importance? To be able to relate to others. (and be able to spell of course)
Thank you so much!
Sorry for the longest question!
I am just so keen on joining your training, but also want to know what might be my challenges and if it’s possible at all.
Miranda
Hi Miranda,
You’re right that you need to be *fully* proficient in a language, so it sounds like Swedish is probably a better bet for you versus English. If I were you, I’d look for every opportunity to interact with Swedish culture from afar – TV shows you can stream online, Facebook groups, podcasts, online publications. The more you interact with these, the likelier it is that you’ll get back into Swedish culture/style/word usage. I hope this helps! 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Hello!
I live in the US, and I majored in English / minored in Spanish. I’m a native Spanish speaker as well; my family comes from Mexico.
What would be the best application of my bilingualism in copy?
I have written a few pieces for myself, but most of my writing has been done for college. I am currently an English teacher, so all I do is proofread writing these days 😆.
I live in a rural area, therefore I feel like my only options are online, and that makes me nervous!
Hi Paula! We typically don’t recommend trying to write copy in a language other than your native language – it’s too hard to try to master the nuances of another language, even when you’re fluent. Regarding finding clients, the system we teach (after we teach copywriters to write copy, build their experience, and then build their portfolios) actually involves copywriters reaching out to companies—not the other way around. That way, the copywriters are in control of the opportunities coming in, not waiting for companies to reach out to them. Hope that helps!