Content Writer or Copywriter? What’s The Difference?

Could Growing Older Be Making Me Bolder?

Today is my birthday.

It’s that one day of the year when it’s all about celebrating me. But have you ever noticed how some people seem to dread their birthdays as they age? They keep it low-key, avoiding any fuss or attention. Yeah, I’m not one of those people.

As I get older, I’ve been thinking a lot about my life. Sometimes, when I look back, I hardly recognise the person I used to be!

Remember that post I wrote in January about being more myself in 2024? Well, let me tell you, pushing back against that negative voice inside has been really paying off.

Since starting my business, I have signed up for endless emails, newsletters and podcasts. If it’s about running a business, copywriting, mindset, productivity – you name it, I’ve probably signed up for it at one point.

I didn’t ease myself into self-employment gently. I hit the ground running, grabbing every opportunity with both hands and quite honestly, I hit a wall, well, more of a barbed wire fence.

After my brain practically exploded from trying to follow the often conflicting advice on being a freelance writer, another run-in with my old friend imposter syndrome and giving too much air time to my inner critic, I did the most productive thing I had done in a while. I started unsubscribing and took a step back to breathe.

Shortly after this decision, I made myself a cup of tea and plucked a book out of my TBR pile, a total mixed bag of fiction and nonfiction, and started reading a book called Take Your Shot by Robin Waite.

I had been putting off reading nonfiction, preferring to find my escape in a psychological thriller rather than be overloaded with any more “motivational tips” that just made me feel worse about myself. But I decided to at least give this book a go, fully expecting to give up after a couple of pages.

If you haven’t read it, Take Your Shot is a true story about a man trying to build a business as a golf instructor. He is barely making ends meet when a new client enters his life, who happens to be a business coach and helps him to make the necessary changes to achieve the business he always dreamed of.

I devoured this short book in less than 48 hours. Lightbulb moments galore, I found myself stopping multiple times to jot down notes and ideas. I felt so inspired! If only I could afford to hire a business coach of my own.

Instead, I decided it was time to think about what I wanted from my business rather than what I thought was expected of me. I was going to take the lessons I’d learned from the book and see how I could apply them to my own business,

Enter serendipity/fate/the universe, whatever you want to call it. The very next day, I had an email from someone who had made it through my unsubscription massacre. Laura Belgray. In Laura’s email, she shared that a successful friend of hers, Selina Soo, was offering free 20-minute business coaching calls.

Before my inner critic could intervene, I clicked the button and signed up for a call. The introvert inside of me, screaming, “You have to talk to a stranger!!!!” But I knew it was time to cut the crap and drag myself kicking and screaming out of my comfort zone.

I spent the next few days swatting these unhelpful thoughts away, muttering things like “Nothing changes if nothing changes” and “What’s the worst that could happen?” to myself in response. Thankfully, my husband assumed I was talking to the cat and the cat, as usual, ignored me as none of these sentences included the word “treat.”

Later that day, I had my call with the fabulous Lydia. My worries and concerns melted away as Lydia asked about my business and what I wanted to achieve. I was given some great advice on the obstacles I faced and even some helpful guidance and suggestions.

In those twenty minutes, it was like Lydia had unclogged my brain of all the clutter and debris. My mind felt clear for the first time in a long time, and I felt like I knew what I wanted, where I was going and how I was going to get there.

With my newfound clarity, it was time to invest in myself and my business.

So that is where I have been, squirrelled away working on some exciting updates and changes that I can’t wait to share with you over the coming weeks and months

As Spring starts to kick in and everything feels fresh and new, I can’t wait to see my business bloom just like the flowers outside.

Now, I’m off to enjoy my favourite, traditional east-end fayre of pie mash and liquor. If you know, you know. (I know I am supposed to write IYKYK, but I’m 43 today, for goodness sake! Let me do what I do best and write complete sentences.)

KYC Knowledge, Content Expertise: Why You Need The KYC Whisperer

Last week, I gave you a glimpse into my world and the services I offer. This week, I wanted to highlight a topic I know like the back of my hand: Know Your Customer, or KYC for short.

After two decades in the KYC game, I’ve collected quite a colourful array of experiences. It’s not just about banks and building societies; I’ve completed KYC on Hollywood movie production companies, consortiums overseeing Russian pipelines, and even Brazilian grain farmers. You name it, I’ve probably done KYC for it! These experiences have given me insights into various industries and a solid grasp of global KYC requirements.

But you know what? Even though I’ve moved on from my days as a KYC analyst, I still find myself drawn to the subject like a moth to a flame.

Lately, I’ve been busy Putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) on the subject for my clients, ranging from blog posts and series to ebooks. The goal of these projects is to make those complex KYC processes easier to digest and to explain why KYC matters, not just in finance but across other industries. By blending my KYC know-how with my knack for writing, I’ve shown how KYC is more than just ticking boxes. It’s about building trust, preventing fraud, and keeping things transparent between businesses and their customers.

With most of my clients preferring their KYC content to be “ghostwritten,” I’m more than happy to oblige. While this means I don’t have many examples in my portfolio at the moment, I will be working on some samples to share in the near future. Keep an eye out for those!

Keeping up with KYC regulations can feel like riding a never-ending rollercoaster, especially with all the buzz around cryptocurrencies, virtual assets, and new tech popping up everywhere. Thankfully, I’ve made it a point to keep on top of all the latest updates and processes to ensure I’m in the loop.

When it comes to KYC, you can always count on me to break down complex information into easy-to-understand language. So, if you’re tired of boring and confusing KYC content and want something that speaks to your audience and sticks with them, look no further! Whether you need blog posts, articles, marketing materials, or any other KYC-related content, I’m the KYC whisperer you’ve been searching for.

Need a KYC expert on your side? Drop me a message, and let’s get started.

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Two meerkats are standing next to each other.

Breaking Free From the Boardroom – Swapping Banking for Blog Posts

In light of my last post, I thought I would reintroduce myself and my business.

My name is Clare, and I am a word addict. Reading and putting words together to form sentences, paragraphs, blog posts and even stories has always been my passion.

Despite this, I somehow fell into the financial services industry at the tender age of 19, and it wasn’t until I had been swept up in that fast-paced lifestyle for over 20 years that I realised I wanted a change. Although I liked my job, I wasn’t exactly jumping out of bed each morning in excitement. I wanted to wake up every day and do something I loved.

I had spent the best part of a decade writing a personal blog. Every spare moment I had would be spent writing on my daily commute, on my lunch breaks, waiting in the doctor’s surgery, and even as I lay in bed at night. I was addicted, and like any addiction, this wasn’t enough.

One day, fate, the universe, or just pure luck intervened – although it didn’t feel so magical then! I found myself without a job for the first time since leaving school when the new role I was moving to unexpectedly fell through, leaving me distraught. What was I going to do? As I anxiously thought about having to look for another job, a thought occurred to me. Why not try something different? This was the perfect opportunity to follow my dream of being a full-time writer.

I didn’t grab it with both hands, as you would expect. I tentatively took it like a hot potato that could potentially burn the skin off my hands. What did I know about being a writer? There’s a big difference between writing a personal blog and writing for someone else.

I decided to look into it a bit more, and I realised it was very much about writing in the voice of others, writing for specific audiences and researching. That’s pretty much what I have been doing for the last 20 years!

My job in KYC (Know Your Client) involved researching individuals and companies and the products and services they were being provided. I would gather the information I had found and present this in a written report to my colleagues for review.

During my time in the city, I worked for seven companies, each needing these reports in various formats and wording. Different colleagues had their preferred way of having these reports written, and not only that, with the ever-changing regulations here in the UK and having to adapt to international regulatory requirements often, I had been adapting to writing in different voices and styles for years. Something I had grumbled about early on in my career was now one of my most valuable assets.

I was now ready to take the leap. I was then met with the obstacle of other people’s opinions. The majority of people were highly supportive. They knew it was what I loved and had been following my blog. Some, however, not so much. A few couldn’t understand why I would want to give up a stable job. They thought it was a bit pie in the sky.

But when would I have this opportunity again? I had to at least give it a go. So, I finally stopped listening to the naysayers and leapt. Well, it was more of a step, like the ones you take on one of those glass floors in a high-rise building. It felt just as scary!

And now here I am. I’ve been doing this for a while, and not only do I have actual clients, I have returning clients, so I am doing something right. I still spend a lot of my spare time writing and, even more time honing my skills, something else I have been surprised to find how much I enjoy.

I have spent that time writing blog posts, social media posts, newsletters and even eBooks in different voices and for various industries such as construction, beauty, and technology, allowing me to truly live my dream. I’m excited about what lies ahead.

So, this is me—Clare, the word addict. I’ve learned that taking that one step towards your dream, even if it’s a cautious one, is worth it.

Don’t be a stranger! Head over to www.clarehwrites.co.uk and see what I’m all about, and if you’re looking for someone to take care of your words, drop me a message! Let’s make your words work wonders.

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2024: Be Unapologetically You – No New Me Needed!

Are you tired of the typical New Year, New Me posts? I know I am. But bear with me, this isn’t another guide on setting goals – been there, done that.

A few years ago, I was drowning in a sea of forgotten resolutions when I decided to shake things up. And guess what? It worked! By breaking down my goals into manageable monthly and weekly chunks, I achieved some of them. Of course, I’m still working on fitting into that dress from 2009, but hey, progress is progress, right?

Fast forward to this year, and I’m sitting down to write my first blog post of 2024. But something just didn’t feel right. I realised that I was trying to write what I thought people wanted to read. Isn’t that what a writer is supposed to do? Well, not when it comes to showcasing my skills and personality. I don’t want to be just another faceless writer behind a keyboard.

And then, I had a lightbulb moment while scrolling through LinkedIn. I stumbled upon a post that made me laugh, signed up for the mailing list, and wondered, “How did he do that?” The answer was simple: he was being himself! I was blown away by the author’s authenticity and unique voice, and I realised that’s what was missing from my writing. It’s time to stop trying to make the right impression and start being myself.

Copywriting is all about adapting to a client’s voice, but for my own business, I need to use my own voice. I want my readers to feel like they’re talking to a friend, not just another writer in the crowd. I want to be vulnerable, sincere, and, most importantly, genuine. After all, we’re all in need of a little more genuine connection in this world full of AI.

So, as we move forward into 2024, let’s break free from the clichés and embrace our true selves together! Who knows, maybe by being true to ourselves, we can inspire others to do the same, just like Dave did for me.

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Don’t miss out on my most recent updates! Catch up on all my latest posts right here.

A Christmas Message from Clare H Writes

Balancing Act: The Honest Reality of Work-Life Balance in My First Year of Copywriting

Ghostwriters: Unmasking The Unseen Creators

Clare H Writes Turns One!

The Impact of Copywriters: Four Key Benefits You Can’t Ignore

A Christmas Message from Clare H Writes

As the holiday season unfolds, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the fantastic milestones Clare H Writes has achieved this year. Christmas isn’t just about the holiday spirit; it’s also about celebrating our accomplishments.

As we approach the end of the year, a huge thank you for your consistent support, trust and collaboration.

To my valued clients, I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate our partnership. Your vision, feedback, and confidence in my services have motivated me to keep pushing for the best and providing the results that truly fit your needs.

To my treasured audience, your involvement, feedback, and love for what I create keep my passion for copywriting alive.

Looking ahead to the new year, I’ll be taking a little break to relax and enjoy some quality time with my loved ones. This downtime is exactly what I need to gear up for the exciting things ahead!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Filled with opportunities, success, and an abundance of good things coming your way!

Balancing Act: The Honest Reality of Work-Life Balance in My First Year of Copywriting

As you may have seen in my recent post, my copywriting business recently turned one, so this is the perfect time to share how that first year has gone, the highs, the lows and everything in between.

If you’ve followed along, you might have caught wind of my journey starting Clare H Writes. I certainly didn’t start 2022 thinking I would be leaving the world of banking and finance behind, but once I made that decision, there was no going back, and I often wonder why I hadn’t done it sooner.

I hit the ground running by helping some people I knew with web copy and social media posts for their businesses. I was eager to learn and would spend endless hours honing my skills. Whether it was scouting for tips from fellow writers on various websites or binge-listening to podcasts, I soaked up every bit of wisdom I could find.

I didn’t even have a chance to set any business goals or have any expectations; I was just happy to be doing something I love every day.

I got my first client, who gave me consistent regular work and still does to this day. I was initially anxious. What if I made a horrific mistake in their web copy? Or worse, what if I misspelled something? Imposter syndrome hit me like a ton of bricks. It wasn’t just my ego on the line; it was my reputation, my business. One wrong move could’ve flipped the whole script, and not in a good way.

Luckily, I soon found my groove, and it wasn’t long before I took on more clients, bringing new challenges. I now felt comfortable with the work and had been dedicating a few hours a day to each client, and now my days were full of different projects.

Of course, this was great, but learning how to switch hats took some time, from writing about a construction company to writing about beauty procedures. Different days could bring not only various topics but also other types of writing. Some days would be blog posts, some newsletters, and some social media posts.

No day was ever the same, and while I did find that enjoyable, something I couldn’t find was my off switch. I would still be at my desk at 8pm trying to squeeze as much in as possible, and when I wasn’t working, I would be learning. I would spend the hours away from my desk reading about writing, and when I wasn’t doing that, I would write my own blog posts. Even when I was away on holiday, it consumed me, but I was passionate about it.

Working for yourself comes with perks, but it also means there’s no clear boundary between work and personal time. No boss is signaling the end of the workday, no train to catch. You’re already home.

Over time, exhaustion crept in. I was constantly fatigued, easily irritable, and found it hard to focus. My body protested from being glued to screens and hunched over my desk. That’s when it hit me—I was on the brink of burnout.

I decided to set myself working hours. I began my days by going out for a walk each morning before diving into work. I gave myself a small non-work-related activity that I enjoyed at the end of each day, such as cooking dinner, reading a book or catching up on a TV program which would get me away from my desk and thoughts of work.

I stopped checking my emails outside of working hours and started having weekends off and taking days off when I needed to instead of trying to cram my work around other things I had planned. I scheduled time in my week to do admin tasks such as sending invoices and doing my finances, and I also scheduled writing time to write blog posts for my personal blog and my business page.

By setting these boundaries, I had some much-needed downtime. I discovered that my productivity soared by working fewer hours but with a clearer mind.

I’m still figuring out what works best for me, and that’s okay. In this line of work, flexibility is key. Priorities shift, and projects have their unique demands, but that’s the beauty of growth—both in business and as individuals.

As I reflect on the past year, one thing’s for sure: Life’s about evolving, and I’m excited for the journey ahead—both in growing my business and personal growth. Here’s to embracing the changes and discovering what lies beyond in the next chapter!

Ghostwriters: Unmasking The Unseen Creators

Creating captivating content doesn’t always demand the limelight. Have you ever wondered about unseen magic that happens behind the scenes?

Welcome to the world of ghostwriters—the hidden talents behind great content.

As a copywriter, I offer ghostwriting services. This involves writing content, such as e-books, articles, or blogs, on behalf of the client, allowing them to take credit. I capture their ideas, voice, and vision while remaining anonymous.

What are the Benefits of Using Ghostwriters?

Businesses and professionals use ghostwriters for several reasons. Let’s explore some:

Limited Time – Busy professionals often lack the time to write themselves. Ghostwriters create content for them, letting them focus on their main work while delivering their message effectively.
Skill – Sometimes, clients find it hard to express their important ideas in writing. Ghostwriters transform these ideas into polished content.
Credibility – Ghostwriters are often enlisted to ensure a consistent and professional voice, boosting their credibility.
Wider Outreach – Ghostwriting enables individuals to reach broader audiences through various platforms without investing time in writing.

Reasons Writers Ghostwrite Without Taking Credit

Writers offer ghostwriting services despite not taking credit for the work for various reasons:

Expertise

Gaining expertise in specific niches and industries can establish writers as the go-to experts in those fields.

Confidentiality and Trust

Maintaining confidentiality and trustworthiness as a ghostwriter builds a strong reputation, attracts new clients through referrals, develops lasting partnerships and enhances professional credibility.

Financial Reward

Ghostwriting services may come at a higher price due to factors including the lack of public acknowledgement, the need to maintain confidentiality, and the expertise required.

Transform Your Brand with Ghostwriting

As an anonymous content creator, I can formulate stories and perfect wording across various platforms while maintaining confidentiality.

My skill set allows me to adapt to different tones, conduct thorough research, and echo clients’ unique voices. I simplify complex ideas, create connections, and help achieve clear objectives, such as boosting brand visibility or delivering powerful messages.

Ready to enhance your brand? Explore the benefits of ghostwriting for impactful, stress-free content that makes a lasting impression. Get in touch to learn more about my services!

Clare H Writes Turns One!

Can you believe it? Clare H Writes is officially one year old today!

It’s been a whirlwind of an adventure, filled with many ups and downs. But I wouldn’t change a thing! I’ve learned so much in these 12 months, from the challenges of building my own business to the joy of seeing my hard work pay off. Sometimes, I still have to pinch myself – I’m actually a writer now!

A massive shoutout to my fantastic clients, who have been the heart and soul of this journey. Your trust and collaboration have made this year unforgettable. And, of course, my loved ones whose support and encouragement have propelled me forward.

Here’s to many more years of doing what I absolutely love! Cheers to the endless possibilities and storytelling adventures 🥂

The Impact of Copywriters: Four Key Benefits You Can’t Ignore

In today’s digital world, words really pack a punch. They have the power to hook an audience, sway potential customers, and define how your brand is seen. Whether you’re in charge of a business and want to increase sales or simply someone who wants to communicate better, you might be wondering why people turn to copywriters. Let’s take a look at four key advantages of partnering with us.

1. The Art of Persuasion

When it comes to words, we, as copywriters, pride ourselves as masters of persuasion. We possess a talent for creating messages that resonate with the audience’s emotions and motivations. Whether it’s engaging website copy, attention-grabbing social media posts or an insightful blog post, we have the ability to work wonders with words.

2. Bringing Clarity to Complexity

In a world drowning in information, it’s important to spell things out as clearly as possible. As copywriters, our skill lies in breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-grasp language. We make sure your ideas, products, or services are communicated clearly, making sure your message isn’t lost in the noise.

3. Expertise and Time Efficiency

Creating quality content demands a combination of time and skill. By bringing a copywriter on board, you gain more time to concentrate on other areas of your professional or personal life. Leave the writing in the hands of experts while you experience the benefits.

4. Effective Storytelling

As a copywriter, I firmly believe that creativity is the key to content success. With our creative touch, we breathe life into your messaging, making it captivating, unforgettable, and easily shareable. We have a knack for storytelling that connects with your audience.

To sum it up, partnering with copywriters is not a passing trend; it’s a smart move to tap into the power of words.

What Exactly is Copywriting? Your Top Three Questions Answered

Since I launched my copywriting business, people have been asking, “What exactly is it that you do?” And it’s not just clients – my friends and family are curious, too! So, I thought I would answer the three most popular questions I get here.

What is copywriting?

Copywriting is all about using words to engage and persuade the reader into making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.

We don’t just cobble sentences together; we use words to capture readers’ attention and imagination. Think of it as a gentle nudge to encourage someone to buy that fantastic product or sign up for a newsletter packed with exciting updates. It’s like having a friendly chat with the brand rather than just reading words on a page.

Whether it’s a catchy slogan, an irresistible offer, or a story that tugs at your emotions, copywriting helps businesses connect with their customers and motivate them to take action.

What do copywriters actually write?

Copywriters are like content chameleons. We can tackle a wide range of projects. Here are just a few examples of the content we can create.

Marketing materials – Ads, flyers and anything to promote you, your product or your brand
Websites – Create or improve your web pages, write product descriptions and create landing pages (those pages that welcome you in and make you stay)
Social Media – Writing catchy posts, fun captions and eye-catching ads.
E-mails – Marketing emails, friendly newsletters and templates for your email conversations.
Blog posts and articles – Informative blog posts for websites or educational articles for magazines.
Press releases – Announcing your latest news or event.
Product packaging – Labels, packaging blurb and handy instructions.
Video and Podcast Scripts – Writing scripts for promotional videos, podcast ads or even captions for video content.
Direct mail – Letters, postcards and those catalogues you get through the post.
E-Commerce – Product Listings, Reviews and detailed descriptions
Public Relations – Messaging and content for media pitches and PR campaigns

If you’ve got something that needs writing, there’s a copywriter ready to help you out.

How do copywriters decide what to charge their clients?

Just like the projects we take on, copywriting fees can vary. You see, we don’t just sit down and write words. That’s only part of the adventure.

Depending on the project, we might need to dig deep into a subject, interview experts or gather data from here and there. Not only that, we aren’t just writers. We are editors, too. Self-editing is essential to making sure our content is spot on.

So, when it comes to pricing, it’s as varied as the projects themselves. Some of us charge per word, others prefer to charge per hour, and then there are those, like me, who take a more holistic approach and consider all of those factors, along with our client’s budget, to create a fair and balanced pricing structure.

I hope this blog post has shed some light on the world of copywriting. If you ever have questions about copywriting or need support with your writing projects, feel free to reach out via email or by completing my Discovery Questionnaire.