Promoting your biz when English isn’t your first language

Whether you’re about to launch a new business idea or you’ve been in business for a while, getting your online presence right is super important to your success. It’s no surprise that most people find this a tad daunting. Add your limited English language abilities into the mix and you’re sure to face a crisis of confidence.

As a well-travelled British copywriter living in New Zealand, I can help. I’ve worked with heaps of clients who speak English as a second, third or even fourth language and I’m here to tell you that your English is not a barrier to success. I repeat – speaking English as a non-native is not a barrier. If you have a real passion for your business and you’re fantastic at what you do (I know you are!) then follow these 5 easy steps to conquer your writing fears.

1) Keep it simple! In my experience, non-native English speakers tend to overcomplicate their writing by using long words and intricate sentence structure. Online writing, particularly on social media, is casual and the use of formal writing is outdated in this space.

2) Choose British or US English and stick with it; swapping between the two looks unprofessional and sloppy. Make sure your online dictionary is set to the correct version. I have a personal bias for the British form and this fits best if you’re targeting the NZ market. Use US English if that’s your primary target market.

3) Online language checking tools are your new best friends! There are heaps of options available. Some allow you to use the basic options for free and offer a premium package for more thorough language analysis. One that checks your spelling and grammar can help you avoid embarrassing mistakes.

4) Enlist the help of a good photographer and use lots of high-quality images and videos to help convey your message.

5) Be honest with your target audience. Whether English is your mother tongue or not, honesty in business goes a long way. Write a piece explaining where you’re from and what languages you speak. Be honest about your limitations and open to English language corrections. We all learn by making mistakes!

Building your online presence takes time and patience. Give my tips a try and let me know how you get on.

If you’re too busy to write your own copy, consider outsourcing it to someone who works with words daily. Jules Anne – the write way offers a range of personalised services to help you along the way. From copywriting, editing and proofreading to managing your social media presence, I’ve got you covered. Follow me on Facebook and Insta for more writing tips or get in touch to work with me.

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