What is a native-English-speaking international copywriter?
An international copywriter can write in their native language for a company in another country that needs copy in the writer's mother tongue.
The language most in demand globally is, of course, English.
So a native-English-speaking international copywriter was probably born in the UK, US, Australia or New Zealand and is available to provide copywriting services in English for clients based outside those countries.
Why getting your English language copy almost right isn't enough
When a business based in Norway, for example, wants an English-language version of their website, they will sometimes turn to a Norwegian copywriter with a good grasp of English.
However, there's a very good chance that weaknesses in the writer's English will stick out. Small discrepancies can undo all of the writer's other good work – and make visitors uneasy about dealing with you.
My 20+ years of writing experience – in English – make me a safe pair of hands in circumstances such as this. I was born in the UK, too.
I'll make sure your international copy is right for your English-speaking audience – whether you're based in Japan, Poland, Germany, France, Sweden or somewhere else.
A NATIVE-ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL COPYWRITER CAN:
Ensure that the wording of your new site is more than just a direct translation of your existing website.
Help you demonstrate high levels of professionalism to international clients.
Use current language that is in tune with what your audience expects.
Hi, I'm Mike. I've written international English-language copy for businesses all over the world. Need English copy for your global clients? I can help!
'Surely my local copywriter's English is good enough?'
Nein!
不!
Peut-être!
It might be. But even if it's 99% there, that one per cent risks ruining everything.
(That's meant to be 'no' in Chinese, but I've probably messed it up). See how easy it is to go wrong?
Sure, if you're a very small business and the English version of your website isn't important.
"Exceptional freelance copywriter"
"At TITAN Containers, we've discovered a true wordsmith in Mike. I am proud to recommend him to those in need of an exceptional freelance copywriter."
Rasmus Nørgaard, Group CMO, TITAN Containers, Denmark, January 2024
Book me in. You're in good company...
What are some common issues with international websites?
To give you an idea of how large organisations sometimes get things slightly wrong, I did two Google searches: one for 'energy company Sweden', and one for 'energy company Norway'.
I found questionable English on THREE of the first six sites I looked at.
While I wanted to publish screenshots of the copy here, I thought better of it as I don't want to run the risk of being sued. So here's a summary instead.
1/ HUGE SWEDISH ENERGY SUPPLIER
This global brand has a line about climate change on the homepage of its website that just reads badly. The writer has included a definite article (the) when none is needed, and the general phrasing needs a polish.
2/ BILLION-DOLLAR SWEDISH RENEWABLES COMPANY
In a three-paragraph description of its solutions, I spotted two grammatical mistakes and two examples of bad English.
3/ MAJOR NORWEGIAN RENEWABLES BUSINESS
I spotted no less than two mistakes in a short paragraph about the company's history. You get the gist of what they mean, but the poor use of English is offputting.
Did you know?
88%
of visitors will never return if your site disappoints.
So get English language content that rocks.
5.9
is the number of seconds a user
spends on an average site.
So iron out any language issues and make them stay!
70%
of websites lack a
clear call to action (CTA).
So let me find the perfect words – in English!
How it works: what happens when you hire me as your international copywriter
Do you need a faithful interpretation of what you've got or something better suited to an international market? We'll find the angle that works.
1. We'll nail the perfect brief
3. Optimising for search – anywhere
Website rewrite? I'll use top tools to see what keywords your site needs to rank for English speakers wherever your target audience is.
2. Researching your market
How well does your English-speaking market know the English language? Do they expect American English or British? Let me investigate.
4. A comprehensive round of edits
Need me to tweak the heck out of anything? Ask away! It's included in the fee – and I want you to be happy!
Great! But what does English language international copywriting cost?
I have written more than 75,000 words for international clients, including Danish, Belgian, Japanese, Swedish, Finnish, Swiss, French and Polish businesses. Their positive feedback is clear proof of the need for this kind of focused, highly professional work.
The work itself, however, is a reminder of how different every case is.
Investing in an international copywriter is a big commitment, especially if it's a large website project. If you want it done properly... it takes time.
While my rates are not low, I definitely love to provide great value.
Every quote is matched to the needs of the client – and every client request is different.
So I can't state that "turning a Dutch website into an English-language one is £2,000" or "a new landing page is £500" any more than Apple can say "a computer is £900." It depends on what you're looking for.
These are some of the many variables that affect the price:
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Nature of project (website, brochure, landing page, etc.)
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Depth of content
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Urgency
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Briefing and research requirements
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Complexity of business
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Approval process expectations
However, I can share some ballpark figures that will help you understand if you'd like to work with me.
5-page website (turning existing text into top-quality English): £1,500 – £3,500
5-page website (starting from scratch for an English-speaking audience): £2,000 – £5,000
Single homepage: £500 – £3,000
500-word blog: £200 – £500
About page: £200 – £600
Large, ongoing project: £5,000+
"Mike helps your website stand out"
"I would highly recommend Mike as a copywriter, especially if you’re like us – fluent in English but not native speakers. He can help make your product offerings and website truly stand out."
Otto Klingspor, Head of Marketing, Mynt (Sweden), November 2024
Why you need me (or someone like me) for your international copywriting
Modern internet-based language translation platforms are amazing – but only up to a point.
Embarrassing mistakes can easily be made when the tech tool you are using misinterprets something.
Additionally, direct translations through AI-based apps and platforms often feel cold and flat.
The dangers of direct translation
What works in one language often just doesn't feel right in another – and your target audience will notice this. Hiring a native-English-speaking writer will help you avoid falling into this trap.
In short, relying on a web-based translation for your brand's marketing material or website (including auto-translate) will rarely result in your company showing itself in the best light.
That's why international businesses who are serious about their content hire a skilled native English-speaking copywriter with experience of dealing with businesses all over the world.
So try me when you're looking for a:
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Rédacteur publicitaire anglais
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Redactora inglesa / Copywriter en inglés
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英语母语的文案撰写人
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Engelsk tekstforfatter / Engelsk copywriter
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Copywriter anglojęzyczny
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Engelse copywriter / Engelstalige copywriter
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Freelance Copywriter Englisch / Texter für Englisch
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Freelance copywriter engelska
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Engelsksproget tekstforfatter / Engelsk tekstforfatter
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"英語ネイティブのコピーライタ
You get the idea!
"Super-professional to work with!"
"I was picky when choosing our copywriter – I'm so glad I hit the jackpot with Mike! He gets it. Quick, self-propelled, adaptable – and super-professional to work with."
Ingrid Söderberg, Marketing & Growth Manager, Upsales, Sweden – Jan 2024
FAQ
Find answers about why people choose me, my experience and more...
What is the advantage of using a native English speaker for my copy? Don't get me wrong – I am frequently left in awe by the incredibly high levels of English that are spoken overseas. Brits tend not to excel when it comes to speaking different languages, but one thing we do have in our favour is that we know our own language inside out. As a result, British freelance copywriters like myself have an edge over local freelancers when international firms in mainland Europe and further afield need copy for their English-language marketing material or websites. You can expect copy from experienced native English copywriters like me that resonates with your international audience – instead of making them think you ran your main site through Google Translate.
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Have you written copy for other international companies – and if so, where? I write copy for international clients all over the world, including Danish, Belgian, Japanese, Swedish, Finnish, Swiss, French and Polish businesses. When they reach out to me, it's a clear indication of the need for the kind of focused, highly professional English-language copywriting work I provide. I've also adapated British English for use in New Zealand, Australia, the US, Dubai and – most tellingly – the US, where things are markedly different.
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What is the risk of using a local copywriter who speaks English? English is the most widely spoken second language in the world. It is spoken beautifully by people from Italy to India; Brazil to Bangladesh. However, when you use a local copywriter in your territory who speaks excellent English but isn't a native English speaker, it can result in copy that misses the mark. That's because your writer hasn't fully mastered the many important nuances of the language. And even the tiniest inaccuracy can make your target audience sense that something's not quite right. Less-than-perfect translation can kill the 'flow' of your copy and interfere with the user journey. When you work with an English copywriter such as myself, I will take time to make sure that all of the messaging just works.
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Is there any real harm in simply using Google Translate for my English-language web/marketing copy? Try for yourself! Part of the reason that international clients seek out experienced native English speakers is that they specifically DON'T want a direct translation of their site – no matter how accurate. If hired by a client in Germany, for example, I understand that the goal probably wouldn't be to provide an exact replica of the German site in English. The skill of a copywriter who works for international clients is to assess what the client needs in order for their English-language marketing material or website to resonate with an English-speaking audience – which rarely means simply duplicating the copy. The process usually requires some research skills to ensure that the copy isn't "too British" (using miles instead of kilometres, for example, or using phrases that are too obscure). It also needs someone with the confidence and experience to explain to the client that the copy being delivered is appropriate for international audiences. I have extensive experience working with CMOs, heads of content and other senior executives at non-UK companies. I can help them find the best solution for their needs. I take time to understand the company's target audience and goals, and I strive to create the words they need in perfect English.
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I have ongoing requirements and don't yet know how long I will need you for. Does that work for you? Sure – I have been working on a day rate for one international client for almost a year. I'm flexible! Why not click on the big green 'CONTACT ME' button at the top of this page and we can start a conversation?
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