Have you ever visited a company’s web site and been left in the dark about what it actually does after reading through the copy? If your reaction after checking out the “About Us” page is to say “Huh?” to yourself, it’s definitely not a good sign.
Some people resort to using buzz words that sound impressive but which don’t really mean anything. For example, the expression “taking [something] to the next level” sounds impressive, but unless you know what the current level is, how do you know what the next one should be?
When you are applying for a freelance writing gig or sending a pitch to a potential client, resist the urge to try impress the person reading your materials with your mastery of the written word. You want the potential client to get to know something about you, your qualifications and the approach you take to your work. If you get the gig, you can discuss the specific style the client would like you to use for his or her assignment.
We all want to make a good first impression by presenting ourselves well and showing our best samples to people who may be in a position to hire us. Take a few minutes to read through your materials before you submit them. If you have trouble understanding what you are trying to say, a potential client will too – and you want to make it easy for them to decide that you would be a great fit for the project.
We may be wizards of words, but don’t let them get in the way of communicating effectively with potential clients. Keeping it simple is a better way to go.
Do you try to make your applications and pitches a jargon-free zone?
