Law Student Explores Copywriting for Legal Niche

Seeking a copywriter for lawyers? Go here.

Hi Susan,

My name is Manna. I’m a final year law student in Nigeria trying out the freelance writing path.

Honestly, I’m amazed at your blog. It has so much in-depth advice. I’m writing you because I would like to write content for the legal industry. Having trained to be a lawyer for five years, I have a good grasp of the goings-on in that niche. I can write blog posts, website copy, newsletters, press releases, etc.

However, I have two questions that I need you to please answer. (I know I’m in no position to demand this being a total stranger, but I really do need your help with this questions.)

1) From your many years of experience and large network, do you think the legal industry is a profitable niche for me to specialize in for my freelance writing pursuit?

2) Since I want to begin writing content like blog posts and also write copy for landing pages and all, should I advertise myself as a copywriter or content marketer?

Regards,
Manna

Hi Manna,

It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for the kind words about my blog. I’m glad you’ve found my posts helpful.

In answer to your questions, yes, the legal industry can be lucrative. I don’t know about your country, but in the U.S. there are way too many lawyers. They compete mightily for business. Someone who can help them write a quality website or fill their blog with informative articles will be of value. Your legal background could make you an excellent resource.

Many lawyers specialize in a specific area of law. You can target sectors individually to increase your chances of getting their business. For example, write a sales letter for immigration lawyers and a different letter for divorce lawyers or family lawyers, etc.

Be sure to explore different types of lawyers. In the U.S., and probably your country as well, many lawyers specialize. For example, there are personal injury lawyers, immigration lawyers, divorce lawyers, etc. If you have expertise in any of those areas, you’ll be able to write a more focused sales letter to help you score writing assignments from lawyers in that niche.

You should also invest some time in learning search engine optimization (SEO). As an SEO copywriter, you offer more value. Not only will you be providing professional articles for your lawyer clients that position them as authorities in their field, you’ll also be helping them to improve their website or blog’s ranking on Google. Better ranking translates into more visitors, which can then result in more client prospects calling the law firm.

As for whether to market yourself as a copywriter or content marketer, you probably can do both. Why limit yourself? The difference between the two these days is blurred anyway. I do think, however, that calling yourself a copywriter will give you access to better-paying jobs.

The market for content marketers is very competitive. There are so many international content marketers willing to write for rock-bottom rates. I try to keep myself separate from that group, focusing more on copywriting and targeting clients who appreciate my years of experience and business acumen.

I hope that helps. If so, please pay it forward by doing something nice for someone else who could use a boost.

Regards,

Susan Greene, Marketing Copywriter