We have all heard that companies give you a chart of Dos and Don’ts when a new employee joins them. This is done to streamline their work and also to make sure that they do not repeat the most common mistakes and do the basics right.
Similarly, in financial content writing one should maintain a list of basic dos and don’ts to ensure accuracy, clarity, and reader engagement. A well-structured checklist guides writers to provide reliable information, avoid jargon, and tailor content to their audience’s comprehension level. This enables the writers to analyse and change their content according to the preference of his/her readers, thus, updating the list after each content post is live.
This systematic approach streamlines the writing process, minimises errors, and maintains the writer’s credibility. Ultimately, a checklist fosters the creation of superior financial content by promoting research-backed insights, clear communication, and adherence to ethical standards.
Now we will analyse what can be a good set of list to start your content writing journey. Note that these formulated after years of experience in the industry and thus might help new budding content writers.
Dos
Conduct thorough research from credible sources- In a realm where accuracy is paramount, diligent research is the foundation for crafting content that empowers and guides readers effectively. Nowadays financial content formally associates itself with a lot of variables and data. Therefore it is on the shoulders of the finance content writer or finance content agencyto provide informed and well researched content to his/her readers. A major differentiating point of two similar finance content pieces for the same social media can be how much well one is researched over the other.
Data should be updated- We have to make sure the data that we are using in our finance contentshould be updated and with least variance from the actual data. It is understandable that most finance content writers use secondary data in their pieces, however, the relevance of that data point with the latest occurrence of events is of utmost necessity. Whether you are content writer for a financial services website, personal finance writer or freelance personal finance writer this should be a must.
The content should be relevant in the present economic condition- Following the latest trend is important for almost any form of content and the same is even more applicable for the finance content world. The dynamics of the finance worldchanges due to a huge number of factors and economic conditions. Thus, a prerequisite for success in the industry is to write on present and relevant finance content. The identity of you as a finance content writer is how well you can write the content on recent topics and make it stand out from all other pieces out there.
Try to craft educational content- Crafting educational content in finance writingis pivotal. By simplifying complex concepts, providing practical examples, and explaining terms, you empower readers to make informed decisions. Educational content cultivates financial literacy, helping readers grasp fundamental principles and strategies. This approach fosters confidence in managing their finances, demystifying intricate topics. The more value you add as a finance content writer, the more will be the demand for your content.
Simplify the content as much as possible- The importance of this concept cannot be reinstated enough.Financial content can sometimes be very niche and complex, therefore as a content writer one should be able to provide his/her reader with the simplest version of the content, yet keeping the main ideas still intact. Simplification can be key when the finance content pieces are close substitutes of each other.
Don’ts
Ignore proof-reading and editing-Neglecting proofreading and editing in finance writing is perilous. Errors erode your credibility and hinder reader comprehension. Diligent proofreading ensures grammatical accuracy, while editing polishes your content for clarity and coherence. Mistakes can distort meanings, harming the reliability of your information. Don’t let ignorance be the reason for your failure!
Try not to make investment recommendations unless you are a certified advisor-While analysing different avenues for investment is fine, giving outright investment recommendations is an action of fraud in many countries. To be able to give investment recommendations you need to have certification from the proper administrative agency. Disobeying this particular point may jeopardise your whole career.
Copy from other finance content creators- With the abundance of financial content and writers, it is almost evident to find an already existing article on the topic that you intend to write upon. While it is permissible to refer to your competitor’s content piece, it is absolutely not permitted to copy from their finance content piece as it will create a mistrust in your audience and also damage your unique identity.
Contradict timeless financial principles- Avoid contradicting timeless financial principles in your writing. These principles are tried-and-true foundations that guide sound financial decisions. Contradicting them can mislead readers and harm their financial well-being. Instead, build upon these principles to offer contemporary insights and applications. Aligning with established wisdom enhances the credibility of your content and helps readers navigate financial challenges with confidence. Respect for these principles is crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring your financial writingremains a reliable and valuable resource for your audience.
Limit yourself- Don’t limit yourself with only a handful of dos and don’ts but go on inventing what works for you and your readers the best. The working formula or success formula is for you to find at the end of the day.