15 Disasterous Problems for Content Writers
Content writing and copywriting can be challenging at times, especially when dealing with disaster zones or problem clients (we’ve all had at least one!)
While operating as a freelance content or copywriter can be a great career; flexible working, no direct boss, and so on, but like most careers, it still comes with its share of issues and problems.
These situations can negatively impact a business or brand, or reflect on you personally as a writer.
When things are going well and clients are happy, life is good. But some of the trickier-to-handle situations will take skill and tact to navigate.
Here are some disaster zones that you may have to deal with during your career as a professional writer.
1. Negative reviews
We put this one first because it is something that most writers fear.
Negative reviews have a damaging effect on your reputation and impact future business.
Content writers may need to address these reviews head-on by responding in a professional and empathetic manner.
It can be worth making an apology for any negative experiences to mitigate the damage and provide solutions to rectify the situation.
Additionally, content writers can work with other clients to identify and address any underlying issues that led to the negative review in the first place.
2. Product recalls
Product recalls can be a nightmare for businesses and content writers alike. They can cause a loss of consumer trust and brand reputation, leading to financial losses.
Content writers may have to deal with explaining the recall in a way that is clear and concise, while also addressing any potential concerns or questions customers may have.
To do so effectively, content writers can focus on transparency and honesty, outlining the specific reasons for the recall and steps the company is taking to remedy the situation.
They can also be instrumental in helping consumers resolve the situation by providing clear instructions on how customers can return the product and receive a refund or replacement.
3. Data breaches
As more and more personal information is stored online and rules around data-sharing and privacy become more complicated, writers will need to be prepared to handle any possible information leaks.
Data breaches can be a significant concern for businesses, and content writers may need to address any potential customer concerns around data privacy and security both for clients and their own business.
It is helpful to focus on reassuring customers by outlining the specific steps the company is taking to prevent future breaches and safeguard personal information.
In the event that data does get leaked, operate with honesty and transparency while the situation is handled.
4. Technology failures
Website crashes, inaccessible portals, or inoperable payment gateways can be frustrating for customers and content writers alike.
Content writers may need to address any customer concerns and offer apologies for any inconvenience caused while scrambling to correct the root of the problem.
Communications should be frequent and clear to keep clients fully appraised of the steps being taken to fix the problems.
Updates on when the website is expected to be up and running again, or an email alert to confirm fixes have been made will be needed.
Try and offer alternative options for customers to complete their business or transactions.
5. Legal problems
If you do have the unfortunate experience of running into legal problems, get expert help and guidance right away.
Legal issues can be complex and content writers may need to work with legal teams to ensure full compliance.
Any public statements or communications must be compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
6. Employee problems
If you have managed to grow your content or copywriting business into a fully-fledged agency, you may run into employee issues from time to time.
Employees can cause all kinds of headaches especially if they do not perform as expected or intentionally try to disrupt your business (it happens).
A disgruntled employee can cause untold damage and can damage your reputation, disrupt your business, and impact customer trust.
If you have found yourself on the wrong side of employee issues work quickly to address any concerns or questions that your customers may have.
It may also be worth engaging the services of an HR specialist to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the situation.
7. Financial issues
Managing the needs of a business and tracking expenses or managing payroll can all be tricky until you get used to it.
However, even with the best systems and processes in place, financial problems can still rear their ugly head from time to time.
Financial issues can be a significant concern and you may require expert guidance to navigate things like accounts reporting or taxes.
Content writers may need to work with an internal or external financial advisor to address any issues and keep their business in compliance with financial regulations and authorities.
8. Social media backlash
Social media is a double-edged sword. One the one hand it can be an exceptional marketing tool.
Many writers have built lucrative businesses or entire agencies by maintaining a positive social media presence.
On the other hand, it can be a highly visible and public platform for negative feedback and unfavorable comments from followers.
Social media backlash can be a challenging issue for businesses to navigate.
Content writers may need to work hard in a public forum, using their social accounts to address specific concerns or complaints.
It may take a while to rebuild customer trust through positive communications and proactive solutions.
9. Customer complaints
Customer complaints can be challenging to handle, but on the plus side, they can also provide you with valuable insights into areas for improvement.
Copywriters and content writers will need to be aware of any complaints and work to handle them swiftly and effectively.
If you have a customer service team or representative get them on board to assist with complaints follow-up and solutions.
Complaints can be damaging, but when managed in the right way can actually show your service in a positive light, rather than a negative one.
The key is to provide clear solutions, communicate often, and outline avenues for follow-up.
10. Slow sales
Finding clients is the lifeblood of your writing business, so what happens when the pipeline dries up?
Poor sales can be a significant concern for many writers and getting the pipeline restarted will be the primary concern.
It could be advantageous to hire a sales rep or business development expert to perform cold outreach on your behalf, and don’t forget to ask past clients for referrals.
There is no easy answer to slow sales, but it can be helpful to offer different writing services to diversify income streams and keep a consistent flow of inbound leads.
11. Work delays
Work and production delays can be frustrating for customers and worse, impact your bottom line.
Whether problems arise from a broken workflow or poor planning, content writers will need to move fast to correct the damage.
Slow delivery of work can hurt your customer relationships and may even impact future business to delays will need to be addressed quickly.
If you are aware of issues that are impeding work delivery, get out in front of it and communicate the problem to your client along with a clear corrective plan.
12. Weather and natural disasters
Weather-related issues and natural disasters are something that most people do not consider when starting a writing business.
But the truth is that mother nature can disrupt your business operations just as easily as people of technology can.
Depending on where your business is based, or the country you operate from, natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires can be a real concern.
In this case, there is not much you can do apart from keeping your clients clearly updated on the situation and when they can expect normal service to resume.
13. Pandemics or health crises
Handling a pandemic was never on the radar for most content writers and copywriters – until 2019!
Pandemics or health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on businesses and may require expert guidance to navigate.
Content writers may need to adhere to government and health guidelines for safety and things like client meetings may need to be held using digital tools like video chat, rather than in person.
In these kinds of situations, clients will typically be understanding as everyone is faced with the same struggles and challenges.
14. Cybersecurity threats
In a similar way to data breaches, cybersecurity threats can be disruptive for your business, and take time and money to correct.
Copywriters and content writers spend a lot of time online and use a lot of digital tools to perform work, leaving them exposed to things like data viruses, malware, and malicious attacks.
For individual writers who work with just a phone and a laptop, losing communications can be disastrous.
For this reason, it is worth taking preventative steps by investing in good anti-virus and malware detection tools.
15. Economic downturns
Recessions can and do strike. Economic downturns can have a devastating impact on business and severely restrict income for writers.
Maintaining good quality service and remaining dedicated to creating inbound and outbound leads can help you to ride out the storm.
If you find yourself in ‘survival mode’ you may be able to stir up some work by running a promotion or special offer.
Even though you don’t want to sell yourself short, some money is better than no money in a depressed economic environment.
Handling disastrous events
Content writers and copywriters may find themselves faced with a range of disastrous problems throughout their careers, or you may be lucky enough to avoid them.
However, it never hurts to be prepared to navigate these situations effectively.
By focusing on transparency and honesty in communications, writers can provide workable solutions and options for their customers.
Preparing and planning for potential disasters in advance will help you to come out on the other side with a stronger brand and loyal client base.
Keep these key points in mind and use them when preparing an action plan.
- Stay informed and up-to-date on the situation
- Be transparent and honest in communications
- Provide solutions and options for customers
- Offer discounts or incentives to retain customers
- Address negative feedback and reviews promptly
- Show empathy and understanding
- Collaborate with experts or departments to find solutions
- Prepare and plan for potential disasters in advance
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