Grammar and Spelling and Punctuation: Oh My! Why it pays to Write Right.
When you first thought about opening a business of your own, you didn't think much about writing, did you? (That is unless you were becoming a freelance copywriter or creating a novel). You had a product or a service that was a sure thing. Why would you even give writing a second's thought?
Until you had to build your website...and send out sales emails...and post on social media. Of course there's the business proposals and all the correspondence.
Little did you know that writing would be such a huge part of business success. In this information age of E-commerce and Covid home office workers, writing is our lifeblood. In some cases, written communication is our only way of corresponding with customers.
How much time and effort do you put into your writing? You might use spellcheck, but do you consider much more than that? Do you spend more time searching for the perfect emoji than you do creating your message? Does it matter?
Yes. It definitely matters.
Most often the only image of you and your business people will have is written. The way you write can present your business as smart, capable and organized. But a lack of good spelling, grammar, and punctuation can send the opposite message. Poor business writing makes you appear unprofessional, incompetent, and lacking care. Solid business writing can increase sales conversions by up to 256% according to research from Harvard University, Boston University and University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.
So how can you make certain your writing makes the grade in your business?
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Make a list of words you have trouble spelling. An example is the difference between the words "definitely" and "defiantly". If you know you have trouble getting a word write, have a list ready to consult.
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Use apps such as Grammarly, dictionary.com, and the Hemingway Editor to check your spelling and grammar. They also help you set the proper tone for your writings and keep you writing in an active style. Keep in mind that they aren't always foolproof. If you use the wrong word, but spell it correctly, it won't always correct it for you.
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Hire a proofreader or a copy editor. Proofreaders are those people that are obsessive with spelling, punctuation and grammar. They can hone in on any mistake you might make with regards to writing rules. Copy editors will do those same items, plus make certain the "voice" or theme of your writing is consistent.
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Hire or consult a copywriter. You may decide that you don't have the time, nor the desire to put into all your business writing. That's where a copywriter comes in. They can capture your brand voice and creatively present it in the way that best fits your needs. Experienced copywriting professionals will also deliver your writing free of errors.