In today’s mad rush to be the first with disseminating the latest information, people resort to short, quick messages (OMG, LOL!). While this may be appropriate for casual communication, many writers have adopted this style of writing for more formal situations. Adding to the problem, many schools have cut back on teaching the rules of grammar.
So, does good grammar matter anymore? The short and very definitive answer is “yes.” CEOs have been coming forward to say they won’t hire people who use poor grammar. As a company competing in the marketplace, you’re looking to get “hired” by potential customers. Just as a résumé littered with typos can dissuade a potential employer from hiring you, a website marred with usage and spelling errors can dissuade a potential customer from utilizing your service or buying your product.
Charles Duncombe, who runs a variety of websites in the UK, even claims that a single spelling mistake can cut online sales in half. In a recent study, also done in the UK, 59 percent of respondents reported that they would avoid doing business with a company that’s made errors in grammar.
Bad grammar can erode confidence in your brand and make people question your dedication to excellence. Particularly in the area of senior care, where people are entrusting you with their loved ones, it may be hard for someone to believe you’re able to carefully administer life-saving medication when you can’t even construct a grammatically correct sentence.
On the flip side, don’t let a fear of being grammatically correct paralyze you from telling an interesting story. The first rule of good content is always to tell a compelling story that will engage readers. Don’t panic or lapse into writer’s block during your first draft. If proofreading and copyediting aren’t your strong suit, bring in an expert to “polish the diamond.”
At IlluminAge, we’re pleased to have several grammar and usage experts on staff. We proofread your content before it’s published. This way, you can rest assured you’re creating targeted copy that will reach its audience without any barriers to people acting on your offer. We also provide copywriting and editing services. So even if you’re not a grammar expert, you can sound like one on the Web or in print.
Most businesses have a lot of competition and numerous barriers to make a sale. Good grammar removes one of those barriers. Sure, not everyone is going to care about a misplaced comma. But some will. Can your company afford to alienate even a small portion of your potential customer base?
Give us a call today and discover how we can help you eliminate the barriers to your sales and marketing goals.