The Importance of Word Choice

The most important step to creating a blog that works for your business is simple: write effective content that gives people what they want. But what is effective content and how do you make sure that what you put in your post will connect with your audience?

And it’s not just blog posts that need to reach a target market: everything you write reflects who you are as a business person (and if you own your own business, who you are as the symbol of the company). One purpose of this website is to help you with all steps of your writing process so that what you want to say to your customers and to the world is exactly what you write on the page. Did you ever hear of the phrase “lost in translation?” – well, you definitely do not want that to happen in your written materials. Remember Joey and his THE-saurus?

Below are a few steps that can help anyone with their business writing – whether they are blogging, creating ads, writing for print, or simply emailing interoffice colleagues. (See our page on academic writing for academically-focused writing tips.)

Smart Business Writing:

Be Concise:

Let’s take a look at the following two sentences. Which one is easier to read?

“In my opinion, the statistics and numbers that I collected online via the Internet clearly demonstrate and prove that our business is a much better match, and is much more suited for your company and the needs that your company has.”

“The data shows a positive correlation between our services and your business needs.”

Clearly, the second sentence is easier to read. Why? It uses just enough words to get the point across. No more, no less. Customers will be more likely to buy your product or service if they can understand what you are saying to them. When I edit reports and formal materials, I make it a point to read the text out loud. If I stumble over anything, then I need to revise and rewrite. Chances are that I’ve used too many words.

Main Tips:

1. Choose Words Carefully

2. Less is More

3. Define Purpose and Audience Before Writing

4. Edit Your Work

5. Write What Your Audience Needs to Know

I would love to hear from you about your writing struggles and strengths, so please comment with thoughts and insights!