In this time where being the first is the most important aspect in attaining success in business, it’s no doubt that there are instances when we overlook another factor that can greatly affect our online image in a tremendous way – quality.
The digital age made us neglect the importance of writing properly. With the rise of tweets, emoticons, hashtags, and abbreviations like “WTF” and “LOL”, it has become unnecessary to sound correct because it has become more important to connect with the users or the target market. But in the end, is grammar worth the effort? Is it worth exerting more effort to make your business look better?
Let’s begin by discussing the issue of keywords and Meta descriptions. One of the biggest challenges of content writers nowadays is dealing with the required keyword, word count, and back links. Once a writer receives a job order, it includes the words that they need to mention and how many times they need to mention it. Because of this, writers have become incarcerated to the idea that they need to spread as many keywords as then can in their article to make a dent in the search results.
Because of this, there are plenty of online blogs that contain typographical errors and grammar lapses. We’re not making ourselves sound perfect, you can spot some errors on some of our posts too (because we sometimes do, and then we just edit it). But you can’t blame all writers, or even the editors. Especially when words and thoughts don’t come easy, or some posts may be rushed or pressured with the requirements.
With the changes in Google’s algorithm, the quality of work or content that we post online is a big factor. Having dwell time and click backs as factors in ranking your page is a sign that we should put consideration in making sure that we provide value — and sense– in every article that we upload online.
But aside from the obvious reason of dominating search engines, there are more reasons why observing proper grammar and usage is still important in the World Wide Web. What does your online presence say about your business and your company? What does each Facebook post or tweet stand for in the image of your company? Let’s discuss it one by one.
1. Credibility
Whenever you post flawless and valuable content online, it boosts the credibility and reliability of your business. One or two setbacks and grammatical errors can be forgiven, but a blog section full of poorly written articles, filled with endless counts of keywords is a bad website.
This doesn’t only apply to your blogs. It also matters to check the About Page, the Services, and other pages on your website. Keep in mind that your website is your primary selling point online; always remember that your company’s online reputation relies on your website. So, typo errors like “avant-garde” vs “avant-grade” is a big no-no.
2. Image Building
It’s understandable that you will need to adjust the tone of your voice online based on your target market, but you have to make sure that you are doing it consistently and in the proper tone. For instance, your audience or users are purely millennials: make sure that you are going to study the way that millennials speak and write, and you will consistently apply it throughout the entire website. You have to build a strong image to establish professionalism. It doesn’t matter if the one reading your post is a millennial or not, but keeping the millennial tone makes your image consistent.
Believe it or not, there’s a proper way of writing. There’s an applied grammar for any kind of person. If you are dealing with CEOs or professionals, make sure to write in a formal, respectful manner. You don’t want to open your message with “How ‘ya doin’?” if you’re selling insurance or you’re a bank. Maintain your tone and use it correctly.
3. Value for Readers
Putting extra effort into whatever we post online is a sign that we value our readers and not just because we want to make it on the first page of SERPs. Even if you are just putting those articles to beef up your online content, you still have to consider proper grammar and sentence constructions. After all, it’s going to be online so someone will still read it.
What you don’t want to happen is for the readers to think that you are not respecting them because your article is full of nonsense and contradicting sentences. You should also consider that the readers are looking for answers online, and that’s what you need to give them in the best way that you can. With good grammar and well-written articles, your readers can say that you are extending effort in providing them the best solutions.
Moreover, using proper grammar makes it easier for your readers to understand your message. There is no need for long and dragging paragraphs if you are adept at writing cohesively.
4. Better publicity
Online users tend to share everything nowadays. Everyone has their chance to either make or break their image with just a click of a button. If you inspire one reader or customer with the quality of work that you produce, they will share it and more people are going to see what you have to offer.
Same goes for having grammatical errors in your post. People will actually share a badly-written article or website that lacks proofreading. Sadly, these bad publicities are shared more than the good ones. Even just a one-word error can turn into a million hates when it becomes viral online.
5. The Internet is Immortal
Even if you delete it or change it, some people can spot your errors and screenshot it. Then the “perfect” users will cascade it online and will make fun of it. You wouldn’t want that. You don’t want to be remembered as the company who doesn’t know the basic rules of Subject-Verb Agreement.
Although many people may say that “whether it’s good or bad, it’s still publicity”, it’s still better to be known, and remembered, for being excellent than being careless. Good publicity stands a better chance of creating more business for your company. So, it’s better to watch what you post because it does –and it will– define who you are.
Proper grammar is a requirement
It’s not always about the technicalities of search – keywords, word count, hyperlinks, and others. To succeed and to get better business, it’s recommended to include the use of proper grammar on all your online presence: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, and website. Abbreviations and acronyms or shorthand type of writing is still acceptable for as long as you will use it properly.
And as the old saying goes, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”
