Professional writing is essential for business success. 

Unfortunately, for many, writing is the least exciting part of a job. For some it might even be a scary, daunting task. After all, few go into their respective careers wanting to write. Finding all the right words and stringing them together in just the right way to convey exactly what you mean—avoiding grammatical errors and any miscommunication—can be tough. But, even though it is often the least favorite part of a person’s job, professional writing is an important skill to have!

According to a 2016 study, 73% of employers want employees with strong written communication skills. Additionally, a survey of workers across a variety of business roles and industries indicated that 89% of respondents consider writing in the workplace as “important” or “very important.”

Managers and employees understand that professional writing is a company asset. On the other hand, poor writing leads to increased miscommunication, wasted time and money, and decreased customer satisfaction.

Even if writing isn’t your main job, how you write is essential to enabling business success. Although people may not be consciously aware of good copy while they’re reading, they definitely notice poor writing. While a few errors here and there may seem minor, they can stick out like a sore thumb, and people notice! 

So, in what ways does professional writing contribute to your business success? It establishes your brand image, builds a solid web presence, demonstrates professionalism, increases sales, and enables effective communication.

Establishes brand image

Professional writing helps your company establish a brand image. Customers, stakeholders, and company partners experience your business through your written content—website copy, social media, email blasts, newsletters, reports, product descriptions, etc. Consistent, error-free writing is a way to show off your brand image, and demonstrate that the company prioritizes quality.

Builds a solid web presence

An online presence helps potential customers discover your company and its products and services. And in order to build an online presence, a company needs written content that attracts an audience. SEO-driven website content, blogs, social media, and press releases are just a few of the content forms that create a company’s web presence. This content must be high-quality, showing the business in the best light and motivating potential customers to action.

Demonstrates Professionalism

Quality written content conveys professionalism. Did you know that people with advanced writing skills are perceived as more reliable and trustworthy? If you think about it, this isn’t surprising. What is your first impression when reading an email, memo, sales pitch, or other written content that is riddled with misspelled words, odd structure, or grammatical errors? Likely, you immediately dismiss it as sloppy and unprofessional. It demonstrates a disregard for detail and quality, which is not how a company would like to be perceived. On the other hand, because error-free copy is seen as more professional, others are more likely to take you and your business seriously.

Increases Sales

Selling is all about persuasion. And if your writing doesn’t effectively persuade potential customers to buy your product or service, you’ve wasted your time. Professional writing engages your clients, demonstrating that you understand them and their needs. Quality content will also help show your customers that your products and services fulfill those needs. Conversely, poorly written content can make disastrous first (and last) impressions, and can prevent sales.

Enables Effective Communication

Finally, professional writing enables effective communication. When you write well, information is effectively transmitted between parties—from employees, managers, stakeholders, partners, and customers. This limits miscommunication and ensures everyone is on the same page. With effective communication, companies avoid wasting time, money, and resources, and can therefore focus more freely on the mission and goals of the business.

Looking for ways to enhance your business and ensure success? Simply ensure your content is error-free and professional!

For more information on this topic, check out The Value of Written Communication in the Workplace. If you’re struggling or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me!