We’d have a tough time surviving without quotation marks. A famous writer once observed, “Quotation marks allow us to identify what someone actually says, as opposed to simple statements being made by the writer.” Okay, I’m that writer, but the quote illustrates one of the primary roles of quotation marks. The other is to denote … Read more
Many people regard having to write as sheer torture. Unfortunately, nearly every job or business endeavor demands a certain amount of that torture. The good news is that there’s a simple trick that can make your writing easier and more effective. That trick is starting somewhere in the middle. If that sounds odd, consider that … Read more
Want to know how effective your copy is likely to be? To find out, highlight it in two different colors. Whether you’re developing a blog post, a brochure, a web page, or any other channel, take a few moments to highlight all of the sentences that are really about your customer and his or her … Read more
Business owners and managers who find themselves in the media spotlight often complain they’re being harassed, persecuted, or treated unfairly. However, many of them suffer that treatment because of their own actions in dealing with reporters and editors. To keep from becoming your own worst enemy, follow a few common-sense strategies. Take control. Reporting the … Read more
One of the biggest misconceptions about writing involves those handy word combinations we call contractions. You’re familiar: cannot becomes can’t, will not shortens to won’t, and so forth. When professional writers insert those contractions into their work, clients are often confused. Some doubt the competence of the writer they’ve hired or assume that the writer … Read more
Recently presented a webinar on writing for the web for Level Two Coworking in Plainfield. I appreciate the opportunity to educate businesses about making their online presence more effective!
When you want to promote your expertise to customers and prospects, blogging and regular publications such as email newsletters can be powerful tools. (Print newsletters can still be a wise choice in certain situations.) I’ve worked on hundreds of blogs, newsletters, and other publications over the years, and watched other organizations grapple with them. I’ve … Read more
Many words have been misused so often that their meanings have started to blur – and writers who should know better start using the wrong words in the wrong places. A recent national magazine article reported that a particular musician had earned his notoriety by producing a couple albums. In this case, “notoriety” was the … Read more
You think your new ad (or email, or mailing, or commercial) is a good one, and based on the early response, your target audience appears to agree. Then the phone rings or an email shows up in your inbox. Someone is clearly upset with you. They don’t understand why you ran such an offensive message. … Read more
While trying to solve a recent problem with a retailer, I remembered that phone call from my father’s cardiologist. The aggrieved voice on the phone scolded me because Dad had missed that day’s appointment. Once she paused, I took a deep breath and gently explained that he failed to show up for the appointment because … Read more