Two Writing Tips For Internet Marketing That Instantly Raise Your Credibility
A common problem seen in websites and internet marketing advertisements concerns some of the most basic rules of grammar.
Understandably, if you are a member of an affiliate program, you may not have much of a say in how your website is written or how it appears.
Also, if you are not a native speaker of the English language, some of the rules are downright confusing, and can make writing for the web difficult.
And let's face it - some of the rules confound even native speakers (and that includes this writer).
However, once you begin marketing your program, product or opportunity, you will undoubtedly begin writing blogs, using social networking programs, and writing/placing advertisements.
After all, these are all standard internet marketing selling techniques in use today, and the trend is growing.
So, you must write! If your writing contains misspelled or misused words, the errors may result in the reader doubting your credibility or professionalism - and regardless of whether you are working on a business writing project or a personal blog, you do not want your reader distracted by writing mistakes.
Below are two of the most glaring errors seen on a regular basis - along with simple writing tips to help you correct and avoid making these mistakes to begin with.
These are the same errors this former career coach has seen in resumes and cover letters (and if you happen to be looking for a job, these mistakes WILL diminish your chances for getting that interview!).
If you follow these few rules and correct these mistakes in your own copy, you will put yourself head and shoulders above your competition - and when you are writing for the web, you want to have the keenest edge possible! Its vs.
It's The misuse of "its" versus "it's" is probably the most common error you will see in writing for the web.
Here is one of THE simplest rules in the English language (and believe me, there aren't a lot of simple rules here...
).
Plain and simple: Use "it's" ONLY when you mean to say "it is.
" End of discussion.
If you are not saying "it is," then use "its.
" Always test your usage of "its" versus "it's" by seeing if it makes sense to use "it is.
" Let's put it to the test now.
Incorrect: Read the book slowly so you can absorb it's content.
Explanation: Break down the sentence according to the rule: "Read the book slowly so you can absorb it is content.
" This makes no sense.
Therefore, remove the apostrophe.
Correctly rewritten: "Read the book slowly so you can absorb its content.
" Here is another example: Incorrect: He told me that its the best way to learn.
Explanation: Can you use the "it is" example? Let's try: "He told me that it is the best way to learn.
" Bingo! It makes sense; therefore, add the apostrophe.
Correctly rewritten: "He told me that it's the best way to learn.
" About There, They're, and Their Ah.
This is a little trickier, but again, some simple writing tips will help you.
There: The word "there" refers to "over there.
" Ask: "Where?" Answer: "There!" "There " is also used in a less concrete way, "There is a way...
" A good test to see if you are using "there" correctly is to substitute the word "here" and ask if it makes sense.
They're: The word is a contraction for "They are.
" Always.
Without fail.
If you are saying "They are," then you may use "they're.
Their: The word is possessive, and means that whatever you are talking about refers to "them.
" Plural.
The ball belongs to those boys - it's their ball.
A good test to see if you are using "their" correctly is to substitute the word "our" and ask if it makes sense, as in this example: "It's their ball.
" Substitute "our.
" "It's our ball.
" Yes, it makes sense.
Example using There, They're and Their: Incorrect: Their leaving for there vacation cottage over they're across the lake.
Correctly rewritten: "They're leaving for their vacation cottage over there across the lake.
" That's it! Your guide (in a nutshell) to avoiding these two very common errors.
Practice and master these simple tips, and notice an instant improvement in your writing, your internet marketing techniques, and your overall professionalism.
Understandably, if you are a member of an affiliate program, you may not have much of a say in how your website is written or how it appears.
Also, if you are not a native speaker of the English language, some of the rules are downright confusing, and can make writing for the web difficult.
And let's face it - some of the rules confound even native speakers (and that includes this writer).
However, once you begin marketing your program, product or opportunity, you will undoubtedly begin writing blogs, using social networking programs, and writing/placing advertisements.
After all, these are all standard internet marketing selling techniques in use today, and the trend is growing.
So, you must write! If your writing contains misspelled or misused words, the errors may result in the reader doubting your credibility or professionalism - and regardless of whether you are working on a business writing project or a personal blog, you do not want your reader distracted by writing mistakes.
Below are two of the most glaring errors seen on a regular basis - along with simple writing tips to help you correct and avoid making these mistakes to begin with.
These are the same errors this former career coach has seen in resumes and cover letters (and if you happen to be looking for a job, these mistakes WILL diminish your chances for getting that interview!).
If you follow these few rules and correct these mistakes in your own copy, you will put yourself head and shoulders above your competition - and when you are writing for the web, you want to have the keenest edge possible! Its vs.
It's The misuse of "its" versus "it's" is probably the most common error you will see in writing for the web.
Here is one of THE simplest rules in the English language (and believe me, there aren't a lot of simple rules here...
).
Plain and simple: Use "it's" ONLY when you mean to say "it is.
" End of discussion.
If you are not saying "it is," then use "its.
" Always test your usage of "its" versus "it's" by seeing if it makes sense to use "it is.
" Let's put it to the test now.
Incorrect: Read the book slowly so you can absorb it's content.
Explanation: Break down the sentence according to the rule: "Read the book slowly so you can absorb it is content.
" This makes no sense.
Therefore, remove the apostrophe.
Correctly rewritten: "Read the book slowly so you can absorb its content.
" Here is another example: Incorrect: He told me that its the best way to learn.
Explanation: Can you use the "it is" example? Let's try: "He told me that it is the best way to learn.
" Bingo! It makes sense; therefore, add the apostrophe.
Correctly rewritten: "He told me that it's the best way to learn.
" About There, They're, and Their Ah.
This is a little trickier, but again, some simple writing tips will help you.
There: The word "there" refers to "over there.
" Ask: "Where?" Answer: "There!" "There " is also used in a less concrete way, "There is a way...
" A good test to see if you are using "there" correctly is to substitute the word "here" and ask if it makes sense.
They're: The word is a contraction for "They are.
" Always.
Without fail.
If you are saying "They are," then you may use "they're.
Their: The word is possessive, and means that whatever you are talking about refers to "them.
" Plural.
The ball belongs to those boys - it's their ball.
A good test to see if you are using "their" correctly is to substitute the word "our" and ask if it makes sense, as in this example: "It's their ball.
" Substitute "our.
" "It's our ball.
" Yes, it makes sense.
Example using There, They're and Their: Incorrect: Their leaving for there vacation cottage over they're across the lake.
Correctly rewritten: "They're leaving for their vacation cottage over there across the lake.
" That's it! Your guide (in a nutshell) to avoiding these two very common errors.
Practice and master these simple tips, and notice an instant improvement in your writing, your internet marketing techniques, and your overall professionalism.