Grammar (and syntax) usage… you either love it or hate it. Some people feel like they understand it fully, others not so much. In a world of digital engagement, there are so many words that float across your phone and laptop screens every day. However, amid all those words is the foundation for how the words got there—grammar. There are a few tips that can help bring your content to the next level. You don’t want your content to be overlooked due to poor grammar usage. There are enough grammar sticklers in the world that a few small commas and period mistakes can make or break your content. (Also remember, even on social media, grammar matters).
Tip 1: All About Me!
Don’t be afraid of I-statements! When talking about your brand, use “I” in your sentences. For many consumers, they like the use of “I” in blogs, posts, and brand announcements. If you have a small brand, speak for yourself. For example, if you have a new service that you want to show off on your blog, think of something like: “I am happy to announce” or “I have worked tirelessly on…”. The use of “I” can help establish a connection. If your brand is small, personal, and focused, you might as well use “I” statements.
Tip 2: Oxford Who? Serial What?
Oxford or serial commas are the bane of many people’s existence. However, with oxford commas, the key is not necessarily if you use them or not, but how you use them. Be consistent with comma usage. One of the easiest to spot mess-ups that can be spotted by grammar sticklers is the misuse of the oxford comma. For clarification, oxford commas are the commas used at the end of a list. For example, I bought apples, oranges and strawberries vs I bought apples, oranges, and strawberries. The comma before the “and” is purely a stylistic choice--but whatever choice you have made, be consistent on all comma usage. If you know that some of your content could use a grammar update, contact The Dillon Ross Group and streamline and polish your content.
Tip 3: Who Are Your Readers/Viewers?
Knowing who your readers/viewers are and what they like is key to understanding what content is essential and what is not. Content relevancy is an uphill battle that you must fight to stay relevant. There are ways to understand and measure who your readers/viewers are and what they like. Look at Instagram, for example. You can look through and canvas your profile followers. If they are all young, college or university students, who you can gather are interested in fashion, then streamline your content to your followers. Don’t substitute your voice for an unrealistic or unauthentic one just because you identify a thread among your readers/viewers. Streamline your content that will not only entertain the ones you have but also interest the ones you are trying to reach. If you decide that a significant interest thread among all your Instagram followers is fashion, but you are an interior design company, shake your content up. Think of publishing content on how interior design and fashion principles are related. Or, furthermore, think of ways to incorporate the usage of fabric, color, and aesthetics into your content.
Content is fun to produce. When producing content, design, create, and empower your brand for the maximum amount of profit.