How Bad Grammar Negatively Impacts Your Business

Are you puzzled about why your targeted online traffic does not stay on your website for very long??Have you been wondering why no one is clicking on your advert? Are you concerned about why your awesome keywords do not have the effect you expected?

I don't understand; I have done everything right, you say to yourself. So where did things go wrong? Have you ever considered that bad grammar could play a huge role in putting off potential clients?

Bad grammar. Blatant spelling mistakes. Incorrect punctuation.

Three things that can detract from the professional image you wish to create.?Read on to find out how poorly written content can undermine the credibility of your business and put people off visiting your website.?

The effects of poor grammar usage

• Polls conducted by various agencies show that, on average, 59% of consumers said they would not buy from an online shopping site that had bad spelling and bad grammar. In a further study, 91% said that misspellings put them off websites.?Here's why:
• Grammatical errors in your writing can unintentionally change what you want to convey.?A simple repeated grammar error or misspelled word can change the meaning of your article or advert. Effect and affect are examples of commonly misused words as are except and accept.
• Using incorrect punctuation affects the structure and clarity of your sentence and can change its meaning.?For example, a misplaced comma in this popular example changes the intention:

'I love cooking my family and my dog.'

should read

'I love cooking, my family, and my dog.'

• Using vague words and phrases often creates ambiguity, which can cause misunderstandings and misinformation. Avoid using phrases such as, '…and things like that' or '...and so forth'. Using the word continual instead of continuous could have dire consequences in a business contract.
• Bad grammar disturbs the flow of your writing. This makes it hard to focus on your message.?Using long sentences, separated by commas, can often leave your reader exhausted, trying to figure out who did what, how, when, and to whom. See? Separate the facts. Use short, clear sentences to make the information more readable.
• Poorly written content alters people's perceptions of your professionalism. It shows that you are sloppy and raises doubts about how you conduct business. As an expert in your field, your writing, whether on your company website or your blog, should instill confidence in your readers.
• Misuse of industry-specific terminology (jargon) can lead to confusion.?You don't want frowning readers.?They lose interest because it slows down their reading.
• Readers don't want to work hard to read your information. They will leave and look for another site that is easier to read.?User experience and the length of time a user stays on your site affect your Google SEO rating.
• Sloppy grammar results in losing customers and affects your content ranking on search engines. Some search engines like Bling consider spelling and grammatical errors when ranking your website. According to Website Planet, Google algorithms notice that something is not right and lowers your SEO page ranking.

A recent survey by surveymonkey.com showed that 81% of female customers would not buy a product advertised with sloppy grammar and misspelled words, and 77% of men responded the same way.?This increased among young shoppers; 85% of millennials responded that they were less likely to buy products advertised with grammar and spelling errors.?

A study conducted by Website Planet comparing two landing pages showed that bad grammar usage, typos, and spelling errors on websites are not good for business.

The power of proofreading

Never underestimate the power of proofreading!?Not taking the time to proofread any written material you post or publish suggests carelessness.?This impression is carried into your business practices. A simple read-through of your final draft can make a huge difference.

Hire a proofreader.?It's worth it.

Next time you want to post or publish your content, consider hiring a proofreader and/or editor before you approve your final draft.?Otherwise, get a colleague or friend who is a native English speaker to read over your draft.?Remember proof then post.?Keep your copy clean.?

For professional and meticulous proofreading or editing services, find me at www.shamilaiyer.com.

I spent many years teaching English as a first, second, and foreign language and lecturing Business English and Management Communication. I've written two English Language textbooks, proofread, and edited various other written materials. Currently, I work as a freelance writer, editor, and author coach.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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