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5 Grammar Mistakes That Always Get Missed

As a writer you always notice the little grammar mistakes people make when they write. Someone ending a sentence with a preposition, employing a redundant modifier or using “literally” literally any chance they get. It’s enough to drive a person mad—or at least distract you from what they were actually talking about (see?).

For your business the consequences are just as real. The content you put out is an extension of your business, an undeniable representation of your company that is open for consumer judgment. “If they don’t even know the difference between it’s and its, how can I trust they will be able to deliver on their promise of ____.” The relationship between the grammar mistakes you make and the quality of your business may seem alien and unfair, but it’s a reality of the business world we live in—trust us.

They’re, Their, There

A grammar eyesore you no doubt come across on a daily basis in emails is the incorrect use of they’re, their and there. It’s pretty simple, really: One’s a contraction, one’s possessive and one has to do with place. Use they’re when you want to shorten they are. Use there if you could point to it (“over there”). Use their when you’re describing someone’s something. You know the difference between the three, but it’s a good idea to always double check your correspondence to make sure you’re using the right one in the right context — it’s way too easy to make these grammar mistakes even knowing the rules.

There, there–you’ll get the hang of it.

Me and I

You’d think that people would have a solid grasp on the proper use of two of the most selfish words in the English language. Nope. Me and I are two of the most misused words, especially when it comes to writing a sentence with yourself and another group. For instance, you may read, “Scan the documents and send them to Jennifer and I.” But take “Jennifer” out of that sentence and it sounds weird. That’s because I is the object of that sentence—and I should not be used as an object.

To help remind yourself which one is right and when, say the sentence to yourself excluding the other group (“Scan the documents and send them to me”). If it sounds right, it is.

Run-on Sentences

“Brevity is the soul of wit,” but you wouldn’t know it based on the way some people go on and on and on when they write. As the writer, it’s your responsibility to make it as easy possible on your reader, if for no other reason than to keep them reading. One way to do this is by using commas before coordinating conjunctions, such as for, and, but, or, etc. These FANBOYS are useful in separating independent clauses—complete thoughts with subjects and predicates—and commas are their companion cues that help your reader know a new idea is approaching.

Commas

If you’re thinking about using a comma to pause, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner would like to have a word with you and the rest of the writing world. Despite their disdain towards the use of commas, their use and misuse are both quite popular. Here are a couple of rules to keep in mind to make sure your commas are properly filling their role:

  • Conditional, or if-then, statements require a comma to separate the premise from the conclusion. In other words, if you are setting something up, then be sure to put a comma before the “then.”
  • Coordinating conjunctions that separate two independent clauses need a comma to come before them, and that’s all there is to say about that.

Alot and A Lot

You’ll clean up a lot of your grammar mistakes when you realize alot isn’t a word; it’s two.

There are literally an infinite number of additional grammar sins individuals and businesses alike commit every day. But it’s never too late to get back in the good graces of grammar. Feel free to reach out and let us help cleanse your writing and purify your content today.

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Tips For Writing a Great, Click-Worthy Subject Line

Why blog? Why email? Why send anyone anything if they’re not going to read or respond (sidenote: why did you click on this post? Was it the title)?

Most people will tell you it’s about impressions. And most people wouldn’t be wrong…per se. When you get down to the nitty-gritty of it, marketing (content or otherwise) is genuinely about impressions. Magazines are ranked by their impressions, not their subscriptions. Same goes for periodicals. Since most content and publications have moseyed on over to the world wide web, impressions are even more important. People now measure your viral to organic ratios of impressions. So, it’s pretty safe to say that impressions are pretty damn important.

But are they it? You know, the big proverbial it.

In the grand scheme of content and online marketing, we’re looking for more than just impressions. We want clicks. Conversions. Sales. So, how can you drive those things? Especially when most people, including myself, are quick to ignore a sales-driven email that arrives in our inbox?

It’s All About That Subject Line

People, in general, are pretty easy to understand in today’s world. Life is busy. Time is limited. Connections need to be made swiftly and they need to have a point. The very same goes for your email marketing strategy. You need to capture your consumer’s attention in pretty much 6 words or less (just so you know: we spend about as much time on the subject line as we do writing & designing the whole email — it’s that important). Here are some great tips to shortening up your subject line to drive a higher open-rate and generate more sales from email.

Get to The Point: Don’t beat around the bush. Keep your subject line succinct and a fair assessment of what your reader will get if they open your email. Simple is your best friend when it comes to writing subject lines. People don’t need eloquent subject lines, they don’t need stories either. The more direct you are, the faster it is for them to skim over the subject and decide quickly if they want more.

Avoid Spammy Buzz Words: Free, New, Today Only, Sale, Buy, Don’t Miss Out, Your Only Chance, Free, Once in a Lifetime, Opportunity, Free, Download, Free. While fun, these words will fast-track you to the “spam” folder in most inboxes. If you’re lucky enough to get by the spam filter, then you’re dealing with humans who have bee pitched to with enough sales-y garbage to know better.

Give ’em Something to Read About: Content, Content, Content. Despite the fact that we can all argue that people are reading less today than ever before, we can’t argue that people are reading MORE of what they want. Recent studies have shown that consumers today will read a 1200 word article on something that catches their attention but not even bother with a 200 word blog post that doesn’t quite give them something they need. We’re all looking for advice, for insight, for quality content. So, be sure to provide something useful inside your email that your audience can grow to rely on.

Think About What You Open: Take a look at your inbox. Scroll through all the emails that you receive. See which ones catch your attention. Start from there. Once you understand what you’re opening and reading, you’ll get a better feel for what others will open and read. More often than not, what you’re opening are subject lines that are providing you with something you want–while also sharing a bit of who they are. Whether it’s “The Only Bag You’ll Need” from J. Crew or “This Week’s New Music” from Spotify, there’s something in there that will catch your attention. Take a gander and then take a shot at your own subject lines.

These days, time is tight. So, if you don’t have the time to kick-off a killer email strategy, go ahead and outsource. There’s a lot going on in the wide world of online and content marketing. Make sure you’re not getting left behind.

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Quick & Easy Marketing Tips

You’re full of good ideas, and this time you’re sure you’ve captured lightning in a bottle. Only problem is you don’t have an effective way to engage your audience and let them know about it. What’s the next big thing if you can’t share it with anybody?

Getting the word out about your product or service takes both time and a plan, and the goal is ultimately not just to reach your target audience but to grow it. With that in mind, here are a few marketing tips so that you can connect with and engage your prospects and take your business to the next level.

Marketing Tip #1: Get Social

Social media isn’t going anywhere, so your marketing efforts need to meet people where they are. If you haven’t already, create business accounts for your brand on all the popular social media outlets: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Then get active.

Post articles, tweet links and pin boards relevant to your brand to get the conversation started, which will in turn establish you as an industry expert and attract potential clients. It’s also a good idea to post FAQs and How-To guides. Providing this level of customer service online will improve your business’s reputation and ultimately increase sales.

Marketing Tip # 2: Giveaways and Contests

Who doesn’t like free stuff? Whether you’re planning special event or promoting a new product or service, if there is something that can be gotten for free, we guarantee people will flock to it. Giveaways and contests are excellent marketing opportunities for many reasons. You reach a wider audience by word of mouth and sharing online. That larger audience gets to try out the product or service risk-free. And, if all goes well, you build relationships through the promotion you otherwise wouldn’t have and create customers for life. That brand loyalty is the holy grail of marketing.

That being said, let’s get our TFG warning out of the way now. Contests also run the risk of being ‘overdone,’ not creative enough, or even not lining up well with your brand’s overall message. It’s important to ensure that any contest you run has a point (and one beyond just sending more likes to your Facebook page). Consumers know when they’re being hustled. And these days, the goal is to build a bond–not tear one down. So, just be sure that your contests are engaging and worthwhile.

Marketing Tip #3: Keep It Simple

Though it may seem scientific and multifaceted, marketing does not have to be complicated to be effective. Your customers will appreciate a simpler approach as well, for the fewer decisions they have to make when encountering your product or service, the fewer interruptions they have to the buying process. Keep your message short and sweet, and after the sale make sure you follow up. An email newsletter is an excellent way to touch base with customers to both show your appreciation for their patronage and deliver useful information about upcoming events.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to succeed at marketing your business. The wheels are already there. You just need to use them effectively to drive your business to the next level. If you need any help reaching your goals, or just want to follow up on some of these marketing tips, feel free to contact us here at The Found Gen.

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How an Editor Can Help You Save Face

Editing is the art and craft of fine-tuning a piece of writing. An editor relies on tone, style, grammar, sentence structure and overall flow to deliver a clear message. For example, they whittle a 2,000-word behemoth article into a concise 450-word article. A good editor makes any writer shine.

On the other hand, a bad editor, or lack thereof, can lead readers astray.

Instead of being guided to a particular conclusion or idea, readers are left wondering, “What is really going on here?”

At least that was the case when Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella and executive vice president Stephen Elop posted public memos announcing the company’s new direction…and layoffs. The latest memo from Mr. Elop, which followed a more-than 3,000-word novella from Nadella, came in at a stifling 1,100-plus words. But he only describes the layoffs in one paragraph. 40 words. Two sentences.

Without getting into too many details, it’s clear that these Microsoft execs could have benefitted from the expertise of an editor. How could an international heavy hitter deliver news that they were trimming 14% of their workforce in a tiny, hidden section of a sprawling, near-rambling message?

Editors see it all the time. Good ones, and strong content specialists, know when enough is enough. A writer shouldn’t be faulted for his or her wordiness. However, editing adds clarity and simplicity to a piece. It also increases the likelihood of the article or memo being read. In the age of GIFs and YouTube, it’s hard for most average readers to scroll “below the fold” of a website to keep reading, let alone embark on a 10,000-word article.

As you prepare your next email, company (or worldwide) manifesto, blog or letter, consider the impact of your writing. Does it achieve the intended goals? Does it communicate the message succinctly with an appropriate tone? Are the sentences and structure clear? Could it be shorter? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re already thinking like an editor.

Save yourself or your company from the next PR disaster. Let your words pack a swift knockout punch instead of a Rocky-esque 15-round match.

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How to Maximize Your Content Marketing Campaign

In the realm of getting your organization’s name out there, content is king. Content marketing has myriad functionality, letting you advertise your business’s expertise, fitting easily through multiple distribution channels including blogging, social media, email and so much more.

However, some businesses struggle when it comes to maximizing their content marketing campaign, stonewalling progress instead of connecting them like a superconductor to their target market. Whether you are in charge of producing your own content or you trust it in the hands of others, here are a few key steps you can take to help ensure you get the most out of your content marketing campaign.

Use What You Already Have

Quality content is not a perishable item. It does not have an expiration date or go sour after a certain period of time. To the contrary quality content is malleable. Creating several different pieces out of one is an easy way to stretch out your resources. Let’s say the original work is an article. It is not asking too much to transform it into a video, slideshow or podcast. Or why not reduce the content down to its most salient points and produce an infographic or post about it on social media? Even ephemeral content such as topical blogs can become valuable points of reference and comparison down the road.

I am not suggesting that all content translates seamlessly into every available format; but all content can, and should be repurposed to great effect.

Sharing is Caring

Now that you have the various forms your content has taken, it is time to get it out there to your target audience. The more exposure you give your content, the more traffic it is likely to generate. Keeping in mind the various preferences people will have in engaging your content, there really is no such thing as oversharing. expired domain list . What I mean by this is that some people will prefer to read about the “5 Leadership Lessons from True Detective” while others will be more interested in watching a video dedicated to deciphering Rust Cohle’s nihilistic ramblings. Therefore it is totally okay to post links in your blog to your Twitter account, from your Twitter to your YouTube channel, from YouTube to your Facebook page and everywhere in between.

As an added bonus, simply being active on these various distribution channels allows you to maximize every slice of content you publish. The more you share the more likely someone else is to share your content. After all, putting your information out there is really the heart of marketing. The more seeds you scatter, the greater the chance some will find results in social and online soil.

Stick With It

Perhaps most important of all is maintaining consistency with your content. Like with any well-intentioned decision, your content marketing campaign requires both time and attention to reach its goals. Do not fall into the trap of letting your content die a predictable, New Year’s resolution-like death. Set a realistic publishing frequency and stick with it. Whether it’s once a day, once a week, or even once a month, the number does not matter as much as the consistency does. You can always produce more content later when you have more time, but if you halt production, it can take a serious toll on your traffic. Staying active by regularly publishing quality content is a tried and true way to build a following. Then once people start to expect and look forward to your content, you can initiate and participate in conversations with other leaders that benefit your business. And the positive feedback loop just keeps circling.

If the content is good, accessible and consistent, they will come.

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Tips for Creating Mobile-Friendly Content

Trendsetting (adj): doing it before it’s cool.

Trendsetters are always thinking ahead and pondering what’s coming next (if you hear someone say, ‘That’s so 2014,’ you can safely assume they think of themselves as one). These are the folks in online marketing that have been heralding the onslaught of the mobile web for the last couple of years.

Thanks to these forward thinkers, we now have responsive design that formats our websites and emails to the device people are using. And while mobile-friendly design is great and all, there have been a dearth of posts about making mobile-friendly content that fits in the palm of your reader’s hand.

Where do you start? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Focus on Your Audience

The first question to ask is why are people browsing the web on their phones. Is it to pass the time because they’re bored? When they’re waiting in line/for the elevator/at the doctor’s office?

More often than not, people are passing the time. So help them.

Entertaining and engaging mobile-friendly content drives traffic. Now, this isn’t saying you need to try and be Buzzfeed or UpWorthy, just realize this is why those sites do so well.

Once you figure out what your audience wants, create that content.

Content on the Go

As we’ve talked about before, few things get people to stop reading more quickly than long blocks of text. So shorten up those paragraphs.

Next, make sure your content is engaging. I would say to make it entertaining, but that’s probably not the best move if you own a funeral home.

Then, once you’ve gotten your post (or email) perfect, Strunk & White it. For those of you that don’t regularly nerd out on grammar, edit it down so you are omitting needless words. Don’t overcomplicate things.

Finally, give it one last read-through to ensure you’re sending the right message. You won’t seal any deal unless you actually propose one.

From your email marketing platform to your website, everything should format itself automatically, save the content. But if you keep your audience in mind and engage them, you’re well on your way.