WORD FOR THE DAY "important" (adj.) "1. of much or great significance or consequence; 2. mattering much; 3. entitled to more than ordinary consideration or notice; 4. prominent or large." (dictionary dot com)

Important words need a writer.

Words are important. A single word identifies an object, person, feeling, a place. Strung together, words convey simple ideas like “I’m tired.” Or, they can ask something more abstract, such as “Where does the sun go at night?”  They can explain a concept. “The earth rotates on an axis, causing parts of the planet to face the sun during the day, while others are in the shade at nighttime.” Words can even wax poetic. “Hark. What light through yonder window breaks?  It is the East, and Juliet is the Sun.”  Organizations should understand the importance of words and give them the attention of a professional writer.

If what you have to say is worth saying, it’s worth hiring a professional writer to say it in the best manner possible. The words must be memorable and effective. OK. You may know, more or less, what you want to say. However, the page remains blank. The message is jumbled and confused. Perhaps, the words are adequate but lack dynamics or conviction. The worst case scenario? Your efforts have cost you in time, money, and anxiety, yielding poor results.

Messages generated by an organization serve an internal communication function, or they’re designed to meet external marketing objectives and strengthen brand awareness. A professional writer will take your ideas, apply your unique vocabulary, infuse the message with your distinctive character, and wordsmith it to educate, inform, honor, entertain, promote, sell, or touch the reader/viewer/listener with emotion.

You can create effective communication messages and celebrate – through written or spoken word – your unique story and vision – when you use a freelance writer-for-hire. If your writer knows his or her "stuff," content will be more:

• Clear   • Concise   • Creative  • Correct   • Customized   • Compelling

So, what's the "stuff" good writing is made of? First, good writing takes time to percolate. Your writer needs to interview you, take notes, and internalize your mission, culture, products, and services. A writer can't intelligently craft your message if he or she doesn't understand you. Second, good writing pays attention to the mechanical basics – grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, thesis, topic sentences, subject/verb construction, etc. Third, good writing follows a logical thought pattern and organizational approach to the topic. Fourth, it makes a connection with the reader/viewer/listener on some level, whether emotional or intellectual. Fifth, it differentiates your business/organization from your competitors through various branding techniques. Finally, it moves the reader/viewer/listener to action or leaves a vivid impression in the mind.

It's smart to hire a writer, even when you’re comfortable with words. Some projects need a fresh new perspective or an extra pair of eyes. We businessmen and women have to care about the words we use in ads, articles, blogs, direct mail, newsletters, press releases, radio spots, speeches, and websites. People are expecting us to get RESULTS … build more audience, sell more stuff, secure more donations.

What does it cost to have a grammatical error on your direct mail letter?  to run  radio or print ads with no clear calls to action? to display a profile on social media that's riddled with bad spelling? to distribute a weak press release? to leave web copy to the graphic designer? It costs a business in credibility, effectiveness, marketing and advertising dollars, and CUSTOMERS.

Words are important.  If what you have to say is worth saying, hire a professional writer to help you and your words.

© mary macdonell belisle – writerforhire