subject: Why Good Written Communications Are Vital For Your Business [print this page] The majority of businesses in the world today have some type of electronic element to their operations; be it an Internet site, an online blog, email system or Intranet portal. Business is increasingly conducted electronically and a fundamental basis of this concerns the written word. A good standard of writing is imperative to successful business relationships, especially with the end customer.
Despite the increased importance of good writing skills in recent years, many people still fail to accept their importance. Small business owners frequently overlook the importance of producing excellent written copy, and view the text contained on their website, in their email communications, sales material and marketing brochures, as a lower business priority than many of their other activities. Business experts warn against this, encouraging business entrepreneurs to pay as much attention to their written communications as they do to their rest of their activities: "Whether you are pitching a business case or justifying a budget, the quality of your writing can determine success or failure," penned Paula Jacobs in her book, InfoWorld. "Writing ability is especially important in customer communication. Business proposals, status reports, customer documentation, technical support, or even e-mail replies all depend on clear written communication."
One of the reasons that many people choose to generate their own copy for their website or for sales and marketing purposes, concerns the fact that they believe hiring the services of a professional writer will be expensive. While this used to be the case, the increased popularity of virtual working entails that freelance writers can now be hired at a fraction of the cost of traditional writing agencies. A handful of online writing services have emerged and these Internet based providers are able to provide a portal through which businesses can hire professional writers to work on key areas of their business communications. Because such agencies do not have high overhead costs, the prices of their writing services are significantly lower than office-based editorial houses. In addition to this, they are able to attract high caliber writers because they offer flexible working conditions and an ability to work from home.
Online writing agencies also offer proofreading and editing services. These are useful for businesses that have already generated the written copy for their communications or website but who would benefit from it being verified by a second set of eyes.
