Working with a freelance writer not only saves you time and money, it can also save you from the embarrassment of just plain ol' horrible writing. The folks behind some of these 15 hilariously awful signs could have saved themselves some trouble by consulting a freelance copy editor before unleashing all of this wrongness on the world. Hilarious Reason #1: Find vs. FinedThis sign is the perfect example of what a big difference one little letter can make. If the company in charge of making sure that parking is under control had taken the time to proofread their sign, those using the parking garage would have known that they could expect to be fined $50, as opposed to having a lucky day with their $50 find. Hilarious Reason #2: Clear as MudSigns are meant to be a quick and easy means of communication, but when no one has any idea about what you're trying to say, confusion ensues. What exactly was this business trying to get across? No one is really sure, and so this sign is a waste. If only they had taken the time to work with a freelance writer, we might have some clue as to the meaning of this mistakenly mysterious sign. Hilarious Reason #3: Practice What You PreachThis business got themselves into the ultimately awful and embarrassing situation...offering a service that they can't even perform for themselves! Make sure that you're practicing what you preach when offering your own services by running your copy (and signage!) by a professional copy editor before letting it hit the streets. Hilarious Reason #4: A Little Imagination, PleaseConsumers like to know that they are getting their money's worth by working with businesses that offer some creative backbone and gumption. This business would have done better to have a bit more imagination with their billboard. Hilarious Reason #5: It Takes a VillageWhen it comes to raising and educating children, parents can use all the help that they can get. As long as that help comes in the form of the correct education. Don't fall into the same sales pit as this company by offering a great product with an awful (and incorrect) advertisement. Hilarious Reason #6: What's Cheaper Than Cheaper?There are so many things wrong with this one, it's hard to know where to start. Comparing something with itself is never the best way to wow customers. This business might have considered adding some "umph" to their advertising copy with a comparison that actually makes a comparison. Then there's the improper use of quotation marks -- they're not for emphasis, folks! And the ever-popular incorrect use of "your," in place of the correct use of "you're." All in all, this sign is a big mess. Don't make the same mistakes as this unfortunate company! Hilarious Reason #7: So, You're Open? Or Maybe Not?One of the most important reasons to use signs is to impart a clear message to your customers. This sign is sending a mixed message that is sure to cause some confusion and lost sales! Hilarious Reason #8: The Professional DifferenceAs a business, you need to appear professional to attract paying customers. Simple as that. I don't think this sign is going to be doing these businesses any favors! Hilarious Reason #9: Ownership or Management? Or Both?A business coming under new ownership (or even management) can sometimes mean great things. But what about when no one knows which one is which? Working with a professional writer can help you to appear as a knowledgeable expert in your field, instead of just confused, like this company. Hilarious Reason #10: Please be Quite QuietWords have power -- when they're used smartly. This sign makes you feel confused, and even embarrassed for whoever was behind it. Should we be quiet, or quite impressed at the interview that's in progress? Hilarious Reason #11: Our Specials Are SpecialAh, those tricky words that sound the same but are totally different! This business got so close to hitting the mark, but they're construction special sign fell short of their (they're?) intended mark. A professional writer can help make sure that you don't step in a wrong word mess, like they did. Hilarious Reason #12: Brain Food FactsWhoever wrote this sign definitely missed out on their brain food that day! Here's another example of what a big difference one tiny little letter can make when it comes to sounding like a professional, versus sounding like someone who didn't make it through school. Hilarious Reason #13: Make the Right MoveSuch a simple mix-up, with such sad results. Don't lead your customers astray with the wrong message -- working with a professional writer or copy editor can help your company get its message across the right way, the first time out. Hilarious Reason #14: Cater to the Right AudienceOne of the most common (and annoying) grammatical errors out there is the unnecessary apostrophe. This sign is double trouble with two unneeded apostrophes, and a complete misspelling. Their customers probably don't even know who this company caters to! Hilarious Reason #15: Too Rude!This sign not only shows ignorance of the English language, it also puts across the wrong message for a successful business. You don't want to turn prospective customers away before they even get a chance to become paying customers by appearing rude and uneducated! A content marketing writer can help you to make sure that your copy is correct and appealing. Laughing at these horribly hilarious examples of bad writing might be fun, but what if you were on the other side of the joke?
Remember that good copy isn't just error-free copy -- it also makes the correct use of words and packs the most content marketing punch possible. Are you starting to see why working with a professional writer just makes cents? (Okay, that's the last one, I promise!) |
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