#smallbusiness

How a Content Writer Can Help Even if You Enjoy Writing Your Own Stuff

Steve Gamel

Mar 2
2 min

How a Content Writer Can Help Even if You Enjoy Writing Your Own Stuff

One of the perks of hiring a content writer to help with your company's messaging and voice is that it's a do-it-for-you service. So, if you need to start a blog from scratch, write website copy, or cobble together a new press release, the writer can take that off your plate. And if you find a really good one (hint ... Edit This®), it requires minimal input from you! Clearly, a do-it-for-you service like this is perfect for those who don't have the time, don't want to, or pro

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5 Ways Poorly-Written Content Is Hurting Your Small Business

Steve Gamel

Feb 16
3 min

5 Ways Poorly-Written Content Is Hurting Your Small Business

What goes through your mind when you see a small business routinely publishing poorly-written content on its website, blog, social media accounts, emails, or flyers? If I had to guess, I bet you're thinking ... "Do these people even know how to spell?" "I can't believe someone didn't proof this before sending it out!" "Look at all those run-on sentences; this doesn't even make sense!" Even if you're nice enough to keep from saying any of that out loud, you can't help but dole

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New Year, New Content Needs? Add Blogs to Your Writing Strategy

Steve Gamel

Jan 19
3 min

New Year, New Content Needs? Add Blogs to Your Writing Strategy

For giggles, I went back into my computer files a few weeks ago and counted all the blogs I wrote for my many small-business clients in 2022. There were 522 of them. My first thought was, "no way!" So I went back and counted again. And then again. Each time, I got the same wild number – 522. I shouldn't have been surprised. Granted, that's still an outrageous number. But it's proof that more companies than ever see value in writing blogs. They want to be thought leaders, and

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23 Surprising Ways You or Your Business Can Use a Content Writer

Steve Gamel

Sep 1, 2022
2 min

23 Surprising Ways You or Your Business Can Use a Content Writer

The importance of having a versatile content writer in your corner can't be overstated. Don't believe me? Just ask a busy small-business owner, many of whom are acutely aware that blogs and fresh website copy aren't the only ways to connect with their audience, be viewed as the authority in their craft, and build trusting relationships, brand awareness, etc. Having someone who can make sense of it all and shoulder that load is invaluable. Then there are everyday people who ne

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Steve Gamel

Aug 4, 2022
3 min

Does Your Business Have a Blog Yet?

If your small business doesn't have a blog yet, you're really missing out. The good news is that it's not too late! But first ... why am I getting onto you about having a company blog? You may even be asking yourself, "What's the big deal if I have one or not?" There are many reasons why your business needs a blog. Here are just a few: They give your business a voice. Blogs help you become the authority in your craft. The stuff you blog about is value-added content your audie

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Steve Gamel

Jul 28, 2022
2 min

Steve Gamel and Edit This Featured on Dads on Purpose Podcast

Steve Gamel, President and Owner of Edit This® and the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word. had the opportunity recently to be a guest on the wildly-popular Dads on Purpose Podcast. Dads on Purpose is an engaging platform created by Josh Ashford. The goal of each episode is to empower fathers through education, entertainment, and engagement. And the topics range from mental health to serving others, wealth building, changing habits fo

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Edit This Grammar Lesson: Vain, Vein, and Vane

Steve Gamel

Jul 8, 2021
2 min

Edit This Grammar Lesson: Vain, Vein, and Vane

Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. Today, we'll be talking about the difference between Vain, Vein, and Vane. Do you find yourself getting tripped up on these? If you do, you're not alone. Vain, Vein, and Vane are homophones — words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. The purpose of today's blog post is to explain the difference so that you can be a grammar pro moving forward. Vain is used to refer to someone who arrogantly admires themse

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Steve Gamel

Jun 24, 2021
2 min

Edit This Grammar Lesson: Feat vs. Feet

Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. In today's blog post, let's discuss the difference between Feat vs. Feet. Do you know when to use each one? Feat vs. Feet are examples of homophones – words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings – and they trip more people up than you think. So, let's dive right in, shall we? Feat refers to an incredible and noteworthy achievement or act that is out of the ordinary and requires significant courage, strength

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Edit This Grammar Lesson: Capital vs. Capitol

Steve Gamel

May 27, 2021
2 min

Edit This Grammar Lesson: Capital vs. Capitol

Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. In today's blog, let's discuss the difference between Capital vs. Capitol. Do you know when to use each one? Capital vs. Capitol are examples of homophones – words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings – and they trip more people up than you think. So, let's dive right in, shall we? Capital with an "al" at the end has several meanings. It can be used when talking about uppercase letters or when referring to

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Steve Gamel

Jan 14, 2021
3 min

12 Of Our Favorite Blog Posts From 2020

A few keys to having a successful blog, regardless of what industry you are writing about, is to be consistent, focus on building relationships, have fun, and give readers something of value. And boy, did we lead by example in 2020! We take pride in our library of Edit This® blog posts, which covers practically everything that has to do with the writing and editing industry. From grammar tips to hacks for fellow writers and how to give your small business a voice, we've writt

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Steve Gamel

Dec 31, 2020
2 min

Is It New Year's or New Years?

As we inch closer to 2021, several friends, family, and clients have continued asking me, "Are we supposed to write it as New Year's or New Years?" The quick answer is ... New Year's (with the apostrophe). Please, for the love of Pete, do not write "New Years." Why is it New Year's? Using an apostrophe shows possession, which is important when you're talking about New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, a New Year's resolution, a New Year's greeting, etc. In all instances, you're ref

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Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family At Edit This To Yours

Steve Gamel

Nov 26, 2020
2 min

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family At Edit This To Yours

I believe everyone should have an opportunity to do what they are most passionate about for a living. It's like they say, if you do, you'll never work a day in your life. For me, my passion is obviously writing – being a writer. And I am incredibly thankful for that and so much more. I am thankful for being blessed with the ability to write. I am thankful for having the opportunity to tell your stories. I am thankful that I can use my God-given talents to provide for my famil

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5 Reasons Why Having Employee Bios Takes Your Website To Another Level

Steve Gamel

Sep 24, 2020
3 min

5 Reasons Why Having Employee Bios Takes Your Website To Another Level

I love seeing company websites that have fun and engaging employee bios on an About Us, Meet The Team, or Our Team page. While not a do-or-die element, these are some of my favorite pages to read. And the fact that they took the time to include them shows how much the owners value building connections between their staff and potential clients. Visitors click on those pages more often than you think. Employee bios give your site a sense of trust, personalization, and completen

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Creative Ways Clients Use Edit This For Their Writing And Editing Needs

Steve Gamel

Aug 27, 2020
4 min

Creative Ways Clients Use Edit This For Their Writing And Editing Needs

A few years ago, a client reached out to me with an interesting request. She needed me to write a quick blurb to promote their bank's new debit card program, but it couldn't be longer than a few sentences and should take less than a minute to read. I'm used to writing copy that's short and sweet. This one was a bit different, though. The blurb was going to be read by a PA announcer during halftime of an upcoming football game. "I'd try to write it myself, but I was supposed t

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Edit This Grammar Lesson: Principal vs. Principle

Steve Gamel

Aug 6, 2020
2 min

Edit This Grammar Lesson: Principal vs. Principle

Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. In today's blog, let's discuss the difference between Principal vs. Principle. Do you know when to use each one? Most of you might be saying, "Why, yes, I do!" But for others, it's not that easy – even for a veteran writer and editor. Principal and Principle are examples of homophones – words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings – and they trip more people up than you think. In today's post, I'll be going

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Steve Gamel

Jul 9, 2020
2 min

Edit This Grammar Lesson: Bail vs. Bale

Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. In today's blog, let's discuss the difference between Bail vs. Bale. Do you know when to use each one? Most of you might be saying, "Why, yes, I do!" But for others, it's not that easy – even for a veteran writer and editor like myself. For example, I was editing a few articles at the Denton Record-Chronicle when I came across this sentence: "I’d probably jump on hay bails because that was really hard for me to do when I was littl

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Why Is Having Well-Written Copy So Important For My Website?

Steve Gamel

Jun 25, 2020
3 min

Why Is Having Well-Written Copy So Important For My Website?

People ask me all the time, "why is having well-written copy so important for my website?" The answer is that your website isn't complete without it. You could have the most current and expertly designed site in your industry, with visually pleasing photos and every bell and whistle imaginable. But if you didn't bother to include well-written copy (words) to explain what you do and share your story, the site will fall short. Visitors will struggle to find you in search result

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Guest Post: Learning About Online Review Strategies With RS Consulting

Steve Gamel

Jun 18, 2020
3 min

Guest Post: Learning About Online Review Strategies With RS Consulting

Editor's Note: This is a guest post from one of our Edit This® business partners, Randi Skinner, with RS Consulting. Randi is a marketing and idea strategist, and we have the potential to work together on a variety of content writing projects moving forward. Today she'll discuss first impressions and the impact a strong online review strategy has on your small business. You can learn more about what Randi does on her website and blog. RS Consulting is also all over social med

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How Getting Up To Write Early In The Morning Saved My Life

Steve Gamel

Jun 4, 2020
4 min

How Getting Up To Write Early In The Morning Saved My Life

Getting up to write early in the morning didn't just make me a better writer – it saved my life. Geez, just reading that sentence again makes me seem melodramatic! But it's true. For two or three years – maybe longer – getting up to write early in the morning was a big "hell no" for me. Instead, I was a night owl. I used the hours of 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. to write my best stuff. And it wasn't just once or twice a week. It was more like five or six nights a week. I did it to avoid

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Don't Forget To Grammar Check Your PowerPoint Presentations

Steve Gamel

Mar 12, 2020
2 min

Don't Forget To Grammar Check Your PowerPoint Presentations

Maybe it's the Grammar Nazi in me, but here's my heartfelt public service announcement for the week: don't forget to grammar check your PowerPoint presentations, too. I've had several clients ask me over the last few weeks to give their upcoming presentations a quick once-over for things like grammar, spelling, and overall effectiveness. I truly appreciate them looking to me for help, and I love how dead set they are on making sure they look and sound their absolute best. But

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