Marketing and the power of words



Marketing and the power of words


Today is International Literacy Day

How can marketing help raise awareness of this important topic?

Today, on September 8, we celebrate International Literacy Day, a global initiative launched by UNESCO in 1966. This day aims to raise awareness about the crucial role literacy plays in personal, social, and cultural development.
Literacy is not just a basic human right; it is essential for achieving social, economic, and cultural progress. Coinciding with the start of the school year, International Literacy Day serves as a perfect opportunity to reflect on the significance of language and communication in our community and society in general.

Literacy is a fundamental skill that enables us to understand and interpret information and express our thoughts and ideas. As businesses, we have the power to drive positive change through our interactions with customers and communities.

Literacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is unique in its linguistic diversity, where various languages and dialects coexist. According to a UNESCO report, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces serious literacy challenges, with nearly 90,000 illiterate individuals—about 2.8% of the population. This figure is particularly concerning, as BiH has the highest illiteracy rate in the region: Serbia stands at 1.8%, Montenegro at 1.5%, and Croatia at 0.8%. Illiteracy in BiH is 14 times higher than the UNESCO standard, which should not exceed 0.2%.
These statistics underscore the importance of collaboration among all societal actors—governments, educational institutions, private companies, and NGOs—to raise awareness about the importance of literacy. While investing in education is crucial, companies can also make a difference through socially responsible business practices.

Literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write; it encompasses understanding and interpreting information. It is key to inclusion in society and realizing one’s full potential in the professional world.

How can marketing help?

Illustration

Source: Canva, adapted

Have you ever considered that marketing can positively impact overall literacy? As a company, we have the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of literacy through our marketing activities.
Every message we send—whether through ads, social media posts, or other marketing materials—can reflect our commitment to clarity and precision in communication. This applies not only to texts that directly address literacy but also to all content we publish.

For instance, poorly written ads or content can lead to misunderstandings and harm our reputation. Conversely, clear and well-crafted messages help our audience better understand our products and services, contributing to the promotion of literacy within the community.

Illustration

Source: https://mascola.com/blog/spelling-and-grammatical-errors-on-billboards-are-no-laughing-matter/

Literacy and Social Media

Social networks are powerful tools for promoting literacy. Companies can raise awareness of literacy’s importance by using precise language in their posts, and inspire positive change. Hashtags like #writecorrectly and #powerofwords can emphasize linguistic precision and encourage the community to express themselves more thoughtfully.
We can all play a role in enhancing literacy. Given that social media has become a primary communication channel for many, correctly using language on these platforms can significantly influence literacy.

Through posts, blogs, and infographics, companies can showcase their services while positively impacting the proper use of language.

New Technologies and Literacy

While new technologies facilitate information sharing, they also present new challenges. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular in marketing and creative writing; however, they require a high level of literacy for effective use.
To fully leverage these technologies, one must know how to formulate clear, structured, and relevant prompts. Without this knowledge, results can be vague or incomprehensible, which only highlights the importance of traditional literacy.

In our fast-paced communication through quick messages and comments, we often overlook spelling and punctuation rules, which can lead to a decline in language literacy. While technology allows for quicker communication, it’s vital to maintain literacy standards in formal and professional settings.

Illustration

Source: https://mascola.com/blog/spelling-and-grammatical-errors-on-billboards-are-no-laughing-matter/

Literacy as Part of Socially Responsible Business

Here are some advice how to integrate literacy into your socially-responsible business strategy:

    Integrate literacy into your marketing plan
    Ensure all marketing materials—including ads, social media posts, and blogs—are written clearly and grammatically. Using correct language not only enhances the quality of communication but also sets community standards and demonstrates your commitment to literacy.
    Promote the importance of literacy on Social Media
    By using hashtags like #writecorrectly or #powerofwords, you can raise awareness about literacy's significance. Through clear and precise writing, you can contribute to positive changes in society.
    Engage in activities in your community
    Sponsor workshops, seminars, and events focused on literacy. Collaborating with educational institutions and NGOs can help you support their initiatives and enhance language skills in the community.
    Support local initiatives
    Consider donating funds or resources to schools, libraries, or literacy projects. This support might include purchasing books, funding educational programs, or aiding the organization of events. Your contributions can yield long-term benefits for the community and demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility.


Every company has the potential to drive positive change in society. International Literacy Day reminds us of the importance of words and how the correct use of language can shape perceptions and enhance learning and communication. By conveying linguistically correct messages, we not only build our brand but also help individuals improve their communication skills.
We are dedicated to contributing to the community through quality and accurate content, as we recognize that such efforts not only enhance our reputation but also raise awareness about the importance of literacy. While results may not be immediately visible, let’s believe that our contributions through this initiative will have a lasting and significant impact.
Remember, #marketingwords carry immense power!

Are you interested in enhancing literacy within your business? Contact us to help you craft clear, precise, and effective marketing messages.

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