I know that all of this social media talk is super exciting and it makes you want to use exclamation happy marks on every sentence, right?!?!?!?! I feel you. However, it DOES NOT look professional or lady-like, if that’s a better term, to use the ! at the end of every sentence. No matter what type of business you operate, it is YOUR BUSINESS and you need to represent yourself in a professional manner. Remember those values that your mama taught you about crossing your legs and dotting your i’s…well this is the same principle.

I am referring to blog and social media posts, definitely emails, and even texts. Anything that you have typed or written conversations on. Here is why and how to control yourself and stop using the ! in your business posts and writing –>

WHY?

If every sentence is emphasized, none of them are. Punctuation marks should never take the place of words. If you are excited, say it. If you are enthusiastic or passionate about something, preach it. But please, don’t do this !!!! to get your views across.

HOW?

1) Use one ! per paragraph, or 5 sentences.

2) Pay attention to your usage, pick and choose where you will insert.

3) Get acquainted with other symbols. I am currently loving these attention gainers: > — :: /

4) Remember you are a business professional

{See on all of these wonderful points, I wanted to break out the handy dandy ! but I refrained, I am a social media strategist professional for peeps sake, and I want my writing to represent that.}

WHEN TO USE?

Take a look at this lovely chart via HubSpot covering if you should use an exclamation mark…spoiler alert: the answer is probably “NO.”

So there we have it. Please remember that if every sentence is emphasized, none of them are. We could all use gentle reminders such as these from time to time. So tell me, are you a serial exclamation pointer? It’s ok if you are, I will forgive you.

DON’T FORGET IT : PIN IT!

*image provided by the Haute Chocolate Stock Image Library*