Business headshots. What’s important about them, and why do you need one? Headshots are useful for a variety of reasons. Whether you own a business, have a website, or on social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook), you need a picture of yourself. Not just that, but what if you’re asked to be a guest on a podcast, decide to write a book or start a blog, or simply want business cards with your face on them?

There are many reasons why having a headshot becomes necessary. 

​3 simple tips for writing a press release. 

Most recently, I wrote a press release for a client, which got me thinking: How many people could benefit from knowing how to write a press release? Most people probably have no idea of where to start, let alone where to send it.

Writing a bio for yourself can be difficult. The initial request may sound simple, but when you sit down to type, you might be paralyzed and unsure of where to start. How do you know if too much information is too much? How long should a bio be? Should “bachelor’s degree” be capitalized? (Hint: No, it shouldn’t be capitalized.)

​To help aid you with creating a bio, here are a few tips.

​I’ve used the free version of Grammarly for years, but I didn't upgrade to Grammarly Premium until recently. In short, the premium version is completely worth it—if you plan to use Grammarly regularly. Which means for me, it’s invaluable. Is it always correct? No. But the editing tool is my “second opinion” for polished material. And here’s why.

Proofreading is the act of reviewing the final draft for mistakes (also called copy editing). Plain and simple. This means if you’ve been asked to proofread material for work or for a friend, the content you’re reviewing has already been thoroughly edited. All you need to search for are misspelled words, missing punctuation, and formatting inconsistencies (indents, margins, etc.). 

So, what if your boss asks you, “Can you proofread this newsletter before it’s sent out?” What does he mean? Or what should he mean? In most cases, everyone’s definition of proofreading is similar, but there are varying opinions out there. Rest assured, proofreading is less involved than true editing. Usually, whatever you’re proofreading is the last and final draft.

Okay, so I can't remove your fear of creating a website, but I can recommend Weebly as an easy-to-navigate website builder. 

​I've come across three entrepreneurs who have stalled at the creation of their website. Whether it be from fear or lack of knowledge, they're potentially losing customers and clients by not having a website. I understand the hesitancy, because I've been there before when I created my first site 10 years ago. But don't let that hold you back.

As you read this phrase, keep your eyes peeled for the error: Year Round Sports Club. Did you spot the mistake? The adjective “year round” needs a hyphen to make it grammatically correct: year-round. ​

As a small business, you’ll often order decals for one reason or another. It may include a simple image of your logo intended for customers, or a large colorful decal for the front window of your shop, or maybe you need a decal for your a vehicle to advertise your services.

​The other week, I found myself needing the latter for the back window of my truck. And ordering this decal was unlike my others in the past, because it encompassed much more copy. 

In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, I wanted to find a local, College Station nonprofit that helps international children. So, for the month of October, anyone who hires me through Yaupon Berry Press, 5% of the proceeds will be donated to Mercy Project. If you have business material (brochures, website, newsletter, press release, email blasts, etc.) that needs editing, don’t hesitate to contact me.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you're in need of my services, consultations are free. Email:  YauponBerryPress@gmail.com