The Power of Clear Communication in Business: A Costly Lesson

Communication can make or break a business. As a digital marketing strategist, I’ve seen firsthand how a simple miscommunication can lead to missed opportunities—or, when done the right way, how clear messaging can create lasting relationships with not only customers but others you may have a chance to network and make connections with.

A few years ago, a small product based brand I worked with launched a limited-time offer for their best-selling product. The campaign was well-designed, the  facebook ads were running, and traffic was flowing in—but something was definitely off. Despite high engagement, the conversions were low.

We then began to dig into customer feedback, we realized the issue: the promo landing page was unclear. Customers thought they had to buy multiple items to get the discount when, in reality, it applied to a single purchase. A simple misalignment in messaging caused hesitation and confusion. By the time we corrected the wording, the campaign had already lost significant amounts of traction.

This experience taught me that communication isn’t just about what you say, but equally important- how your audience interprets it. Whether it’s email marketing, a social media post,, or a website banner, clarity is always key.

For small business owners, here are three ways to avoid communication mishaps:

1. Test Out Your Messaging – Run it by a small group before going live. If they’re confused, your customers will be too.

2. Keep It Simple – over-complicated terms and Avoid jargon.. Say what you mean, directly and clearly.

3. Gather Feedback – Encourage customers to ask questions. If you hear the same question repeatedly, your messaging needs some improvement.

In Business, Trust is everything. And strong communication doesn’t just sell—it builds trust.