If you want to be a truly great marketer, become a stickler for words.

The English language has multiple times more words that any other language because we have borrowed so many from other languages.  But each word means something different.   And the difference between using one word vs. another can make quite a difference.

The classic example is the difference between “a” leading brand and “the” leading brand.  Here is another.

Zoo Atlanta has a compaign now on its baby Giant Panda.  The ad has the following headline and subhead.  “There is only one thing cuter than a Giant Panda.”   “A little one.”  I personally believe that these words could be more compelling.  For example, “What’s cuter than a Giant Panda?”   “A Tiny Panda.”

To me, “a tiny panda” is better than “a little one.”   Plus, “see the tiny panda.”   “See the tiny panda before it’s too late.”  “See the tiny panda before it’s not so tiny any more, etc.”  None of which will work with “a little one.”