LinkedIn Publishes New 'Inclusive Language' Guide to Help Improve Brand Communications

Over the last few years, inclusion has become a more critical priority, which has transformed how organizations communicate and how marketing messages should be structured, often through simple language tweaks.

It's a crucial concern since, according to a recent Facebook analysis, only 41% of customers feel represented in the ads they see, and younger generations, in particular, are increasingly looking to identify with companies that are socially conscious and prepared to adapt to cultural shifts. As a result, LinkedIn's new 'Inclusive Language' pocketbook, with its 7-page guide outlining some crucial elements to consider in crafting your marketing language, could be a useful companion.

The guide highlights the important components of an inclusive language strategy, as well as the necessity of being thoughtful in your communication. According to LinkedIn, inclusive language is defined as language that does not discriminate or stereotype people based on race, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, ability, financial status, or any other factor. To put it another way, it's about making your brand feel welcoming and approachable to everyone.

The guide presents some interesting ideas for thought, many of which you may not have considered before. These are subtler versions of gendered or culturally prejudiced phrases that appear to be neutral. However, by actively moving away from such, we are minimizing any stigma linked with our language, as well as the associated associations.

In addition, the guide offers particular advice to consider in your approach.

There are also some frequent instances to remember.

Of course, some of these seem more obvious and alarming than others, but the true aim here is to raise awareness and encourage more people to think about the language they use, as well as the wider implications of that in reinforcing obsolete conventions that we should be working to overcome.

At the very least, it's worth perusing the guide and being familiar with the numerous instances and concerns at hand. That will almost certainly be enough to reduce your reliance on such terminology, which will go a long way toward decreasing the negative consequences of their use.