The importance of proofing, spelling and grammar
Or, why it's important to make every post and page on your site a masterpiece!
I'm rather a stickler for spelling and grammar, and I also offer proofreading as one of my services in my 'day job'. So I spend much of my day online reading websites and website copy for clients, and I'm very conscious that taking the time to proof an article for the web adds invaluable respect to your post.
When you've finished writing your posts, check, check and check again.
- Have you started every sentence with a capital letter?
- Have you capitalised the first letter of any product you mention?
- Have you broken your paragraphs into smaller bites, preferably with a new topic or idea in each one? Some paragraphs need only be one sentence long, especially if that sentence contains a very important idea or concept you want people to notice.
- Has the spellchecker given you the correct word? There is a world of difference, for example, in how to use 'their' and 'there'.
If your writing style is informal - and informal is far more friendly and appropriate for a blog website than sounding like you're a Fortune 500 company - then that's fine. Just make sure it's consistent across your site. I would suggest not using txt-speak such as 'u' for 'you' though. Remember, you are a subject matter expert in your niche, and you need to sound expert but also approachable and friendly.
Here at WA I am sure there would be plenty of beta readers willing to cast their eyes over your posts as this community is so friendly. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're unsure.
Would anyone out there be interested if I posted a little series here on the correct use of apostrophes and other grammar dilemmas? Let me know.
Recent Comments
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Good job and yes post the series as I am sure we all need it whether some would admit it or not. We never quit learning no matter how much we think we know.
I would like such a series. Seems I keep finding errors in my writing even after thinking it was OK. Keep having to edit pages again and I know if I am reading others writing I do notice those things and often it seems like a big deal kind of if you know what I mean. Even the smallest of errors, the little things, can really mar and otherwise really great piece, blog or well put together content. Thanks
My goodness you've hit it spot on. I often make 'kind' suggestions about this and so far no-one has taken offence. (One fellow did but we made peace once we sorted out what was meant.) Everyone misses something sometimes but you should make a good effort to present properly.
I once managed an upgrade to a port where roadworks were involved. The document was so ineffective that I cut 125 pages off the original 200 page document and it still said what it meant and it was clear.
Thanks, Helen. Some people pad documents out so they look important. Far better to get the message across quickly, succinctly and accurately! :-)
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Hi Sabrina! I would really love to have you do a little series on the correct use of apostrophes and commas and etc. I always seem to have trouble with remembering when to use punctuation and where it should be placed. So I would welcome any helpful information that you would be willing to share in a post.
OK…. punctuation series coming up! Thanks :-)