7 Content Writing Mistakes
It looks like a simple enough list of things to avoid doing right? So, why am I bothering to write this? I'm glad you asked. I read a LOT and I often see blogs with some of these errors so this is just a friendly reminder.
-Forgetting your Target Audience – Write FOR THEM - things they want or need to know - not simply what you want to tell them.
-Being too Wordy – Keep it simple. Cut out unnecessary words. While we know that longer blogs are better, do NOT write for word count only. Make your content meaningful.
-Rely on Spell check – Do NOT do this. Spell check does not recognize words that sound the same but have different meanings such as “their” and “there”
-Grammar Errors – English is a very difficult language. Everyone can benefit from Grammarly or at least check out this blog where I identify some of the common words that are used incorrectly. I’m not talking about slang here.
-Not Doing Your Research – Reference studies, data, statistics, etc - use clear evidence for a convincing blog.
-Not Editing – Making any changes from your original work. Sometimes creating an outline before you start writing will help get your thoughts organized.
-Not Proofreading – Making little tweaks to your work (after edits) before posting.
Here's to a good weekend and creating some GREAT content!!!!!
I'm off ALL day tomorrow on a Zoom meeting to play with paper. We're learning new techniques and seeing new products for scrapbooking. I may come back with my eyes GLAZED!
Hugs
~Debbi
Recent Comments
79
Great post, Debbi. I also looked at the one you have linked to about the most common grammar mistakes.
It's funny that confusing your and you're or there and their or they're are usually made by native speakers. Also using "I should of done" instead of "I should have done" is something I have seen written by many native speakers (and it was a shock to see it for the first time).
Seeing to many mistakes on a website certainly may put some people off, it doesn't look professional.
Lenka
I know. You'll see many native speakers that don't follow the "rules" Some of my friends say "I seen" and it's like scratching a chalkboard with nails to my ears. I've corrected them but they only remember a few days. I've given up and just breathe deeply.
~Debbi
Great tips, Debbi! I do not have English as my mother´s tongue, but have a long life with English as my day job language. But that doesn't mean I am proficient in English.
One thing is to understand what is said and what is written, another thing is to express yourself both in speak and in writing.
And then you have business English and English spoken in the daily life, which are two completely different things.
I am using Grammarly, which is of great help when I write.
I have a wife from a country that have a completely different language than English and Norwegian, which creates a fantastic mix of languages during the day😄.
Roy
WOW, Roy. It would be fun to be in your house!!!! lol
English is so confusing. My hat is off to anyone who even comes close to "getting it" Trust me, many English speaking people can't speak it proficiently!!! I worry about kids these days with their abbreviated version ie "RU" for "Are you" Many can NOT spell.
You're also right about the business vs spoken English. So much to learn!!!!!!! You must be doing something right though because I never would have known that English was not your mother tongue.
~Debbi
Wow, Debbi, I am very flattered. That makes me happy to learn that I am able to not make too many mistakes using my English knowledge.
I have lived for one year in Alabama, going to flight school in the US Army, and got to practice my English knowledge very well during that year.
Roy
We all use English the wrong way, even Grammarly gets it wrong.
I try not to use the Australan slang on the internet.
A lot of people say, I am doing good, which is wrong.
I am doing well, is the correct English.
Nobody is perfect with it.
Yes, "I'm doing well" IS correct and I agree with you. NOBODY is perfect unless you're an English major and sometimes that's debatable 🤣 and not necessarily good. My cousin was and it was very hard to talk to him because he was so "formal". You can't be rigid. Find a balance. 🙂
~Debbi
My uncle was a director of education and I had a lot trouble reading his letters as I was average with my English.
See more comments
Really great points. I use Grammarly but I have noticed it doesn't always catch a missing, intended word. I almost have to use references for my health related niche site since I'm not a health professional. lol. I'm not a real pro writer but I try to do these things. Thank you.
Paula
It doesn't matter what you use, you should ALWAYS proofread.
Thanks for your input.
~Debbi