Proofread Your Blog Posts

For Pete’s Sake, Proofread!

Why I Can’t Read Your Blog Post

Proofread Your Blog Posts

It happened again this morning.

I started reading a blog post from a business owner and I couldn’t get through it. The information was good, but the grammar was so bad that I finally stopped reading. If I did not already know the site owner, I would have thought they were a non-native English speaker using a translation program.

I fully recognize that I am a grammar nerd; my children hate to have me read their school papers when they are very young, but by the end of high school, they have figured out that Mom’s red pen means higher grades. And by college, their friends are asking if I can look over their important papers before they are due.

I don’t expect people to write with textbook precision. I don’t write with textbook precision. But there is a big difference between writing conversationally and being a sloppy blogger.

How Do I Know I am Writing Right?

Run your post through a grammar/spell check. This is the most basic step. If you don’t use the one in WordPress or the one in Microsoft Word, there are a couple of free online sites. I can’t vouch for the grammar checker in any of them; Word and I frequently disagree about grammar—and, of course, I always get the last word.

Start sentences with capital letters, divide your text into paragraphs and use punctuation where needed. Have someone proofread for you. Sometimes a second set of eyes is enough to catch typos and grammar bloopers. Just make sure whomever you ask to proofread is good at it. If you can’t find someone else to read for you, set it aside for a day and come back to it. While having a second set of eyes is best, this method can work—IF you are a good proofreader.

Hire a proofreader/editor. If you don’t have an assistant, co-worker or friend who is willing to proof your posts, you can hire proofreaders and editors. When the mechanics of writing are your weakness, it is a wise investment in your business.

Why is it Important to Write Right?

Your blog is the voice of your business. A well-written, carefully thought out post tells your customers you care. Attention to detail should be consistent throughout your business. Your communications to your customers should be as flawless as the products and services you are providing. If you are sloppy communicating with your customers, are you sloppy in your work? You don’t want your customers to have to wonder, do you?

How Can Good Writing Help My Business?

Well-written blog posts are more likely to be read, commented on and shared. Good writers are also more likely to be invited to guest blog. Both of these things will increase the readership and reach of your blog, thereby increasing the reach of your business. Good writing will increase your stature and reputation as both a blogger and as an authority in your field.

This does not mean you need to write like a professor. Your writing should always reflect your personality and your personal style. And your personal style should always include good grammar, spelling and punctuation.

And in case you need a little help with some of the most common errors, here is a great Infographic from CopyBlogger with 15 of the most common grammar mistakes.

15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly
Like this infographic? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.

Do you believe good writing is important for a successful blog? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Like this infographic? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.

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22 Comments

  1. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back someday.
    I want to encourage yourself to continue your great work, have a nice evening!

  2. Sydney jamils_ mommy says:

    I quite agree, sometimes people really need to proof-read stuff. I always say that more than a few grammar mistakes in a website will demolish any trust most visitors will have in your website. These things do have an impact on how you are viewed, especially first impressions. Nice post.

  3. Projet Kart Perso says:

    Great post and love the info graphic a lot. For some people while writing blog or any article it has became harder to remember some of the rules of grammar that used to come so naturally. They should do more practice in grammar and learn those rules.

  4. Great post and love the infographic! I’m a bit of a grammar nerd, but I admit, it has gotten harder to remember some of the rules that used to come so naturally. Luckily, I am getting more practice now as my children dive into grammar homework and learn these same rules.

  5. So true! Grammar was #1 on the Forbes list of 10 things we do to ruin our business!

  6. Always a good reminder, Marie. Grammar is so important. I like to read my articles out loud to help catch typos. Thanks for the tips.

  7. That is a really helpful infographic Marie!

    One of my favorite ways to proofread is to read it back out loud. You’d be surprised at what you catch when you use your voice as well as your eyes.

  8. Awesome info graphic! I have the most trouble with affect and effect..and a few others.

  9. As careful as I think I am when writing I make a mistake here and there so it is so important for me to remember to read my writing before posting. Thanks for the very graphic reminders!

  10. Excellent! Sharing.

    PS: I can’t see my typos and always do better when I set my blog aside for a while and read once more before posting.

  11. I have a confession…writing for me is hell!

    I’m guilty, I’m not a good proof reader. There have been times when I’ve read something I’ve written three or four times and missed an error because I am so caught up in the subject that I don’t “see” the words.

    Q)Do I check?
    A)Yes, always.

    Q)Have I had other people proof read for me?
    A)As often as possible.

    I have the same problem as Amy; I often “read” words that aren’t there.

  12. Great infographic! I agree with Amy, sometimes you read words that are not even there on the paper (computer screen) because they are in your head and it is what you want to write. Your advice to come back later to the post is good advice, I have found missing words and typos in a post many times by coming back later to review it.

  13. Oh I am with you!!!!! I’m such a grammar freak. Typos are inevitable, but if you’re writing a blog, get the fundamentals of sentence structure and commas down 🙂

  14. I am a grammar nut too! It comes from having a Mom who made sure we knew how to speak correctly. However, I am a threat to zip off a blog post without editing. My son called the other day to tell me I had typed “viola” instead of “voila” in a post. LOL I think he got that grammar thing from his mom!

  15. I know you are talking to me, Marie! Typing is one of my least skilled areas! After all this time you would think I would learn to do a little better! LOL Sad thing is I can edit anything but my own work LOL Great post Marie and truth!

  16. Hello Marie,

    Great article!

    I read a lot of content on a daily basis. Less and less bloggers pay attention to typos and grammatical errors now.

    As I always say, in social media, the written word is your reputable currency. If you leave too many errors behind, people will start wondering what area of your business you also neglect.

    1. That has also been my philosophy as well, Cendrine. If you are sloppy in your correspondence what else are you sloppy in–especially if your business is communication.

  17. You hit the nail on the head. Each page of your website – when found by a new visitor – is like your own personal advertisement. Write killer copy without grammatical errors and you give yourself the best chance of converting that visitor into your next new client.

    Well said, Marie!

    1. I agree, Mike. When I receive correspondence from potential business collaborators and vendors, anything that is full of errors just gets deleted or tossed. I understand the occasional typo–heaven knows I make my share, especially when my brain moves so much faster than my fingers–but failing to proofread copy and fix errors makes me wonder about integrity and commitment to quality.

  18. “Sometimes a second set of eyes is enough to catch typos and grammar bloopers. Just make sure whomever you ask to proofread is good at it. If you can’t find someone else to read for you, set it aside for a day and come back to it.”
    Love this! I try to always have someone else read my blog posts – not only for grammar issues, but also to make sure it flows. Too many times we are too close to a post and read words that aren’t even there.