It’s a pretty common thing these days to spot spelling mistakes and bad grammar when you’re surfing the internet – adverts, blog articles, website content – there’s no one area better or worse than another. While some people may not notice spelling or other errors, a lot of people do, so just how big a deal is accurate content?
There’s nothing wrong with using a conversational tone, especially in blog writing, but using slang, txtspk and sloppy grammar is just unacceptable. Studies have shown that people are less likely to engage with companies that post error-riddled sales copy, as they feel it undermines the credibility of the company (are they just as careless with their orders, accounts or delivery?). Creating any kind of negativity towards your business is a sure-fire way to kill sales, so why do it? With online companies like Grammarly, offering automated proofreading services, it’s a mystery why there is still so much room for improvement in online writing.
It’s been shown that over 40% of web users are influenced by spelling or grammar blunders in online content. When you sell or communicate online, most of the time it’s done by using the written word, so it’s quite obvious the damage it can do to your conversions. Questions have been raised over the importance of correct spelling and grammar in social media interactions, since it’s a more relaxed medium for communication, especially when using platforms like Facebook. That said, any business using Facebook to increase their exposure, should treat it with as much importance as their website or LinkedIn profile.
There are simple ways to improve your content, which can make a real difference to your bottom line. These are:
- Read your content backwards: this disrupts the natural flow of how you perceive things, so it forces you to read every word, making misspelled words easier to spot.
- Ask someone else to read your writing: a friend or co-worker who has not been working on the same piece of content for hours will spot inaccuracies that you will miss time and time again.
- Read your piece out loud: some errors can be more easily heard than seen, so reading your writing out loud forces you to listen.
- Use software like Grammarly: it really does make a difference. While you may not agree with all their suggestions, it does help to sharpen your eye.
Whether or not you agree on the importance of accurate writing, think of a website with sloppy grammar and lots of error. Would you be happy to give them your credit card details?
Didn’t think so.
If you’d like to know more on content marketing or need help creating the perfect content for your website or social media posts, contact us – we’d love to help!