Showing posts with label Spell checker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spell checker. Show all posts
10 Quick Tips for Proofreading Your Copy
Knowing What to Look for
Before anything else, proofreading can only be made possible if you know what to look for. This means having a considerable grasp of all the intricacies of proper grammar and punctuation as well as solid knowledge on spelling. If you fail in any of these counts, you need to work on them because they can make a huge difference with the quality of your copies as well.
Appropriate Environment
Proofreading is a job that requires great concentration, so find an environment suitable for the job. Get rid of all possible sources of distraction as well.
On Paper
It’s easier to overlook errors when you are proofreading with your computer so do print your copy on paper whenever possible. It might be more costly this way, but don’t you think the sales you can generate for a well-written copy can easily offset the expense?
The Right Mindset
The best way to proofread your copy is to have clear expectations of finding errors. If you think of your work as flawless, you’re more liable to overlook errors. Remember: a positive outlook – even if it means finding errors in this case – always helps in getting a positive outcome.
Read
Resist the temptation to read in the pace that you’re used to. Instead, read your copy slowly and read it out loud if possible. Reading will help you find errors in the style and cohesion of your writing.
When you’re done reading from start to finish, try reading it backwards. The brain tries to automatically correct any spotted error in the content, making you read what you think you see instead of what you’re actually seeing. By reading backwards, you prevent your brain from correcting on auto-mode and view your work for what it really is.
Appearance
Proofread includes correcting the look of your copy. Pay attention to wrong spacing and margins, irregular font styling, and improperly capitalized words. Indeed, pay greater attention to words in uppercase as it’s more difficult to see errors in that format.
Consistency
Proofreading includes making sure that everything about your copy is consistent. Uniformity, after all, makes a web copy more attractive. If you use a certain name for reference, be sure to use that name at all times rather than confuse your readers with various synonyms sprinkled across your text.
Grammar and Spell Check
The options for these mechanisms provided by your processor are not always right. And no, this doesn’t mean that you’re smarter but they’re probably not configured correctly. In any case, don’t rely on them to do your work for you.
Over and Over
Proofreading is not a one-time process. You need to do it over and over and at properly spaced intervals to make sure your copy is entirely error-free.
Another Point of the View
Last but not the least, have someone else – preferably one with the necessary knowledge and experience – proofread your work. You don’t have to pay a professional to do it. If you know other copywriters, you can strike a deal and proofread each other’s work.
A fresh pair of eyes, not to mention unbiased as well, can help find the last few errors in your copy.
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Simplicity Rules in Copy Writing
To attract visitors to your site, being simple is good. Since readers are primarily interested on what you have to say, you may entice them to read on or discourage them and give up. Creating a simple yet concise and clear copy that is easy to read and comprehend is the best way to inform your clients of your point. Here are some easy tips to simplify your website and make it a winner:
1. Create simple and clean designs with a clear navigation system. You can repeat the images, colors, formatting and text throughout the site since guests will not wonder if they have unintentionally left your site.
2. For your background, use contrasting colors and avoid using light texts on light backgrounds. Dark texts are easier to read on a light background. Be careful with your background patterns since they can obscure the site’s content instead of flattering it. Avoid underlined or blinking texts. These texts may annoy and distract visitors. Your hyperlinks must be the only documents underlined on your site.
3. Make your copy easy to read, understand and use. Try your best to be lucid. Use simple words; those that are used for everyday speech. Use terms that are not to vague and very understandable. Don’t be too stuffy; remove pompous words and replace it with plain words. Minimize complicated gimmicks and constructions. If you can’t give the information directly and briefly, you must consider writing the copy again.
There are multi-syllable words that can be replaced by simple terms. For example, information can be replaced by a simpler word “facts”, demonstrate can be replaced with “show”, gratis with “free”, regarding with “about”, etc. Check each word and ask yourself if there are words that can still be simplified to lessen the syllable length. By this method, the words can easily roll off the readers’ tongue and they can easily remember them as they read.
4. Check your spelling and check spelling errors. This will not earn your site too many visitors. because this will make your page look unprofessional. You can utilize a spell checker such as the HTML Toolbox.
5. Don’t be over chatty and suspense killer. Surprises in the middle of one sentence is not informative, rather very irritating. Do not be too arrogant as well; don’t be too boastful in presenting your visitors of your intelligence and cleverness. This will not impress them but will surely bore them. Remember that your aim here is not only to present the readers of what you have but also to encourage them.
6. Do not be overly instructive. If you have so many words beginning with expect, consider, compare and imagine, the readers might think that what they’re reading are stylebooks or textbooks.
Writing a simple copy is vital since your goal is let your visitors understand what you’re trying to inform them with less effort on their part. The visitors wouldn’t want to spend long hours just figuring out what your site is all about.
You should aim to entice visitors to immediately click the order button without second thoughts. So write simple and win them all!
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