Let’s be honest: typos happen. But hitting “publish” on typo-filled content is more than just embarrassing. It’s bad for your brand. At best, a writing hiccup can jolt your readers out of the flow you want them to experience. At worst? It can give an impression that your brand is sloppy, inattentive to detail, or careless.
Is that the impression you want customers or prospects to develop? Heck no. Here are some methods to kick typos to the curb once and for all.
Typo Elimination Tip #1: Read It Out Loud – Or Backward!
Did you know that the average person reads about 250 words a minute? Our brains are quick! And studies have shown that as long as the first and last letters of a word are correct, our brains fill in the middle for us. While that swiftness is handy for devouring our latest mystery novel before 2 a.m., it’s not supremely helpful when perfection is the goal.
Here are two ways to trick your brain into tapping the brakes, and catching typos in your work. First, read the content out loud. The average rate of speaking is only 150 words per minute, so the slower pace can help you focus on each word more thoroughly. Alternatively, read your copy backwards. Yep, it’s awkward. But that’s the point. It forces you to focus on each word at a snail’s pace, and you’re much more likely to catch typos.
Typo Elimination Tip #2: Print It Out
Printing your copy onto actual paper for review can be helpful largely because it offers a bit of fresh perspective. Have a pen handy, and make a note on any typos you discover. Then it’s easy to hop back into your computer document and banish those errors.
It’s also easy to piggyback this tactic with Tip #1! Print it out, read it out loud, and backward to screen for the mistakes that are undercutting your messaging. Just be sure to put that page in the recycle bin when you’re through.
Typo Elimination Tip #3: Take a Break!
You know that brain-buzzing feeling when you’ve been staring at the same screen for too long. The very meaning of words starts to fall away, and you think your eyeballs might plop right out onto your keyboard. Though it may sound counterintuitive, focusing on content harder and longer might not be the best way to zap those typos.
In fact, setting your work aside and revisiting it later can be very helpful for catching errors in your writing. Fresh eyes and a non-fatigued brain are much sharper! Plan ahead to give yourself time to take a break and revisit important content before you press “publish.”
The Ultimate Typo Elimination Tip: Hire a professional.
The best way to ensure that your content is excellent and error-free is to let a pro tackle it.
The typo-busting suggestions above can be helpful, but there’s no question that they’re time consuming. Many business owners just don’t have the hours in the day to brainstorm and develop content for their marketing, then write it, check it, take a break and then revisit it to check again. And going through that whole process every time you send a newsletter to your customers? Or need a new case study? Or press release? Or website page? Whew! It’s a lot.
Teaming up with a professional copywriter can save a business owner a great deal of time, and ensure high-quality, typo-free content. Put your best foot forward in every word that your customers see. Your marketing will instantly be stronger, more consistent, and more impactful.
Elevation Writing 