Why is it important to proofread?

Why is it important to proofread your writing?  You may remember hitting the publish button, only to find that you’ve made a blunder.  Some good careful habits support you in avoiding this, so, read on.

Blogging had started as a hobby before it turned into my side hustle. I remember when I was going through a post as a newbie, I saw a careless mistake. Lots of my readers had already liked and commented. Only then did the typo stand out!

It changed my way of thinking.  I decided that I had to be more careful.  That’s when I realized that copyediting every piece of content is crucial.

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Tools support you

Tools are handy in endless ways. However, the human eye has original value. I use Grammarly to verify my original work and edit.

Your style remains your voice. Even if lots of tasks can be automated, a final manual check is best. There are valid reasons for polishing your work. 

While AI tools are convenient, they don’t bring the best results by themselves.  Going a few steps further helps.  If you take the time to go through your work, originality will show.  Avoid plagiarism and let your personality shine proudly.

Why is proofreading important?

Mistakes can happen. However, the fear of judgment can be intimidating. Read my other article on what bloggers fear. Also, find out how to use it for better self-improvement.

You’re far better off revising your content.  Ensure that it’s void of any unwanted errors.  If you find any, edit, polish, and improve.

The ultimate reason for publishing content could be to find new leads. Your goal could be to grow your reach and increase your following, and engagement rate. Be it on your blog, social media platforms, or in emails, do scrutinize the content.

Why?

Credibility	If you aren’t careful, you might appear unprofessional.  Everyone can make mistakes.  To be on the safe side, take the time to analyze.
Clarity	Ambiguity confuses. On the other hand, a clear and concise message is well understood. Get your message across effectively, and avoid misunderstandings.
Good initial impression	No matter how it may sound, people do tend to make a first impression.  This initial impression may last.  In the online world, you have but a few seconds to grasp attention.
Professionalism shines	Readers expect articles with good readability.  A vlog well edited is the norm.  A podcast episode of good sound quality is natural.
Good grammar	The text should flow easily.  No typos or other undue distractions. Let the reader focus on your message.
Fact-checking	Verify your facts, sources, and references. Also, ensure that the content is relevant, and edit any broken links. Publishing incorrect info can be detrimental and misleading.
Target audience	Write for your ideal reader.  Make videos for your true viewers.  Record podcasts for the right leads.
No ambiguous jargon	Avoid jargon language if it’s not for your audience.  Consider their interests and demographics.  Based on their level of expertise, decide how simple things should be.

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How to proofread effectively?

While revising is crucial for the reasons I already mentioned, how to go about it?  There are various options.  Some are more formal than others, and range from free to paid options.

Paid professional services tend to be the most expensive.  However, you’re likely to get great results.  You could also go for freemium software.  You may do it all on your own, or ask a close one to go through your work.

Some tips for better results:

• Take regular breaks
• Come back after hours or days
• Print it out to read easily
• Get someone to lend a hand
• Edit in multiple stages

Editing in multiple stages means going through the content and paying attention to 1 thing at a time. For the first reading, focus on clarity and flow. The second time, watch out for grammar, typos, and punctuation. Third, review the formatting.

Scrutinize on your own

As a newbie, I had someone to double-check. However, over time, I was on my own. Working solo, I had to find effective methods. I then discovered how reading backward can be handy.

Here are some ways to tackle it when alone:

• Read backwards
• Use a spell check and grammar tool
• Get back with a fresh pair of eyes
• Read out loud and slowly
• Use a ruler to focus and hide
• Change the format or layout

These are all effective ways. However, I give more credit to certain techniques. For example, reading backward from the last paragraph to the first is my favorite. 

I come back with a fresh pair of eyes.  It also gives me a clear mind for better focus.  I prefer to do so after a day.  The more time you can wait, the better.

Changing the format helps me.  When I draft my articles, I use Google Docs.  After editing it there, I also use software to automatically verify.  I then view my content in WordPress.  This appears to be a fresh layout, where I complete any final formatting.

Handy options to consider

Text-to-speech software reads your text out loud.  You can catch any mistakes as you listen.  Note what to edit and do so.

Who should proofread your work?  You can do so on your own, using software.  You can also ask for help informally.  Pay for online proofreading services, if you have a budget for it.

Embrace the habit

Take it easy, a mistake is not the end of the world. It can happen to anyone. Adapting these handy habits supports you better. Use them and hone your scrutinizing, editing, and polishing skills.

Work smarter, using handy techniques to double-check your content. Don’t let a small typo spoil your great piece. Find what works best for you, and adopt a routine.

Conclusion

Why is it important to proofread?  It indeed is, and for the reasons I listed in my article.  Embrace the habit of going through your work for all the benefits it brings.

Without verifying, mistakes can go unnoticed. Make a good lasting impression. Create high-quality content that solves your audience’s pain points.  

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