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Today’s the day of your new product launch. You have taken all the steps according to your business plan, from blueprint to production. Your website is ready to go live, and you are about to blast the announcement to thousands of contacts. Three…Two… One! And then you see it. The dreaded typo smack in the subject line of your product’s introductory email. The most exciting day of your professional career has just been tarnished because you didn’t invest in a professional proofreader.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional proofreader?
Even if you think you have the keenest eye on the block, it’s not always easy to catch your own errors. A professional proofreader or editor can refine your work in areas in which you may not be disciplined. Hiring a professional proofreader can:
- Polish your words: Even if you are the most successful entrepreneur in existence, a proofreader can take your vision to even greater heights. Trust in a professional wordsmith to strengthen your ideas for you.
- Condense your thoughts: Verbosity can sometimes get in the way of translating your thoughts clearly and concisely. An experienced editor can smooth over the kinks, so your mission remains obvious.
- Strengthen your credibility: If you plan to be the best at what you do, make sure your presentation is flawless. Poor grammar and sloppy word choice can negatively impact the effectiveness of your brand.
What types of works require proofreading?
As a business owner, the types of media-related products you can create are endless. Some of the most popular media items that deserve the services of an experienced proofreader include, but are not limited to:
- Product copy and labels.
- Marketing slogans.
- Ad copy.
- Instructional manuals.
- Print pamphlets.
- Website content.
- Press kit materials.
- Email copy.
- Promotional flyers (both print and digital).
- Blogs.
- Social media posts.
- eBooks.
Tips for Effective Proofreading
If you plan to take on the task of proofreading your own company materials, there are some tips you should employ to ensure you get the job done right. These include:
- Taking a step back from your work: A strong, final product should never be rushed. Take your eyes off the work, and revisit it at a later time. A heavy head and tired eyes may prove to hurt your cause, rather than help it.
- Investing in a second opinion: If writing is not your strong suit, consider asking a friend or a colleague to take a look at your work. Even the strongest writers employ the help of skilled editors.
- Creating soft deadlines: The pressure of a hard deadline can cause you to rush through the proofreading of your work. Give yourself a cushion, just in case proofreading falls to the wayside along your lengthy to-do list.
What if I can’t proofread my own work?
If you cannot proofread your work, but still want a second opinion, consider hiring a skilled proofreader or editor. What is the difference between a proofreader and an editor? A proofreader can catch minor errors, while an editor can strengthen the delivery of your words. Depending on the quality of your work, you can decide which investment is more suitable.
When working through your marketing budget, this is where to factor in the services of a proofreader. Note that any person contributing content to your business should be able to deliver flawless copy. If your team is less experienced, consider budgeting for a freelance proofreader on all final drafts meant for servicing – both internal and external.
Thinking about hiring a second set of eyes to peruse your written materials? Consult with an experienced content agency to take care of your needs.
Don’t let a typo be your last word.