As a freelance copywriter, I must have sent out hundreds of enquiry letters and emails for work and I was fully prepared for a lot of rejection. What I was not prepared for was the amount of rejections littered with spelling and grammar mistakes.
‘Thanks, for the offer. But we dont need an help’, was probably my favourite. I was almost tearing my hair out and screaming ‘Yes, you do!’ at my computer monitor.
What people don’t realise is that producing poor copy can ruin a first impression, and in todays’ climate first impressions count for everything in business. If a company is seen as not even bothering to proofread then what hope do they have with regards to other aspects of their business?
I was sent an email a few days ago which highlights the importance of checking through copy, here are a few examples of headlines for newspaper articles:
- Man kills self before shooting wife and daughter.
- Panda mating fails; veterinarian takes over.
- If strike isn’t settled quickly, it may last a while.
- Cold wave linked to temperatures.
- Enfield couple slain; police suspect homicide.
- Red tape holds up bridges.
- Typhoon rips through cemetery; hundreds dead.
…..and my favourite.
- Hospitals are sued by 7 foot doctors.
If these are just the headline of the articles, god only knows what else we would find in the article body!
Maybe it’s my profession, but I feel that if a company cannot use the correct grammar and spelling in the content of their websites, brochures and articles then what other aspects of their business are they not giving 100% to?
However, there are more companies that are discovering the benefits of using a copywriter. One client didn’t realise the amount grammatical errors she had been making until I pointed out she was making common mistakes on her usage of commas. Although no one likes being told they are making mistakes, she was pleased that she now knew what she was doing wrong and that she would now be able to produce improved copy. Considering she wrote the copy for the company brochures it was a good thing I met her when I did!
People don’t actively look for spelling and grammar mistakes, unless you’re me, so although the lack of mistakes won’t jump out at people it is one less thing for the company to worry about as they have put their trust in a professional. Here is where I come in. Not only do I proofread and correct grammar/spelling mistakes, I also advise on the style of writing, where information needs to be added and where it needs to be omitted. Poorly constructed copy is just as bad as copy littered with spelling mistakes and this speaks volumes to the people reading it. If they can’t get their grammar/spelling right what else are they getting wrong?
So to round off, if a company is looking for an all-round service of proof reading, editing, writing copy and advice on the style of writing then the smartest thing they can do is get in touch with me.
Louise Wright
Louise is one of the Copywriters BHT Marketing is happy to employ . So if you need any copywriting with this style just call 0808-172-1900
To arrange a meeting to discuss your needs and the various options BHT has to offer please click here and fill in the Contact information form or phone 0808-172-1900 and ask for Colin or Christine
