How Copywriting Errors Can Affect Your Content
And why you need to watch out for them!
When it comes to creators and content, everyone is always looking for the next best thing. In an ideal world, that next best thing could be you!
But, of course, there are a great many things on the internet and being the best is no easy task. With every possible option at the potential fanbase's fingertips, every element of your first impression for them must be as perfect as possible to secure their interest and leave no room for objection.
…but no pressure, alright?
Fine, admittedly the aspiration to rise as a popular creator comes with plenty of pressure. So many elements contribute to potential success or failure, it can be extremely easy to get overwhelmed.
Which is why today, we'll be focusing on the very basics: copywriting errors. In order to rise to the top, you have to start with a strong foundation and it doesn't get much more fundamental than copywriting.
At best, an error makes you look silly. For example, a setnence taht looks lkie this! tends to be taken less seriously than a sentence with proper spelling, punctuation where applicable, and grammar when necessary. Obviously in the age of emojis and shorthand all of those traditional rules have a time and place where they can be safely thrown out the window, but being aware of exactly which times and which places those are can be just as important, if not more so, as using them well in the first place.
At worst, an error damages your reputation. In addition to the basic rules of writing, word choice and phrasing can also play a key role in how your copy is received by the public. If, for example, in the process of trying to say something completely innocuous you end up accidentally implying something far worse, the internet will never forget it. Which is bad enough in writing since everyone who reads it may have their opinion of you permanently marred, but if your copy is for audio or video scripts then the results could be catastrophic.
With text, there's a bit of leeway. Simple writing doesn't provide the reader with expressions or emphasis to rely on and is thus always more difficult to properly interpret. Audio or video however, tend to leave little doubt in the audience's mind about exactly what the message is… even when they're wrong.
Since reputation and the audience's perception of an aspiring content creator form some of the most important contributing factors to popularity and success, it's imperative that good quality copywriting stays a top priority.
But how, I hear you ask?
Proofreading, editing, and taking the time necessary to ensure quality. Read the copy out loud, without a microphone, just to hear what the words sound like. Take a step back and return hours later to look at it with a fresh set of eyes. Recruit help, if it's available.
The details of how could be its own article, but the most important thing of all is simply to remember the impact a couple of words can have and to treat them accordingly. You never know you might be listening.
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About the Author
Adam Stockman is a creative writer and content creator with professional experience in community management, interactive entertainment, and script writing. He leverages those skills and ample time in fast-paced, startup environments to create engaging and enjoyable experiences for creators and fans alike.
