The Cost of Spelling Errors
Typos and grammar mistakes stick out on websites. People will read through articles and different posts and they will notice when the writer makes a mistake. This is especially the case for more professional articles and websites, since readers expect those writers to meet a certain standard.
Keeping clear and error free writing shows that the writer knows what they're doing, that the writer cares and that the writer is professional. If a writer doesn't do these things, it could cause people to turn away from the writer's posts and their website to find one that's careful with their grammar.
With this in mind, do grammar mistakes and typos really cause websites to lose money? After all, businesses aren't about the writing itself, but the content and the products that they provide. However, the effect of typos on your business have a larger effect than most people expect.
Do Typos Cost Businesses Money?
The short answer is yes, but lets go over the details of how and why. Agility PR Solutions points out that bounce rates for websites increase by 85 percent when a website has poor spelling and grammar. This means that readers will leave the website when they notice various errors.
Bounce rate refers to the number of people who leave a site shortly after visiting. The source above also shows that people leave quicker when a site has typos. If people don't visit more pages of a site, then it costs a business money from ad revenue and from any potential purchases customers may make while on the website.
Quibble Content discusses the effects your grammar can have on your Google ranking. To get the most money possible, you need your site to appear on the first page of search engines. If the engine ranks yours as poor based on various people quickly leaving your site then it won't be prioritized over other sites.
People recognize professionalism when they see it (or read it). When businesses provide correct articles that are easy to understand, people gain more trust for that business. They will show their support by using your website. However, if you're clumsy and incorrect with spelling, people will go to other sources, since the connect grammar mistakes with poor research and inaccuracy.
This could cause your website to lose out on money if you have typos and grammar mistakes. People notice these small details, and they will see it as a reflection of your company.
Why Typos Affect Customer Perception
Typos make your business look unprofessional. To maintain accurate spelling, a person needs to give attention to detail and double-check their writing. When something has multiple grammar errors in it, it makes the readers feel like the company rushed out the material or didn't put enough effort into it.
This gives off an idea that the business doesn't pay attention to details. While this isn't always the case, this is the perception people place on businesses with grammar mistakes. It may cause them to judge your business based on these mistakes. They might wonder what other important details your company misses.
It doesn't end here. They may also become so distracted by the mistakes that they can't focus on anything else on the website. They ignore the content and message you try to convey and they focus on the mistakes instead. This prevents them from building up further trust and knowledge through your content.
Grammar-Checkers.net mentions the way grammar plays a role in acceptance. When you use proper grammar within your writing, people are more likely to accept what you say. You show that you know what you're saying and that you know how to communicate messages effectively to others.
Unfortunately, while people will make mistakes, customers lose satisfaction from those mistakes. This is why business members need to work together to avoid simple grammar mistakes. On the opposite side, customers will gain trust in businesses that show professionalism and correctness in their work.
Ways to Prevent Poor Grammar
Identifying and fixing grammar stands as the best way to maintain a professional image for your company. Above all else, double-check your spelling and phrasing to ensure that it's correct. This can involve a variety of strategies, such as using programs or having another person check your work.
For example, Conversion XL discusses the importance of reading work out loud. When you read what you wrote out loud, it gives you the chance check your work and also hear how the wording sounds. If any of it sounds awkward, make sure to rephrase your writing accordingly.
You should also identify specific words that give you trouble and learn how to spell them. This will vary from person to person, so make sure to note which words you struggle with. Quality Logo Products Blog shares the most commonly misspelled words by state and in general.
Overall, the most misspelled words are the following: accommodate, affect vs. effect, definitely, maintenance, recommend, separate, there vs. their and your vs. you're. Make sure to take special note of these words, because many people struggle with them. Spending time learning them will prevent you from having those mistakes.
Even though you should always check your writing yourself, it doesn't hurt to also use a grammar checker. This can be Word's built in function, Grammarly or any other software that will detect grammar and spelling issues for you. These tend to be easy to use and reliable at pointing out mistakes to you.
B3 Helps
While checking typos and grammar can be extensive and take effort, the continued customer support and website visits make it worth it. As a part of your B3 subscription, B3 monitors your website and checks for spelling errors automatically. Login to your B3 Account and see the results of the spell check. B3 also checks your site for broken links and other common issues.
Continue to check and correct your company's writing. Doing so leads to benefits and profits, so it makes the process worth it. If you do so, then you will retain loyal customers, improve your results on search engines and continue to draw in new customers. Keep up the work and continue to present the content and grammar that people want.