Tips for Proofreading Web Content

It goes without saying that proofreading for books is different from proofreading for the web –  formatting-wise and style-wise especially. Here are six tips to help you proofread your web content.

1. If you write content directly into HTML or a web development software, take special care of your spelling, since you may not have the luxury of automatic spell check.

2. Do you have a subheader for every 100-150 words of content?

3. Make sure you reference your reader three times more than you reference yourself. In other words, don’t say “we” more than you say “you.”

4. Visitors rarely read web content word for word. Shorten up long sentences and long paragraphs. Even consider shortening up a page if it is more than 500 words long.

5. Are your headings and subheadings capitalized and punctuated the same way throughout the website? Consistency is important and will make you look professional.

6. Double check to make sure every link works correctly.

Many of the items listed here are also on the No. 2 Pen Proofreading and Editing Checklist, which you can download from our Writing Freebies page. If you are interested in how the No. 2 Pen can work with you and your business, read more about our website content writing or our editing services.

The No. 2 Pen is a full-service writing and communications company. Contact us to discuss your writing projects and editing needs.