Typos Can Be Costly

I’m a neatnik. I like everything to be in its place, and in written material, typos and spelling errors drive me nuts.  Now there’s evidence that beyond being sloppy and annoying, such mistakes can repel customers, especially in the world of online marketing.

According to a report on BBC News, an analysis of website figures shows a single spelling mistake can cut online sales in half. Poor spelling harms a website’s credibility.  Marketing Profs, in an article about the BBC report, says that misspelled words can cause people to withhold their personal information and credit card numbers because they’re worried about fraud. When marketing messages hit my inbox containing typos or strange syntax, I delete them right away, fearing the email is a scam or virus carrier.

Everyone’s fingers hit wrong keys sometimes. But failing to use spell check and proofread your copy can have worse consequences than embarrassing you. If you’re trying to sell or promote something, it can cost you business.