Blogging is one of those tasks, in which you have all the freedom to work. You can choose your time, your favorite place and work from conveniently. This article is not about lazy and good side of Blogging but about how to proofread an article.

I have already shared how to write SEO friendly blog posts and what type of content you should write for SEO. These, two factors are critical but to make sure your content is very useful. Proofreading article before publishing will polish the article and make it more likable by readers.

Imagine a scenario! A writer is staying awake and struggling at midnight to finish his article before the dreaded deadline tomorrow morning. He has been working on this piece from so many days, has written and re-written it several times and know the content by heart. He submits it in the knowledge that he has given all he can and done his best. But has he? The proof is in the proofreading – here is how to do it properly. 

6 Ways to Better Proofread an Article 

1.   Use a Proof-reading tool:

How much careful you are, there are chances that you might have left out 1-2 grammatical errors or spelling errors. You can always use the free tool like Microsoft Word or any other to proof-read your article, but the one that I find the best and use is Grammarly.

It’s one of the fantastic tool that allows you to check for grammatical errors, spelling suggestions for your article and also suggest to change weak words with power words. It had helped me a lot and I am sure you would also like it to use.

2.   Use Grammarly proof-reader

Spend some time and look at your writing with new pair of vision.

If possible get away from your article and leave it for a night or at least for an hour or two. Print a copy of it only then and go through your work line by line, with marking the mistakes you find on the paper copy as you read it. It is easier to find mistakes with relaxed eyes and mind but most particularly when away from the monitor.

3.   Check for grammar and punctuation mistakes

Pay special attention to spelling mistakes and wrongly used words. Your computer spell check should have picked up the most of spell mistakes, but it may not be able to tell the correct use of “their” and “there” or whether it should be”affection” or “affliction”. If in doubt about a word check it in your trusted dictionary and look it for. The latest WordPress version also has a proofreading tool which can correct more than just the common mistakes. You can use that also.

4.   Don’t repeat yourself

Always keep a definite check on iterated sentence structures and words. If you consistently repeat part of the same sentence, your reader will soon get bored. Your reader will be grateful for a flowing style but won’t thank you for endless repetition, regardless of the topic of your writing.

5.   Credit where credit is due

Make sure you mention and signify where you have taken the facts come. Plagiarism is illegal, and also unethical. You won’t feel good if someone claimed your words as their own? Make sure you give credit to one when you quote someone’s facts and figures.

6.   Does this make sense to you

If at all possible get someone else to read your work for you. A person unfamiliar with the topic you are writing about will easily pinpoint inconsistencies or let you know where more explanation is needed. You can also read your article loudly. It is easier to see if it “flows”.

The benefits of proper proofreading are obvious. A properly written, edited and displayed text depicts a professional impression, gets you taken seriously in the world of blogging and ensures you are listened to. Investing some time to proofread properly is a worthwhile investment on any blogger’s time. 

Meanwhile, I will love to know your answer, do you proofread your articles?