Your Web site represents your business. Good grammar and spelling matter.
Errors give the impression of sloppiness and carelessness. Visitors may view your business in the same way and question your competence.

Most of us use a Spellchecker and many programs have them built in. Unfortunately, the Spellchecker is limited and should be used only as the first step in the review process. For example, it will not catch words that sound the same, but mean something different (to, two and too).

Sometimes if a word is considered to be an error by the Spellchecker, it will suggest a word to substitute. Carefully review the words the Spellchecker picks for you. I know of one business person who did not follow that advice and ended up apologizing to clients for any incontinence (instead of inconvenience) an error may have caused!

Here are some Proofreading Tips to go beyond the Spellchecker:

• Read your copy out loud. You will hear the difference between what you meant to write and what you actually wrote.
• Have someone else read it. Or read it to you.
• Read it backwards to focus on the spelling of words outside the context of a sentence.
• Proof for different types of mistakes individually. For example, do one proof for spelling, another for punctuation, etc.
• Print it out and read it. Things look different on a computer screen. Mark the changes on the hard copy, and then correct them in the computer.
• Remember to check proper names.
• Double check little words that are often interchanged. Examples are: or, of, it, as, is and if.
• Take a break in between writing and proofreading. Set your work aside for a period of time or read something else. This will clear your head and help you focus on what actually is on the page, instead of what you expect to read. I like to write at the end of the day and edit first thing in the morning. Hopefully with some sleep in between!
• Keep a list of the typical mistakes you make repeatedly. Do a special check just for those mistakes.

I realize we're human and mistakes happen. However, our goal is always to express our ideas in a clear, intelligent and organized way. This will help convince our customers and prospective customers that we provide our services in the same way.

LEXOPHILES (LOVERS OF WORDS):

• A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
• A backward poet writes inverse.
• A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
• If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
• If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
• When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
• Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
• Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
• Acupuncture: a jab well done.
• Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
• Police were called to a day care where a three- year-old was resisting a rest.
• To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

There is lots more on the Internet - just Google Lexophiles!

When I was in 4th Grade, I entered a Spelling Bee. I only vaguely remember the event, but I know I did not make it very far.

I'm not surprised I didn't win. I am much too dependent on my Spellchecker for a Spelling Bee champ.

It also may explain why I prefer Sudoku puzzles to crossword puzzles.

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings.

My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let's put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.