Have you ever wondered how much errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling really matter in your social media content? Well, buckle up because I’ve got a story that might make you think twice about your next post.
Recently, I stumbled upon a content marketing coach with a staggering 9,000+ followers. Her carousel post started off with a hook that immediately caught my attention—"Quality over quantity is bullshit." Bold, right? I thought, “Finally, someone brave enough to challenge the status quo!” But as I ventured past the first slide, things got a bit messy, and not in the fun, creative chaos kind of way.
The hook was brilliant; it grabbed attention faster than a cat video on a Monday morning. But each subsequent slide felt like a game of “find the error,” and boy, was it challenging. Here's one example from her post:
"The phrase 'quality over quantity,' is holding sooo many people back because it's giving you and out of doing what is actually required to really powerful content, It's not inspiring, uplifting, or motivating, as most quotes are, this one is literally just an excuse."
Once I finally managed to decode the message (and trust me, it took a bit), I found the content insightful and on point. The problem wasn’t with the message; it was with how the message was delivered. Social media moves at breakneck speed. If your audience has to work too hard to figure out what you're saying, they’ll likely scroll on by, never to return.
Tips for Navigating Errors in Your Content
So, when should you sweat the small stuff, and when can you let your hair down? Here’s the lowdown:
- Know Your Audience: If you're targeting a more traditional or professional audience—think older generations or well-established brands—be meticulous. Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your credibility faster than you can hit "post." These readers expect polished, professional content.
- Keep It Relatable: With younger, more casual audiences—like Gen Z or Millennials—a few errors might be forgivable. Those readers are often more tolerant of imperfections and may even see them as part of a brand's personality. However, if your content is so poorly written that it's hard to follow, you risk losing your audience’s interest.
- Prioritize Clarity: Whether you're writing for a corporate crowd or a laid-back group, clarity is paramount. If errors are so frequent that they obstruct comprehension, your message can get lost in the noise. No matter the audience, if readers have to think too much to decipher what you’re saying, they’ll likely pass by your posts.
- Match the Medium: Different platforms have different norms. A formal LinkedIn article? Spell-check and double-check. A TikTok video with a quick caption? Some leniency is acceptable, but don’t let it become a barrier to understanding.
- Context Is Key: Context also plays a role. A well-placed, intentional error or informal tone might add personality and relatability to a brand. But when mistakes look unintentional and happen frequently, they can make your content appear careless and unprofessional.
This is precisely why we have a dependable team of proofreaders at #Strella Social Media. We’re not just about flashy content—we’re about making sure every word hits the mark. Our clients trust us to keep their messages sharp, clear, and professional.
In the end, you’ve got to strike a balance. Nail down the basics of readability, and then let your personality shine through. Because no matter how revolutionary your ideas are, they won’t make an impact if your audience can’t easily grasp them. No one wants their hard-hitting points lost in a sea of typos.
