• Practical eCommerce, Tuesday, July 15, 2008 4:15 PM

Paul Chaney serves up some blog copywriting tips that focus on crafting clean, error-free articles. And the first tip is one that applies to all sorts of published writing, whether it's a blog post, a guest article, Web site copy, or even a feature for a print publication--don't edit yourself. "The only problem is how many of us are in a position to have another person, preferably an editor, proof our copy?" Chaney asks.

In lieu of an editor or proofreader, make liberal use of your spellchecker. If possible, print your copy before you review it (sometimes glaring errors show up that would have been easily missed on-screen), or at least use your blog CMS' preview pane. Also try reading the copy aloud. "It's another way for your brain to wrap itself around the text and ensure it has a logical, readable flow," Chaney says.

And allow some time between the writing and actual posting of the article, preferably 24 hours. "Again, it's not always feasible, but when you can, let a period of time pass between writing and publishing," he says. "Then, just prior to publishing, proofread the post again. You'll be amazed at how much difference 24 hours can make in your ability to catch mistakes."

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