![\"A](\"http:\/\/wordconstructions.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/prooofread_checklist.gif\" "\\"prooofread_checklist\\"")
<\/a>A basic proofreading checklist<\/p><\/div>\n
That is, for\u00a0mistakes like spelling errors, dead links on their website<\/a>, out of date information and lack of clarity in a message<\/a>.<\/p>\n I think\u00a0if you have the budget for huge campaigns, you have the budget to get a writer or editor to help you avoid stupid mistakes<\/a>. A sole\u00a0trader on the other hand often has less money\u00a0to spend and more hats to wear so mistakes are a little more excusable.<\/p>\n I was asked by a major entity to complete a survey that they intend to use to produce some data that can impact on the digital media and brands.<\/p>\n It was longer than I expected but more than\u00a0that, it was\u00a0very disappointing\u00a0from a group that is producing such a report.<\/p>\n Having a poor survey through lack of attention to detail <\/a>reduces their credibility – if they can’t get the\u00a0questions right, is their analysis going to be any good?<\/p>\n Compared to the\u00a0time and money they have put into preparing and promoting this survey, and then turning the results\u00a0into a report, it would have cost little to have had it reviewed by a writer or editor to ensure it would\u00a0work. It’s like spending a million dollars to build your dream house but not checking the architect remembered to add a front door.<\/p>\n Some of the issues I came across in this particular survey\u00a0were:<\/p>\n Poor data can’t result in a good report, whichever way you add it<\/p><\/div>\n One better written question they included\u00a0asked where I got inspiration\u00a0for my blog\u00a0posts<\/a>. I could only select one answer, which is limiting as I find inspiration in many places. However, I again used the ‘other’ option and\u00a0 wrote I am inspired by poor communications efforts I see – such as surveys like this with poor questions! You have to find fun where you can, I say!<\/p>\nBudget for the details<\/h2>\n
International survey<\/h2>\n
\n
\nTip:<\/strong> if preparing any sort of online form, make it usable for all aspects of your audience\u00a0– and make it clear at the start if some\u00a0groups can’t participate<\/li>\n
\nI did get some\u00a0satisfaction in a couple of those questions if they at least gave an ‘other’ option as I wrote the real answer in that field!
\nTip:<\/strong>\u00a0always have an answer for everyone in a survey – if people\u00a0can’t answer, they can skew your results with dummy answers and it frustrates them<\/li>\n
\nTip<\/strong>: always do a final read of materials\u00a0to ensure everything makes sense. Edits along\u00a0the way can change things so read it in full to be sure – and preferably get fresh eyes to view it, too.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n