Today I completed an ad copy that we'll be using in the coming days to promote discounts and different payment options at one of the websites I manage. As I would normally do whenever I write a new copy, I sent it to David for final review and any possible edits. This way we have a good working copy before it's converted to an actual html sales page.

I was quite satisfied with the job I'd done and didn't expect what would happen next. I received an email from David with a tip.. he suggested that I print the copy out and get Caron (my wife) to read it out to me. He mentioned that in doing so I could hear what it sounded like and I'll be able to polish-up any areas that needed some work. No edits or other suggestions from David as he normally does, just his tip.

I did what he suggested..printed the copy and got Caron to read it to me as loud as she could without disturbing Bridget our pet dog :)

WOW! Over 11 silly mistakes that I didn't notice, even after I read the copy before sending it out to David. Here I was, satisfied that I had done a good job only to realize that the silly mistakes that were made would have made us not only seem unprofessional, but it would have cost us X$ in sales.

My tip to you.. if you don't already ask someone to read your work, start doing so now. Additionally, get them to read it loud, this makes a big difference.