Welcome to The Ready Room, where I explore random topics to help you kick off your week.
This week’s topic targets that magical space between ‘done’ with a project and releasing it to the world. In my line of work, I’m often the last line of defense before any project gets unveiled, and I can tell you that even when a hundred people have been checking and re-checking for errors, there’s always a few that get missed.
Always.
So, how do you ensure your work is properly tested for the best error-free presentation?
Websites & Blogs
Visit your own site often. Whether you have a paid tester for your work, or you’re running a solo operation, take some time to peruse our site at least once a week. Use different browsers and devices to ensure the layout and alignment are working for all users in your audience.
Click on links. Are they going to the right page? Are they broken, or taking your users completely away from your site?
Re-read your work. You should be doing this before launching anything, but spelling mistakes happen. And re-reading your work later can help you catch mistakes that may have been lingering on your article for a few days or weeks.
Search for broken images. Especially in your navigation (if you’re using image arrows) or on your homepage. Anything broken will instantly draw your audience to the errors.
Books & Short Stories
Have critique partners. Writers always talk about how invaluable critique partners are, and there’s a reason why. They’re your test group. You’re their test group. Critique partners and readers are your first line of defense and can find errors and inconsistencies that you may be blind to.
Hire an editor. Especially if you’re planning to self-publish. These professionals take everything one step further than a critique partners and dig deep into your work, helping you ensure everything’s polished and shining.
Learn to self-edit. If you’re a writer, you should be your own editor as well. Make sure your work is clean and concise before you hand it off to your test groups.
Art & Imagery
If you’re working with a client, you’ll need to have them involved. Send drawings, designs and proofs, and make sure you have their written approval at each milestone.
Have an insider test group to view your work as it nears completion. Practical viewers can see nuances you might otherwise miss, such as a cut edge you forgot to erase, or text disappearing into the background.
No matter what you’re working on these days, always test your work. Make sure it’s the best it can be, then go forth and enjoy! 🙂
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