Proofreading Checklist: 20 Things to Check Before You Publish Anything

One typo in a headline makes a business look careless. One wrong digit in a phone number loses every lead from that page. Use this proofreading checklist before anything goes live.

Facts and numbers

1. Phone numbers and WhatsApp links. Tap them and check they open the right number
2. Prices, GST mention, discounts and validity dates
3. Address, map pin and business hours
4. Names of people, places and products spelled correctly
5. Statistics have a source and are current
6. Year references ("in 2026") are correct

Links and actions

7. Every link opens the right page. No 404s
8. Buttons work on mobile
9. Forms submit and the confirmation arrives. See PHPMailer SMTP forms

Language

10. Spelling and grammar. Use a tool, then read yourself. See writing tools compared
11. Consistent spelling (enquiry or inquiry, pick one)
12. Consistent capitalisation in headings
13. No repeated words ("the the")
14. Sentences under about 25 words where possible. See readability tips

Formatting

15. Headings in the right order (H1, then H2, then H3)
16. Images have alt text and load quickly
17. Tables and lists display properly on mobile

Final checks

18. Title tag and meta description written. See title tags and meta descriptions
19. Claims are honest. No "guaranteed #1" or unsupported health claims
20. Read it aloud, slowly, on your phone

Tips that catch more errors

• Take a break before proofreading your own work
• Read from the bottom up to catch typos
• Ask someone else to check numbers and names
• Print important brochures and check on paper

FAQs

Can AI proofread for me?

AI tools catch many grammar errors but miss wrong facts, numbers and names. Always check those yourself.