You’ve all seen grammatical or spelling errors on a business’ website, sign, menu or other advertisements, right?

Sure, it happens to a lot of places. But my question was: how much does it affect business?

I did a little research and learned that 60% of people say errors make them less willing to give a company their money. That’s a lot of customers who may be leaving over something fixable!

I started by asking people I know and posed the question in a couple of big social media groups I’m in. I got a huge response – and a lot of surprisingly severe opinions along with some thoughtful, considerate ones.

But since I couldn’t find data about the bottom-line implications, I conducted my own survey on the subject, shared with my network and groups on social media and my friends and family. Sure, that’s not very scientific, but I still think the results are eye opening. Here’s what I found out.

Typos Give Customers Concern

People were most concerned by simple typographical errors, with almost two-thirds of responses coming in negative. The most common response was: If the business doesn’t care enough about this, where else is it sloppy? Ouch.

One person said, “If a business doesn’t care enough to proofread their material, then they won’t care about their standard of service. I hesitate to deal with businesses that have mistakes — especially online ads. I judge them to be less trustworthy.”

And trust is certainly worth trying to keep.

Another said, “Mistakes give me less faith in the professionalism of the company and their capabilities. The content they are putting out should be reviewed and edited for accuracy.”

Verdict: Typos = Less Trustworthy

Spelling Errors Disappoint

When it comes to spelling, almost 63% also had a negative reaction, but were more likely to feel disappointed. How did the owner not notice that? This was often chalked up to laziness, which is never how you want to look.

One person said, “If they don’t take the time to present themselves in the best light, then I immediately lose trust in them as a business.”

Another said it shows a “lack of attention and care. Errors are a pet peeve that shows the person doesn’t value their audience enough.”

Some certainly made differentiations between types of companies, and where the mistake was. Social media posts and one-off signs in a store were more easily overlooked.

“If it’s a professional place such as a law office, school or other similar business, it definitely makes me question their quality.”

Another said they give a pass to family-owned or small businesses. “But for a large corporation that has marketing teams and editors, there is no excuse.”

Verdict: Errors Make Us Question a Company’s Quality

Are You Running a Real, Legitimate Business?

Some people also noted that spelling or grammatical errors tip them off to a scam, especially in email or online ads.

“The first clue I’m being scammed is the spelling!” one person said.

Another said, “I hate to admit it but it shows lack of attention to detail, which would make me wonder if the business was legitimate.”

None of us want our emails, blogs or other communications to get sent directly to the Spam folder or ignored as a scam.

Verdict: Grammatical & Spelling Errors Look Like Spam

Just Get Help

Still others noted that — especially when it comes to spelling — why wouldn’t someone use the tools or friends that can help?

“Heck, even if you can’t spell, anyone can run spellcheck. It’s LAZY.”  Another person said, “Employees should always ask another to proofread anything that goes out with the business name attached.”

One person admitted, “I am the worst speller ever and I always have things proofed.”

Personally, I always use it, and I’ve been doing this professionally for about 20 years. None of us are infallible.

Now, regardless of whether the error was in spelling, grammar or typing, about of third of respondents said they’re more forgiving if it’s a small business they know if run by someone whose first language isn’t English. Fair enough, and I agree. For example, it happens more on menus of ethnic restaurants. Still, I have to say, do they not know any native (or even strong) English speakers to ask to take a look at their menu?

Verdict: Use Spellcheck and Ask Someone Else

Bad Grammar = Bad Impression

When it comes to grammar, people were even more lenient for non-native English speakers. I don’t envy anyone trying to learn English — it’s a confounding language.

But when it comes to writing from a business, “sloppy” was the word many people used. “If it looks like a Kindergartner put it together, then I wonder what else is being done sloppily.”

Another said, “I won’t buy online from a business that has grammatical errors all over their webpages or social media posts. It’s bad business acumen and just sloppy. On the other hand, I’ve seen a lot of menus with bad translations or misspellings, but I laugh those off if the food or service is good.”

But what if the mistake is in the person’s first encounter with your company? What kind of impression does that leave?

One person said, “If I knew nothing of the product, the sign with misspellings or grammatical errors is an immediate ‘that’s not for me.’ Not that I can’t make mistakes; I do. But I hopefully never advertise myself with a sign of flawed literacy.”

Verdict: Kindergarten Grammar Looks Sloppy

Where We Give A Pass

Now for another exception. A few people pointed out they knew certain friends or owners — or even themselves — have dyslexia. That’s certainly an added challenge. But even one of those people said, “In general, if an advertisement was riddled with grammatical errors, I may be less likely to support a given business.”

Mistakes that are forgiven in personal emails or on your personal social media page are one thing. “But in a professional context, I don’t understand why they wouldn’t use spellcheck or hire someone to correct possible grammar mistakes,” another person replied.

Regardless of whether it was grammar, spelling or a typo, a small minority of people indicated it didn’t matter to them at all — 6% said it was amusing. There are certainly a lot of funny, embarrassing spelling and grammar mistakes, including from big brands.

Those all remind me to be extra careful.

And there were even exceptions among people who said they always laughed off errors. “It’s just funny — unless the business was about grammar or a sign company or something where that matters.”

And yes, I’ve seen many grammatical and spelling errors on professionally made signs.

Want to weigh in? Take the survey yourself.

I’ll share more of what I found in my next blog. Sign up below to find out what people think and how much this affects business. Pretty eye-opening stuff!