We’ve all been there. We’ve posted something on social media, sent an email, submitted a blog post and realized immediately or were told later that a mistake was made. Bring on the panic sweats! Been there too! But do you have a plan for dealing with these kinds of digital mistakes?

Below we will look at the 5 steps for dealing with digital mistakes and how to fix them efficiently, calmly, and correctly the first time.

Step #1 – Take a deep breath

It’s important to go into the processes of fixing a mistake calmly. If flustered or panicked it is easy to make additional errors or make the original problem worse.

Once you realize the mistake take a second to calm down, relax a second, and begin to focus on the fix.

Step #2 – Identify the error(s)

Okay, it’s time to note the initial error(s). Writing them down or telling someone are good ways to keep track of them. Try not to rely on mental noting if possible.

Read over affected content carefully to identify any additional errors. It would be a shame if you made one fix just to find another error in the same content. Make note of all errors before moving to the next step.

Step #3 – Localize error(s)

Once you know what error(s) have been made, it’s time to review the scope. Start thinking holistically and visualize the connections the affected content has with other content. Sometimes this means the website, other social posts, blog posts, emails, etc. Draw out these connects or visualize them in order to identify any other affected content.

Step #4 – Make a plan

What will it take to fix your mistake in the most efficient and painless way? Make a plan that takes into consideration all the info collected in the 3 prior steps.

Consider the typical process, approvals, and steps needed to make a change. Also, be aware of any automation, triggers, or automatic connections that could be affected by an edit to the original content.  

Step #5 – Make the fix!

It’s finally time to fix your mistake. It’s important to keep calm and follow your plan in order to avoid making more mistakes in the process of fixing the first one. It can be easy to want to cut corners or skip steps, but in order to avoid making the situation worse, follow your plan and be confident.

Congratulations! You now have a plan for fixing your future digital mistakes. Share this with others you’d like to prepare!