diff --git a/templates/commands/specify.md b/templates/commands/specify.md
index d0bbdfb9..36e0c1a2 100644
--- a/templates/commands/specify.md
+++ b/templates/commands/specify.md
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ Given that feature description, do this:
      - Ensure the directory and spec file exist:
        - Bash:
          - `mkdir -p "$FEATURE_DIR"`
-         - `: > "$SPEC_FILE"`
+         - `touch "$SPEC_FILE"`
        - PowerShell:
          - `New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $env:FEATURE_DIR -Force | Out-Null`
          - `New-Item -ItemType File -Path $env:SPEC_FILE -Force | Out-Null`
diff --git a/tests/test_branch_numbering.py b/tests/test_branch_numbering.py
index d521d311..ed3004d1 100644
--- a/tests/test_branch_numbering.py
+++ b/tests/test_branch_numbering.py
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ class TestGitExtensionAutoInstall:
     """Tests for bundled git extension auto-install during specify init."""
 
     def test_git_extension_installed_during_init(self, tmp_path: Path, monkeypatch):
-        """verify that `specify init` auto-installs the bundled git extension."""
+        """Verify that `specify init` auto-installs the bundled git extension."""
         from typer.testing import CliRunner
         from specify_cli import app