How To Write for the Internet
By Jessica Swanson | On December 7, 2007 | In Small-Business | Rated 
Web readers read differently than print readers. Most web readers do not read every word of your email, website, blog, etc. Instead, they scan your webcopy quickly and efficiently.
Most web readers are in a hurry. They are looking for specific information, and don't have the time to hunt through screen after screen of text to find what they are looking for. If your web copy is a hassle or struggle to read, they will quickly abandon you and move on.
Therefore, when you are writing for your website, blog, article, press release or email, make sure that your information is easy to understand, easy to find and easy to follow.
Here are Ten Golden Rules when writing on the web:
1. Write content that is relevant.
You need to make sure that you are staying on topic! Do not write about your annoying co-worker or what you did last night. People are looking for information about your topic and that is what you should give them. For instance, many new home-based business owners like to host a blog. However, they are not sure what to write about and so they write about what they did that day or why they love their home-based business. No one wants to read that. People are looking for valuable information when they are searching through the internet.
2. Make sure to include the important information at the very beginning of your page. Think of this as an “inverted pyramid.” Internet readers need to find out why your opportunity is important right away!
Many internet writers think that it is a good idea to "build up" to their topic. This is a huge no-no. Instead, your first sentence should state clearly and effectively what your article will be about.
3. Write short sentences of 20-25 words.
Although you may have learned in high school English that combining sentences is good, it's the opposite when writing on the web. Short sentences are easier to read and get straight to the point. You do not want to fill your page with flowery, difficult language. Instead, you want to be as succinct as possible.
4. Your paragraphs should only consist of 3-5 sentences each.
When someone looks at a page of long sentences and long paragraphs, they are automatically going to feel overwhelmed. They will not want to take the time to start deciphering all of the information. Instead, you want your page to have plenty of white space and you can do this by making your paragraphs short.
5. Break up your content with bullet points, dashes, numbered lists, etc.
Another way to create breaks and plenty of white space is to add bulleted lists to your page. People are always drawn to bulleted points since they seem to emphasis important ideas.
6. Use sub-headings within your writing to separate ideas for the reader.
The use of sub-headings keeps your pages more scannable and easier for readers to move from idea to idea. Remember, this will help keep people's interest.
7. Use action words to keep your writing actively moving forward.
You want to keep your writing active and alive. Avoid the passive voice or "be" verbs as much as possible.
8. Avoid hard-to-read italics and mixing too many fonts.
Clean and clear copy is much easier to read. Many times, writers want to make their page look more interesting by using different or unique fonts. Keep it as simple as possible. Simple will never go out of style.
9. Write directly to your reader.
As you are writing, picture one person in your mind. You want your reader to feel special and as if you are writing for them personally. In addition, avoid "first person" as much as possible. In fact, studies show that the word "you" is one of the most persuasive words in writing copy.
10. Proofread and spellcheck your work.
This just can't be emphasized enough. You absolutely must proofread every single piece of your writing. Remember, you are trying to come across as a professional!
In the end, there is a formula for writing on the internet. Luckily, it is an easy, high-adaptable formula that even beginning writers can follow. If you consistently follow these ten points, you will find that your internet writing will begin to turn some heads.
Jessica Swanson is a successful internet marketer. She has an M.S. in Written Communications
and has worked over 10 years as a success coach, national and state speaker, and consultant.
Visit her today at: www.JessicaSwanson.com or www.UnlimitedProsperityTeam.com
Most web readers are in a hurry. They are looking for specific information, and don't have the time to hunt through screen after screen of text to find what they are looking for. If your web copy is a hassle or struggle to read, they will quickly abandon you and move on.
Therefore, when you are writing for your website, blog, article, press release or email, make sure that your information is easy to understand, easy to find and easy to follow.
Here are Ten Golden Rules when writing on the web:
1. Write content that is relevant.
You need to make sure that you are staying on topic! Do not write about your annoying co-worker or what you did last night. People are looking for information about your topic and that is what you should give them. For instance, many new home-based business owners like to host a blog. However, they are not sure what to write about and so they write about what they did that day or why they love their home-based business. No one wants to read that. People are looking for valuable information when they are searching through the internet.
2. Make sure to include the important information at the very beginning of your page. Think of this as an “inverted pyramid.” Internet readers need to find out why your opportunity is important right away!
Many internet writers think that it is a good idea to "build up" to their topic. This is a huge no-no. Instead, your first sentence should state clearly and effectively what your article will be about.
3. Write short sentences of 20-25 words.
Although you may have learned in high school English that combining sentences is good, it's the opposite when writing on the web. Short sentences are easier to read and get straight to the point. You do not want to fill your page with flowery, difficult language. Instead, you want to be as succinct as possible.
4. Your paragraphs should only consist of 3-5 sentences each.
When someone looks at a page of long sentences and long paragraphs, they are automatically going to feel overwhelmed. They will not want to take the time to start deciphering all of the information. Instead, you want your page to have plenty of white space and you can do this by making your paragraphs short.
5. Break up your content with bullet points, dashes, numbered lists, etc.
Another way to create breaks and plenty of white space is to add bulleted lists to your page. People are always drawn to bulleted points since they seem to emphasis important ideas.
6. Use sub-headings within your writing to separate ideas for the reader.
The use of sub-headings keeps your pages more scannable and easier for readers to move from idea to idea. Remember, this will help keep people's interest.
7. Use action words to keep your writing actively moving forward.
You want to keep your writing active and alive. Avoid the passive voice or "be" verbs as much as possible.
8. Avoid hard-to-read italics and mixing too many fonts.
Clean and clear copy is much easier to read. Many times, writers want to make their page look more interesting by using different or unique fonts. Keep it as simple as possible. Simple will never go out of style.
9. Write directly to your reader.
As you are writing, picture one person in your mind. You want your reader to feel special and as if you are writing for them personally. In addition, avoid "first person" as much as possible. In fact, studies show that the word "you" is one of the most persuasive words in writing copy.
10. Proofread and spellcheck your work.
This just can't be emphasized enough. You absolutely must proofread every single piece of your writing. Remember, you are trying to come across as a professional!
In the end, there is a formula for writing on the internet. Luckily, it is an easy, high-adaptable formula that even beginning writers can follow. If you consistently follow these ten points, you will find that your internet writing will begin to turn some heads.
Jessica Swanson is a successful internet marketer. She has an M.S. in Written Communications
and has worked over 10 years as a success coach, national and state speaker, and consultant.
Visit her today at: www.JessicaSwanson.com or www.UnlimitedProsperityTeam.com