Writing for the web is definetly both a science and an art.
When writing content for your website, you not only have to write it in such a way that it is easy to read for the viewer, but so that it is also ondexed by the search engines to drive traffic to your site. Here are 10 tips to help you achieve that goal ......
- Your website visitors will have questions. Anticipate these and make sure you provide the answers in a FAQ format (frequently asked questions).
- Communicate your message in simple terms that everyone can understand. Avoid using jargon, and provide a glossary of terms that the user can easily access from the text they're reading. This is when pop-up windows with anchor tags can be helpful. Don't make your user leave the page and have to find their way back.
- Text on a screen cannot be formatted like text in a newspaper or magazine. It is too difficult to follow. Paragraphs should be separated by a double break for easier reading. Don't let the text run to width of the screen. Instead try to format the copy so it fits within 1/3 to 1/2 the screen width.
- Avoid the need to scroll through pages of text by breaking your information into several pages, and include a page index at the bottom of each page so the user knows how many pages there are. And remember, text is read 25% slower on a computer screen than in print. Try to half the word count of your paper equivalent.
- No matter how fantastic you think your message is, people probably aren't going to read it. Unless someone is looking for particular information that is helpful to them they're unlikely to read your page of sales spiel. Figure out what you want to say and cut the rest. Use bulleted points as often as you can to summarise quickly and efficiently what you want to say. In this information age people need information quickly and clearly. You can always link keywords and provide more information on new pages if the reader is interested.
- Highlight keywords with bold type or hyper links. Highlighting keywords is typically an American method, so be aware of who your audience is.
- Use meaningful sub-headings so the reader can skim through your material and find the information that is relevant to them.
- If you are providing useful information that people will likely print, avoid using terms like "click here" that will be irrelevant once clicked. Also type out web addresses if your content has hyperlinks so offline readers can access the sites you are linking to.
- Avoid text on patterned backgrounds. Patterned backgrounds simply distract the reader's attention and can make words difficult to read. The best way to present text is a clear black font on a white background.
- At all costs, proof read your copy at least twice. If you are not confident in your written english skills find someone who is and ask them to proof it. Bad spelling and grammar is sloppy and will communicate the complete opposite message to what you want.
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