How to Write for the Web - 7 Useful Tips

Writing strong and targeted web content requires you to start from a point of understanding that reading online content is different from reading for pleasure in print. Online readers look for important information quickly and they scan rather than read. Chris Nodder LinkedIn Learning instructor & User Experience consultant says in his Linked in learning course, ‘Learning to write for the web that you need to “tell them up front what's in it for them.” This article provides seven tips that will help you write great content for the web.

1. Write for a fast reader. Writing for an impatient reader implies getting your information as fast as possible. Place key ideas at the beginning of your article, use short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs.

Add one concept per paragraph and cut out any redundant words to avoid the possibility of burying vital information in long winding sentences. Convert text to lists because;

• Lists are easier to scan
• information is easy to digest
• information is delivered as quickly as possible.

2. Write in simple terms. According to Chris Nodder, “writing for lower-literacy readers tends to benefit your audience,” because your text is understandable and connects much more easily with the readers as opposed to using jargons and heavy vocabulary.

Put important information at the top of each article or page. Use small chunks of text, each with just one concept. Use clear, easily understood titles to reduce people's need to scan through the text. Use images that support the story you're trying to tell, rather than just choosing some random stock photography. Make sure that your search engine is good at proposing spelling corrections, and that you write clear matter descriptions that summarize each piece of content you create.

3. Create Information rich signposts. Use Signposts such as headings, subheadings, article summaries, and link text to direct your reader to the right information. Format your signposts in a way that helps attract your reader to click on the links to find out more.

Optimize each of the headings, subheadings, article summaries, and link texts to make it much easier for your readers to find the information they need from your site.

4. Front Load your content. Provide a summary of the important information at the beginning of your article, and then expand on the information piece by piece through the rest of the article. use the inverted pyramid style of writing.

5. Remove the Sales Pitch. Online readers base their decisions on facts that are presented in an easily digestible format.

Using pictures to show your products and case studies to place your products into context. Your article should include related articles, manuals, statistics and facts sheets to describe your facts.

6. Provide detailed information and use images. Add links and use good pictures backed by meaningful captions to help your readers understand the concepts in your articles.

7. Actively manage the information you publish. Check the expiration dates of your articles and make sure that all information published on your website is up to date. For more publications like these about publishing articles that’ll get you more attention and click-throughs, check out Sadja Web Solution’s blog.