Even though print readers skim and read only those items of interest in that particular issue, online readers have access to thousands of resources at any one time. They are often looking for something very specific when searching. Try your hand at these tips.
1. Language of Web writing
One of the most important concepts writers need to know when writing for the Web is the use of keywords. Keywords are those words that lead readers directly to your page. Repeating the words in your title and throughout your article offers a better chance of it appearing on the first page of search results. Many online sources like Wordtracker provide tools to help writers find effective keywords.
2. Lead paragraph in Web articles
Once a searcher has found your site, the key is keeping that person reading. That is done through the lead paragraph. The lead must immediately grab the reader's attention and provide enough information to meet their needs. One rule of thumb when writing for the Web is to use the inverted pyramid. If you visualize the pyramid in that manner, you'll see the widest part is at the top. Writing in that style simply means putting the most important information in the beginning paragraph.
3. Length of Web articles
Most people searching online are looking for specific information and don't want to read through pages of text to find what they need. That's why when writing for the Web, authors need to minimize the length of an article. Paragraphs should be short and concise and limited to 50 - 75 words. An overall article should be between 400 and 1000 words. Anything longer than that should be broken down into a series of articles on the same topic.
4. Lists in Web articles
If you've ever looked for information, you probably steered towards those with bulleted points or lists. Those strategies work well when writing for theWeb. They allow readers to remember your key points. Remember, though, don't overuse the lists. If they don't work, don't use them.
5. Link to other Web resources
If readers like what they see in your article, they may consider you an "authority" on that topic. Links should be relevant and limited to no more than five per article. If there are any more than that, they could actually distract the reader. Providing them with links to other online resources gives them better customer service and could result in them viewing more of your articles.
Writing for the Web doesn't have to be a daunting task. As with other skills, it takes practice. And the only way to practice is to write, write, and write some more.
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