How to Write for the Web Using Keywords, SEO

Tips on Writing for Websites Using SEO Techniques to Earn More

Aug 13, 2008

Writing for a website can be difficult, since there's new things to consider, like SEO, keywords, page views and formatting. Learn how to tailor writing for the net.

When it comes to the internet, writers must tailor their style if they’re seeking to get a job working for a website. Writing for the web can be a bit tricky for the novice, as the styling is significantly different from that which is used when writing for newspapers, magazines or broadcasting.

The considerations of a web writer are very different from those of other writers. Web writers must consider search engine optimization (SEO), keywords, page views, revenue from ad clicks, and they’re faced with creating an article that is easy to read on-screen as well.

These hints will help make for clearer, internet-friendly writing that’s sure to garner an abundance of page views.

Use Keywords When Writing for the Web

Writing that’s intended for the net must contain strong keywords in order to rank well in search engine results. In short, if the search engines can’t find your article, then it’s not going to be profitable.

Use strong keywords in the title, subtitle and body of your story. Pepper your story with words and phrases that a reader would be likely to enter as a search term on Google or Yahoo!. But be sure that the keywords flow naturally with the story; inserting too many keywords – known as “keyword stuffing” – will make for an awkward read and unprofessional appearance to an article.

Write Transparently When Writing for the Internet

Search engines do not understand word play – the algorithm takes words literally. So an article on a new chili recipe titled “Some Like it Hot” will not garner as many page views as a story with the title of “A Recipe for Homemade Vegetarian Chili Recipe.” Just be direct and say exactly what it is you’re trying to convey.

Web Articles Should Be Short

A 1,500 word article may be great when writing for newspapers or magazine, but when writing for a website, a shorter article is the norm. Generally speaking, readers on the web are looking for a direct, focused article that’s to-the-point. Instead of writing one 1,500-word piece, consider writing three interlinked 500-word articles, with each piece focusing on a different element or aspect of the overall picture. Instead of writing one long article titled “Fleas and Pets,” instead write one story on flea control methods, another on the health effects of flea infestations, and a third story on tips to eliminate fleas from the pet and home.

Also be direct throughout your article or story. Leave the flowery writing for an essay or newspaper feature story. People who are reading articles and other material on the internet are typically seeking a particular bit of information and therefore, they simply don’t have the patience to weed through unnecessary adjectives.

Use Web Writing Formats that Make For Easy On-Screen Reading

Most of the articles that a web surfer reads are read on-screen, rather than on paper. Very few articles are actually printed out for reading, so this must be taken into consideration when posting articles online.

Long paragraphs are difficult to read, on-screen and on paper. The eye can easily lose track of where the reader is in the story. Instead, provide short paragraphs of 50 to 75 words.

Also divide the story into sections with bold subheadings. And include bulleted or numbered lists when possible. Remember, people who are reading online are often searching for a specific bit of information, or they’re looking for an answer to a specific question. Providing subheadings and bulleted/numbered lists will help bring the reader to exactly what they’re seeking. Subheadings, and lists also tend to provide markers for the eye, making it less likely that the website visitor will lose his/her place while reading.

Improve Credibility in Web Writing

The website is a wonderful source of information. But it's also a source of misinformation. So boost your credibility by providing information sources, along with citations.

Also, dress up an article by speaking with a professional in the field and including a quote or two in the piece.

Interlinking Articles on the Web

Writers who publish on the internet have the unique opportunity to link articles, so a reader can travel from one related article to the next. And in the case of writers who earn money from page views or ad click revenue, directing readers to other articles provides additional opportunity for earning.

Linking can be accomplished with anchor text in the body of the story, where a word or phrase serves as the link to another page. Or the writer may opt to place a “Related Reading” section at the conclusion of the article to provide visitors to the web page with information on related or similar articles.

It should also be noted that every website has its own styles and preferences, also known as a website’s “house style.” First and foremost, website writers should adhere to the house style guidelines to ensure consistency and uniformity among the material that’s published.

In sum, writing for the internet is most rewarding and profitable when writers adopt the above-mentioned components for articles, features and other pieces that are written for the internet. The changes that a writer must make on a story that will be published on a website are relatively minor, but proper style can make a tremendous difference when it comes to increasing page views and revenue.