Today, almost every business has some kind of presence on the Internet. It goes without saying that learning how to write copy for the web is in your best interest as a writer. And yes - it is different.
Web surfers are looking for specific information so content isn't enough. Relative content is what they want. Web readers aren't as patient as hard copy readers. They don't want to read long dissertations. What they want is writing that gets right to the point with the specific information they're searching for.
Use white space wisely. Reading on the screen is harder on the eyes. Stay away from long, drawn out paragraphs. White space gives the article visual appeal and makes the article easier to read. Web readers need information - and they want it fast - so make use of sub headlines, bullet points and easy to skim copy.
Use graphics to aid appeal. Readers are drawn to pictures. But if you're going to use them, use only relevant photos that relate the the content in some way.
Get to the point quickly. Learn to write tight, crisp copy with important facts at the beginning of the article. Learn how to use keywords. Don't think content rich, think content relevant. Use keywords that are relevant to what the reader actually searches for.
Learn how to research key words so that you don't end up with an article obviously meant to impress the search engines. You need to speak directly to your consumer with relevant keywords and relative content - keeping their interest from the very start.
Don't think for a minute that the Search Engine Optimizer (SEO) is looking for loads of keywords. They are looking for relative content and relative keywords that match what the reader is actually searching for. Using keywords is important - but only if they are relevant to what the reader is searching for. So do a little homework and search keywords that are being looked for by your readers.
Knowing that writing for the Internet is different than writing for print is half the battle. But in both cases, make sure the writing is engaging and aimed at what the reader wants to learn.
Want to take it a step further and get into the web design business? Check this out.
