|
Author: Jennifer Ryan Article source: http://www.rlrouse.com/. Used with author's permission.
Now that your website is up and running, it's time to add
content. Fresh content will make your site interesting and
keep people (and search engine crawlers) coming back. In
order to achieve optimal web success, your site must be
informative, relevant and written the way that people read
the web. Here's a few tips to get you started.
Get to the point--FAST. Just ask internet usability
consultant Jakob Nielsen. People don't read the web, they
scan. It's not like print, where you can meander your way to
the point. Online, you have but a nanosecond to prove you're
legit. Nielsen says to use the "inverted pyramid method."
for web content. Tell the point first, get to the supporting
info afterwards.
Find your inner voice. We want to hear you on your website,
not a text book or someone else. Get in touch with your
real-live human "voice." Hello? Is anybody there? Show us
your humanity so we can relate to you. Don't publish
anything that you haven't completely written researched or
re-worked. Posting text to your website that's meant for the
printed page is a no-no. People won't read it, and worse,
they'll make bad faces at you.
Use the least amount of words for what you have to say.
Listen, you're not going to impress us by using big
technical words. In fact, when you use words we don't
understand--I must say--you look stupid. Why? It's easier to
write a story with 3000 words than it is to write the same
story in 300. It takes more thought, more planning, more
time to extract away the excess. Therefore, the writer who
uses less words to convey to same message is clearly the
winner.
Write to a person, not a group. When you are writing web
content especially, write to a person. Pretend like that
person is sitting right in front of you and write
conversationally. When you write to a person, it draws the
reader in and makes you look more human. It's good for
connecting and bonding with your reader.
Don't talk down to your readers. Though it's true that most
of your readers will be reading at the 9th grade level, and
your content should be written accordingly, resist the urge
to talk down to your audience. Humble yourself. And
certainly don't try to appear more knowledgeable with shop
talk. If you don't know what your writing about, research it
more. Otherwise, your lack of knowledge will be transparent
even to a 9th grader.
Use small words with the least amount of syllables. This is
a basic web content premise. The fewer syllables that you
use, the less your web reader has to think to digest your
information. Try not to make your user think. Spoon feed the
information in the cleanest manner possible so they get your
meaning with the least amount of distractions. Don't say
"successfully" when "well" will do. As with every rule,
there are exceptions.
Do not underline to make a point. Underlined words are It is
a convention on the web that underlined words are links. It
is irritating to click an underlined word when you think it
is a link. Do everything possible to keep your visitors from
being irritated, and to keep yourself from looking--well
let's just say, from looking like you don't know. Don't
underline anything unless it is a link. Use bold to
accentuate your main points instead.
The tips above are by no means exhaustive. There are
gazillions of techniques and writing tricks that foster
online success. Wise is the web marketer who understands
that marketing your business online is a process that can
always improve, just like direct sales. Get these guidelines
under your belt and you'll be a step closer to winning
clients, customers and respect online. Jennifer Ryan of The Marketing Shop is a web promotions and
sales expert. Having earned numerous awards, recognition and
financial success in sales, Jennifer now sells online for
businesses worldwide. Using a variety of tools--web design,
copywriting, SEO, pay-per-click and web site conversion
enhancement--she creates Websites that Produce™. Visit
http://www.the-marketing-shop.com today to sign up for her
monthly newsletter (generous with free tips and advice!).
7 Writing Muse Kickers to Fill Up That Blank Page
Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to stare at a blank sheet of paper. When we stare at a blank sheet of paper, we often think, "What am I goi...
Self-Employment: Do you know the Difference between Rates and Wages
The difference between rates and wages is not always clear to newly self-employed people and their wage-earning clients. Most newly self-employed workers are f...
Walking for Fat Loss?
With obesity and disease increasing dramatically, many fitness experts are recommending walking for weight loss and fitness. Some are even going so far as sayin...
Another Warm Lead
Saturday morning, I sat in my pajamas, sipping strong, black coffee and petting Ms. Kitty Cat. The telephone rang. Usually on a Saturday morning, I screen my ca...
Holiday Personal Loans – When the Traveller Within You Wants to Break Free
Holiday personal loans are made easy and without doubt adjustable to the need of every loan borrower. Loan borrowers are given holiday personal loans in spite o...
How to Become a Bodybuilding Champion – The Art of Visualization!
What ever technique you use is up to you just remember though, before you achieve something you have to see it in your head.
Will They or Will They Not Cheat?
You don't have to see statistics, cheating is everywhere! Will
your spouse or partner cheat on you? Will they ever be tempted?
Anticipating Your IRS Refund Can Cost You Plenty
While accountants are reaching for aspirin, millions of Americans are reaching for some fast cash this tax season. Unfortunately, those who reach for fast cash...
Slash Your Wedding Ceremony Bills
Cut the cost of your wedding ceremony (without making it "cheap") and you will have more money to spend on your honeymoon!
Microsoft Great Plains Implementation: Healthcare/Hospital example – overview for consultant
Microsoft Great Plains fits multiple services market niche and healthcare is not exemption. In the case of Healthcare/Hospital there is usually healthcare pati...
If You Dont Focus, Innovate and Evolve, You Die
How we view the world influences our performance. Some perspectives stand in the way of breakthrough performance. Minor shifts in perspective can transform how ...
Poll Names Coin Laundries Best Investment For 2005
Coin laundry investors, professionals, retirees and minority families alike are tired of financial analysts marginalizing their profitable multi-billion dollar ...
How To Wear Contact Lenses In The Allergy Season
The allergy seasons are a real challenge, especially if you
wear contact lenses. A chronic allergy to mold, pet dander
or other environmental allergens can crea...
Eating Healthy? Get Out the Cast Iron Skillet
You may think you need high-tech appliances to fix healthy meals. Think again. Cast iron skillets are making a comeback and for good reasons. Get with it and...
Rubidium Daily Value Guide
Your guide to Rubidium daily value
Telling the Value Story
Sales down? Profits down? Could be poor presentation skills. Take the time to research and develop a new presentation and watch your profits climb.
Wholesale Real Estate Investing
Wholesale Real Estate Investing: Real Estate Investment Deals That Increase Your Net Worth!
Search Engine Optimization Tip: Dont Buy Anything Before You Learn More!
Educating oneself about search engine optimization if a far worthier investment then plunking down big dollars for the latest SEO software tool.
A Natural Remedy for Gingivitis, Toothaches, and Mouth Sores
If you have gingivitis or other teeth problems use this remedy and see your problems disappear. It's a simply collection of powdered herbs that give you tooth ...
How to be a Sugar Addict
Mmmm - sugar! Who can resist those sweet, satisfying crystals of joy? Some people try to stay away from sweets, and some are quite successful. But for those of ...
How To Profit From Initial Consultations
"I'd love to work with you, but…" How many times have you heard these words? As a professional service provider looking to grow your business, isn't it sometim...
Copywriting and Your Five Senses
In its most basic form, copywriting is, among other things, the art of conveying a message in writing for the purpose of persuading someone to do something. Th...
How To Turn Visitors Into Posters
So your having a hard time turning your visitors into posters And have no idea how to get your forum going? Well, if your someone with that problem and want thi...
Stress Dangerously Raises Cholesterol Levels
Stress Is Just As Powerful As Diet In Influencing Cholesterol Levels! You might find that hard to believe but it's very true.
|
Print this page