Writing for the web is quite different than writing a term paper, a novel, or even an email. The internet is bursting at the seems with valuable information, and because of this, readers have little tolerance for poorly organized blog posts and website content. If you want to keep people coming back to your website, you need to make sure that you are writing with the web surfer in mind.
Here are 6 tips for creating content that will hook your readers and keep them coming back for more.
(Note: These are just guidelines. Rules are made to be broken)
1. Use Headings To Separate Content (like this one)
People scan webpages. Make it easy for your website viewers to find what they are looking for by creating headings that describe your content. There’s nothing worse then a solid block of text that goes on for miles. Good headings will break up the text into bite-sized chunks.
2. Use Short Paragraphs
Attention spans are getting shorter, and no where is this more evident than how people behave online. A reader might just be browsing an article between projects at work, or looking something up quickly on their phone. The quicker they can asses the value and purpose of your writing the better.
Short paragraphs are easier to read and comprehend. Remember it’s especially hard to read large blocks of text on a smart phone. Try to keep your paragraphs short so anyone can read your text on any device..
3. Use Bullet Points
Using bullet points is useful because:
- They are easy to scan quickly
- Ideas are separated into easy to digest snippets
- You can easily point out important ideas to your readers
4. Use Numbers
Just like the title of this article, using numbers tells readers exactly what they are in for. Most readers will assume they can quickly glean valuable information from a “6 quick tips” article and therefore are more likely to click on a link. If I had titled this article, “A Treatise on Online Grammatical Practices,” would you have read it?
5. Space Your Paragraphs
If you do have a lot of dense content, try putting a space between each paragraph. It will help readers keep their place.
6. Use Layman Terms
You may be an expert in music theory, microbiology, or pancake flower, but your audience may not be. Try to use words that everyone can understand and you won’t risk alienating your audience.
Do you have any suggestions or comments regarding writing for the web? Join the conversation in the comments below.
