How to write for websites.

How to write website content

There are many articles on the subject “How to write for websites” and “How to write website content”. In the scope of this article we will not be able get into every minute detail of the process. However you can use it as a useful guideline and checkup list.

Content is probably the most important aspect of building a website. Writing for websites is entirely different skill, then writing for paper print or publications. Internet readers digest much smaller amounts of information in the less amount of time when compared to reading from paper.

When you write for websites your information needs to be very well organized, concise, well formatted, and appealing to your audience.

In addition to that, you need to remember to write content that is search engine friendly and implement proper use of search engine keywords (refer to our article “How to Optimize Your Website”).

Remember a powerful “Call To Action”, your “Unique Selling Proposition“

..It's easy to see why many website owners use professional content writers.

The main reason people surf the Internet is to find information. No one will benefit from a website that has nothing to offer content wise. Important content writing tips are outlined below:

 

Identify Your Targeted Keywords

One of the first steps in preparation for the writing website content is identifying keywords or keyword phrases that potential customers would use to find out about your business and the services you provide. Because, you may have the best website, the best product or information, but if your website cannot be found by others it profits you nothing. If you are not familiar with the concept of keywords and keyword phrases – we strongly recommend reading our article “How To Optimize Website” first. In that article we go in details on importance of keywords and their proper placement in website content.

Get Your Point Across Early In The Text

Put your most important information near the top of the page. Web readers are an impatient bunch and they need to know that the page they're reading is relevant. Put a summary of the page's main points at the beginning of the text and then elaborate on it as you progress. This simple rule will also help search engines to understand your website content and help you to get better ranking. Make sure to include your targeting keywords in header, sub header, and first paragraph of your website.

 

Make It Concise

Most people won't read your text, they scan it. Web readers cannot digest and process information on a computer screen as they can on a paper. There are a lot of research and enormous sets of data giving statistics on this, but the main point is that basic pages need to be about a third or a half of the length they would have been on paper. Try to aim for 100-500 words for web page. It can be longer for tutorials, technical articles, newsletters, and other web based publications. Spread around the text your targeted keywords (an average of 2% of keywords per page of 100 words). Do not overuse your keywords, so your site will not be penalized.
 

Use Headers and Sub-Headers

As a general rule, your page heading and subheadings should be in bold. Using headers and sub-headers not only enable you to properly structure the page; they also enable the reader to scan through and find the information that is most relevant to them. They also give the search engines a clue what your website emphasis is about. Include your targeted keywords in headers and sub-headers, but do not overuse them.

Use Bullets and Lists to give an overview of your key points

Bullets and lists are another technique of enabling readers to quickly navigate through your web page and grab the most important information. Many readers skim through a page and if no information jumps out at them then they simply won't read anything. Prevent these visitors (and potential customers) from clicking away from your website, by offering bite sized chunks of information.
 

Use Simple Language

When you write for websites use simple language. On screen text is more difficult and time consuming to read than hard copy text. Use simple words, avoid terminology that isn't necessary or clearly defined, and use language that everybody can understand.

 

Use Short Paragraphs and Short Sentences

A paragraph should contain information relating to a single, simple idea. Paragraphs should contain no more than 60-80 words where possible. The same goes for sentences. Try not to have more than 15 words on a single line. Keep your page scrolling to a minimum, and your content short. Try to limit each page to 500 words or less. If necessary, use multiple pages for long articles.
 

One Idea per Paragraph, One Subject per Page

A single paragraph should contain a single idea and a single page should cover only one topic. If a page is becoming too long because it includes information on other related subjects, then break it down on several pages and hyperlink to those other pages.

 

Make It Easy To Scan Through
 

Short paragraphs, more concise single topic pages, and good headers make a page easy to scan. So too do bullets and lists. Add formatting such as bold and italicized text, and hyperlinked text to make the page easier to scan.

Write Objectively

We've already discussed how web users are impatient and find it difficult to digest information; they're also highly skeptical of everything they read. Therefore write objectively and avoid the use of too much marketing fluff, such as exaggerated claims like telling readers that yours is the best product in the world, etc. Instead, show them why and convince them to come to that conclusion on their own. Follow that advice and you will enjoy better results for your effort.

 

Give Visitors What They Want

Provide valuable content on each of your pages. Give your visitors a reason to bookmark your website. Keep your content current.  Provide links to information that can help your less knowledgeable visitors. Web readers may be a difficult bunch, but they can become long term, loyal customers, as long as you give them what they want. If you don't have the time or the resource to write your own compelling and effective website content then consider using professional copywriters.

 

Identify For WHO you are writing

Identify your targeted audience (their interests, intentions, needs, background, skills and knowledge). Try to picture yourself in their shoes. What would you like to see on the website? What would you be looking for? Check out similar sites to see how they appeal to their target visitors. Notice what they are doing right and what they are doing that you do not like. How can you improve the site(s) you like or dislike?

 

How To Start

Writing website content is one of the hardest, most time-consuming parts of any website design and development project. Do the research before you write. Here are some brief guidelines to help get you started:

• Write down all the information you already have. For instance: pictures, logos, and any written materials.

• Make a detailed list of additional information you have to obtain.

• Once you found out where you are short on content, concentrate on those areas, without wasting your time on information you already have.

If you don't have the time or the resource to write your own compelling and effective website content then consider using our professional copywriters.

Call Houston Website Design today for a free estimate 281-251-4763.

We hope that this information on How to write for websites, and How to write website content was very helpful.