How to Write Effectively for the Web
Content is the most important aspect of the internet. It is the written word that builds the brand, creates trust and fosters relationships. These translate into revenue. Content is the web’s main attraction because it is a component of the web that educates the users and helps them to address their current and pressing concerns.
Everyone who is involved in internet marketing is obviously associated with writing content for the web. Since attracting readers is the primary goal of article marketing, it is important for website owners to follow rules in order to make their content serve the purpose for which they were created.
Here are the basic guidelines of writing effectively for the web:
1. State the article’s main subject in the title and in the first two paragraphs of your article.
Unlike standard journalism which answers the five Ws (who, what, when, where and why), web articles are brief, concise and direct to the point, which in most cases, are intended to address specific problems.
2. Know what to write and organize them
Even if you have the best knowledge about your topic, you cannot effectively convey your ideas if you don’t present them in an understandable fashion. Before writing the article, you should identify its important points and organize them as you write. This will enable you to make your article interesting and well organized.
3. Use simple terms
Web content is generally intended for the average user. The use of simple words is a must to facilitate ease on your reader. You must not try to impress them with your vocabulary if there are simpler alternatives.
4. Break it down
Express your ideas in short paragraphs of four to five sentences. Each sentence should also be short enough for your reader to follow.
5. Establish your authority on the subject
One of the ways to establish your authority on your niche is to let people know of some trade secrets you have. This will create credibility and let people know that you know what you’re talking about.
6. Cite personal experiences
This does not mean that you should deviate from the “you” centered article that you want to come up with. Personal experiences are meant to give your reader the idea how you were able to solve a specific problem. This is actually meant to prove that there’s a real solution to your reader’s concerns.
7. Tell your readers where to go for more information
Telling your readers where to go for more information will give them the impression that it’s them that you care about. A backlink to your own website or an outbound link to someone else’s page would be alright. The point is to let your readers know that you know your subject matter very well.
8. Close it
Readers are happy if they are not made to feel hanging at the edge of an article. Finish your articles with a brief summary or conclusion to close it.