Writing for the Internet | What you don’t Know but Should Do

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So you think writing for the Internet is just like how you learned to write in school from your favorite English teacher? This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Writing for the Internet is a whole different way of communicating with words. A well-written article that is specific to the Internet can make a big difference in your traffic and bounce rate.

Let’s face it when we are reading something on the Internet our attention span is very limited. If something doesn’t catch your attention or isn’t easily “scannable” we quickly move on to the next webpage. You literally have about three seconds to convince your reader to stay on your website.

Stick to the Facts and don’t be “Salesy” when Writing for the Internet

Writing for the Internet

Professional web content writers know that writing for the Internet means producing articles and blog posts that are not overtly salesy. Always use facts and helpful information rather than vague assurances and repetitive wording.

Don’t use overt sales talk, mention specific brands or products, or name the client business. Consider the readers. These are people usually looking for products, services, or information in their local areas.

As an example, they go to Google and enter the keywords “air conditioner” and “Fresno.” They land on your blog. If they are inundated with sales talk, they might decide to go somewhere else.

Headings and Subtitles—Make them Count

A 500 word article or blog post should always have two or three subtitles or heading tags. A good rule of thumb is to have one H1 tag (usually the title of your article), two H2 tags, and if you use more make them an H3 tag. For longer articles you could use three H3 tags. Get it? One H1, two H2s, three H3s, four H4s etc.

Use your main keyword in at least one of the subtitles. Any sub-keywords should also be used in the subtitles. Describe what your next section of your article or blog will be about and entice your reader to keep reading.

Web Content Writers should know the Introduction is Key

The introduction of your article should elaborate on the title, giving a general sense of what the article will be about. Don’t back into your topic. Your introductory paragraph should give the reader a clear idea of what the article will be about.

If there is an easy way to include a geographic reference in the intro paragraph, do so, but don’t shoehorn the geography into the intro if there is not a natural way to do so. Experienced web content writers can often find ways of including geographic references in a flowing manner.

Make the Middle Magic

Now that you have your reader intrigued about reading more, you need to come through for them with a middle section of your content that doesn’t let them down. Elaborate on the topic, using information that you’ve gleaned from your references and research.

If your first research does not provide you with sufficient information for you to work with, use your research skills to find more information online.

Do NOT Plagiarize! Finding resources and references for your work is important. But you can use information without citing the source. Just make sure you use your own words. Good web content writers know that writing for the Internet means just that and not copying someone else’s work.

Don’t get too Technical | Keep it Simple

Avoid including technical jargon, and if you don’t know what something means, don’t put it in the article unless you figure out what it means and then explain it clearly. Use formulas sparingly, and don’t overuse numbers. Write out “percent” instead of using “%.”

Finishing things up when Writing for the Internet

At the end of your article or blog post it is appropriate to include one or two wrap-up sentences on your topic. If your content will be posted somewhere that comments are allowed try to pose a question that engages the reader rather than a call to action. The more good comments on your content the better.

What do you do to engage your readers to comment on your articles and blog posts? Comment below to let us know.

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