Website Content Writing Tips
The reason that average users use the web to find goods and services is because it is quick and easy. There are dozens of specialized skills required to create effective web copy that brings in users, keeps them on your page, and converts them into customers.
Most companies choose to use professional writing services to ensure that your content is written in a professional, compelling manner which represents your company in the best possible light. Should you choose to write your own content, here are a few tips to help you:
- Short Sentences and Paragraphs - Your copy should be formatted in short sentences and paragraphs as it makes it easier to read.
- Concise Copy - Web content has to be 50% shorter than print. People read 25% more slowly on the web than they read print material. Get to the point quickly.
- One Idea, One Paragraph − Keep your site's text organized in a rhythm that becomes familiar to the reader. State the most important things first; then, go into the details.
- Simple Words − Make your information easily accessible so the reader will not have to look up words.
- Credibility − Avoid the language commonly found on long sales letter websites. Nothing will ruin your credibility faster than the LSL format and style of copy.
- Avoid information overload − More is not better for web-copy. Say what needs to be said without posting eight pages of text on a single page.
Always:
- Use objective language. Avoid injecting your personal commentary.
- Remember that the first paragraph is crucial; the reader should be able to:
− Quickly scan through the opening sentence.
− Instantly understand what the paragraph is about.
− Decide if they want to read the rest of the paragraph or not.
- Use active voice, not passive - "We won the award" is shorter and easier to comprehend than, "The award was won by us" .
- If you are not a native speaker, have your contents checked by a professional.
- If you are a native speaker and you want to be understood by non-native speakers, simplify your grammar, use basic vocabulary, and shorten the paragraphs.
- Write contents for the reader--not for SEO. SEO is much more complex than keyword saturation, so you could easily do more harm to your site's rank by trying to optimize your site without the proper training.
- Avoid cute or clever lines.
Whenever Appropriate (but not in excess) Use:
- Bulleted lists for items
- Highlighted text (bold or hyperlinked text)
- Meaningful headlines and subheadings
When writing web content, you should strive for these goals:
- Know your audience − Your potential customers are looking for information when they do a web search. Therefore, you should provide useful information for the demographic that will visit your site.
- Uniqueness − Set yourself apart from the other websites with superior, unique content which answers their questions and makes your business stand above the rest.
- Easy to understand − If a reader cannot understand your message, then you have given them a reason to go to a competitor.
Japanese style writing for the web:
- Different perception − Japanese have a different perception, especially comparing to a Western one. Therefore, web content should fit their perception.
- Detail oriented − SJapanese are oriented on details and tend to look for detailed information. Use extended text with detailed information.
- Traditional − Japanese are traditional, and they rely on and secure, verified goods and services. Do not try to persuade them to quickly accept new ideas. Describe yourself as a reputable company who follows established ideas.
- Follow success − Japanese follow successful stories. Impress them with the large size of your organization, famous clients, and extraordinary achievements.
