Why do some web sites reap huge benefits while others just get lost in the shuffle? Do some web masters have a secret that most of us have overlooked? Actually, there is a secret to unlocking the power of your web site and it has to do with words. When communicating via the web, words truly make all the difference. And the only way to get the most out of your website is carefully choosing what you have to say and how you say it.
Is There a Difference When Writing for the Internet?
As a writer for a multitude of projects, I've noticed one very important distinction when writing for the Internet. That distinction boils down to less verbiage with more impact. What that means to you is making sure each word counts. Because people scan verbiage on the web it's important to use words sparingly but they must be words that have power. Why? Because behind every well-written message, you should hear: "I have something that you want or need and you can hardly wait to get it." Consequently, to get it right, you have to use words effectively.
Content is King!
People pay a fortune to have beautiful sites created yet they neglect the content! Without good content, all is lost. And although you have the freedom to place as much information on a web site as you choose, reader's want information quickly therefore each word must be well thought out. Material that is too wordy may act as a deterrent. So bear in mind that "Content is King!" You may have the most beautiful site ever created but without excellent content your site will not be successful. When all is said and done, to motivate potential clients to take action, your message must be transmitted in such a way as to convey professionalism, sincerity and credibility.
Tips for Effective Web-Based Documents!
Consider your web-based document as though it were an advertisement because that's exactly what it is. And good commercial advertisements often take creative license. While the sentence structure may not always be perfect, the verbiage must be creative, interesting and appealing to the ear and eye. As you prepare to put your site online, the following few points should be considered:
1) Writing is subjective which means some people will love what you have to say while others are just waiting around for an opportunity to criticize. Be concerned only with getting your intended audience to hear and appreciate what you have to say.
2) For web site writing, less is more. The attention span of most visitors is limited so make it easy and quick for visitors to find what they want. To have impact, web content should have about half of the word count of its paper equivalent.
3) No one specific web site will meet the needs or the appetites of everyone, therefore you'd be wise to choose a specific target audience and focus your attention on that group of individuals.
4) Share your information in a way that presents your product in an exciting, innovative way. If your copy is ho-hum, you'll lose the reader before they begin.
5) Nothing on the web is static which means change is both common and necessary. Therefore, be willing to progress by changing the content on your site periodically. If you prefer not changing the content, add a newsletter or an article.
6) Make sure that somewhere in your copy, you encourage readers to take action. If you want your audience to contact you, include easily found contact information. If you want them to use your services, make it easy to buy or inquire.
7) Instill passion and enthusiasm in your copy. If you're not excited, how can you expect someone else to feel excited about your product?
8) Make your site easy to scan. Since most web readers scan pages rather than reading through word-by-word, highlight the important points by using headings and bulleted points for emphasis. Make it easy to go from page to page.
To unlock the power of your web site, keep in mind that you may have a magnificent site but without excellent content your site will have little impact on the web. Sites created with over the top presentations, often neglect or ignore the copy. In truth all that showy, glitzy stuff will be of very little consequence without meaningful content. People may be impressed for a moment with flamboyant graphics but when all is said and done, they are primarily interested in an easy to read, beneficial site that offers something of value.
Copyright2005
Charlene Rashkow brings 15 years of experience as a Writing Stylist and Author to her creative efforts as a freelance business writer/consultant. She has successfully helped countless companies and individuals reach their objectives by writing outstanding website content, press releases, bios, articles of interest, business plans, resumes and all other forms of marketing material. To speak with Charlene you may contact her at http://www.allyourwritingneeds.com
For Charlene's booklet: "Movin On Up - Success on the Internet," visit http://allyourwritingneeds.com/ebook.html
For a free consultation visit: http://allyourwritingneeds.com/
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
I recently received an unsolicited e-mail from some company offering... Read More
Customer service questionnaires can help your clients better understand their... Read More
Many millions of dollars are being wasted on promoting and... Read More
If you have some experience in web site design and... Read More
While it may seem like a "quick and easy" task,... Read More
Like most average persons, I wanted some extra money to... Read More
Is Your Web Site an Expense or an Investment?Why don't... Read More
Does your website have a links/resources page?Do you exchange reciprocal... Read More
Web templates by nature are created to aid and ease... Read More
More and more businesses are recognizing the importance of content... Read More
If you like the Internet and surfing through the billions... Read More
More and more non-profit organizations are developing websites to help... Read More
One of the best tools you have as a webmaster... Read More
Starting and maintaining a business is challenging enough without the... Read More
"What's in it for me?" you ask. "Why should I... Read More
Failure, just like success, is measured differently by each and... Read More
Although CSS layouts have been around for years, they haven't... Read More
Anyone who knows anything about web accessibility knows that images... Read More
Building a new website can be a lengthy task. From... Read More
The cost of setting up a web site is dirt... Read More
Profiles are one of the best kept secrets around regarding... Read More
Is your website Really useful?I had a 'rep' in yesterday... Read More
The internet is a sea of knowledge. Getting your information... Read More
This article was prompted by some customer support work I... Read More
When you consider the billions of individuals and companies on... Read More
So you finally decided to invest in a web presence... Read More
So you have a good idea for a business and... Read More
Huge Mistake #1: Creating a Website with Flash -- Did... Read More
RIVERSIDE, CA August 4, 2004 ?- "Historically, small business owners... Read More
As a business you can't afford to ignore the Internet... Read More
Why do some sites succeed while the vast majority of... Read More
Even though the Internet has been around for a long... Read More
To the starting internet entrepreneur, there is nothing more discouraging... Read More
Spend time planning your Web site. Before you design a... Read More
Thousands of people are now making a living online and... Read More
cPanel is a control panel for your website and allows... Read More
A website is the most versatile and cost-effective marketing tool... Read More
Although there are significant differences among the various types of... Read More
Revenues are often lost because many business owners don't see... Read More
That's right. Your method, behavior and strategy you are now... Read More
Your site is getting traffic, but conversion rates are horrible.... Read More
As increasing numbers of people search for information on the... Read More
If you are living in a country that its native... Read More
One of the most important parts of establishing a new... Read More
The process of Web application development is critical to the... Read More
A common dilemma most small and medium businesses face when... Read More
Many millions of dollars are being wasted on promoting and... Read More
Q. Hey, Cathy: I'm just setting up a website. What... Read More
Is your website Really useful?I had a 'rep' in yesterday... Read More
After having decided to start a business, the next thing... Read More
1. Splash pagesMost of the time splash pages are uncalled... Read More
SummaryHere's the scoop on what you must know when designing... Read More
Research reveals three important facts:1) The Internet is one of... Read More
In this example I have used the map of the... Read More
Through the explosive growth of the Web, companies have realized... Read More
We all start out the same. Some have budgets, some... Read More
In the region where my company is located, South Bend,... Read More
After deciding what kind of internet business you want to... Read More
If you are like me you have wanted to build... Read More
"If you build it, they will come"; is an age... Read More
If you were asked to put a value on your... Read More
Most interactive websites nowadays would require a user to log... Read More
A simple website stats counter is not enough if you... Read More
If you have your own business website and you are... Read More
So you want to have a website. You have gone... Read More
Below, I have listed 8 simple steps that you can... Read More
Web Development |