How to Write for the Web
Many aspiring web writers make the mistake of thinking writing for the web is the same as writing in the classroom. While the foundations of grammar and punctuation are generally the same, the elements of style in web writing are very different than what you might be used to.
Avoid Indentions
When writing a formal paper, you likely double-spaced and indented each paragraph. These are two of the worst things to do online. Don’t double-space as it can make your reader’s eyes strain – if he sticks around long enough to read it. You should also use blocks of text rather than indented paragraphs. This helps the reader to keep his place reading more effectively.
Choppy Paragraphs
The standard formal paragraph is five to seven sentences long. This is torture online. When you write for the web, use only one to three sentences in a paragraph, and leaving a single line standing alone is perfectly acceptable. This strategy is highly used in copywriting. Short bursts of text doesn’t mean the writing is choppy, you want the paragraphs to appear choppy as they are easier to handle on a computer screen. Visual breaks make reading easier.
Subheadings
Using subheadings also helps to make reading easier online. Rather than writing an essay, include subheadings in the vast majority of your work. You can also include numbers, bullet points and blocks of data inserted into the primarily article to make your information more compact and easy to digest. Many readers online skim articles looking for the goods. Subheading help them find it.
Keywords
While it’s not critical, writing for the web includes a fundamental knowledge of SEO practices. This means you should understand keyword saturation and how to use a particular keyword 3-5% of the time in your writing. For best results, the keyword should be used naturally and flow easily in the material. Remember, your written piece is for readers first, and then search engine spiders.
Avoid Excess
In the vast majority of cases, too many details and tangents will wear out your reader. Online writing should be targeted and precise. Don’t waste words. Wasted words frustrate readers. Keep your article or webpage tight to avoid rambling and always read back through what you’ve written to clear away the verbal clutter.
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Posted in Technology, World Wide Web
