Posts Tagged ‘web content’
Writing for the web: What not to do
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
You’ve got a sleek website with great graphics and intuitive navigation. (Right?) Now you need to learn how to replace all the lorem ipsum dolor sit with meaningful copy that speaks to your audience. Here’s what to avoid when writing for your business site:
Spelling Errors and Bad Grammar
Almost everyone makes typos. Most people misspell words or mistype them all the time. Despite the frequency, web users are quick to judge. They stop trusting you when they think you can’t spell or simply didn’t take the time to proofread. Have a professional or a trusted partner look over your web copy, especially if you’re selling something.
Marketing Buzzwords
Avoid writing copy that reads like a long advertisement. Basically, don’t sound like a slick-talking salesman. When web users come across clichés and overused sales terms, they start hearing the teacher from Snoopy. Write conversationally and try to be surprising. Be honest and straightforward, and save your marketing-heavy moments for important calls to action.
Too Many Words
Most of the time, you need to write at a fourth grade level. This doesn’t mean your writing should be childish or immature. It simply means that you need to make your points quickly. Use bulleted lists and fairly simple sentences.
- You can be cheeky and interesting, but you can’t write a novel.
- If you absolutely need to share a lot of information, make sure you break the content up with appropriate headings and navigation so that readers can skim to the meaty bits.
- Consider using a blog or newsletter to share ongoing updates and info in bite-sized chunks.
Still struggling? Try starting with a basic outline. If you absolutely hate writing or you’re uncomfortable with the task, take your outline to a pro who can flesh it out to fit the frame of your website.
Maria Mora offers friendly, down-to-earth social media consulting and editorial strategies. You can usually find her messing around on Twitter.
Tags: web content, web copy, writing for the web
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