7 Tips For Writing For The Web

Did you know that people read things on the web differently than they do on print?  Reading on the web is different, in that, people will do a lot of scanning to find the exact information they are looking for.  They will skim through rather than to read word for word. 

If you are writing for the Internet, it is important to remember how your readers will read your copy.  That means that what you write must be easy to read, understand and follow.

Let’s take a look at some rules you should follow when writing for the web:

1. Write relevant content.

If you are writing about dog food, don’t get off the subject by writing about dog breeding.  Don’t write about your personal information of what you are doing over the weekend.  People don’t care about that.  Write about your niche.  Your readers want to find something worth reading about.

1. Write the most important information at the top of the page.

If most web readers skim, that means that the headline or whatever is at the beginning of the page needs to be highly relevant and important.  For example, if you are writing an article, you will want your first sentence and paragraph to be explaining what you are writing about. 

1. Write short sentences and paragraphs.

You want to keep things simple, simple, simple.  If you have long run-on sentences, people will get bored.  Try to break them up instead.  Also, your paragraphs should not be longer than 5 sentences.  When they get too long, readers’ eyes get tired.  You must break it up a bit to keep it nice for the eyes. 

1. Use bullet points, dashes, and numbers.

This helps break up a page and look friendly to read.  If a reader sees pages and pages of just words, it looks like it will take a long time to read.  People want information quickly. 

1. Create sub-headings

This is a good way to keep your readers’ attention and interest.  It helps to being a new thought or idea.

1. Keep the font simple and easy to read.

If you are using italics and using many different fonts, it can be difficult to read.  Keep things simple and flowing. 

1. Proofread

You can never proofread enough.  If you want to look like an expert and a professional, there must never be a misspelled word.

It really isn’t difficult at all to write for the Internet.  Once you get used to it, you won’t even think about it as you write.