The best way to attract Search Engines and website visitors alike is by providing compelling content. But how do you create content people actually want to read and like? What exactly makes one article better? Successful online publishing, like most things in life, is based on rules. While this list is by no means complete, here are the top 10 web content writing rules every entrepreneur should know:
1. Quickly Make Your Point
The most essential aspect of your content should always be at the very top. Never make your visitor guess what the point of your content is.
Let them skim through the content and get a sense of what you’re trying to say without having to write a novel.
2. Utilize Short Sentences in Content Writing
It is a lot more strenuous to read anything online than reading an actual book. Do not over-complicate the structure of your content. Make the reading process as easy as possible for your visitors.
3. Facts, Facts, Facts
If you are referring to something (a story on the news or an article) or are quoting someone in your content, it is important to always cite your source. Link to the original author and/or original article. This allows your readers to do their own research.
4. Utilize White Space
A sure way to lose (and annoy) readers are long text without any line breaks. Let your visitors breath between paragraphs.
5.Utilize Images or Other Visuals
Strategically positioned images or other visuals placed inside longer articles break up the text and add value and credibility. Other visuals may include videos, pie (and other) charts, or tables.
6. Sound Like a Human While Content Writing
Nobody enjoys content writing that sound like it was narrated by a robot or copied from a dictionary. Be friendly and down-to-earth, as much as your personal style allows. Your visitors will be more likely to engage with your call-to-action and appreciate the personal connection.
7. Dictionary.com is Your Friend – Be Sure to Visit Often
You would be surprised at the number of words people regularly misuse. Unless you are absolutely sure of the meaning of the word, do not use the word.
8. Site Visitor First, SEO Second
Search engines do not read your content. Search engines only index your content. Your site’s visitors are the ones who do the reading. And, if the content on your site is over-optimize, you will lose visitors.
9. Spell-Check, Proof-Read
When it comes to publishing offline or online, correct grammar and proper spelling are still the most important factors to consider. While chatting and texting have introduced abbreviations and shortcodes into our everyday language, there is nothing worse than grammatical and spelling errors in every other sentence.
10. Utilize Call-To-Action (CTA)
A call to action is an inviting link, button, image, or another graphic that encourages a visitor to become a customer or participant. Your website content will be far less effective at converting visitors if you do not have a call-to-action.
If you want to learn more about the writing you can do, or if you need someone to create clear, concise content for your website, blog, or other needs; contact me today. We can discuss the writing needs you have.