Need help writing your website content?

Here are 7 tips that I received from a local Chamber of Commerce workshop last week given by Mark Di Vincenzo with the Business Writers Group:

1. Brevity is underrated. This is true for anything you write, but it’s especially true for a website. Studies show that internet readers don’t read, they scan. One study said that they only read 28% of the words on the average page. Tip: Write what you need to write as succinctly as you know how.

2. Use short words and short sentences. A website is not the place to impress others with your multi-syllabic vocabulary and your ability to wite compound sentences. They tend to confuse many readers, and when readers get confused, they often feel inferior and move to a site that is easier to read.

3. Use simple words. Avoid jargon that is specific to your business or industry. Call a spade a spade, not a digging implement. Better yet, call it a shovel. Why? Besides the fact that simple words are more widely known, they will make it easier for internet users to find your site when they search.

4. Bullets are your friends. Sentences that begin with bullets tend to pop off the page. That’s why job seekers use them on resumes.They grab your attention and that’s something you want your website to do.

5. Don’t forget Q&A. Speaking of grabbing your attention, readers love the question-and-answer format because they can skip around and read only what interests them. Using this format is a conversational way to tell readers about your company. Just don’t overdo it. One Q&A per site is probably enough.

6. Rewrite often. After you write the first draft of your website, rewrite it. Then rewrite it again and again. Spend as much time rewriting as you can because rewriting usually goes hand in hand with improving.

7. Ask for help. When you feel as though you are no longer making improvements to yoru website, ask a smart person you know to read what you wrote and offer suggestions. Think twice before you dismiss his suggestions because he is the first of what you hope will be millions of visitors to your website. If he finds something boring or confusing or wordy, chances are others will too.

Here are a few more resources for you:

• Valerie Haboush, copywriter – If you just don’t want to be bothered with writing or rewriting your website content, visit her website and email or call her. She’s great!
• Writing Content that is Reader Friendly

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