Writing for the web is different than writing for print

If your web site doesn't help your visitors, by offering something of value, then your site has no reason to exist.

The purpose of your web site should be to offer something of value to your visitor. Whether it is to perform a beneficial service or offer information. People that visit your web site are searching for some "thing".

How people read on the web

The average visitor (surfer) spends only a few seconds on a web page. Once a person lands on your page they will scan the large bold text of the headings of your page first. If a headline catches their fancy then they will scan the sub headings. If they don't find a heading that is relevant to what they "need" then they leave and go to another site.

No one reads your text

I'm sorry, but, it's true. People rarely read the text of a web page word for word. Readers scan the text for words or phrases and will skip over complete paragraphs if they are not caught by the first few words.

A web ready page

When writing for the web your page should be set up in a scannable format. Make it easy for a reader to scan your page for information.

Your web page should include:

• Headers
• Sub headers
• Keywords in bold text
• hyperlinks in your text
• bulleted lists

When writing for the web, text (word count), should be reduced by 50% of what you would ordinarily use.

Credibility
A well written page free of spelling and grammatical errors will give your page credibility. The author of a web page is unknown to its reader so steps must be taken to gain the readers trust. Your web page should communicate to the reader that you are knowledgeable about the subject and a professional.

Avoid boastful, promotional language like best, greatest, hottest etc. Use graphics sparingly and absolutely no flashing gif's.