VITAMIN “C” FOR WHOLESOME WEB WRITING
So you have a lot of writing ideas floating around in that head of yours, a lackluster website, and a blank screen imploring you to “WRITE SOMETHING!”. What to do-what to do! Here’s what you do—take a dose of Vitamin “C” for Wholesome Web Writing.
The information below will provide you with the essential elements needed to classify ideas and communicate more effectively on the web. Likewise, it can further be used to organize and structure writing projects, planning, research and brainstorming.
Let’s take a look!
CONTENT
Write relevant content!
If it isn’t pertinent to your site or page topic, don’t include it. Web readers are in constant motion in search of information. Unless your site or page gives them the information they are looking for, they will move on to another site.
CONCLUSION
Put conclusions at the beginning!
When you are brainstorming or beginning to structure your writing, visualize an upside down pyramid. The whole nitty-gritty of its message should punch its way out in the first paragraph. From that point on, expand on it, validate it.
CONCISE
Write only one idea per paragraph!
We humans are an impatient bunch. We are always on the go. It should be no surprise then that people do not read web pages, they scan them … and quickly! Therefore, its is imperative to have concise and substantial paragraphs rather than long rambling ones.
CONGRUENT
Use action words!
Readers are visiting your site for a reason. Often it is to learn something, to be inspired, or find something. Avoid the passive voice. Look at your site as a vast ocean, and within that ocean, a gazillion waves of written words flowing congruently together.
CLARITY
Use lists instead of paragraphs!
Lists are easier to scan than paragraphs, especially if you keep them short.
CONDENSE
Limit list items to less than ten words!
Studies have shown that the average person only remembers approximately ten things at a time. Maintaining short lists on your site/page helps your readers remember the important points.
CONNECT
Make your links part of the copy!
Links are another way Web readers scan pages. They pop! Not to mention, links add validating cues as to what your page is about.
CLEAN
Always proofread your work!
Typos and misspellings will rush people off your site faster than anything. Make sure you proofread everything!
