Most web readers are in a hurry, scanning over words. That’s why it’s important to write your content in a way that makes it easy for them to read what you write.
Limit Your Text
If you write too many words, chances are your readers will get discouraged by just looking at the volume of text and won’t read past the first paragraph (if they read anything at all). When writing for the web, strive to write at least 400 words, but not more than 600-700, if you want your readers to read your articles. Anything more than 700 words is too much text and should be pruned. And, then after you’ve pared it down, you still may need to break it up into smaller, digestible segments for your readers.
Use Headings and Subheadings to Break Up Content
Because internet readers prefer to view web content in nuggets because it saves them time, it makes good sense to use, headings and subheadings. Remember that your headings and subheadings should be in bold print so they stand out in your text. However, be careful not to overuse bold font, as you may run the risk of overkill. Also, be sure you don’t overuse italic styles, as well.
Use Bullets and Numbering
An excellent way to break up your content into smaller pieces is by using bullets and numbers, as they draw out the main points of your content. To make your content even more readable, add sufficient spacing between each bullet or number.
Use Spacing, Allowing for White Space
Because reading from a computer screen is not as cozy or as easy on the eyes as sitting in a recliner, reading a novel or print publication, you, as a web writer, you need to use frequent spacings between your paragraphs, bullets, and numberings.
Write Shorter Paragraphs
Instead of the long paragraphs you usually find in magazines, limit your web paragraphs to no more than five sentences. It’s also easier for search engines to pick up your content when you have less sentences to a paragraph.
Write Tightly
Remember that web readers want to take in information as fast as possible. Because most web users struggle with time limits on the internet, as a web writer you need to give them information quickly. In other words, you need to cut the clutter. Limit all unnecessary “fluff” (such as adjectives and adverbs that you don’t need.) Instead, use strong verbs in your writing.
Write Scannable Text
Keeping in mind that web readers rarely read an entire article, write your content so keywords stand out, enforcing the main tenants of your content.
Place Keyword Phrases at the Beginning of Your Article
Because web users scan articles, you need to get out the basic tenants of your article in the beginning of the text, as well as tie it all together in your concluding paragraph. Not only will this help your content be more web friendly, but it will also result in more clicks, resulting in more page views for your content.
Edit Carefully for Typos
Be sure to proofread your articles. Even if you’ve applied all the rules for writing good web content, your readers may not finish your articles if they grammatical errors and typos.
Writing good internet content may seem awkward when you first start, but after you’ve written your first few web articles, it will soon become easier for you to know how to make your articles more readable and web friendly.
