Ten Tips for Writing the Best Web Content

Photo by Nils Geylen

The web provides opportunities for everyone to write and post anything they wish to share. However all of it is not great reading material that can keep the audience entranced or involved. It is therefore important to understand the nuances involved in writing in a manner that has the reader engrossed completely. It must be remembered that the online audience is different and reading online is not the same as reading a book. The screen in front offers distractions and prevents complete concentration, picture, videos and flash messages all hampering the focus on blog content. If there are errors in the writing then the reader is sure to lose interest and move to something more interesting.

With some much content on the web we are all spoiled for choice when it comes to which we choose to read, Google in some part helps us to make that decision but it is our decision is to whether or not we keep reading a certain article on a particular site. In the online world it is survival of the fittest, or rather, only the material that appeals will be read. To write such articles or content that makes a reader choose your article out of hundreds of others, requires serious work and effort. A few things that can be kept in mind are listed below.

Ten Tips for Web Content that Appeals

1. Select a legible font

   Whatever has to be written, the first thing to be considered is the font-it must be the right size, color and highly legible, so that the reader does not have to strain his eyes to read.

2. Short paragraphs

   Long paragraphs full of rhetoric is not the best manner to write for the web. Content appeals when a single idea is elaborated in a paragraph, which again is short and preferably with a headline so that the reader knows what is being explained.

3. Proper formatting and page layout

   This is important to make a page of web content look attractive as this reveals the expertise of the writer as well. Haphazard layouts, without a left alignment and improper spacing will make it appear like the work of a novice.

4. Rich content that adds knowledge

   Eloquent writing without substance is unacceptable. The content has to be rich with information and the reader will read on only if it adds to his knowledge.

5. Interactive content

   Interactive content always appeals more since the reader would love to give his inputs and comments. If the content invites comments it evokes more interest and there is greater seriousness in reading.

6. Short sentences with less punctuation

   While writing on paper often involved well punctuated long sentences-this does not work on the internet. The reader loses track of the substance in a long sentence and finds punctuation a bit superfluous. So it is safer to keep sentences short in which punctuation can be minimized.

7. Images that are relevant

   Images serve to break the monotony of a written piece but these must be appropriate and fit in perfectly with the content.

8. Hyperlinks

   Hyperlinks to other reading material or sites may help those who would like to explore the subject more. The reader will find the content more satisfying if it helps him get more targeted information without having to browse through tens of sites.

9. Avoid common language errors

   Nothing is more irritating for an intelligent reader than grammatical or other mistakes in spelling, tense or voice. He may lose interest since he may question the capability and level of intellect of the writer.

10. Practice makes writing perfect

    Writing improves with practice and it takes years of writing to be able to put your thoughts in the most articulate manner. Intelligent readers are able to make out a mature writer from a novice since it reflects in the style of writing.

The ultimate aim of writing is to get the right audience and make an impact. This will become a lot easier if these tips are followed seriously.