Web writing is very simple. All you need to keep in mind is to write the way you talk. However, there are several rules to keep in mind as you do so, so that your content will be found.

My experience with web writing started some 15 years ago, when everything was much simpler. You could get traffic just because you had a website. Nowadays however, you need a lot more than a site to get traffic, readers, and customers. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Always be brief. Avoid long, esoteric words and long sentences. Keep sentence length to under 25 words. If you can say it in one line, do so. No one will be impressed by your run-on sentences and convoluted wording.

2. Grab them with the headline. Use a headline with about eight to ten words that will encourage readers to read on for more information. Check out the headline for this article: don’t you wonder what those eight rules are?

3. Break up your text. Use subheadings, numbered text, bullets and other techniques to make your web content easier to read. Remember, readers scan for information on the web; they don’t study it in depth. Make it easy for them to find out what they need to know.

4. Get to the point. Remember your reader does not necessarily know you and may even be from a different country or culture. Therefore, he or she may not get your joke or the reference to that ancient TV show. You’re better off just stating your point and moving on. If you need to explain an acronym, do so.

5. Always check your work several times before posting it on the web. Use a spellchecker, yes, but also read your work several times yourself, preferably after you’ve set it aside for several hours. Have someone else read it too. You can never proofread too often.

6. Use keywords correctly. While keywords are important for search engines to sort web content, don’t stuff your content with keywords in order to get better rankings.

Yes, it is easy to write for the web, but there is still an art to it. Make it easy for the reader to get information and they’ll be coming back for more.

Get started writing for the web today with Angela Booth’s Sell Your Writing Online NOW (SYWON) Web writing training. You’ll love it. Once you’ve completed your course, you can make $250 an hour for your writing. You can also get more free, money-making writing tips at Angela’s freelance writing blog.

categories: web writing, writing for the web, freelance writing, web content, how to write, online writing