Writing for the Web
November 29, 2007 by Deb
Filed under Writing Tips
If you write for print and are considering breaking into web writing, you might be interested to learn there’s a difference between the two. Most people who read web based material scan and only absorb the parts that look the most interesting to them. It doesn’t matter if you’re blogging, writing for a content site or handling news for one of the heavy hitters, you’ll still need to set up your writing in a way that makes it east on the eyes.
Web Writing is Short and Sweet
If you stare too long at your computer screen your eyes can glaze over. That’s why fluffy articles don’t work well on the web. People like to get to the point. By all means, make sure your personality shines though, but try not to digress too much or your readers may continue their surfing. Hold their interest by keeping on topic and using a conversational tone.
Sub Headings and Lists
Long blocks of unbroken text can be hard to read. If you don’t break up your text, your readers may move on. Try adding sub headings to break up key points. This will allow those who are only looking for specific information to find what they want at a glance. I like using lists and bullet points to break up text and make things more aesthetically pleasing. One of the great things about lists is that instead of writing about one topic, you can break it up a bit by writing about a bunch of different sub topics. It’s a great way to break up writers block.
Links
If you’re writing for the web, you have to remember not everyone knows the jargon. If you pause to give definitions and directions, your readers might get bored or lost. Avoid this by linking to definitions or relevant pages when at all possible. Now those readers who seek more knowledge can click the link while others can continue reading.
Try to Add Something New
Here’s my problem with a lot of web content. It’s just rehashed and recycled. People spin and rewrite articles, but they’re not saying anything new. Do your readers (and yourself) a service by adding at least one new detail or fact. Instead of spinning and rewriting, take the time to really research your piece – go to the library or ask an authority – If you’re going to teach, give them something they won’t find everywhere else and be sure the information is accurate.
I like writing for the web, blogging in particular, because it’s more informal. I don’t have to worry about if I’m following a specific “format” or if I’m getting too personal. Still, I have to engage my readers. I do that by creating a conversation, not an article. There are many different types of web writing, what’s your specialty and how do you adjust to your audience?
I’m a “traditional” writer breaking into the world of online writing, and I learn a new significance between the two everyday. I actually have a blog I’m very slowly pecking away at,
http://frominktoether.blogspot.com
It’s basically for myself as well as for others in the same position. I think writing for the web is the way of the future; it beats the tired old tradition of submitting work to print publishers and waiting 6 months for a rejection notice. Writers need to embrace it as a movement, so to speak, if they want to make a living out of it, or at least have readers.
Coming from newswriting to web writing has been a big adjustment, and I am still getting used to the informal aspect. I agree with everything in your article, except for the personality part. In many cases, the writer’s personality should not be shining through. If you’re ghostwriting, it’s especially important not to try to try to show off your own personality.
After a little over a year of web writing, I am now getting comfortable with injecting my own personality into my own personal projects, like my blog, but I still don’t think it’s appropriate to do so in informational articles.
I do get tired of reading the “same ole, same ole” on the web. I really like it when people jazz up their blogs or share personal insights.
I also enjoy the pithiness of online writing. I minored in business writing in college, which trains you to keep it short and sweet.
That being said, I enjoy adding my twisted sense of humor to things. Luckily, most of my major gigs call for that.
Great post, Deb. I enjoy writing for the web, too, which is why I don’t spend my time querying print publications. I like the instant gratification and the regular paychecks (my online writing gigs are mostly ongoing), but like you I also enjoy not having to write formally. I’ve never studied journalism, and I couldn’t tell one style from the next, so I’m happy that there are plenty of clients out there looking for bloggers and web writers who can simply connect to their audiences and provide quality information.
I recently started to do SEO writing and I can tell you, a lot of what you learned in English class doesn’t apply to web writing.
Writing for the web allows newbies to get a foot in the door quicker. For more experienced writers like me, it’s advantageous for us because it’s easier to sell our skill sets (ie, clients don’t require as much experience, consquently, those of us who have it look like rock stars!).
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