Content Writing Tips for Website

• Use shorter paragraphs, sentences and uncomplicated words. This is because screens are difficult and can be tiring to read off of.
• It is important that you stick to one idea per paragraph.
• Your content should be simple to read and to the point. When writing for the web, use fewer words (at least half) than what you would in print.
• Put the most important information at the top of the page. This is known as the inverted pyramid technique.
• Try and be as objective as possible and try to leave your opinion for more creative avenues like blogs and opinion pieces.
• Bulleted lists are informative and easy to read.
• Bold or colour text, as this stands out and will assist in scannability. This is because more people scan rather than read information off the internet.
• Keep to the point and avoid clever, cute and funny headlines.
• Only use relevant information.
• Text should be easy to read, so avoid using fancy and unclear fonts.
• Headlines and subheadings need to be meaningful and easy to read.
• It is crucial that you know your target audience and know exactly what they want and need from your website.
• Ensure that your website has a purpose and serves this purpose.
• Include links to other similar and applicable information; this will take your viewers on an informative journey.
• Headings should be between 4 and 8 words, while sentences should be between 8 and 20 words. Try and make the article or information no more than 800 words, unless it is in-depth content. If this is the case, don't exceed 1500 words.
• Speak to your user and not at them. Use the word "you" to give that personal flair. Write in first or second person.
• Avoid highly technical terms and jargon unless it is completely appropriate.
• Use actions words. It is important that your website's content has a call to action. Some examples include "Buy Now" and "Call Now".
• Write using Meta tags or keywords. These are used to find and describe your pages for search engines.
• Keywords should be written as how people search. They should also describe the content on the page. Use good language, grammar and ensure that the spelling in your article is correct. Proof read and edit where possible.
• Break up the text into readable and user friendly chunks.
• Ensure that your content flows and makes sense to readers of all ages and educational backgrounds.
• Explain the benefits the viewer will receive by visiting your website.
• Include lots of white space. This will help to put the content in bite sized chunks.
• Ask questions that your reader wants to know and can find out by continuing to read your website.
• Don't waffle, get straight to the point; leave the intriguing stories for print media. Stay focused on the topic.
• Have a conclusion or summary.
• The website writing needs to be consistent. This is true in terms of spelling, format, style, narration, tense and flow.