10 Tips for Writing Effective Web Copy

On the Internet programmers and designers rule, not the writer. Yet words drive targeted traffic to your site, carry content, make the sale, convey marketing messages, persuade people to buy and make the difference between your site's success or failure.

Here are 10 tips for writing effective web copy:

1. Make sure content is easy to read

In the online world, less is nearly always more. Write your copy for the impatient, online reader. Here are some guidelines for the length of your content:

  • Headings: 8 words or less

  • Sentences: 15 ? 20 words

  • Paragraphs: 40 ? 70 words

  • Page word count: 250+ words

Eliminate pompous words and fancy phrases. Effective online writing is not about impressing the reader with your extensive vocabulary. It's about communicating. Use short, simple words. Get to the point. And then stop.

2. Write from me to you

The most powerful word in the English language is "YOU". Write for your reader, in a conversational tone, not for your ego.

Get to know your reader. Is there a common style or tone you need to use to reach her? Don't forget, she's come to your Web site to do something-make a purchase, obtain information, sign up for a subscription. Make sure every word you write moves her toward a solution.

3. Drive Actions With Content

Content is about getting the reader's attention and keeping it. Content is about selling. Make sure your content is driving your customer's actions. Then put that content on your home page.

4. Write for how people search

If you want your site to be found when people search the web, use words your target readers use. Before you begin to write, sit down and think carefully about the keywords you're going to use. Then carefully weave those words and phrases into your copy. Here's two Web sites that will help you find the right keywords and phrases for your site.

1. www.overture.com

2. www.wordtracker.com

5. Create Effective Headings

The heading is the most important piece of content you'll write.

That's because:

  • Internet users scan read and the first thing they read is your heading. If it doesn't grab their attention, they'll leave.

  • An effective heading can used in title tags (more about this later).

  • The heading can be placed on your home page as a link to content.

    When writing headings:

    • Keep them to eight words or less

    • Include important keywords

    • Avoid the use of adjectives and prepositions (and, a, the, of).

    • Be clear and concise. Avoid wordy, wishy-washy phrases.

    6. Write keyword-rich title tags

    Title tags are a small piece of HTML code that appears in the top bar of your browser. "For example, "Acme Company Home Page." Title tags, along with meta keywords and meta descriptions, are one of several important factors in achieving high search engine rankings.

    Title tags appear in your site's HTML code like this:

    ACME COMPANY HOMEPAGE

    You can view a site's title tag by clicking VIEW then SOURCE on your browser's tool bar.

    Because search engines use title tags to gather information about your Web site you need to think carefully about what words you put in the tag. Don't be tempted to put your company name in the tag (unless you're a well-known brand like Nike or Microsoft).

    Instead put specific keywords relating to your business. For example, if you're a California real estate company, you would want your company to appear in search engine results for searches on keywords such as "California Real Estate" or "Realtors in California." So, you would use the keywords "California Real Estate" or "California Realtors" in your title tags. If you wanted to be more specific, or you prefer seeking business in a specific geographic area you would use keywords such as "Silicon Valley Real Estate" or "Silicon Valley Realtors."

    7. Provide links and connections

    The web is about linking information. Make sure your site links your reader to other information and other sites link to you. Never make your Web site a dead-end. Some search engines, including Google, are based, in part, on their ability to find you from links on other sites

    8. Write effective summaries, sentences and paragraphs

    An effective summary is who, what, when, where, how. It's about getting the information across in 50 words or less. Keep your summaries short and factual. Make sure they encourage your reader keep reading.

    Remember, keep sentences to between 15-20 words. Paragraphs between 40-70 words. Make your first sentence grab your reader's attention or they'll move on.

    9. Sell Benefits not Features

    If you want your Web site to sell your product or service you must write about benefits and not about features. A feature describes a product or service. A benefit is what the user gains from using that product or service. Don't say, " Our duvets are warm and comfortable," say "You'll be warm and comfortable in one of our duvets." Tell your customers how your product or service will make them happier, sexier, healthier, wealthier. In other words focus on making sure every line of your copy is dedicated to what's in it for them.

    10. Edit. Edit. Edit. Then edit again

    Mistakes in online copy are temporary and easily fixed, but by the time you've noticed your errors so have thousands of other people. Have two or three people proofread your text. Check it yourself for consistency in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations etc. And finally, read it backwards-you'll be surprised how many errors you'll spot.

    About The Author

    Julia is an independent copywriter and consultant specializing in search engine marketing and copywriting, direct mail, brochures and other marketing materials businesses need to increase sales. To find out how Julia can help boost your companies profits visit www.juliahyde.com. Or email info@juliahyde.com. She'll get back to you right away.

    In The News:


    Project Leader Copywriting
    Oneworld, Netherlands - Jul 18, 2008
    The department is responsible for six projects: Public Relations, Advertising, Publicity Stunt, Copywriting, Online Media and Website. ...

    The Copywriting Institute Announces New Media Marketing Package ...
    Free press releases (press release), UK - Jul 8, 2008
    The Copywriting Institute, a training and resources company for copywriters, announced the launch of their New Media Marketing Package. Denver, CO — July 8, ...

    Pakistan-Based MSCopywriters Achieves Outstanding Growth as a ...
    PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - Jul 8, 2008
    Com currently provides copywriting, editing and journalism projects for clients in more than fifteen (15) countries. Available services range from feature ...

    Search Engine Optimisation and Copywriting Will Help Your Business ...
    Promotion World (press release), CA - Jul 9, 2008
    This is where Professional Copywriting and SEO comes in. Working hand in hand these 2 industries will now produce amazing results for your website. ...

    Web copywriting: setting the record straight
    Bizcommunity.com, South Africa - Jun 30, 2008
    As it turns out, web copywriting is a contentious issue - peppered with strongly differing views and hotly defended opinions. At this kitchen of contention, ...

    ABC Copywriting unveils new website
    PR Leap (press release), CA - Jun 27, 2008
    COM) ABC Copywriting, the independent copywriting agency based in Norwich, UK, has created a new site providing full details of its writing and editing ...

    Cape Peninsula University of Technology Advertising Students Use ...
    PR-USA.net (press release), Bulgaria - Jul 18, 2008
    Toronto, ONT (PRWEB) July 17, 2008 -- Over 200 Advertising students are using the 19 "New" Rules of Social Media Copywriting as part of the National Diploma ...

    Marketing Executive Audience Development
    Utalkmarketing, UK - Jul 21, 2008
    Creative copywriting: To write effective copy for direct marketing material. • Analytical & attention to detail: To have a high level of numeracy and ...

    Business Intelligence Middle East (press release)

    Website overseers, a natural trend in the Internet world
    Business Intelligence Middle East (press release), United Arab Emirates - Jul 20, 2008
    When web professionals give quotations for a new website, they may include design, graphics, SEO, SEM and perhaps even copywriting. ...

    Focus Media announces new hire, staff promotions
    Times Herald-Record, NY - Jul 20, 2008
    Feller will work with clients on government and media relations, as well as copywriting, press release generation, media coordination and marketing ...
    copywriting - Google News
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