You’re excited to begin work on your website! You sit down at your desk and stare at a blank sheet of paper and wonder what you have gotten yourself into. Relax, we’ve compiled seven basic tips for writing for the web that will assist you with creating content that will reach your readers.

1. Keep it conversational – Your website is an excellent resource for potential clients to get to “know” you.  Think of each page of your site as a conversation with a new client.  How would you introduce yourself?  How would you describe your services?  Who can you be to them?  What need can you fill for them?  Where are you located and what can they expect when they arrive?  Why do they need your services and what makes you different from everyone else providing a similar service?  If you are formal in tone and like to create a more “corporate” feeling atmosphere than your style should reflect that professionalism. Are you a nurturer?  Are you the type of person who has never met a stranger?  Your content should be warm and welcoming to reflect your personal warmth
2. Think in headlines and titles – It is been shown that people scan webpages instead of reading word for word.  Focus on the main points of your business and draw attention to them with headlines that grab the reader and encourages them to dive deeper into the subject.  We always recommend  keeping a positive focus.  For example, “You can experience happiness!” as opposed to “Would you like to remove the sorrow from your relationship?”  Your clients already know where they are, your website should show them where they can go by working with you.
3. Remember to keep it simple and concise – There are times when technical jargon or profession specific language cannot be avoided.  Remember that your users are not necessarily in your field of work or as well versed in your type of work.  Try to keep paragraphs short and abbreviations and jargon to a minimum.
4. Bullet points are your friend – Large blocks of text with no break can seem overwhelming to users.  Bulleted lists can help you to help your readers focus on a main idea and quickly understand the main points.
5. Always write with a purpose – You’ve already decided that you need a website, now what do you want visitors to do once they view your page?  Should they contact you for more information?  Would you like them to register for a course or workshop?  Do you want them to purchase your product?  While writing, remember that you want them to do something.  Use positive language that encourages them to take the next step and creates demand.
6. You never get a second chance to make a first impression! - There is a popular statistic that states that a visitor will decide in approximately 10 seconds whether or not they will look further through your website or go elsewhere.  Make sure that your content is relevant to your main subject.  Basically if the main purpose of your website is to advertise your training course and encourage registration, avoid using a headline that describes your vast work in the field of research as the first thing they read on the page.  Instead try, “You will learn to create a safe space for couples and become a more effective therapist by…” Also, with your first impression in mind, remember always to proofread and proofread once again.  Even the smallest grammatical or spelling error can have a negative effect of your visitors.
7. Testimonials, awards, and other recognition – Visitors are looking to you to be the expert.  Assume they have never met you, what makes you qualified to offer your service?  Have you been voted the best by a noted publication?  Have you won an award for your work or have you been recognized by your peers?  Are your clients willing to recommend you?  Have you earned an advanced degree?  Do you have a compelling personal story that explains your commitment to your work?  These are some common ways to let your users know that you are the expert that they are looking for.

Are you ready to talk about keywords and keyphrases?

Would you like us to consult with you on the content that you’ve written and how to refine it to your target market? 

Would you prefer that we roll up our sleeves, brew a pot of really great coffee and get to work on some exceptional content for your website?  Contact us now!