10 Tips for Writing Effective Web Copy

Written by Julia Hyde


Onrepparttar Internet programmers and designers rule, notrepparttar 124810 writer. Yet words drive targeted traffic to your site, carry content, makerepparttar 124811 sale, convey marketing messages, persuade people to buy and makerepparttar 124812 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

Inrepparttar 124813 online world, less is nearly always more. Write your copy forrepparttar 124814 impatient, online reader. Here are some guidelines forrepparttar 124815 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 impressingrepparttar 124816 reader with your extensive vocabulary. It’s about communicating. Use short, simple words. Get torepparttar 124817 point. And then stop.

2. Write from me to you

The most powerful word inrepparttar 124818 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 gettingrepparttar 124819 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 searchrepparttar 124820 web, use words your target readers use. Before you begin to write, sit down and think carefully aboutrepparttar 124821 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 findrepparttar 124822 right keywords and phrases for your site.

1. www.overture.com

2. www.wordtracker.com

5. Create Effective Headings

The heading isrepparttar 124823 most important piece of content you’ll write.

That’s because:

1. Internet users scan read andrepparttar 124824 first thing they read is your heading. If it doesn’t grab their attention, they’ll leave. 2. An effective heading can used in title tags (more about this later). 3. 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 Avoidrepparttar 124825 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 inrepparttar 124826 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.

Four Simple Steps to Improve Your Sales Copy

Written by David Bell


You know what its like, you're readingrepparttar sales material about a product you're considering buying, but, as you read, all these questions seem to pop into your mind, but there's no-one there to answer them, so you shelve your plans to purchase. If it happens to you, you can guarantee it also happens to your customers when they read your sales copy. So, what'srepparttar 124809 answer? You don't have to practise mind-reading, just good-old fashioned common sense - here's a four-step format to help you reassure your customers by answering those unasked questions: 1. "What's in it for me?" Paint a picture You already know it's important to promoterepparttar 124810 major benefits of using your product in your opening copy, but don't just listrepparttar 124811 benefits. Paint a picture so your readers can visualise themselves enjoying these benefits. Not: "Save time and money with Acme widgets," but, "Free! Four hours a week to read a book, walk alongrepparttar 124812 beach and follow your dream when you use Acme widgetsrepparttar 124813 quickest Widget onrepparttar 124814 market today." 2. "How can you give me this?" Explain why People aren't silly, they're not going to believe something just because you say it's true. You must offer credible, logical reasons to support your claims.

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