Tips on writing website content
There is nothing worse than trying to get a small piece of information from a website and the whole page circles around what you need to know.
One of the most important parts for a business on their website is the content. The way the information is displayed and the way it reads is vital in how it is digested by potential customers and clients.
A majority of the time this process is overlooked and in many cases, as much content as possible is crammed onto each page in order to try and get as much information across as possible. In fact, this has the opposite effect and a user that sees a wall of text is less likely to read it compared to a nicely displayed, formatted and relevant piece of information.
A study conducted by Nielsen Norman Group found that “people rarely read web pages word by word; instead they scan the page picking out individual words and secntences.” Referenced from: http://www.nngroup.com/articles/how-users-read-on-the-web
Here are a few tips you can use to ensure your content is the best it can be.
Be Clear
When you write your content, ensure it is clearly written and is straight to the point. Use short sentences and break up your text into paragraphs, use highlighted keywords (including hyperlinking to relevant pages). Consider using bullet lists to convey your message quickly and efficiently.
Be Relevant
Think about the best way to engage your audience – their demographics (age, location, etc.) should play a large part in this process.
Keep the language relevant to this target market and make sure you’re not rambling on with anything that isn’t related to that particular page. Try and limit each paragraph to one idea, otherwise users will lose interest and move on.
Be Short
Keep the amount you write to a minimum while still getting across what you need to. Be brief and blunt but descriptive with your sentences and don’t include anything that isn’t related to your page’s topic.
Be Organised
Organise and structure your content strategically. Start with the most relevant or interesting information and end with the least. Ensure your content has a flow and doesn’t jump around to save confusion.
