The web is full of content, so it’s more important than ever for your writing to effectively stand out among the crowd. And that goes for any sort of online writing: articles, sales copy, blog posts, newsletters, information products, books.
Yet there are two very different distinct readers in the universe – online readers and offline readers. I am a member of both clubs, as both a reader and a writer. So I have seen how truly a distinct skill it takes when writing effectively online. Online readers require different things from their authors.
1. Writing Effectively Online – Tip 1
When writing almost anything online, you should not write anything that is too long. A lot of words on a computer is difficult on the eyes and online readers cannot stay reading something on a computer as long as they can something in print. If your article is over 1000 words, it’s too long. You need to break it up into two separate articles. 400-500 words is great. Search engines love them at that length, and so will online readers.
2. Writing Effectively Online – Tip 2
Write from the heart and add some personality. All too often readers will search their favorite niche and find a lot of empty, meaningless articles void of real information. This is where you have chance to shine and stand out in your niche. While everyone is writing straight forward articles about how to crate train a new puppy, you are going to write an article on how to do it along with your personal experience on doing it yourself. Maybe with even a funny anecdote about housebreaking. A picture of you doing it along with the article would be even better. Anything you can use to make the article a more personal experience for the reader, and you are effectively reaching the reader. Not talking over or around him – but to him.
3. Writing Effectively Online – Tip 3
Write often. You cannot expect to really break into your niche without having a decent amount of content written and published on your topic. It’s just a numbers game. The person who is writing more useful stuff is the person who is going to be considered the resident expert. Or one of “the” experts in your niche.
4. Writing Effectively Online – Tip 4
Use white space. When writing articles, ebooks, or sales letters for your website, it’s very important that there are “visual breaks” for the reader. So do not write really lengthy paragraphs. Break them up if they are too long. Remember that every new thought or concept should be a new paragraph. I think of paragraph breaks in terms of where I take a breath when telling a story. Too many sentences in one paragraph online start to look like one big run-on sentence. So remember – it’s fine to have white space.
5. Writing Effectively Online – Tip 5
Spread yourself around. It’s important to spread your content around to gain maximum visibility. Sure it’s great if you are columnist on a high-traffic site in your niche, but that’s not the only place that people can find you. Not every search on keywords in your niche will lead your prospects back to one site. That’s why it’s important to spread your content around and increase your chances of being found. Now keep in mind this does not mean to publish on every Tom, Dick and Harry article directory out there. That can possibly dilute your message. Focus on several lucrative high-traffic sites in your niche, as well as your own, and you will do well.
Related Websites
- The Pros and Cons of Crate Training Your Puppy | Large Dog Beds And Crates
- Adsmyblog.com » Blog Archive » Determining information products that generate sales.
- How to Train Puppies : How to Crate Train Your Puppy | Obedience Training For Dogs
- How to train dogs and housebreaking puppies | Obedience Training For Dogs
- A Man and his Mountain; Worth 1,000 Words concludes « A View to Hugh
- Housebreaking Pad Holder Reg | Discount Dog Supplies – Dogs Lover Gifts
- HouseBreaking Crate Training A Puppy
Lisa Angelettie
Latest posts by Lisa Angelettie (see all)
- Back Matter 101: How To Add Killer Call To Actions To Your Books - August 3, 2015
- Shelfari Is No Longer An Option In Author Central - July 28, 2015
- What Are The Most Well-Read Cities In America? - June 2, 2015
Excellent advice. I tend to write a lot but have to always go back and re-read what I wrote and put in breaks!
Excellent advice. I tend to write a lot but have to always go back and re-read what I wrote and put in breaks!
Hi Lisa,
I write often for Business mags. My niche is small industries management , development and the like. Now I am specializing in ' attitude' and started writing on positive psychology.
I am yet to start writing online. Your article cited above was useful to me. I would need more suppert from you. I will get back to you in due course.
Thank you!
Thanks for coming by. I look forward to working with you in the future:)