Easy Tips to Creating Readable Online Copy - Article Marketing

Easy Tips to Creating Readable Online Copy

Ever take a look at the difference between an article in a magazine and an article online?  You may be surprised to find that they're extremely different.  When writing for the internet, it's a whole different ball game.  The reason in large part is that people read differently on the internet, or as many experts like to say – people don't read online, they scan.

In order to make sure your copy is internet friendly here are a list of do's and don'ts.

Don't jargon or tech speak;

Each industry has its own language.  However, people new to the industry will not be familiar with the language.  Use jargon and you run the risk of alienating prospects before they've even had the opportunity to see what you have to offer.   Additionally, articles that are written using words that people are unfamiliar with may make you seem condescending, and I'm sure that isn't how you want your potential customers to feel.

Do write the article as if you were speaking to someone you just met at a social outing;

Someone who has no idea who you are and what you do.  Assume that person is of average intelligence and write in a conversational, friendly tone.

Do pay attention to the length of your article;

When writing for the Internet, an article that is too short runs the risk of being dismissed by readers and potential customers as not having much valuable content.  An article that is too long overwhelms.  Most people, while they spend a good amount of time at the computer, don't want to spend too much time reading a single article.  A good rule of thumb for an article on the Internet is about 500 to 600 words for an article.

Don't forget to send them to your website;

When using the free article sites to draw business, don't forget to include some sort of hook or selling piece in your article.  For example, if you wrote a book on sports nutrition, then you could publish an article on the many causes of muscle wasting.  The closing for your article might read like this,

While muscle wasting is difficult to completely avoid, proper nutrition, a balance of lean protein and carbohydrates can take you a long way toward building muscle rather than losing it.  For more information on treatment options visit www.sportsnutritionwebsite.com

Do include a link in your signature;

Many article submission sites will not let you directly promote your website or products in your article.  This is why it is important to always utilize the signature or bio box at the end of your article.  If your reader likes your article and information it is likely they will click on your link for more information.

Don't use long paragraphs, long sentences, or even long words;

If your copy is going to be scannable, you'll want to make it easy on the eyes.  A long paragraph is difficult for the eyes to pull out pertinent information.  Long sentences and long words are also less easy to read for many.

Do use bullets, numbered lists, bold fonts, underlines and italics;

These will emphasize important words or ideas in the body of your article.  This formatting will help readers scan your copy for the highlights. Don't go overboard with the formatting.

Do use headlines and subheadings;

These are great for separating ideas in your article and make it much easier to understand. If you have an article that's talking about how to potty train a puppy the first section of the article may talk about general rules for potty training, the second part may talk about secret strategies for faster success, and the third section may talk about how to handle the inevitable accidents.  Each section, if broken up with a subheading, will make it easier for your reader to glean the information that he needs quickly and easily.

Online copy is also generally written in an informal and conversational tone.  Experts like to say that online copy is infotainment.  It is both informative and entertaining.  That doesn't mean you have to tell a joke but it does mean that friendly conversational copy is generally better received than dry text book style copy.  Have fun with it and your reader will too.

Tags: Copywriting
Published under Article Writing

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