What Works for Print May Not Work for the Internet

By Teresa Cheong, LifeBridges Communications

Reproducing a lengthy article written originally for a trade magazine on your company's website may save you time and money, but will it capture your web visitors' attention? Chances are, it may not.

The reason? web visitors are a unusual breed. They don't read. They scan. What works on print usually doesn't work on the web. Marketing savvy companies know that. They produce different versions of the same article, one for print publications, one for the website, using a writing style best suited for the web.

Three Web Writing Tips For Web Savvy Companies:

Web Writing Tip One:

First Impression Always Count. You have only 3 to 5 seconds to grab your web visitors' attention. If the titles or headlines do not spell benefits, your web visitors will be happily clicking away from your web page.

Web Writing Tip Two:

Cut the Mumbo-Jumbo. Small laptops are the rage and laptop screens have shrunk to a minimalist. Seeing a huge blob of text on a small screen – can be a big turnoff for attention-deficit web readers. Web text has to be concise and written in a clear, conversational style that is easy for the eye and easy to read.

Web Writing Tip Three:

Give the Poor Eye A Break. That means never stinge on white space. Surround the text on your web pages with plenty of white space. Wel, it's a visual trick. Studies have shown that it's easier for the eye to scan web pages that have a pleasing amount of white space.

Bear in mind these three web writing tips if you want your web visitors to stay ON your page.

Teresa Cheong is a professional web writer and freelance copywriter. She takes pride in creating quality web content that engages and sells. If you need web writing service, contact her here.

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