The purists may like it or not but the web has certainly pioneered a simpler style of writing. It has also made writing more conversational, and easier to follow.
Here are seven online writing tips for beginners:
# Online Writing Tip 1
Write as you speak: Be natural. Don’t try any literary flourishes. Use every day, commonplace words. Keep your sentences short just like the way you do when you are talking. You will find that you are better able to connect with readers.
# Online Writing Tip 2
Use the second person: You should never talk down to your readers. Instead, your goal should be to be conversational. The best way to do this is to use the second person. You will find that sentences which start with “you” are easier to write, and easier to read.
# Online Writing Tip 3
Summarize your writing: The attention span of readers is limited on the net. Readers scan on the net. They don’t read. Also, their attention level drops dramatically after the first paragraph. They tend to zoom over sentences. You need to arrest their eye movement by using bulleted lists, crossheads and side heads. In other words, you should avoid long stretches of text. You must break your text with a second headline. By doing so, you are telling your reader “Please stop”. Here’s an interesting point. Don’t skip it.
# Online Writing Tip 4
Know your audience: Are you writing for the medical fraternity? If yes, then you can use complex medical terms. Your readers, who are doctors or paramedics, will understand. But if you are writing for the layman then you should break down the medical jargon into simple words which everyone can understand. Use words that your audience can relate to.
# Online Writing Tip 5
Add value: You are not in the business of news where you inform readers as to what has happened. Let the professional journalists do that work. You must amplify the news; explain its implications. The same applies to any other subject. You must add to the knowledge of the reader through explanations and analysis. This means that you should know your subject well. Readers click away from shallow or superficial articles.
# Online Writing Tip 6
Don’t beat about the bush: This cliché is more relevant on the web than in any other form of writing. You must come straight to the point. Don’t try to waste your reader’s time with a long, flowery intro. You can be sure that the reader will not go beyond the first paragraph.
# Online Writing Tip 7
Write short pieces: Your goal must be to say more in few words. This is a tough call. But this should be your motto if you want to be read on the web. Don’t let your articles wander beyond 500 words. The most read articles are those that are around 300 to 350 words. Don’t let your articles run beyond two screens unless your content absolutely gripping.
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