Writing content for the web can be pretty intimidating if it’s something you have never done before. Not only does web content have to engage your readers in a few short lines, but it also has to drive them to take action in some way and likely be able to survive months or years without needing to be updated. But in a field where search engines are the name of the game, without strong, foundational text, few websites could survive. So how do you create the compelling content your website needs to make a lasting impact? The first post in an ongoing series on the beginners guide to web content writing will help you get off on the right foot.
Writing Content That Grabs Attention
Separating your website from the competition has a lot to do with aesthetics, branding, and reputation, but it also relies heavily on visibility and functionality. When you sit down to create the content for your website you should be focusing on grabbing the attention of two things: your audience and search engines.
Content Writing for SEO
When it comes to visibility, being able to get noticed by search engines is essential to the success of your website. This means ensuring your content is long enough to give search engines a good idea of what each page is about but not so long that it becomes overwhelming to the reader. It means choosing a relevant and attainable keyword for every page on your website and optimizing that page accordingly. And it means being original with every word of content you place throughout your site.
Writing for Your Users
Grabbing the attention of your audience, on the other hand, is where the functionality comes in. And it is increasingly important in a social media world. Great content is not only informative and purposeful, but it gets to the point and it gets there fast. No matter the topic of your website, your readers want to get what they came for and get on with their lives. The best way generate success from your website is to keep your readers happy, and the way you do that is by giving them what they want. Grabbing the attention of your readers isn’t always about being flashy or out-of-the-box. It’s about being predictable and providing something that’s of value to your audience.
