How To Be A Better Web Content Writer

If you’re a web content writer, you know the rules are different. Most of us have to slave over papers in high school and college, and many of us have some “real world” writing experience. If, like me, you now make money writing online, you probably know that you’ve had to unlearn lots of things.
From reading a whole slew of articles, blog posts and web content, I’ve got some good tips on improving your online writing. And you know what that means – more online writing jobs!
Use Contractions
First, two basic rules about writing web content. One: Use contractions. Contractions are words like don’t, can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, I’m, he’s, she’s, etc. When you use the “proper” phrases such as do not, cannot, should not… it really slows down the text.
It’s All About YOU
This is the second rule most web ghostwriters know – use lots of “you!” In academic or proper magazine writing, using “you” sounds stupid and is to be avoided. But for the web, we need to speak directly to our readers. “I’m talkin’ to YOU, friend!”
Tighten Up Your Sentences
In general, avoid long sentences. Watch how many conjunctions you use. These are words like and, but, however, although and the like. Don’t write a sentence like this: “You may be wondering why people love the new Wacko Workout but afraid to try it and you’re the type of person who really wants to get into shape but you don’t have the time and…” Ouch! See what I mean?
Be Active
Use the active voice, and avoid the passive voice. “This workout is enjoyed by people of all walks of life” should be “People of all walks of live enjoy this workout.”
Cut Down On The Continuous
The continuous tense is better known as “ing” verbs. Your web writing will flow better if you use these sparingly. Whenever possible use the regular form of the verb.
Don’t Be Vague
Two things about this – first of all, try to cut down on words like should, may, might, and can. Tell the reader instead that it IS. For example, “If you have debris in your gutters, it may be hard for the water to drain out.” Change it to: “It IS hard for the water to drain out.”
Another thing I’d cut down on is using words like “seem” or “tends to.” Just tell them that “this IS this.” It speeds up the text and also makes you sound more authoritative, and that’s important.
These are a few simple things that every web content writer should know, but I always stress not fussing over wording while you write. Slam those babies out, and then go back and do some editing. All of this stuff becomes habit eventually, especially when you’re writing content that should be in a conversational tone. For example, when talking to a friend, you wouldn’t say, “Black mold cannot be removed by scrubbing.”