Work at Home: Tips for Writing Web Content

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

20 Oct 2006 07:15 AM

Web content is a good niche, since there is always a need for original, quality content. The pay varies, and is frequently not very high, but it can still be a good source of steady income. While you'll need to write more than you would in other venues to make a decent income, writing web content is usually not as formal as other types of writing. Since this is true, it will often take less time to write an article for the web, than say for a magazine.

These tips will help you write good quality content:

1. Be succinct. Make each point in as few words as possible. People who surf the web for information, tend to do so quickly. Unless the buyer asks for lengthy copy, it is best to keep articles within approximately 500 words or less.

2. Use keywords carefully. There is an art to writing quality content, even if you write keyword driven articles. A page that sounds like a list of words and related words is not interesting. Make sure you offer some unique, interesting information, and weave the keywords throughout the article in a way that makes your writing flow as naturally as possible.

3. Use everyday English. If you love big words or unusual words, this is not the place to use them. People skimming websites don't want to stop and think about what something means or take the time to look up words. A good rule of thumb is if you had to use the Thesaurus to find the word (and especially if you then had to look it up in the dictionary to figure out the meaning) then it is not the right word.

4. Use a conversational tone. Write as if you were writing a note to an acquaintance. Your copy should sound like what you might say if talking to someone you know. The formal or academic tone is generally not recommend for typical web content. For more technical articles, it may be appropriate, yet when writing general information pieces, blogs, ads, and the like, keep it casual.

Related:

Home Business: Writing Web Content

Freelance Writing: Leads for Developing Paid Clips

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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