The global rise of the Internet has created a minefield of lucrative opportunities for businesses and professionals, including writers. Once confined to the limited requirements of traditional media, writers now have a wide range of career options.
Initially, you might think that preparing web content means writing an article. That’s right. But now that I think about it, web content per se actually comes in many forms. It is not limited to articles. This is because web content refers to everything you see on the web. Everything you see and read in ads, social networks, blogs and websites is web content.
The breadth of web content speaks to the many jobs available to writers. It is for this reason that some argue about specializing in a particular field. However, dabbling in knowing a bit of everything is just as vital as focusing on a particular area of expertise. Whichever path you choose to take, there are a few factors to consider when writing for the Web.
Whether it’s 10,000 words that will make up an entire site or a single sentence in an ad, web content is influenced by several elements. These elements make up the ABC of writing: donkeys, bait and correction.
Evaluate content requirements
Each communication channel is influenced by certain variables. You, the content creator, must ensure that the requirements of these variables are met. Considerably, it is your main obligation. Traditional or new media, these variables can be summarized in three:
1. Purpose
2. Readers
3. Client
The content revolves around a particular intention. Knowing your purpose is probably the most important step before proceeding with any other task. It determines the direction towards its final objective: to produce the required material.
A good understanding of what your customer needs and what your readers want helps shape your content into what is appropriate and acceptable. Remember: the rule that customers are always right is a myth. Although the readers are the final recipients, the client is your quality control. The absolute arbiter, the client has the last word on whether or not to publish their work.
Bait Reader Caution
With hundreds of pages published daily, what are the guarantees that your target readers will detect and read your content? On a single page, how can you be sure someone will notice that your ad is two inches long and two inches wide? Imagine the possibilities if it is placed at the bottom of the page. You would have to shout to be heard.
To address this issue, ask yourself two simple questions: Why should people read my content? How can I get them to read it?
Answering those questions increases your chances of being noticed and read. In the process, incorporate effective digital marketing strategies to increase traffic and rankings.
Right, right, right
It cannot be stressed more. Edit, edit, edit. Review, review, review. You can reason all you want, but you must make it the final step before turning in your work. Even if you are not an editor, it is your duty to review your work. Even professional writers obsess over revising their manuscripts and end up with a ton of revisions. This does not end there. They instinctively review published papers for errors, just in case.
Spend as much time as you can editing and proofreading your work. Writing can be a breeze when you’re in the area. But editing and proofreading are burdensome and exhausting. You have to mercilessly restructure sentences, delete entire paragraphs, or start from scratch if necessary.
As an online writer, keep in mind that speed and global reach are two of the most notable features of the Internet. You can instantly send your content to every corner of the world as soon as you hit the “publish” button. A simple grammatical mistake, a misspelled word, and an extra point missed are enough reasons for readers to turn off.
The Internet is a massive digital cosmos. Knowing the practical aspects of writing for the Internet will help you find your way and open the doors of career opportunities. Also, it removes all the hassle and makes your job fun and simple.