How To Write Web Content

I have a website, now what?

I. Content

What is “content”?

Content is all the text, images, videos and sound files in your website. “Rich content” pertains to content which has a lot of visual and interactive elements aimed keeping your visitors entertained.

I’ve never written web content before, how do I get started?

If your website is for a company, and not a personal website, you will need to think about your target audience.

Dry for ideas? Look at other company’s websites related to your industry for inspiration. Make note of any websites you’d consider well-executed and study them. What makes their content so good?

The Basics:

Plan a page for describing your company’s products and services. What does your company do? How would your potential customers benefit from the products or services? What is most important for them to know? Are there any complicated matters your target audience might not understand? If so, think of ways to describe them in layman’s terms.

Write a section about your company aside from its products and services. Provide information about your company’s experience, history, staff, testimonials and perhaps a press-release section. Keep this information separate from the products & services page; it’s very important to refrain from throwing disorganized information at your web visitors. Delegate clear sections for different topics, and use each page in your website appropriately.

If a viewer wishes to contact you, don’t forget to provide information on how to do so. List your company’s telephone and fax numbers, and perhaps insert a map image (from Google, for example) along with the address. Some Website Temple websites include a contact form.

Other things to be mindful of when writing webpage content:

1. Spelling and grammar. Always use a spell checker!
2. Clear, concise language. Flowery language and run-on sentences may fail to capture your reader’s attention and they will move on to another site. Think carefully about what you want to convey and how to word it. Avoid colloquialisms and slang words, this may offend or confuse some readers.
3. Organize your information into clearly labeled sections. Don’t make your viewers think about where to look for pertinent information, it should be visually obvious.
4. Too much information can be a bad thing. Don’t throw excessive information at the viewer all at once; this will only confuse and alienate your visitors. Organize your content so it is easy to read.
5. If you aren’t the world’s best writer, ask friends and acquaintances for a critique of the text content. Communication isn’t as easy as it may seem. Depending on the circumstances you may to consider the services of professional writer.
6. Once your text is finished, use images and videos to add vibrancy and interactivity to your website- but don’t overdo it or it will look too cluttered.

What about SEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is extremely important if you’re concerned with your search engine rankings and traffic. Here is a very interesting and informative article on SEO…

II. Images

How can I use images to improve my website?

Visual elements can boost communication when utilized properly. Many of us find it easier to learn about a subject when a chart, photograph, or map is included with descriptive text. Once you have finished writing your text content, use relevant images to break up dry paragraphs of text. When using images as a decorative element, make sure the color and positioning is compatible with the visual flow and color scheme of your website.

Where do I find images or graphics to use?

With the prolific use of digital cameras, you may own a few images to start with. If you don’t have any relevant images for your content, there are numerous stock photo websites to gather images from- just do a quick web search and see what pops up. You might also recruit a professional company for custom graphics work.

III. Links

Should I add links to my website?

This is completely up to you. There may be affiliate companies you could include links to, or perhaps websites containing information essential to the subject of your company’s services (example: a dentist practice website may wish to include a link to the ADA). Or it might not be relevant to add external links; it all depends on your individual needs.

IV. Copyright

Should I worry about copyright infringement?

A little caution never hurt anyone so read more about copyright. Many companies and individuals display a copyright notice on their webpage. Others employ a “terms of service” section for these “fine print” topics. It is up to you to decide which methods are best to protect your copyright.

Can I use images and text content that aren’t my own?

The short answer is no. It isn’t wise or ethical to use someone else’s graphics and text without written permission. Double check your sources for ownership and licensing information. Unless there is explicit information from the author/artist stating that the work in question is royalty free for commercial and personal use, never assume that it is.