Writing for the Internet -- How To Give the Readers What They Want
In this article you will find tips on: How to intrigue your readers from the very start-the most important part of your piece isn't the content, Once they're hooked-reel them in, How to keep them reading through the entire piece instead of scanning for information, Break it up!-How to keep their attention span from reaching its limits, and How to keep your readers from becoming distracted while reading your well crafted articles.
Introduction
If you're new at writing on the Super Information Highway you may be stumped as to what readers want. As the Internet has become a major staple to the information flow of our society--and many around the world--more and more of the traditional writers have turned to the Internet and discovered new heights for their creative genius. So, with that said, let's get on with the Info!
The Most Important Part of Your Piece Isn't the Content
"What?" you say. "But isn't the content what it's all about?" Yes and no. If what you've written isn't very good, the effort you put into your work was most likely in vein. But, the body of your work isn't the first thing that your audience sees. The title of your piece is the most important part of your article. If the title doesn't grab their attention, and arouse their curiosity, they won't even give a second thought to reading what you've worked so diligently to produce. Make it so intriguing that they won't want to pass it up for fear of not being able to find it again.
Once They're Hooked-Reel Them In
Now that you've gotten their attention, you need to keep it--because if you don't, they're only a click away from never coming back. You need to do something to keep them wanting more. Provide them with an index of sorts, as I have done for you at the beginning of this article. Let them know what you are going to be telling them. Break it up into sections so they can easily tell where each begins and ends. Make bold headings for each of your sub-sections.
How To Keep Them Reading Through the Entire piece
This is the most important thing you can do to keep your reader's attention--the placement of your information. You need to take all of your pertinent information and stuff it at the top of your piece. Take the most important information from each section and push it to the beginning of that section. After you have done that, cut out everything else. Yes, I said it! Get rid of all that hard work you put into writing all the extra little things about your topic. If it is not absolutely necessary, get rid of it. Why? Because those who surf the web for information don't want all the little details-unless that is the purpose of the written piece.
Break It Up!
Now that you have thrown out most of your work, break up your sections into shorter paragraphs. Readers feel overwhelmed by long sections. They don't want to get a headache from your work, that's why you did it for them!
How to Keep Your Readers from Becoming Distracted
You've read plenty of articles on the Internet by now, so you know that while links are a great asset to have, it's distracting when you're reading and you come across a link that takes you somewhere you want to go, but then you forget about what you were reading in the first place and you lose interest. Put those links at the end of your article. Merely let the reader know--within the body of the text--that they can find additional information if they follow the links provided at the end of the article.
Conclusion
If everyone followed these simple guidelines, I believe, the Internet would be a much easier place to visit when looking for key information. I hope the information provided in this article will help you as much as it has me.
The Author of this Article has assumed the pen name "Jon Owen" in honor of two friends lost in unfortunate circumstances. The author's website--http://www.jonowen.com--contains a list of publications, contact information as well as an author's bio, useful links for writers, and dedications. Jon Owen is a freelance writer and has published poetry with poetry.com for several years. Additionally, he is currently working on a book of his own poetry, which will have the title, "From the Depths Within."
MORE RESOURCES:
Hunwick, Michigan Writing Cinderella Story College Hockey News Hunwick, who is writing one of this season's bigger Cinderella stories, led Michigan to a 5-2 upset of top-seeded Miami, his fifth consecutive win, ... |
Oscar-Winner Christoph Waltz Writing/Directing Rom-Com 'Up And Away' MTV.com (blog) Now that you've become a fan of Christoph Waltz through his Oscar-winning performance as Hans Landa in "Inglourious Basterds," can the Austrian actor woo ... |
 findingDulcinea | Using Computer Programs to Improve Student Writing findingDulcinea Students at all levels across the country are struggling to develop writing skills, making some educators turn to Web-based programs for ... |
 USA Today | Must schools change how writing teachers are taught? USA Today LOUISVILLE — "I was incredibly well trained to teach college writing, but only one course at a time. ... When Writing Class Moves Online |
Juliet Gardiner on writing non-fiction The Guardian Lots of the rules for writing non-fiction are just the same as they are for writing fiction ("Put one word after another", 20 February). ... |
 MovieMaker Magazine | Bryan Cranston Directs MovieMaker Magazine I attribute that to Vince Gilligan and our writing staff; they're just superb. They continue to push the boundaries while staying within plausibility—a ... |
Writing Seminar at Writing-Service.org: A Bridge across the Chasm of ... MichiganPR.net (press release) To prove the contrary, the custom writing company of Writing-Services.org decided to hold a seminar on various aspects of writing where university ... A New Bridge between Europe and the US: Custom-Essay.org Holds a Writing Seminar |
Reading and Writing and 'Rithmetic Huffington Post (blog) "The stumbling way in which even the ablest of the scientists in every generation have had to fight through thickets of erroneous observations, ... |
 Pittsburgh Post Gazette | Two men charged in graffiti writing Pittsburgh Post Gazette Police have filed charges against two men accused of writing gang graffiti in Pittsburgh causing more than $4000 in damage. Stephen Wadlow of Brookline and ... |
Midland workshop offers tips on writing memoirs The Saginaw News - MLive.com MIDLAND — A workshop on writing a personal essay or memoir is set from 7 pm to 9 pm Tuesday, March 23, in the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library ... |
How to Publish a Book: Key Differences Between Publishing and Self Publishing
For many authors just starting out, it can be a confusing and overwhelming decision whether to self publish a book or to seek out a traditional publishing house. It is important to know that the decision you make can have a huge impact on the success, or the failure, of your book.
Effective Collaboration - Working With Your Ghostwriter
Using a ghostwriter to craft your free reprint articles and marketing materials is an excellent way to maximize your time and profit. The fastest and most effective way to find a freelance ghostwriter or editor is to post your writing projects on an on-line service like Freelance Work Exchange at http://tinyurl.
Write Your Life
Take out a white piece of paper and place it on your kitchen table. You now have two choices.
Dont Forget That Manual!
No user manual? Surely you jest!It may seem comical, but it's a surprisingly common situation. I've encountered many companies that don't provide any user manuals with their products.
A Writers Life
Ever wonder what an author's life is like? What that breathing, sweating, hungry, weary, bona fide guy does when he's not at the keyboard? How does his "day job" affect his writing? When he's mowing the lawn, grocery shopping, or babysitting grandchildren - what goes through his mind? Is he sucking up every sensation as he moves through his day, tucking tidbits away for a future piece? Or, does he simply journey through life, just - doing - these things?How do I define myself? Am I Aaron Paul Lazar, with the obligatory middle name, author of the LeGarde Mystery Series? Sometimes. At book signings, indeed.
Do You Know How To Write English For Global Audiences?
When you write for international audiences, mainly directly in English, you will need to develop an audience profile. In particular, you will have to show consistency and clarity in style/expression and you will have to be culturally sensitive.
Overcoming Writers Block
Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending project you are putting off because you lack the inspiration to even get it started? You certainly are not alone. At various times you will go through extended periods of energetic writing as well as lengthy dry spells.
Screenwriting, Screenplays, Screenwriters - Incremental Productivity
When attempting to understand Creativity and Innovation, it pays to import the vast range of research and knowledge that has been accumulated in these fields - most of it is to be found in the field of Business and Management.For example, Writer's Block is intimately related to Organizational Culture - the same principles that prevent people from generating ideas in the corporate workplace are also responsible for Writer's Block - evaluation apprehension in its many forms.
Five EASY Ways to Improve Your Business Writing
Have you ever wondered why some people can make millions writing books, and others (maybe you) can't even complete a simple business letter worth reading? Sure, natural talent probably accounts for some of their writing success. But really the best-selling authors achieved that level of success by devoting serious time and effort to perfecting their craft.
Publication Road
The journey to having my first novel for children published has been riddled with road blocks and shonky bridges. The good news? At every rickety stage I've picked up tips (and anti-tips) which I'm happy to share with everyone.
Friendly Critiques
When a writer is working on their next literary masterpiece the first opinions to be asked for are usually those of the writer's family and friends. But often when we ask for a friendly critique we get more than we anticipated.
Writing Requires Self-Control
The only way to become a writer is to write. That requires a great deal of self-control and dedication, not only writing when the urge is upon you, but even when it is not.
Its All About YOU!
The Hottest Word on the WebDid you know marketing people and copywriters are developing a science about writing for readers in this new medium called the Web? In fact, they use carefully selected words to catch a reader's attention. Here are a few:NewTrueAuthoritySexualGuaranteedBonusFirstQuickNowCatchFastPersonalSpiritualSuccessFreeThese words are not in any order of importance or frequency.
Novel to Screenplay: The Challenges of Adaptation
ADAPTATION 101Brimming with confidence, you've just signed the check purchasing the rights to adapt John Doe's fabulous, but little known novel, Lawrence of Monrovia, to screenplay form. Suddenly, panic sets in.
The Bottomless Notebook
Reading through a writer's notebook or journal is like discovering pearls, rubies and diamonds amidst a pile of rubble.That little notebook is a powerhouse of ideas for every writer: The more you write down bits and pieces of your thoughts and observations, the more you are adding into the well of ideas for future works.
Advice for New Writers
With the advent of email communications in the workplace, it's not uncommon to exchange dozens of messages daily. Sometimes, I sense a writer's "voice" in such messages.
Making Better Word Choices - 4 Examples
Choosing the wrong words can have a poor effect on your writing and on you. Whether you are writing a cover letter for a job, a business proposal, or an application essay for graduate school, using words poorly can result in negative feedback.
7 Reference Books for Your Desk
I hate to admit this, but I rarely get an original idea. That's bad for a writer.
Good Writing
Good writing is like sex. Two people are involved - the writer and the reader.
Screenwriting, Screenplays, Screenwriters - Good Ideas for Stories
The principle for writing good screenplays begins with good idea generation and then the use of structure to extrapolate that idea into a coherent story.Sources of Good Ideas a) Ideas that push cultural boundaries work well.
