14 tips for good web writing

 14 tips for good web writing

Writing for the web requires new techniques and considerations. Yes, some elements of traditional media are preserved, such as clarity, synthesis and veracity (among others), but the web has its own narrative.

And it is that producing content for cyberspace forces us to consider three communicative qualities:

In this post I share 14 first recommendations. They are the product of an editorial and stylistic review exercise that I did a couple of hours ago.

I am convinced that there are many more, but let's start with a few.

Tips for writing on the Internet

So let's start with the list.

1. Use a simple syntax. The structure of "subject + verb + predicate or complement" allows a more agile reading comprehension.

2. Remember that the elements of the previous syntax are not separated by commas. Thus, the phrase: “Juan, is eating” is incorrect. Except if the comma has a vocative function. In this regard, I recommend you read the book "Where the coma goes" by Fernando Ávila.

3. Try to present one idea per paragraph. Reading on the screen is slower and several concepts or ideas in the same text block can make reading comprehension difficult.

4. Use exact dates (day, month and year) instead of timeless references. Writing "tomorrow" or "next Saturday" has different meanings according to the reading date. It is more precise to indicate: "this August 6, 2018". Remember that content on the web has a much longer life than a printed press article.

5. Write naturally. Keep in mind how users search, what words and what syntax they use in search engines. This will make your texts closer to the search results.

6. Accompany the multimedia elements with a text description, which is presented in detail by the image, the audio or the video. It is not about duplicating information (unless it is an accessibility strategy). This technique will help -on the way- SEO ( Search Engine Optimization ).

7. Use keywords in the title (H1) of your article. This text is the one that has the most impact on the SERP (search engine results page, for its acronym in English). In some cases it is helpful if these are written as questions.

8. Subtitles (H2 and H3) should also be written with SEO strategy. The use of keywords (even if some say not) improves your visibility. In addition, it facilitates quick reading.

9. Be concerned when your text is using H4, H5 and H6 subtitles. It is possible - perhaps - that it is very extensive (deep). Take some time and see if it is possible to get new nodes.

10. Writing has a more complex process than speaking. It requires a moment of precomposition, writing and correction. This to indicate that we do not write as we speak. Not even how our interviewees speak. You have to do a style review.

11. When in doubt about the spelling or meaning of a word, use a dictionary. The site http://www.rae.es is for permanent consultation in my communicative exercise.

12. Be strategic and measured with the use of bold. I understand that what you write is important, but not for that reason you have to highlight entire paragraphs. What is really important and what makes it easier for the user to read?

13. Take advantage of hypertext to connect units of information that add meaning and depth to reading. The links can be intranodal (internal) and extranodal (external). Of course, like bold, not all text is likely to be a link.

14. To make it easier to read on the screen, use left alignment. Justified paragraphs - which look pretty - slow down the user experience.